This review reflects our experience in April of 2015.
Tucked between The Hall of Presidents and The Haunted Mansion in the Magic Kingdom sits an often overlooked quick service dining location – Columbia Harbour House. Paul and I first ate here while taking the Keys to the Kingdom tour on our honeymoon in 2007. We had probably walked past it dozens of times before that without stopping to dine. The Cast Member leading the tour said they often used that as their lunch stop because of the ample seating, making it a sort of hidden gem of Liberty Square.
Columbia Harbour House is a typical quick service location, you order your food at a register and then wait for your order to be prepared and served on a tray. There are multiple condiment and fountain drink stands throughout the two story space, which is deceptively large, and decorated in a nautical theme with rich, wood-covered walls. We have found it easy to grab a table on the second floor, even when the restaurant has a bit of a line and seems busy.
Our favorite go-to at Columbia Harbour House used to be the Lighthouse Sandwich, with hummus and broccoli slaw. We were alarmed to hear that it may not be vegan, so while visiting in November of 2013, we asked a Cast Member. We checked the allergy binder, which is available at all locations and contains the ingredients of everything served at that specific restaurant. Sure enough, according to the binder the broccoli slaw contained dairy. We were happy to see that the Vegetarian Chili (which counts as a snack on the Disney Dining Plan) was indeed vegan, as long as you asked for it without oyster crackers.
We ordered a cup of chili and a side of steamed broccoli. The chili wasn’t much to look at, but it was filling and delicious, with beans, tomatoes, corn, and olives. It was mildly spicy and paired nicely with fresh-tasting broccoli.
Other vegan options include the Garden Harvest Salad (without chicken), fruit, french fries and chips.
Would we go back?
Yes. An inexpensive, filling meal with easy seating in the Magic Kingdom? Doesn’t get much better!
Price?
$
Tara & Paul
Does anyone know if the vegetarian chili happens to be gluten free too??
RIP Lighthouse sandwich it was a favorite of ours replaced with a tuna sandwich boo!!!
Are any of the salad dressings (to go with the garden harvest salad) vegan?
I usually get the lighthouse sandwich with lettuce instead of slaw. The chili is also good poured over a plain baked potato from the stand just outside in Liberty Square.