Sushi? Couscous? Spaetzle? With Future World and the 11 country-themed sections of the World Showcase, vegetarian food options at Disney’s Epcot are both abundant and diverse. Vegetarians should have little trouble finding luscious delights at Disney’s most food-centric park, Epcot.
Instructions
Before You Go
1. Plan ahead. Once you’ve decided to go to Disney World, start looking at restaurant menus on the internet. They change periodically, but looking online can give you a feel for the types of vegetarian food the restaurants have to offer.
2. Make reservations. If you are planning to eat at any table service restaurants or buffets, make a dining reservation. Some restaurants fill up months in advance, so if you wait too long you might not get into your coveted restaurants.
3. Eat and enjoy.
Quick Service Restaurants
4. Future World’s two most substantial quick service restaurants are Electric Umbrella and Sunshine Seasons. These restaurants both offer vegetarian options on their menus, with Sunshine Seasons offering a number of selections. Sunshine Seasons also has numerous “grab-and-go” vegetarian options, which are sold prepackaged from refrigerated cases.
5. All the countries in the World Showcase except for Canada and Italy feature quick service restaurants. These restaurants showcase foods commonly associated with the country. Many of these locations feature vegetarian entrees, though in some restaurants vegetarians will have to suffice on side dishes. Despite not having vegetarian entrees, the United Kingdom quick service restaurant has chips (French fries to Americans) and the Mexican quick service restaurant has refried beans (which do not contain lard). The German quick service restaurant also does not have a vegetarian entrée, but does offer soft pretzels and a few desserts. The bakery in Norway does not consistently have savory vegetarian dishes, but does always offer delicious desserts that can easily make a meal. The French bakery also features wonderful desserts and generally has a cheese plate and/or vegetable quiche. The Moroccan quick service restaurant usually offers a vegetarian platter, which can be made vegan by omitting the lentil salad.
6. Eat and enjoy.
Table Service Restaurants
7. Future World features two table service restaurants: Garden Grill and Coral Reef. Both offer good vegetarian options and unique dining experiences. Garden Grill is located in The Land pavilion and features visits from Disney characters as well as views of the “Living With the Land” ride. The meal is served family style, and several of the side dishes are vegetarian. Coral Reef is located in the Living Seas pavilion and features underwater views of the fish tanks. Sea turtles, sharks, an array of fish, and even scuba divers swim past as you dine. Coral Reef traditionally features one vegetarian entrée at a time, which changes seasonally.
8. The World Showcase features a large and diverse assortment of table service restaurants. Each country pavilion (with the exception of the American Adventure) features at least one table service restaurant or buffet. Germany and Norway, not traditionally known for their vegetarian-friendly fare, both feature buffets with a few vegetarian options. Chefs de France (France), Tutto Italia (Italy), Rose and Crown (the United Kingdom), and Le Cellier Steakhouse (Canada) all consistently feature vegetarian entrees. Restaurant Marrakesh (Morocco) and Nine Dragons (China) list menu options that appear to be vegetarian, although be sure to ask if you choose to eat there. The restaurants in the Japan pavilion, San Angel Inn, and Bistro De Paris (France) do not have particularly vegetarian-friendly menus, although they might be able to accommodate vegetarians on request.
9. Never forget dessert.
Carts and Shops
10. Food carts can offer vegetarians delicious snacks. Snack carts in the World Showcase feature particularly novel treats, ranging from crepes to Japanese shaved ice called “kaki gori.” There are also drink stands throughout the World Showcase featuring unique concoctions for both children and adults.
11. Epcot’s gift shops can also provide vegetarians with unique and satisfying snacks. In the World Showcase, gift shops feature prepackaged foods from around the world.
12. Don't forget: packaged food can easily be transported home.
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
13. Each fall, Epcot hosts the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. At this event, kiosks representing countries from around the world sell small portions of food and wine, ripe for sampling. The menu changes annually, but generally a number of kiosks feature vegetarian treats.
14. There are special events during the Food & Wine Festival. If you plan on going during that time, look online for scheduled events. For some, you may need reservations.
15. Snack at will.
Tags: quick service, World Showcase, service restaurant, quick service restaurant, vegetarian options, Coral Reef, feature vegetarian