Some Exciting Dining News for People Like Me

Disney has announced that more plant based options are on the way! The announcement covers not only Walt Disney World, but Disneyland in California and the other Disney Parks across the planet.

According to the announcement, at Walt Disney World there will be at least one plant based option at each Disney owned counter service restaurant by October 1, and at each table service restaurant by October 3. Disneyland can expect the same next spring. Remember, not every restaurant that is on Disney property is owned by Disney, so there could still be a few places with no options.

The definition of plant based is food that is made with no animal meat, dairy, eggs, or honey. That is probably why the word “vegan” was not used. Some vegans (and vegetarians) will not eat something that has been cooked in a shared fryer, or cooked side by side with the meat on a grill. Disney is not saying that these things won’t happen.

I’ve been vegetarian for 20 years. My daughter is as well, she can’t have dairy. We will often ask for vegan choices when we eat out because we know that they will be safe. This is going to make finding the options even easier.

The dishes are going to have a new icon. A green leaf is going to signify which dish is plant based. Here’s hoping that the icon will be found on desserts, as well as entrees!

You do not need to be vegetarian or vegan to enjoy a plant based dish. Meatless meals have come a long way in the past 20 years. Don’t expect to find only salads! Cutting back on meat is better for the planet, and it can be good for your health. My husband is a heart patient, and his cardiologist told me that the fact that he gave up most meat years ago saved his life.

This change in so many menus is a sign that Disney does listen to guests. This is something that people have been asking for. I am glad that Disney listened. If you don’t want to eat plant based, that’s fine. Your other favorites will all still be on the menus.