Spring at the Parks
It's officially spring at the Orlando Theme Parks!
Menu Updates at Walt Disney World
Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Brown Derby has removed the Lentil Shepherds Pie and replaced it with a new Stuffed Butternut Squash.
Animal Kingdom
Harambe Market has reopened and we now have a Savanna Salad.
Tiffins Restaurant no longer has the Korean Barbecue Mushroom Bao Buns, however, you can still get them at Nomad Lounge next to it.
Disney Resorts
Yachtsman Steakhouse at Disney’s Yacht Club has a new plant-based dessert, Lemon Meringue. This dessert states the following on the menu, Lemon Custard, Pâte Sucrée, Italian Meringue, Raspberry Coulis, Fresh Raspberry. It sounds delicious!
Jiko — The Cooking Place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge has removed the Sukuma Wiki Dumplings from the appetizers.
Things I’ve been thinking about
I’ve been thinking about rebranding my whole, well, brand over the last few months. Funny enough I was speaking about this with Suzannah and she was feeling the same way. She actually has started the journey of doing so, but the thought of changing my baby since 2014 had been a bit daunting.
Over the least 12 years I’ve primarily focused on Walt Disney World Resort and occasionally posted about options locally in Orlando as well as Universal Orlando Resort. With a change I am thinking nothing will really change aside from my name. I will keep posting like 80% Disney and then also sprinkle in more from Universal when I go and of course my local eats.
Changing this is daunting due to a few reasons; Will people still know who I am? I have to make a new logo and rebrand EVERYTHING. Mostly the rebranding of things is what I am feeling overwhelmed by. The name I have in mind still has vegan in it and is theme park related. So in actuality, it shouldn’t be too much of a change.
Places I went this last month
February is shockingly, a short month. I spent some time at the theme parks each week and posted some of my adventures on Instagram, but not all of them.
First up was a stop at Universal Orlando Resort to check out the offerings at Mardi Gras. I was incorrect in my last post about the options, we actually have four instead of two! Two of the four are returning from previous years, and two are new.
I really enjoyed this years Fried Green Tomato Po’boy, which can be found at Bites of the Bayou. Additionally we have the return of the Beans and Rice from Bourbon Street Snacks which was tasty as always. New we have the Rasta Pasta from Jamaica and an incredible Cookie Butter Custard dessert which can be found at San Francisco Pastry Co. and Today Cafe. We have until April 4th to enjoy these. Be sure to check UniversalOrlandoVegans for the full list of vegan options at those parks!
I checked out the new Savanna Salad from Harambe Market at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This salad is packed with flavor in the couscous and a citrus-harissa dressing. It’s a great lighter option that would be ideal for a hot day.
We had dinner at Wailulu Bar and Grill at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Corey and I shared the Sweet Potato Hummus, Grilled Shishito Peppers, and Tofu Poke Bowl. We were also able to get a kids meal for Finn with the same grilled tofu and two sides. He picked fries and a Dole Whip. We were surprised to see that the dessert was the normal Dole Whip offered on the menu with the meringue and not just a simple swirl. As always, this meal is flavorful and one not to skip on your next trip!
The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival has officially kicked off. This festival runs until June 1st this year and we have several vegan options to enjoy. You can view the full review on my blog and see the list of options below!
Orlando local things:
Fragaria opened their brick and motar near us so we popped over to try this all vegan New Zealand style ice cream shop. They have vanilla and chocolate ice cream bases that are then blended with fruit and have loads of delicious toppings to add to it. Corey and I opted to try cones they have on the menu (Triple Choco Banana and Chocolate Covered Strawberry) and Finn just got vanilla as a swirl with sprinkles. The cones here are gluten free too.
We enjoyed a few weekday lunches over at Infusion Tea which is an all vegetarian restaurant in College Park. We absolutely love eating here as it has more of a 90s/2000s veg restaurant vibe. They also always have vegan pastries available, and you can do a vegan high tea here which is great. This is one of our go-to’s lately.
Dates to note:
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin closed for refurbishment until Spring 2026
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closed until Spring 2026
Animation Courtyard and Disney Jr. Play and Dance! closed until late Summer 2026
Rock’n’Roller Coaster closed March 2nd (Muppets to open summer 2026!)
EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival March 4 - June 1
Universal Mardi Gras February 7 - April 4
Looking to support me while eating all this food? Head to our Buy Me a Coffee site below where you can send us a “Mickey Pretzel” donation.
Looking to travel to Walt Disney World or beyond?
I’d love to help you plan your next trip. I have been a travel advisor with Pirate and Pixie Dust Destinations since 2018 and helped so many wonderful vegans have amazing trips around the world.
Speaking my language…