Believe us when we tell you: Disney World is massive. So massive, in fact, we hesitated to include it in our 24 Hours travel guide series.
All in, Disney World consists of 4 separate parks spanning just over 40 square miles. That’s close to the size of 2 Manhattans, and every bit as busy.
Where to go? What to do? It can be challenging to whittle down a schedule for one day or 24 hours at Walt Disney World. But fear not, fellow travelers– we got you covered!
Grab your Mickey ears, walking shoes, and a reusable water bottle. Whether you’re new to Disney or a Disney pro, you’re going to love this 24 hour guide to the Most Magical Place on Earth.
Walt Disney Survival Packing List
- Small backpack
- Snacks
- Sunscreen
- Walking shoes
- Reusable water bottle
- Magic band– This watch-like band is linked to your hotel room, credit card, park passes, and fast passes.
- Sunglasses
- A hat
- Mask
- Portable phone charger
- Umbrella or poncho
- Sweater for the evening (winter)
Where to stay
There is no shortage of accommodations in and around Disney World. We recommend staying on Disney property because of the perks. Some perks include
- Extended Magic Hours for hotel guests- Disney Resort guests are allowed access to specific parks before they open and after they close.
- Free transportation- Resort guests have access to buses and monorails that run between the parks and resorts.
- Free parking- parking at the parks is pricey. Leave your car at your hotel and take Disney transportation.
- Complimentary Magic Bands.
- Early access to Fast Passes and shows- Reserve fast passes and shows up to 60 days in advance.
- Proximity to parks- Disney resorts are close to the parks. This saves time and makes it easy to pop back to regroup or relax.
- Resort delivery- Items that you purchase in the parks can be sent to your resort for pick up upon return.
Disney Resorts range in price and amenities. They are all unique, creating an immersive Disney experience. Some of our favorite touches include movies under the stars, campfires and s’mores, and holiday events.
Airbnb, HotelTonight, Priceline, and Hotels.com also provide options for accommodations in the surrounding area.
Major Attractions in Walt Disney World
There are four major parks and two water parks at Walt Disney World. Each park has its own magic (like what we did there?).
- Magic Kingdom – The OG park. It has classic attractions and Cinderella’s Castle. It’s a must for a Disney first timer.
- Epcot – Future World and World Showcase. Epcot is known for its international pavilions and innovative experiences.
- Hollywood Studios – Formally MGM, has attractions created from iconic movies. You feel like you’ve stepped into old Hollywood.
- Animal Kingdom – Home of the new world of Pandora and Avatar ride.
- Blizzard Beach – A ski resort themed water park.
- Typhoon Lagoon – A themed water park.
- Disney Springs – shopping, dining, nightlife, and entertainment. Also, home to Erin McKenna’s vegan bakery.
- The Boardwalk – Dining and entertainment along a promenade, with a 1920s feel. From the Boardwalk, visitors can access the World Showcase entrance of Epcot.
Ready, Set, Go!
Snacks are loaded, bags are packed, and you’re ready to start your 24-hour adventure at Walt Disney World. The Mickey plan or one park per day are available right now. Disney adapted to the pandemic and with that came some changes to make safety a priority. Park Hopping begins at 2 PM, but always check the website for the most recent updates on Walt Disney World’s response to COVID.
We recommend one of the following plans (Mickey is the available option during the pandemic):
1) The Mickey
Split your day between two parks, and hit Disney Springs on your way out of town. This gives a great taste of what Disney has to offer, without spreading yourself too thin.
2) The Minnie
Spend ¾ of your day at a park, and head to Disney Springs for dinner. In true Minnie fashion, soak up one park and grab a great meal at Disney Springs. Alternatively, spend the entire day at the park and grab dinner there as well. Each park has fabulous fireworks shows.
3) The Goofy
Three parks in one day. It is named the Goofy for a reason. Three parks in one day is ambitious, but can be done with a serious plan and a Virgo to keep you on track. Combining Epcot and Animal Kingdom with either the Magic Kingdom or Hollywood Studios is the way to go with this one.
The time of year, day of the week, and park hours should be taken into consideration. Also consider:
- Disney is busiest around holidays and summer. You will find better hotel deals and shorter lines in the off season.
- Weekend are busier than week days. Monday through Thursday tend to be the quieter days.
- The parks open earlier and close later on designated days. Check out the schedule to plan accordingly.
Whichever plan you choose, it’s a good idea to reserve fast passes ahead of time so you can make the most of your park visit.
Once you choose a plan, use the following section to plan your trip to each park. Below you will find the vegan options at each of the main parks, as well as Disney Springs.
(Plant-based) Park Highlights
Magic Kingdom
Adventureland
Aloha Isle, Adventureland. Pineapple Dole Soft Serve and Dole Whip Float.
Jungle Skipper Canteen Curried Vegetable Crew Stew with plain rice, Fall’s Family Falafel, Perkins Thai Noodles with vegan noodles.
Sunshine Tree Terrace. Dole Orange Soft Serve (no vanilla), Dole Orange Float (no vanilla).
Frontierland
Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Café. Plant-based Southwest Cheeseburger, Roasted Vegetable Rice Bowl with plain rice.
Fantasyland
Be Our Guest. Breakfast: Oatmeal, Sweet Breads from Erin McKenna’s Bakery, and Waffles. Lunch and dinner: Vegan available upon request. Varies.
Cinderella’S Royal Table. Vegetable Couscous with Tofu.
Pinocchio Village Haus. Caprese Flatbread with vegan cheese. State “vegan” for a different crust.
Friar’s Nook.. Vegan Brat with Tots.
Prince Eric’s Village Market. Whole Fruit, Hummus and Chips, Mickey Pretzels, Pickles.
Storybook Treats. Peter Pan Float (no chocolate feather), Tink’s Pixie-Dusted Cone (no chocolate wings).
Gaston’s Tavern. LeFou’s Brew, Hummus and Chips, Mixed Fruit Cup.
Tomorrowland
Cosmin Ray’s Starlight Café. Plant-based Vegan Sloppy Joe.
Tomorrowland Terrace Café. Plant-based BBQ Cheeseburger.
Cool Ship. Mickey Pretzel.
The Lunching Pad. Mickey Pretzel.
Main Street USA
Crystal Palace. Pasta, Rice, Vegetables, Tofutti Ice cream.
Plaza Restaurant. Fried Green Tomato Sandwich without cheese, sauce, and bacon, Veggie Burger Malibu Gardenburger, Vegan Root Beer Floats, and Vegan Milkshakes.
Tony’s Town Square. State “vegan” for options, including Vegan Pizza and Spaghetti Marinara.
Casey’s Corner. Plant-based Slaw Dog.
Plaza Ice Cream Parlor. Rice Dream and Tofutti Dream Ice Cream, Peanut Butter Sauce.
Liberty Square
Liberty Tree Tavern. Revolutionary Meatloaf made with Impossible Burger, Sorbet.
Columbia Harbor House. Vegetarian Chili (no Oyster Cracker), Lighthouse Sandwich (no slaw), Couscous, Vegetables without butter.
Liberty Square Market. Fruit and other snacks.
Epcot
Future World
The Land Cart. Hummus with Pretzels, Fruit, Vegetables.
Starbucks. Coffee, Tea, Non-Dairy Milk is available upon request.
Joffrey’s Coffee. Coffee, Tea, Almond Milk available upon request.
Sunshine Seasons. Vegan Breakfast Wrap, Vegetable Sushi, Vegan Korma with Gardein Meatless Chik’n, Vegan Snacks by Enjoy Life, dessert options available.
Coral Reef Restaurant. Country-Fried Cauliflower, Vegan Rolls, Seasonal Soup (inquire if it is vegan), Earth Balance Vegan Butter is available upon request.
Garden Grill. Vegan Mickey Waffles, Vegan Breakfast Wrap, Vegan Breakfast Skillet with Tots, Vegan Meatloaf, Enjoy Life Cookies.
World Showcase
Le Cellier, Canada. Secret Vegan Option: Pasta with Vegetables.
Rose and Crown, United Kingdom. Vegan Gardein Fish and Chips, Tofy Masala Curry, Vegan Bangers and Mash, Mushy Peas, Chips.
Tangierine Café, Morocco. Vegetable Platter. Pita vendor changes—ask if pita is vegan.
Restaurant Marrakesh, Morocco. Couscous with Vegetables (no butter), Mediterranean Appetizer for Two (no butter).
Spice Road Table, Morocco. Vegetable Platter, Hummus and Imported Olives, Rice Stuffed Grape Leaves.
Katsura Grill, Japan. Vegetable Roll, Edamame, Steamed Rice.
Kabuki Café, Japan. Edamame, Kakigori (without sweet milk topping).
Teppan Edo, Japan. Edamame, Yasai Fresh Grilled Vegetables with steamed rice.
Tokyo Dining, Japan. Seaweed Salad, Edamame, Veggie Sushi.
Via Napoli, Italy. Salad, Spaghetti Marinara, Vegetable Pizza (no cheese).
Biergarten, Germany. Sauteed Veggies and Red Cabbage, Pretzels, Beet Salad, Green Bean Salad, Tomato Salad, Potato Wedges, Rice, Enjoy Life Chocolate.
Liberty Inn, America. Beyond Meat Beyond Burger (bun without honey).
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, Norway. Breakfast: Vans Vegan Waffles (request from chef), Potatoes, Fruit, Tofu Scramble. Lunch/Dinner: Salads, Scandinavian Potato Dumpling with Coconut-Curry Sauce, Fresh Fruit.
La Hacienda de San Angel, Mexico. Guacamole, Vegetable Enchilada (no Cheese), Vegetable Tacos (no cheese).
Choza de Margarita, Mexico. Guacamole with Fried Flour “Chicharron.”
La Cava Del Tequila, Mexico. Guacamole and Chips.
La Cantina de San Angel, Mexico. Guacamole and Chips.
Hollywood Studio
Sunset Boulevard
Starring Rolls Café. Chips, Fruit.
Fairfax Fare. 7-Layer Rice Bowl with Vegan Chili with allergy rice.
Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood Brown Derby. Vegetarian Pho made vegan (without Spring Rolls), Local Greens and Baby Spinach without Bacon Vinaigarette and Goat Cheese,
Echo Lake
Dockside Diner. Loaded Chili Cheese Nachos (no cheese and sour cream).
50’s Prime Time Café. Spaghetti Marinara, Brownie Sundae, Milkshakes.
Hollywood and Vine. Breakfast: Vegan Mickey Waffles, Oatmeal, Fruit, Tofu Scramble.
Grand Avenue
Baseline Tap House. Soft Pretzel with Mustard.
Commissary Lane
Sci Fi Dine-In Theatre. Falafel Burger (specify vegan), Vegan Tofu Lettuce Wraps, Vegan Milkshakes.
ABC Commissary. Vegan Stir Fry, Vegan Burger with Vegan Mayo.
Muppet Courtyard
Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano. Polenta Cake with Mushroom, Cauliflower, and Cashew Cheese, Vegan Rolls, Vegan Cheese for Mushroom Pizza, Vegan Ice Cream.
PIzzeRizzo. Allergy Menu Pizza with Follow Your Heart Vegan Cheese.
Toy Story Land
Woody’s Lunch Box. Grilled Cheese with vegan cheese (no mayo), Totchos with vegan chili and cheese (no sour cream).
Animal Kingdom
Discovery Island
Nomad Lounge. Request vegan when ordering. Impossible Burger Sliders, Tiffins Bread Service.
Tiffins. Aloo Ko Achar, Curry Vegetable Dish.
PIzzafari. Vegan Cheese Pizza on Pita Bread with Daiya Vegan Cheese.
Isle of Java. Mickey Pretzels.
Eight Spoon Café. Mickey Pretzels.
Starbuck’s Creature Comforts. Coffee, Tea, Non-Dairy Milk upon request.
Africa
Tusker House. Breakfast: Vegan Waffles, Potatoes, Fruit.
Harambe Market. Roasted Vegetables without Yogurt Raita.
Harambe Fruit Market. Fresh Fruits, Mickey Pretzels, Vegetables.
Tamu Tamu Refreshments. Pineapple Whip Soft-Serve.
Mahindi. Nuts, Popcorn.
Asia
Yak and Yeti Restaurant. Korean Cauliflower, Vegetable Lo Mein with Tofu (substitute for rice noodles or rice), Sweet and Sour Chicken (sub tofu), Miso Salmon (sub tofu), House Salad.
Mr. Kamal’s. Hummus, Falafel without tzatziki, Seasoned Fries without tzatziki.
Caravan Road. Edamame.
Dinoland USA
Dino-Bite Snacks. Vegan Ice Cream with Vegan Waffle Cone, Mickey Pretzel.
Restaurantosaurus. Malibu Vegan Burger. Fries are made in a shared fryer, and Black Bean Patty is not vegan.
Pandora
Satu’li Canteen. Chili- Spiced Crispy Fried Tofu Bowl with Charred Onion Chimichurri. Vegan bases: Rice and Black Beans, Red and Sweet Potato Has, Rice, Hearty Salad without Quinoa, Mixed Whole Grains. Black Bean Vinaigrette is not vegan.
Disney Springs
The Landing
Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC. Vegan and Gluten-Free Bakery, including donuts, coffee cake, cupcakes, cookies, and soft serve. Delivery to most Disney restaurants and hotels can be arranged in advance.
Morimoto Asia. Vegetable Sushi, House Green Salad, Wok Sauteed Chinese Vegetables (request vegan), Steamed Vegetables (request vegan), Gluten Free Soy Sauce is vegan.
The Edison. Impossible Burger, Mediterranean Dips and Pita Chips (request vegan), Various salads made vegan.
Jock Lindsey’s Hanger Bar. Pakora of Mayapore.
Paddlefish. Vegetarian Pasta (request vegan).
Raglan Road. Brunch: Super-Cauli-Caponata-Tasty-N-Delicious. Lunch/Dinner: Risotto without cheese, Allergy Onion Rings, Meadow Salad (request vegan).
Paradiso 37. Guacamole, Chips and Salsa, House Salad without cheese.
T-Rex. Omnivores Delight Salad, Jurassic Salad, Prehistoric Pasta without cheese.
Terralina Crafted Italian. Pizza without cheese, Grilled Vegetable Sandwich without cheese and pesto, Vegan-Friendly Pasta.
Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea Company. Coffee and Loose Lead Tea.
Town Center
Frontera Cocina. House Salad without cheese, Guacamole and Chips, Mushroom Torta without cheese, Pumpkin Seed Hummus.
The Polite Pig. Crispy Brussels Sprouts, Grilled Corn (no butter), Charred Broccoli (no buttermilk), Sweet Potato Tots without cheese.
D-Luxe Burger. Beyond Meat Beyond Burger on a lettuce wrap.
Blaze Pizza. Build Your Own Pizza with Daiya Vegan Cheese. High Rise, Regular Crust, and Gluten Free are vegan. Simple Salad made vegan.
Sprinkles. Vegan Red Velvet Cupcake.
Marketplace
4 Rivers Cantina Food Truck. Taco Cone made vegan, Burrito made vegan, Black Beans and White Rice.
Earl of Sandwich. Greek Salad without chicken and cheese, House Salad, Veggie Sandwich without cheese.
Starbucks. Coffee, Tea, Non-Dairy Milk upon request.
West Side
Starbucks. Coffee, Tea, Non-Dairy Milk upon request.
AMC Dine-In Theatre. Quinoa Veggie Burger without cheese, Veggie Sushi Roll, Popcorn.
Bongos Cuban Café. Black Bean Hummus without aioli, Avocado Salad.
House of Blues. Mushroom Tacos without cheese/dairy, Impossible Burger.
Splitsville. Impossible Sliders without cheese, butter, and sauce, Edamame.
Final thoughts…
You can’t go wrong with a trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth, no matter how short the stay. Plus, we’d love to hear about your trip! Drop us an email, tag us, tweet at us, send smoke signal. Happy adventures!
