Ok, I’m not a vegan! I like the term vegan-ish or vegetarian-ish instead.
On a typical week, I eat a 90% percent plant-based diet because of an auto-immune disease I was diagnosed with a few years ago. It’s just the best thing for me.
However, I’m not a sweets girl. I can go without cake, cookies, candy or donuts but my treats are pizza, chicken wings, gyros, and fries! So, yeah I’ll never be a 100% vegan.
In February, my family experienced a 3-night stay on the Disney Dream Cruise Ship with Disney Social Media Moms Celebration and it was nothing short of fabulous. We were taken care of in every way and for my diet choices, that was a big deal.
If you’ve ever been on a cruise, you know that you usually board around lunch time. Most ships leave the dock at 4 pm, which means you’re boarding anywhere from 11 am – 3 pm. People usually want to board as early as possible, so they can beat the crowds and enjoy THE FOOD!
Entering the Disney Dream 2018 – Disney Social Media Moms from Bernetta Jackson-Knighten on Vimeo.
When we arrived on the Disney Dream, they greet you upon entering the ship by announcing your name over the loudspeaker like you’re royalty! “Disney Dream welcomes The Knightens!” After gushing with the crew, shaking hands and taking pictures, it’s time to head to Cabanas on Deck 11 (buffet).
One thing my husband will tell you about me is that I’m always ready to eat. As we approached the lunch buffet, I started to see people walk past me with plates filled to the rim. I started to smile because I saw a lot of things I knew I could eat.
Although I know I like to treat myself (pizza, wings, etc.), my desire was to eat plant-based most of the time. Honestly, I was not disappointed at all. The vegan/vegetarian options were limitless.
I felt like I wasn’t missing out on anything watching my friends and family eat to their heart’s content. The Cabanas buffet wraps around the entire deck with both sides having the same things. It’s in the middle of a beautiful Finding Nemo mural with a kids water area. I piled so much on my plate, that I felt guilty.
I guess not too guilty, I went back for more.
My Favorite Resturant on Disney Dream – Animator’s Palate
I’ve had the opportunity to dine at the Animator’s Palate on three Disney ships, hence, it remains my favorite place to visit while on board. What’s makes it special is that you get a sense of Disney and what goes into the animation process.
It reminds you that it all starts with an idea and then you continue to create to make something amazing. That’s the dreamer in me. You’re there to eat, but you forget about that and get immersed in the imagery around you.
They have screens decorated with Disney art that change into different characters to interact with you while you dine. Our last experience was a sea turtle who held conversations with different tables. Innovative!
Quick Peak at Animator’s Palate from Bernetta Jackson-Knighten on Vimeo.
Disney Dining is More than a Cruise Buffet
The Disney Dream has many full-service restaurants. What’s different about dining on Disney Cruises is that you rotate among the three restaurants each night, while your servers follow you. As a result, it gives you an opportunity to have a new setting and dining experience each night.
Many of these restaurants have vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options with perfect portion sizes. If you want to order something that’s not on the menu or made a certain way, simply let the chef know. Consequently, when you don’t tell them what your dietary needs are, they can’t help you. I’ve noticed and experienced that if you tell them what you need/want, they go above and beyond to make sure you have it.
- Animator’s Palate (Deck 3) – Contemporary American and Pacific Rim cuisine
- Enchanted Garden (Deck 2) – Open for buffet breakfast (8:30am-10:30 am)
- The Royal Palace (Deck 3) – Princess themed restaurant
- Cabanas (Deck 11) – Food court with food and drink stations
- Flo’s Cafe (Deck 11) – ‘Cars’ themed dining with casual American food choices
- Eye Scream – A soft serve ice cream station
- Room Service – a 24-hour menu includes sandwiches, salads, burgers, pizza, and snacks.
Fee Dining
- Remy (Deck 12) $95 per person – This French venue is named after the star of “Ratatouille” with a dress code.
- Palo (Deck 12) $30 per person – Adult only venue, a Northern Italian eatery
- Vanellope’s Sweets & Treats (Deck 11) – ‘Wreck-It Ralph’ themed and offers ice cream, gelato, candy, lollipops, candy apples, cupcakes, and truffles.
- Vista Cafe (Deck 4) and Cove Cafe (Deck 11) – Specializes coffees, teas, snacks, and pastries
- Preludes (Deck 4) – Next to the ship’s theatre serving candy, popcorn, smoothies and cocktails
Ok, this picture above is MEAT! LOL!! However, I just wanted to show you a little variety! This is a picture of lamb chops that my husband enjoyed very much!
Furthermore, dining is a huge part of a cruise, so I love that each dining experience is different and fun. Disney really makes you feel like you’re having a magical experience when you eat.
A true magical escape.
It doesn’t matter what you’re food choices or dietary restrictions are, Disney will make sure you eat good and leave full.
Check out our #WaltDisneyWednesday post from my blogging boos this week
Ari – A Complete Guide to the Disney Dream Cruise
Christine – Everything you need to know about Pirate Night on Disney Cruises
LaToyia –What You Should Know About Disney Dream’s Oceaneer Lab
Vashti – We Did A Disney Cruise Without Kids and Loved It
Choya – Secret Tips and tricks that will help you navigate the ship
