We have been reeling with excitement since Disneyland announced that they will be unveiling new plant-based options by Spring. And if their Christmas offerings are any indication of what’s to come, there are exciting times ahead.
Not even surgery a few days before could stop me from being at the opening of the California Adventure Festival of Holidays– delicious vegan holiday food was just the medicine that I needed.🤓 And it did not disappoint! Since we were only there for a few hours we didn’t quite make it through all of the vegan offerings, but I wanted to share what we tried!
Shepherd’s Upside-down Pie, Grandma’s Recipe Booth; California Adventure.
Made with Impossible Meat and so, so tasty! My entire family loves shepherds pie and this did not disappoint. It’s served with mixed veggies and mashed potatoes and topped with a Mickey puffed pastry. This was definitely a treat, since walking up and ordering shepherds pie is rare anywhere, let alone Disneyland. And vegans know that anything vegan and Mickey shaped is so hard to come by! The Navidad Punch, pictured, was deliciously refreshing as well. We’ve heard this dish has been selling out, so if it’s something you’re looking forward to, be sure to get it at the beginning of your trip!
Pumpkin Soup served in a sourdough bread bowl, Pacific Wharf Café; California Adventure
Everyone in our group loved this savory pumpkin soup, that had a slight curry flavor. Topped with fun things like coconut shreds and pepita seeds, which added a nice texture!
Street Tacos, Studio Catering Truck, California Adventure
While I don’t have a current photo of the tacos from this year, they are very similar–if not the same as last years version.
Vegan Chile Rellano, Paradise Garden Grill; California Adventure
Same as above–photo is from last year, but the same item is being offered this year!
Sourdough Bread in Candy Cane, Christmas tree and Snowman shapes, Pacific Wharf Café; California Adventure
Fun + fresh and the kids loved snacking on it throughout the park.
Yellow Curry Rice Plate, Bengal BBQ; Disneyland
We are more than thrilled to have another vegan option at Bengal BBQ! We love their veggie skewers, so to have an even heartier meal available is great. This dish is on the pricier side, but it is huge! You could definitely share it between two adults. It includes a delicious creamy coconut based curry, vegetable skewers, rice with veggies and a side of citrus miso slaw. Cast Members made a point to tell us that it may possibly be cooked on a shared grill. Our family is personally okay ordering from places that try their best, however we don’t order from places that use a shared fryer (i.e. French fries with fried chicken). It’s definitely a personal decision to make on determining what’s best for yourself. Overall, this is a very appetizing dish and I look forward to ordering it again soon!
We can’t wait to go back soon and try the few dishes that we missed. With every festival and more vegan offerings our love for Disney just keeps getting bigger and bigger. For a more detailed list, be sure to visit Happiest Vegan on Earth. The Festival of Holidays runs through January 6, 2020.
