The Best Plant-Based Dining Options at America’s Theme Parks

It’s times like these that you really crave a smile, a laugh, and maybe even a good thrill. And there’s perhaps no better place to get all of that than at one of America’s amusement parks. I mean, it does say “amusement” right in the name, doesn’t it? But for generations, the food at these parks has really only gained headlines for being kind of bland. Think massive turkey legs, burgers, and hot dogs. And you could forget it if you were a vegetarian. But now, all that appears to be changing. 

“Plant-based diets are increasingly popular worldwide, and in some regions, they’re rapidly becoming mainstream,” a spokesperson for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) shared with Food & Wine. It pointed to data from the Good Food Institute’s analysis of U.S. retail sales, which showed that between 2017 and 2023, sales of plant-based foods jumped from $3.9 billion to $8.1 billion. 

“The growing demand for plant-based food options reflects a broader shift in consumer awareness about the impact of our food choices on both health and the environment,” Michael Shelton, the executive director and vice president of IAAPA North America, said. “Offering delicious and diverse vegan options allows our members to cater to this increasing demand while also contributing to the global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lessen the impact of food production on climate change. I’m excited to see more attractions embracing this trend, as it reflects our industry’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and environmental stewardship.”

Indeed, plenty of parks are getting into the action, including Disney Parks, which offers vegan cheese melts, plant-based hot dogs, and impossible Buffalo poutine on their menus. But it’s not the only park that’s veggie-friendly. So the IAAPA sent over a few amusement parks that vegans and vegetarians will love for both their food and their rides. 

Universal Studios Hollywood has long been heralded for its vegetarian and vegan options, including the mushroom pie platter at Three Broomsticks, located inside the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Here, guests can also sip on a Vegan Butterbeer for the full wizarding effect. There’s also Mel’s Diner, which serves a vegetarian chili dog, and Krusty Burger, which has the Mother Nature Burger on the menu.

Hersheypark caters to its plant-based guests with options at the Overlook Food Court, where they can find a vegan pizza made with cauliflower crust, Beyond Burgers, and a Vegan Rainbow Wrap with hummus and vegetables. Looking for a sweet treat? Try Milton’s Ice Cream Parlor, which offers a few non-dairy options on its rotating menu. 

Knoebels may be an old-school amusement park, but it’s incredibly forward-thinking with its food options. Plant-based eaters can make their way to the International Food Court, which has several vegetarian options on the menu, including salads, vegetable stir-fries, and burritos (which contain cheese, so not vegan-friendly). There’s also the Alamo, which has a veggie wrap on its menu. 

Lagoon Amusement Park, one of the last family-owned amusement parks in the United States, may be small, but it still ensures all its guests feel welcome, including plant-based eaters. Those looking to stay away from meat can head to Teriyaki Stix, which serves vegetable stir-fry dishes, and Old Mill, which has vegetarian offerings on its grill menu, too. 

Knott’s Berry Farm has fully embraced its plant-based patrons, offering them plenty of options when it comes to snacks and meals. Guests can make their way to Sutter’s Grill, Grizzly Creek Lodge, and Coaster’s Diner to get vegan chicken tenders that are just as delicious as their meat alternatives. There’s also Prop Shop Pizzeria, which has its own vegan cauliflower veggie pizza topped with vegan cheese and assorted vegetables, too. 

Just down the road at Legoland California, plant-based guests can find a great meal at Pizza & Pasta Buffet, which offers vegetarian pizzas and pasta dishes (and ask about vegan options, too), along with Urban Market, which features a tofu curry, and Everything is Ramen, with a tofu option. 

While not a part of IAAPA’s list, we’d be remiss not to mention Disneyland’s fantastic offerings for plant-based guests, which include Alien Pizza Planet’s sesame-ginger vegetable noodle bowl, Bengal Barbecue’s hummus trio with veggies, and Ronto Roasters’ garden wrap, made with plant-based sausage and slaw (that is, hands down, my personal favorite meal in the park).

And, come on, we have to see what’s happening at Walt Disney World, too. At EPCOT, guests can head to Connections Eatery for a veggie burger, and at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, there’s Satu’li Canteen’s chili-spiced crispy fried tofu bowl. And, of course, there’s the Magic Kingdom, where guests can go to The Diamond Horseshoe for the Impossible Meatloaf, Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe for a veggie rice bowl, and The Plaza Restaurant for the Impossible Chili that really will make vegetarians feel like they’re at the Happiest Place on Earth.