How to Eat Vegetarian at Disneyland and California Adventure

Disney fans and animal lovers (no, we're not talking fans of Simba) might have had a hard time finding vegetarian eats on visits to the park in the past, but thanks to the increasing popularity of meat-free diets, the folks at Disneyland have decided to point out a few more options for those steering clear of animal protein.

In a recent post over at the Disney Blogs, one writer points out some of the best vegetarian options at the park.

For breakfast, they suggest heading over to Ariel's Grotto in Disney California Adventure, where they serve a tofu scramble made with sautéed seasonal veggies an an optional vegetarian sausage patty. The huevos rancheros at Carnation Café or the fluffy California omelet with diced plum tomatoes, fresh basil and baby spinach from Storytellers inside Disneyland are also a rec, given of course that said vegetarians are into eating eggs. (That's a grey area for some. And definitely a no-no for vegans.) There's no talk of beignets for brekkie at Cafe Oreans in the post, but boy-oh-boy, we can tell you that they do make a mean one. But just be careful for the impending sugar crash afterwards.

When it comes to small bites and snacks, an oh-so-Angeleno chile lime corn on the cob at Edelweiss Snacks in Disneyland park -- which is tossed in lime juice, chili powder, cayenne and cumin -- could tide a vego over. There's also a Portobello Philly dog at Award Wieners at Disney California Adventure park with grilled portobellos mushrooms and onion and bell peppers sautéed in hefeweizen and topped with pepper jack cheese.

Other suggestions include the veggie-tater bake at Flo’s V-8 Cafe at California Adventure, corn chowder in a bread bowl at the French Market Restaurant or a fried green tomato sandwich at Hungry Bear Restaurant in Disneyland.

Unfortunately, the post also cites the Caesar salad as one of her favorite vegetarian options, and most Ceasar dressing (at least the good stuff) is made with anchovies. Of course, there are plenty of pescatarians out there who allow themselves to indulge in fish, so that could work out well for them.

From our personal experience, there are a couple of decent soups that make the cut, too, and we're not just talking churros and iced lemonade. There's vegetarian chili at Harbor Gallet, and some vegetarian gumbo at the Royal Street Veranda. Of course, most New Orleaneans would agree it's hardly gumbo without shrimp and some andouille, but we'll let it slide seeing as it's Meatless Monday and all.