A great guide to eating your way through the happiest place on earth! All the vegan food that Disneyland and California Adventure has to offer. From snacks, to meals and sweet treats, your belly will be plenty full and happy!
First and foremost, I want to thank Disneyland for giving me two complimentary tickets to the park so that I could partake in all things fun and food. As my big one ran from ride to ride with my husband, I took the middle and ate my way through the park. And he was happy to oblige being the foodie that he is! Here is what we gathered, all the vegan food at Disneyland that we could pack into our bellies, plus a few additions from awesome readers!
This recipe was originally published on 2/20/2017
My goal for our day trip up to the happiest place on earth was to sample as much as I could in the food arena. Since my middle guy is a little hesitant to try any big rides but loves to eat, and my littlest guy was left at home with grandma, I knew I had a good chance at reaching my ultimate find vegan food at Disneyland goal. Keep in mind that this list is not ALL that Disney has to offer, just what I could get to or other things I had heard about but didn’t get the chance to try. I mean, I know I can eat a lot, but I had to draw the line somewhere…even I have an end point to my food pit of a stomach.
PSA: The items that I list here are what I believe to be vegan with the research I did. I did not go through the extensive process of asking each chef to verify everything on this list, so if you find something on my list is in fact not vegan when you go, then feel free to comment in a positive way! And as always, menus change all the time so make sure to double check on your personal trip. Thanks!!
Vegan Food at Disneyland
General Goodies
Mickey Pretzel: SO good!
Fruit cups
Chips (non dairy based)
Cotton Candy
Frozen Lemonade
Pre-packaged kettle corn
Hummus
Main Street
Carnation Cafe- Vegan burger: This was a decent lunch option. Since I tend to be a burger snob, I didn’t love it but it was a good option with fries for lunch.
Plaza Inn- Hash browns and mini Mickey waffles. A reader said that the vegan waffles are only available in the morning so you may want to ask.
Jolly Holiday Bakery- Tomato basil soup, grilled veggie and whole grain salad
Gibson Girl Ice Cream Shoppe- Tofutti, there is sometimes a vegan alternative for ice cream but check for availability. A reader said that they told her they don’t have it anymore but things change all the time.
Adventureland
Tiki Hut- Dole Whip: Pretty much the best thing ever.
Bengal BBQ- Veggie skewer
New Orleans Square
Royal Street Veranda- Vegetarian gumbo in a sourdough bread bowl. A reader updated that the vegan gumbo is no longer available. Make sure to ask before you go!
French Market- Vegetable jambalaya
Blue Bayou Restaurant- Portobello mushroom and couscous maque choux
Critter Country
Hungry Bear Restaurant- Sweet potato fries, but the veggie burger and fried green tomato sandwich have egg so not fully vegan
Candy palace & critter country shop- Rice milk chocolate bar, dark chocolate bar, and sugar cookies
Frontierland
Rancho del Zocalo Restaurant- Everything that is vegetarian can be ordered vegan except the enchiladas
Big Thunder Ranch BBW- Veggie skewer
River Belle Terrace- Becky Thatcher’s Black Bean Cakes, Aunt Polly’s Harvest Medley without no cheese
Mickey’s Toon Town
Fruit
Chips (non dairy based)
Hummus
Dreyer’s whole fruit bar
Fantasyland
Maurice’s Treats- The boysen apple freeze looked so good but the line was too long and we had to meet friends
Village Haus Restaurant- French fries, but the veggie burger has egg
Tomorrowland
Redd Rocket’s Pizza Port- Tomato basil pasta and and spaghetti with “Mars-inara” sauce with vegan pasta and without cheese, vegetarian pizza without cheese
Tomorrowland Terrace- Portobello and veggies sandwich without cheese or sauce
Vegan Food at California Adventure
General Goodies:
Dreyer’s whole fruit bar
Frozen lemonade
Coffee drinks with soy milk
Hummus
Chips (non dairy based)
Fruit
Hollywood Land
Award Weiners- Portobello mushroom philly: This was really really good! Ask for no cheese. A reader was told that the bun was not vegan last time she went, but I was told otherwise. It is always best to ask! You can also just get the filling and eat it as a bowl.
Schmoozies- Any smoothie can be customized without dairy items
Cars Land
Cozy Cone- Vegetarian chili in a pretzel cone: This was really good, order without cheese. The cone has egg so is not vegan but you can always just eat the chili and not the cone, or ask for the chili in a separate container.
Flo’s Cafe- No vegan items but I am mentioning it because I remember eating there a while back and had some vegetarian items and they were awful, so skip it
Pacific Wharf
Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill- Order veggie items like tacos or burrito without cheese, sour cream or enchilada sauce. Enchiladas cannot be made vegan because of the sauce.
Lucky Fortune Cookery- Rice bowl with tofu, I heard the sauces are not vegan but you can ask for a sauce off the menu that is. Also a warning by a reader is that the tofu has the texture of silken soft tofu, not firm.
Pacific Wharf Cafe- Vegetarian chili if they have it that day.
Wine Country Tratoria- Broccolini Aglio Olio: This was a yummy pasta with veggies and cooked with olive oil, garlic and red chili flakes! Ask for vegan pasta to make sure it’s fully vegan.
Paradise Pier
Ariel’s Grotto- Vegan pancakes, special ordered vegan pasta dishes
Paradise Garden Grill- Mediterranean veggie and tofu skewers with Moroccan Chili or Chimichurri Sauce
Boardwalk Pizza- Vegan pizza special request only
Condor Flats
Taste Pilots Grill- french fries, burger on the menu is not vegan but I heard you can ask for one, or you can simply get a bun and fill it with loads of veggie toppings from the toppings bar
Grizzly Peak
Smokejumpers Grill- A reader told me about the awesome vegan burger here! You need to specify vegan, but they have a build your own burger bar with loads of veggie toppings. Sounds amazing and I am definitely trying it next time!
Buena Vista Street
Carthay Circle- off menu things are vegan pasta and a vegan veggie tower made with seasonal produce, and I heard about a veggie sushi roll wrapped in rice paper at the bar
Clarabella’s Ice Cream Parlor- Berry sorbet bar covered in dark chocolate and dairy free chocolate chips (I asked the manager and she did tell me it was completed dairy free)
Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival 2018
Thank you to Disney for providing me with special media access to the park for this amazing event and a gift card to try all the awesome culinary treats!
Photo courtesy of Disney
This year the Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival runs from March 2, 2018 to April 12, 2018. So there is plenty of time to get over there and check it out. While I was a bit hesitant to attend the event initially since I had doubts about any vegan or even vegetarian food items, I am so glad I went because I was more than pleasantly surprised!
Not only does this amazing festival have food and drinks, but there are loads of fun activities for all ages. Here are some of the highlights:
- Junior Chef Experience where kids ages 3-11 have some hands on fun led by Chef Goofy to make magical treats!
- Family friendly seminars
- Cooking demonstrations
- Live music
- Special dinners
- and more!
See the official Disney website for specific details.
Here are some photos (excuse the non professional on the go photos) and lists of all I tried and some ideas on how you can try some of the vegetarian fare with leaving out items to make them vegan. It’s important to note that I did not try all of these ideas, so it is always best to ask yourself when doing so.
Top Vegan Food Items
Spiced Oumph! on Pita with Avocado Hummus and Garlic Sauce (found at Avocado Time)- This was an “I can’t believe it is vegan” food item!
Compressed Asian Cucumbers with Green Sauce, Toasted Almonds and Sea Beans (found at Eat Your Greens)- Super flavorful and surprising how good it was!
Grilled & Chilled Artichoke Hearts with Romesco (found at I Heart Artichokes)- This was incredible!!
My Favorite Cocktails and Drinks
I love to taste different wines, beers, cocktails and drinks everywhere I go. Since I was driving home, I was not able to have as much as I would have otherwise but I did get to sip on some amazing stuff! I can’t state that these are 100% vegan since it all depends on the alcohol used but I don’t usually worry about that, so if it is something important for you make sure you ask.
Beet Kombucha Sangria (found at Eat Your Greens)- This was the best Sangria ever!!
Health-Ade Beet Kombucha with Wild Berry FOMZ (found at Eat Your Greens)- If you like beets, then you’ll love this. That was not me, and somehow I didn’t realize the BEET kombucha would take like beets. LMAO! That being said when turned into Sangria (see above) it was AMAZING.
Strawberry Frose (found at Strawberry Patch)- Who can resist a frose?! Well, I can since I had to drive, but I was really sad about it. I think I may have freaked out the girl who I asked to snap a photo of her drink. LOL
Watermelon Lemonade (found at Peppers Cali-Ente)- This was really good! I love the habanero twist and Tajin rim.
Meyer Lemon Ginger Mule (found at Citrus Grove)- I did not try this but I drooled as I walked by!
Vegetarian Items with Potential to be Made Vegan
Grilled Asparagus Ceasar Salad (found at Eat Your Greens)- Ask to have it plain without the Ceasar dressing on top.
Strawberry and Coconut Rice Frushi (found at Strawberry Patch)- Not sure if the yogurt is inside but if not ask to have it without the yogurt sauce.
Watsonville Strawberry Pie (found at Strawberry Patch)- This has a dairy custard center but it is topped with strawberries and you may be able to simply ask for fresh strawberries.
I’d like to thank my fun sidekick Kate from Highlights Along the Way for tackling all things food and wine with me!
General vegan food info for Disney Adventure Parks
If you want an official list of food options from the Disney site itself, click here. But I also know there are many hidden gems, and many bloggers that have great lists. Here are a few other blogs I found that may also help you all out, please remember that some of their posts may be old and menu items and ingredients change so always verify yourself when there:
Have fun finding vegan food at Disneyland, the happiest place on earth!
frank buchanan says
I’ve been getting the Chef’s Vegan Burger at Carnation Cafe ever since it came on the menu many years ago, I’ve had an annual pass for 12 years straight and go every 2 weeks. But in 2015 when I ordered it, out came the chef and he told me the french fries are no longer vegan, they made a change in their fryers and the fries are cooked with animal now. The way it’s listed on the menu is very deceptive. I’ve checked back several times since and the waiters all affirm that the fries are still tainted, they give me a bowl of veggies instead.
veggiesdontbite says
Thanks for commenting with the update! Things are always changing.
Maddie says
Hi! We are here now and just told that the bar covered in dark chocolate is made with skim milk?:( I told him you asked a manager! Haha bummer
veggiesdontbite says
They definitely change things up all the time so that’s why I say always ask. When I had it there definitely was no milk because the manager came out and all the people making it said it was dairy free chocolate. I wish they’d keep things the same! Boo!
Joyce Harris says
The tomato basil soup at the Jolly Holiday bakery contains dairy! The pesto dressing for the whole grain salad is also not dairy free. My very lactose intolerant mother ordered both and could taste the milk in the soup. She checked and neither one is vegan!
veggiesdontbite says
Hi Joyce! This is why I say that you always need to ask because things change all the time. This post was from years ago so I am sure new things have been added and some recipes are changed. Thanks for commenting so that other can see! I would suggest to ask for a plain olive oil and vinegar for the salad as a good alternative. That’s a bummer about the soup!
kari says
Were all of these items on the menu when you went? I was just about to book a table at Blue Bayou, but the portobello mushroom dish isn’t on the menu online and I don’t want to get there and then not be able to dine because there are no vegan options. Thanks for this great list, by the way!
veggiesdontbite says
Hi Kari! Yes, when I was there everything I wrote about I saw. However it changes ALL the time, so I would call and confirm first. I totally understand, there is nothing more frustrating than having a plan for food and then they don’t have it. I haven’t been since this trip so you defiantly should double check. And also let me know! It would be helpful for others!
Lisa says
I recently went and found 2 new veg dishes – maybe vegan, but I didn’t ask. One is a grilled cauliflower burger at the Red Rose Tavern in DL and the other was Jack Fruit “pulled pork” at Smoke Jumpers in DCA. Both were really good!
veggiesdontbite says
So good to hear Lisa!! I believe they are both vegan as I have had someone else tell me about them. However I don’t know how careful they were about asking, but I would bet that at least the jackfruit one is vegan. New things every day!
Tim Norma says
The jackfruit sandwich is only vegan without the bread, they can put all on the fries.
Lindsay Correa says
I heard that at Redd rockets pizza port you can get a vegan pizza you just have to ask for vegan cheese. I will be going towards the end of August so I can find out.
veggiesdontbite says
That would be great Lindsay! Please let me know!
Cameron says
Checked today and the vegetarian gumbo is vegan. So, I’m not sure if it changes from time to time, but today that said definitely vegan.
veggiesdontbite says
Oh good to know! I bet it changes, as does everything these days. LOL!
Steffani says
Update on The cocina cucamonga: changed their menu in February 2018 and no longer carry burritos. There is dairy in their oil that they make their chips with, and there is dairy in the potatoes. The only vegan option is the cocina bowl.
veggiesdontbite says
Thanks for the update! Things change all the time, both things that are now vegan and things that are not, so it’s always great to check!
Holly says
As of April 2nd, 2018, the portobello mushroom was taken off the menu at Blue Bayou (just one week ago…) but they made the vegetable pasta dish with special noodles for me. $30, but actually very tasty.
veggiesdontbite says
Good to know! Thanks for checking in for us!
Kate - Highlights Along the Way says
Thanks for including me! That Sangria was LEGIT! Thank you for sharing so many Vegan items. I am not vegan, but I do not like to eat meat more than once or twice a week – this can be challenging at theme parks that seem to have mostly meat based sandwiches. Disney is awesome about other options – I recently discovered the cauliflower sandwich in Fantastyland (the Maurice counter service restaurant) that was very good and I am pretty sure it can be made vegan #hottip
Anika May says
THANK YOU a trillion!!!! <3
We are taking our 3.5 year old and 2.5 year old tomorrow and this list is so incredibly helpful! I printed it out actually. We are bringing tons of snack, but I have a feeling we will want to indulge a bit.
veggiesdontbite says
Hi Anika! You’re welcome!! One warning, make sure you double check because they change things all the time!! Have a great day!!
Jennifer says
Hi there,
I’m at Disneyland today (October 5, 2017) and wanted to provide some updates. The gumbo at the Veranda is no longer vegan (nor is it vegetarian), Gibson Girl said they never have vegan or dairy-free options, and the Mickey Waffles at the Plaza only have a vegan option in the mornings, and you have to ask for them. I’ve found the vegan options at Disney to be severely lacking and it’s getting worse. I spoke with a vegan who works at the Plaza and she said she doesn’t even eat anywhere because so much formerly vegan stuff is no longer wgan or no longer available. The gumbo used to be her favorite.
We were disappointed to find so many items on here not available, so I was hoping to save the next family from not finding much for options.
Thanks!
veggiesdontbite says
Things definitely change all the time, which is why I always tell people to ask! Everything here are one point was vegan, but like many restaurants menus change. Hopefully they will change back soon! Thanks for the update.
Jill Quander says
At California Adventure. Portabella sandwich NOT vegan. Bun not vegan.
veggiesdontbite says
Hi Jill! When I was there and ordered it without the cheese I was told it was vegan by multiple people. The only thing I can think of is maybe they told you no because it’s made in the same kitchen as other non vegan things and many restaurants and brands are starting to take the official vegan label off for that reason. But we don’t stress about that. So each person should probably just ask on their own and make a decision based on what they are told. Hope you have a fun day!
Lee says
I asked them today and they told me the bun had dairy as well.
veggiesdontbite says
Things change all the time so it’s always important to check!
Tim Norma says
Just dont get the bun, they will put the mixture over the fries….still delish that way.
veggiesdontbite says
Thanks for the update! I think it sound even better over the fries!
anita says
I just read your post on all the vegan/vegetarian options at Disneyland and was so excited to see that the Dole Whip was dairy free 😀 Do you know whats in it that makes it dairy free? Like do they use coconut milk?
veggiesdontbite says
Hi Anita! Awesome, thank you for reading! I believe for the dole whip they blend it with coconut milk but I could be wrong. It’s always best to ask!
Racooninaround says
So you would suggest one order the chili cone because it isn’t vegan but is in a listing of vegan food? I am rather confused? If part of the dish isn’t vegan and you cannot get it without the dish wouldn’t be vegan at all. It can be quite dangerous to label something vegan if it contains products taken from animals. Some people also are looking to avoid animal products for more self-serving goals like allergies or a diet of some sort and especially with allergies it could be quite bad.
Please make sure to recommend products not taken from animals or from their exploitation. The animals need us to stop the exploitation we have inflicted upon them.
veggiesdontbite says
I’m sorry if you are confused. If you read my post I clearly say NOT to eat the cone because it has egg if you are looking for the full vegan option. The cone is simply the receptacle in which the chili is served. Like a bowl. You could also ask for it in an actual bowl versus this cone if you had an allergy, but I would hope that if you had a serious egg allergy or were extremely strict about not eating egg that you would be experienced enough to not only ask the chef themselves to confirm the status of the food but also ask for the chili in a bowl versus the pretzel cone and not rely on bloggers to make those decisions for you. But in general you can most definitely get this without eating the cone part just like you wouldn’t eat a paper bowl. Since this is my blog I can write a post as I see fit. And I see no problem making a list of vegan food options and giving people suggestions or ideas on how to make the available options fully vegan, such as NOT eating this cone.
Penelope says
I think I might go a little vacation for that chocolate covered bar! It looks so delicious,I need to try those
veggiesdontbite says
Haha!! Disney is so fun!
DisneyVegan says
We have been eating vegan food in Disneyland for several years. Best thing is the vegan burgers at Smoke Jumpers (formerly Pilots Taste Grill) in DCA (Disney California Adventure). We love these burgers more than anywhere because of the “build your burger” veggie bar that has so many great toppings…even roasted red peppers! You have to specify vegan or you might get the veggie burger (with dairy ingredients). Also, the Lucky Fortune Asian place at Pacific Warf in DCA has the rice/veggie/tofu…but warning…that tofu is just soft “silken” tofu, no flavor, texture is like raw, ready to make a dessert, but not at all suitable for the dish they serve it in. I do not recommend, but we order the rice with extra veggies, and if the sauce you want is not confirmed vegan, you can use soy sauce ! I wish someone would tell Disney to cook or prepare that tofu. Also, I never liked that Carnation Cafe vegan burger. Very mushy.
veggiesdontbite says
Thanks for all the hints! I’m all over those burgers at Smoke Jumpers next time, love the idea of a build your own bar! Yes, the Carnation Cafe on isn’t amazing, but a good choice if you’re starving and on the Disney side. At least it’s more substantial than just fries. LOL Thank you for the tofu warning! I am not a soft tofu fan, so I’ll stay away. Maybe I’ll sneak into their kitchen and show them a thing or two. HAHA!
Sina @Vegan Heaven says
Wow! This looks like such a great trip and how great that they have so many vegan options! The mickey mouse pretzel looks so cute! 🙂
veggiesdontbite says
It was awesome!
Ceara @ Ceara's Kitchen says
Sounds like such a fun trip!! SO many delicious vegan options as Disney! I have to go back. 🙂
veggiesdontbite says
Thank you! Such a fun place!
Greg @ Full of Beans says
Thanks for doing the hard work for vegan families everywhere! LOL
But, seriously, its a wonderful thing to see how, steadily, the availability of vegan options in these sorts of venues is getting better and better. Great post!
veggiesdontbite says
Ha! Thank you!
Nicole Dawson says
Thanks for the info and perfect timing as we will be traveling back to Disney for Spring Break. I always look for the vegan and allergy-friendly options, but this helps since its been a few years.
veggiesdontbite says
Oh how fun!! You will have a blast. I hope you find loads of great options!
The Vegan 8 says
Omg, this is my idea of heaven!! And at almost 42 years old I can assure that I will not care how corny I look acting just as excited as my 5 year old when we go! We are going to Disneyworld, not Disneyland, but this post is sooo helpful. I’m sure they will have a ton of options. I loved reading this post and drooling over all the food. I really, really, really want that Dole Whip and the frito pie thing, omg! Looks amazing! Great post lady!
veggiesdontbite says
Hahaha! I can totally see you know running through the park with mouse ears on. LMAO! You are going to have SO much fun! It truly is a magical place and you can’t help but have a great time when you are there. I need to see a video of Olivia’s face when you tell her!
Mel | avirtualvegan.com says
I know I am in the minority but Disneyland is like my idea of hell. I would never go there. Luckily my son has never asked to go and now he’s 17 I can breathe a sigh of relief as it would be so not cool now! I hate crowded places where you have to queue for everything and I would imagine it’s like that everywhere you look. For those that do like it though it’s great to see there are plenty of vegan and veggie options. It looks like you had fun trying them all. That chocolate covered sorbet looks delicious and Dole Whip is amazing. I tried it when we were at the Dole Plantation in Hawaii. So good!
veggiesdontbite says
Well that’s too bad. I am not a crowds lover nor do I love having to wait in line but the joy Disney brings to my kids is worth dealing with it all! And actually it’s all in the expectation you set for the day. We always have zero plans of how many rides we will go on or what we will see. We don’t run from ride to ride, we simply take our time and if a line is reasonable we wait and go. My kids have never had an issue with it at all and just love being there. I feel that if you go into the day with that attitude you always gave a great time 🙂
Jenn says
I think I might book a trip for that chocolate covered sorbet bar alone!! Come to mama!! 🙂 What a fun day!!
veggiesdontbite says
Hahaha! DO it!
Becky Striepe says
This is so handy! I wonder how many of these options are also at Disney World. We are headed there in April, and I’m starting to think about what we will eat.
veggiesdontbite says
Thanks Becky! Not sure but I think there are some similarities.
Alisa Fleming says
Oh my goodness – that chocolate bar!!! I need to make those. This is such an awesome post. All the Disney posts seem to be on Disney World, where they have a much more defined allergy set up. Disneyland help is definitely needed!
veggiesdontbite says
Yes!! Those have you written all over them!
Kate - Highlights Along the Way says
I agree with you on the carnation burger, but it is my go to at Disneyland so often. I had no idea how you can modify a couple items! I agree with Flo’s (for non vegetarian stuff too!) – it is like they wanted to go full authentic with ‘old diner food’ so it had to be barf. LOL – the pasta and Wine Country Trattoria is one of my favs too.
Dole Whip is the BEST and I had no idea it didn’t have dairy before we discovered our daughter’s allergy. A trip to Disneyland is not complete without a Dole Whip Float!
Someone told me the popcorn is vegan…. she goes “It’s not butter, it’s chemicals.” – I’m torn about how I feel about that if it is true.
veggiesdontbite says
I know, I need to get into that Carnation kitchen and give them some burger tips. LOL!! I love the wine country mostly because, wine. HAHA! I die for Dole whip and I may or may not have gotten seconds. And my thoughts on the popcorn is that we do Disney maybe once a year so I’m pretty sure the fake chemical butter won’t kill us. LMAO!
Dianne says
I’m totally drooling over everything you ate! I love vegan food is so prevalent at Disney.
veggiesdontbite says
There is a lot more than you think! Plus, you can easily customize if needed. Almost anywhere can give you some bread and fill it with whatever veggies they have!
Linda @ Veganosity says
WOW! You all really did eat your way through the park! 🙂 I love their Dole whip, and who doesn’t like a Mickey Mouse pretzel? I’m shocked that you’re a burger snob. 😉
veggiesdontbite says
Oh yeah I did! But with all that walking I was always hungry! LOL!