I was a freshman in high school when I took my first solo trip to Walt Disney World. Well relatively solo. My high school marching band was performing down Main Street. Myself, along with about 90 other high school band kids were sent out into Magic Kingdom with a meal voucher and a list of emergency phone numbers. While we ran into directors and band parents all day, we were on our own. This newfound Disney freedom was liberating. Except for one problem. It was Lent. And in a Greek Orthodox house that meant fasting. I was right in the middle of the 40 days of no meat and no cheese. I spent four days in Disney World eating the giant pickles that come in bags. Which I love. But not two meals a day for four days.

There are so many guests who are vegan, vegetarian, in the middle of lent, and everything in between, and Disney has finally answered the call and is providing accommodations to us! With hundreds of new menu items at quick and full-service restaurants (included in the meal plans!), new menu designations, and the overall Disney attention to their guests, Disney is finally making it easier for everyone with special diets to enjoy the parks.

First, you will want to check out all of the new menu items coming to the parks. Personally, I am all for the Szechuan Lettuce Wraps at the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant, and the Plant- Based Cashew Cheesecake at California Grill.

These aren’t just side salads or pickles in a bag (I really cannot express this enough). These are real, beautifully created meals. And I cannot wait to try as many of the hundreds of new dishes on my Disney trips next year. Once you have an idea of what restaurants are on your must list, be sure to make reservations. Reservations can be made 180 days in advance and trust me; you’re not getting that Cashew Cheesecake from California Grill without one.

If you find yourself in the parks, and are unsure, there are always options. You can ask to speak to a chef in any full-service restaurant. Disney chefs are prepared to help guests make the best decisions. They will be able to discuss your options for the best meal. If you’re more like me and will do anything to avoid talking to strangers, as of this fall Disney World is now including a leaf on all of their plant-based menu options. These new menu designations ensure that guests know all of their options and don’t have to rely on their safe bet.

So, let us raise our vegan DOLE Whip (which has been vegan since 2013) to welcome all of these new plant-based dishes, and I look forward to tasting as many of them as I can!

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Larissa Papas is an independent, contributing Blogger and Writer for Wanderlust Journeys LLC. All information, views and opinions are not affiliated or shared by Wanderlust Journeys, it’s employees, contractors or suppliers.

A New Hope for Plant-based Eaters