Disney Food Adventures: A Vegitarian’s Perspective and Favorite Dishes
As a long-time visitor of Disney World, I've often found myself curious about the experience at Disneyland. With my fondness for vegetarian and vegan cuisine, I decided to delve into my personal encounters and favorite dishes at Disneyland, as well as my thoughts on the differences between the two major theme parks.
My Experience at Disneyland
Having never set foot in Disneyland, I find myself wrestling with preconceived notions. Disneyland, being much smaller than its larger counterpart, might disappoint me, but I'm determined to find joy in its smaller scale. Before I became vegan, I enjoyed the food and beverages at Disney World, which were, undoubtedly, a significant part of my repeated visits. My vegan journey has made me appreciate the vegan options available in Disney World, leading me to explore more vegetarian dishes in Disneyland.
Favorite Dishes at Disneyland
One of my favorite memories from my first visit to Disney back in 2018 was dining in the Beauty and the Beast's Ballroom. Alas, I didn’t take pictures of the main meal, only the desserts. However, my smartphone was likely buzzing with images, including a mouth-watering raspberry macaron that would cost me a pretty penny to buy now.
During my vegetarian phase, I relished several dishes, including the Root Vegetable Casserole at the Rose and Crown at the UK pavilion, the “chips” at the same location, a dumpling dish at Le Cellier Steakhouse, the buffet at Tusker House Restaurant in Animal Kingdom, and the mint chocolate chip beignets from the Port Orleans Resort. Each of these dishes brings back vivid memories of my time at Disney World, highlighting the diverse and delicious vegetarian offerings.
Food Highlights from Disneyland
At Disneyland, there are so many delightful treats that one simply can’t miss. The popcorn, especially on cool or windy evenings, is a must-have, providing a warm comfort. Churros, another favorite, offer a savory-sweet delight, perfect for post-walking rewards. Ice cream, with its varied flavors, is yet another highlight, particularly the mint chocolate chip in a waffle cone from Gibson Girl’s ice cream parlor.
Favorite Restaurants and Dishes
A restaurant that stands out to me is the one overlooking the Pirates of the Caribbean. The Monte Cristo sandwich at the Blue Bayou in the Blue Bayou Restaurant and Café Orleans offers a delicious culinary experience. Both locations serve the Monte Cristo sandwich, which is a standout for me. Though I haven’t explored all the restaurants, this one is undoubtedly the best among those I have tried.
Overall, Disneyland, with its unique charm and diverse dining options, continues to offer delightful food adventures, catering to every taste, whether vegetarian, vegan, or beyond. While I have my doubts about finding the same level of excitement as I did in Disney World, the allure of such a magical place with yummy food is too hard to resist.