DFB is all about the FOOD at Walt Disney World. ALL kinds of Disney food. And that means making sure that families with special dietary concerns (gluten-free, vegetarian, etc.) have the information they need to create safe and delicious meal plans for their vacation.

Have you wondered about vegan dining in Walt Disney World? We’re happy to share — vegans CAN eat well at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, especially with a little advanced planning.

For starters, in October 2019, Disney announced that every major table and counter service restaurant in both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort would offer plant-based options! You will find menus with plant-based options that are available throughout Walt Disney World, these items “are made with no animal meat, dairy, eggs or honey. They are made with ingredients that come from plants, including grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and legumes.” 

Finding those items on Disney menus is even easier these days.

Just look for the Leaf icon on restaurant menus!

Recently, we’ve spotted more and more options for vegans. Animal Kingdom is actually a great park to find plant-based eats.

Are you ready for more suggestions? Let’s dig into some vegan meal and snack options at Animal Kingdom! You didn’t think we’d let you go without a few SNACK recommendations, did you? Some of the most beloved and iconic Disney snacks (Mickey pretzels, popcorn, and Dole Whip) just so happen to be vegan! And yes, the popcorn uses a dairy-free butter flavoring.

Just remember that Disney menus are constantly changing, so always inquire about your vegan options before placing an order. At many restaurants, it’s all about customization.

Disney Springs Vegan Ultimate Guide

Kiosks, Carts, and Walk Ups

Feel free to mention your dietary concerns to the Cast Member taking your order. 

At various kiosks (Harambe Fruit Market, etc.), keep an eye out for chips, pretzels, and fruit. Also, watch for menu items that can be easily altered. For instance, the grilled corn at Harambe Fruit Market can be ordered without butter.

Dino-Bite Snacks

Dino-Bite Snacks is located in the DinoLand, U.S.A. section of the park.

Choose from a Mickey Pretzel or vegan ice cream. Yes, the waffle cone is vegan!

Drinkwallah

Sure, Drinkwallah has basic chips, but there are some other options here that make a stop here worth your time. For fun munching, grab some Cinnamon Glazed Almonds and Pecans.

If you’re looking for something to quench your thirst, we suggest one of the frozen beverages.

Choose from Coke, Fanta Blue Raspberry, or Minute Maid Premium Lemonade.

Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery

Take a refreshing break in Africa! The Impossible Empanadas were introduced in 2022 for Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month and fortunately they stuck around!

Made with flaky Latin dough filled with plant-based picadillo, the dipping sauce complements the empanadas very well. 

Pongu Pongu

Pongu Pongu is a location dedicated to serving beverages and snacks to guests visiting Pandora — The World of AVATAR. 

If you’re a fan of soft, chewy, and perfectly salted pretzels, you should totally LOVE the Colossal Pretzel (just omit the cheese sauce). This massive snack practically melts in your mouth.

Tamu Tamu Refreshments

Look for the classic Dole Whip at this hidden gem in Africa.

The Simba Sunset Dole Whip features pineapple Dole Whip topped with a red syrup flavored with strawberry, watermelon, and coconut. The additional tropical tastes are an awesome complement!

Disney’s Hollywood Studios Vegan Ultimate Guide 2023 and 2024

Quick Service Restaurants

When dining at quick service locations, mention your dietary concerns before ordering. A manager or chef should be able to help.

Creature Comforts

Creature Comforts is the Starbucks location in this park. Order coffee and tea with plant-based milk.

Don’t forget to specify non-dairy (like oatmilk) when ordering!

Flame Tree Barbecue

Flame Tree Barbecue is where guests with a beastly hunger can dine in a lush outdoor paradise overlooking Discovery River.

Besides French Fries, there’s a solid vegan option here — the Hot Link Smokehouse Sandwich. It’s a Plant-based Sausage topped with a Tangy Mustard Barbecue Sauce, Slaw, and Crispy Onions on a House-made New England-style Roll.

To get a true expert’s opinion, we sent in one of our reporters who typically eats a plant-based diet. What did they think? Well, they found that the plant-based “sausage” was actually really nicely seasoned and had a bit of kick to it! Now, there’s no need to be worried — it wasn’t too spicy, and the slaw on top cuts through the spice that is there with a cooling crunch.

If you’re a plant-based eater, vegetarian, or just someone who wants a sandwich that is light, tastes good, and comes with a side of delicious Disney fries (of course), this could be a great pick for you.

Harambe Market

Step inside an East African marketplace that welcomes guests from around the globe who are visiting Harambe while on their safari adventures.

Here, you’ll find a Hot Link Bowl (Plant-based “Sausage” with Cilantro Rice and Mixed Greens topped with Salsa). This is a filling vegetarian option in Animal Kingdom and could come in handy if you can’t find another vegetarian dish you like!

However, there are some better vegetarian options around the park.

Pizzafari

Pizzafari offers quick service meals in a colorful, environment featuring animal murals.

For guests craving pizza, simply request a vegan cheese pizza. Otherwise, we suggest trying the Greens and Grains Salad (Mixed Greens topped with Garbanzo Beans, White Beans, Red Onions, Pepperoncini, Kalamata Olives, Tomatoes, Quinoa, and Green Goddess Dressing).

Restaurantosaurus

Folks with a dino-sized appetite should stop at Restaurantosaurus for a quick ‘dig’ into good eats!

Here, we recommend the Impossible Spicy Southwestern Burger. This is a Plant-based Burger Patty with “Pepper Jack”, Chipotle Sauce, Lettuce, and Tomato. The Kids’ Meals also include a plain Impossible burger.

Satu’li Canteen

Satu’li Canteen is quite immersive when it comes to bringing guests into the story of Pandora. But what’s even more noteworthy is that the experience is carried over into the food with some unusual options that you really won’t find elsewhere in Disney World.

Try the Chili-Spiced Crispy Fried Tofu Bowl!

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Table Service Restaurants

Nomad Lounge 

The experience of travel is celebrated at Nomad Lounge, so bring your sense of adventure!

There are a few options here including Impossible Burger Sliders (omit the Chipotle Aioli), Poke Bowl with Tofu, Modified Bread Service, and Impossible “Chow”.

Rainforest Cafe

Get ready for a wild time!

The vegan options here include Anaconda Pasta (without cheese), Lava Nachos (no beef, cheese, or sour cream), Impossible Burger (request vegan), Korean Spicy Stir Fry (no Chicken), and the Ancient Grain Bowl (request vegan).

Tiffins

Tiffins offers Signature Dining with celebration of travel serving as the central theme.

Check with the chef as to which items are vegan with the Tiffins Signature Bread Service. By omitting the pesto and yogurt sauce, the Spiced Chickpea Falafel becomes a tasty option. The Land Salad can be enjoyed without the cheese & breadcrumbs. Other vegan menu items include the Plant-Based Tacos, Szechuan Noodles, Tropical Trifle, and Impossible Bunny Chow.

Honestly, we could go to Tiffins JUST to get the Spiced Chickpea Falafel!

Tusker House Restaurant

The food at this all-you-care-to-enjoy character buffet is flavorful and interesting. For plant-based eaters, there are options like Cauliflower Bunny Chow and “Fiesty” Green Beans. Also, plant-based are the Jollof Rice (with plant-based sausage) and the North African Harira Soup.

When dining at a buffet, we recommend that you ask the Chef to show you which items are vegan.

Yak and Yeti Restaurant

Yak and Yeti Restaurant is a unique and beautifully themed dining location. Speak to your server about dishes that can be modified vegan. Some menu items can be made with tofu, for example.

See if you can modify the Vegetable Lo Mein, Seared Miso Salmon, Lettuce Cups, or Sweet and Sour Chicken (substituting tofu), Veggie Bowl, House Salad, Steamed Rice, and the Beyond Burger. Inquire as to which sauces can be swapped, such as soy instead of oyster.

Special Diet Resources

Make Advance Dining Reservations before your trip. The vegan dining process can begin right away — we recommend noting that you are vegan when you create the reservation. If you call (407) WDW-DINE to make a reservation, ask the Cast Member to note your dietary restrictions.

Remember to always ask your server or a chef if an item is vegan. Walt Disney World restaurants are constantly changing ingredients and suppliers. Even if you’re a vegan, you can find a bunch of great food at Disney’s Animal Kingdom!

Ultimate Guide to Vegan Food in Magic Kingdom for 2023 & 2024

More Helpful Hints and Resources

Though it is far less difficult these days for vegans to find options throughout Walt Disney World, as with other guests dining with special diet concerns, you may wish to note that there is a plant-based guest in your dining party on any Advance Dining Reservations you make for Table Service restaurants. We recommend clearly noting your restrictions (no eggs, no meat, no dairy, no honey, etc.).

Of course, if you would like to learn more about your options even prior to making your Advance Dining Reservations, you can peruse individual restaurant menus on the Walt Disney World website or visit the Walt Disney World website’s Plant-based Dining Guide page.

If you are dining at a Counter Service location which accepts Mobile Order, keep your eyes peeled for the Plant-based icon! (Not familiar with Mobile Order? Learn more here!)

Check out our DFB YouTube Video about some of the BEST Disney World restaurants for vegan and vegetarian dining!

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WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.

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What vegan menu items are your favorites at Disney’s Animal Kingdom? Share your thoughts in the comments!

The post Animal Kingdom Vegan Ultimate Guide 2023 & 2024 first appeared on the disney food blog.