Walt Disney World boosts plant-based dining options significantly

Walt Disney World has been enhancing its plant-based dining options for nearly five years. The food and beverage team has focused on offering real, exciting vegan dishes, not just side salads. Cheryl Dolven, a senior manager at Disney Parks, says this initiative has been a big success. Variety is key. Disney has introduced many plant-based meals like spaghetti with Impossible meatballs and hearty options like potjie at Sanaa in Animal Kingdom Lodge. Guests appreciate familiar tastes and adventurous new foods. For example, the soba noodle salad served in a waffle bowl has become very popular, especially during warmer days. While creating these dishes, Disney chefs aim for appealing presentation and excellent taste. Dolven notes that the dessert side has proven more challenging due to common ingredients like butter and eggs. However, during the ongoing Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, pastry chefs have showcased impressive new plant-based desserts. Highlights include a lemon tart and a coconut-chocolate flancocho. The trend for plant-based dining continues to grow, not just at the parks but also at Disney Springs. Options include vegan bratwurst, Kung Pao cauliflower, and various plant-based sweets. Dolven points out that this movement is driven by a desire for healthier eating and sustainable choices. Overall, plant-based dining at Disney is becoming a staple, and ongoing innovations are helping to refine meat and dairy substitutes. Guests can now enjoy a wider variety of delicious vegan options throughout the resorts.