Can I use the excuse that I’ve been recovering from my vacation and that’s why it has taken me so long to put out this post? Recently, I went to Disneyland and Disneyland’s California Adventure Parks for a well-overdue mini vacation with my family. I had a great time and was able to get on ALL of the rides I wanted to. Even more, I was able to find yummy things to eat all around the parks—which also happens to be the subject of today’s post! Huzzah!
I choose to eat a mostly plant-based diet because that is what I enjoy for health, ethical, and environmental reasons. Now, I can’t know the details of what goes on in the kitchen but I can express my dietary preferences to the wait staff/cooks as best I can. I refuse to stress about cross-contamination or shared cooking space because that is unnecessary. With that being said, I also like to eat low-sugar and gluten-free when possible but I accommodated because I was on vacation. However, I did carry around some trusty digestive enzymes to pop at meal times while at Disneyland 🙂
For me, eating on vacation is about finding an balance between living the way I like and enjoying special treats that aren’t always available.
As a disclaimer, I do not have any diagnosed allergies. Even though I’ve been dealing with my own set of mystery health stuff lately, I cannot pinpoint a known intolerance yet. If you do have a known allergy, definitely be sure to tell the wait staff or cooks! They seemed to be pretty informed and never made a frustrated face at me for being “extra”. These days, dietary preferences are more common so it is nice to see Disneyland’s food service staff is in the know.
Below, you’ll find the meals or snacks I purchased at Disneyland and Disneyland’s California Adventure. Though, it is not a complete day of eating because I had breakfast at my hotel each morning. I also packed some favorite snack bars to munch on through the day. Lastly, I found this awesome list of vegan food available at Disneyland and California Adventure on Peta’s website. Most everything is up-to-date but there may be a few items subject to availability. Again, don’t hesitate to ask the wait staff about vegan options.
What I Ate at Disneyland’s California Adventure Park
PIZZA 🍕 at Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta
I ordered the vegetarian pizza and asked for it to be made vegan with Daiya cheese. The attendant mentioned that for custom pizza orders like this they are made on a gluten-free crust. She asked it that was okay; to which I said: even better! 😀
Cocina Bowl at Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill
The bowl comes with different meat, pork, or chicken options but I asked for mine with extra black beans. The attendant also said it could be ordered with extra rice instead of extra beans. Whichever you choose, the bowl will be delicious. It was so fresh-tasting and flavorful. If you’re smart, you’ll order some chips and guacamole on the side, too 🥑 😉
What I Ate at Disneyland Resort Park
Vegetable Jambalaya at French Market Restaurant
It might not be visible on the menu but you can definitely order the Jambalaya dish without the sausage. The mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers in a tomato sauce are served on a bed of tender rice though I believe their bread bowl is also vegan-friendly if that’s your style. 😉
Dole Whip at Tiki Juice Bar
I strategically planned on visiting the Enchanted Tiki Room mid-afternoon just so I could grab a dole whip! These and all of the Tiki Juice Bar offerings are super-allergen friendly because they’re made with just pineapple!
Veggie Burger at The Galactic Grill
Here is another case of: you-won’t-know-until-you-ask. The regular menu lists a veggie wrap option but all day I had my heart set on eating a burger! 🍔 Just ask for a veggie burger without cheese or sauce at the window and opt for a side of fries. The veggie patty itself was delicious. I did miss the usual burger toppings though. So, I’m not sure if they could add pickles or tomato, if asked kindly, but I basically just drenched mine in mustard and ketchup.
I hope this was interesting to read! I know most people like to rely on the quick bites from carts for food. That’s definitely an option but there are some delicious eateries worth hitting up if you can allow some time to sit and enjoy a meal.
Are you planning a Disney vacation sometime this year? Or a vacation elsewhere? Tell me in the comments, I’d love to hear about it 🙂