The Magic Kingdom is the top destination for most people when visiting Walt Disney World. So finding food here as a vegan is a vital thing. Fortunately, there are several places with vegan options in this park. One of my favorite quick service locations is over at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe in Frontierland. You can find this restaurant next to the Country Bear Jamboree.
Currently the set up for this restaurant is very different than in the past. Just like other Quick Service locations, you are encouraged to use mobile order here. If you need to speak with a cast member and order in person this option is still available. Once you order, you head to the side entrance (which is closer to Pirates of the Caribbean than the Country Bear Jamboree), when your order pick up window pops up you can head inside and head to the window designated on the app.
I placed my order for the Veggie Rice Bowl on the My Disney Experience app. You can customize your order here, which you currently need to to select “no sour cream”.
Now this is a bit concerning, as this option is listed on the Plant-Based section of the app. I am unsure, but I believe this was due to the fact that sour cream used to be available on the now closed toppings bar. In the customize section you can also unselect salsa and lettuce if you don’t want those. I did speak with a friend who recently ordered in person and she said the manager she spoke with said the sour cream was not vegan, so I really don’t know why it’s listed on the menu with this option under the plant-based section, which makes me think the toppings bar theory may be it.
A few minutes after I placed my order my food was ready so I went to the pickup window to get my order. I ended up asking the cast member if I could get a side of the corn salsa they used to have on the toppings bar, she returned with a cup of it for me. The bowl only came with a classic tomato salsa, lettuce, and tomatoes. I added a side of guacamole for $2 for my bowl, I miss when guac was free here. The guac here is okay, it’s not great, but it’s a nice addition to the bowl for something creamy.
The Veggie Rice Bowl comes with seasoned rice, black beans, sautéed peppers and onions, and tortilla strips. Prior to the plant-based initiative in the parks, the rice was not vegan as is and you had to get plain rice. This rice is not the same pesto mixed rice that it used to be, so it’s safe to order as is now.
This bowl is one of my favorite quick service options for a few reasons. One being that is doesn’t have any faux meat, and also that it is incredibly filling and a bang for your buck. You get a large helping of the rice and beans to begin with, then mixing in the sautéed veggies and all the toppings you can really make this thing a great sharable meal. Especially if you order it with a side of chips!
I do miss the toppings bar here, but I absolutely understand why it’s not there currently (and if it was I wouldn’t be going near it!). The cast members were super great when I was picking up my food, so I’m sure if I wanted something more or different that used to be on the toppings bar, they would give it to me.
They also have a Kids Veggie Rice Bowl here, which I got for Finn. The kids version comes with just the rice, beans, and veggies. It also came with a cup of salsa to put on it. The kids option comes with two sides and a drink, so we got a Cutie (orange), Go-Go Squeeze applesauce, and apple juice. I also got him a side of guacamole for his bowl (another $2).
With their reduced menu, Pecos Bill’s does not have the Southwest Burger. The only vegan option here currently is the Veggie Rice Bowl.
Price $
Review from September 2020.
