Trail's End Restaurant at Fort Wilderness

After spending a beautiful afternoon at the Magic Kingdom, Brian and I made our way to Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort via an enjoyable and scenic boat ride on the Seven Seas Lagoon. After a day in the park, we were hungry (starving)...and ready for the feast we knew Chef TJ would deliver. If you're reading this, you're probably vegan, and if you're vegan and heading to WDW, you have probably heard the name "Chef TJ" batted about by various bloggers. He is the Elvis of the vegan food scene at Walt Disney World, and the one who will be responsible for your waddling from the restaurant after course upon course of awesome plant-filled plates (and bowls, and jars). 

We had dinner reservations, but had just a short wait outside on the front porch's rocking chairs.

When we were seated, we let our server know we were vegan and he informed us that there were several other vegan tables that evening and Chef TJ would be out shortly to speak with us. Chef TJ is all smiles, so very happy, and obviously loves his role in feeding vegans on vacation. He showed us the vegan-friendly options on the buffet (not many, as the restaurant is very meat/dairy-heavy), and then asked if there are any particular foods we do not eat. I mentioned eggplant, and he gestured to the kitchen and declared, "the rest of your meal I will make back there". ​

Then he started showing up with food. And lots of it. 

First...a salad. But not just a salad. A fancy salad. With some sort of dressing that I am certain was blended by Zeus and Hera themselves. 

Second...samosas. So obviously this guy knows the calling of my heart. 

Third...the most gigantic plate of nachos I have ever seen, drenched in a heavenly homemade cheese sauce and dotted with caramelized onions. At this point, I should mention, we were already becoming full. Yet we couldn't. stop. eating. 

Fourth...a bowl of mushroom soup. And I loathe mushrooms. And I completely forgot to tell Chef TJ. And yet, this soup...it spoke to me. I ate the entire bowl. It made me question if I really dislike mushrooms, or if I just need Chef TJ to do all future mushroom-prep in my life.

Fifth...our entree...a heaping mass of grilled veggies, tofu, and quinoa, all perfectly seasoned and lovely to gaze upon. I will admit, people were watching as these dishes emerged from the kitchen. It was like artwork.

And finally...dessert, A tower of ice cream sandwiches, bananas, strawberries, and chocolate sauce. Don't worry. I managed to fit this in as well, then casually mentioned to my husband that this might be my first weight-gain vacation. (Post script: it was.) 

I felt like I was going to burst when we left the restaurant. This was one of the greatest vegan meals I have ever experienced (even just that entree would have razzle-dazzled me) and I live in Cleveland, Ohio...home to amazing vegan food. Is Trail's End off the beaten path of WDW? For sure. Is it worth venturing there to dine with Chef TJ? Without a doubt. Make sure to check his schedule to be sure he is cooking when you plan to visit. 

Getting there: boat from MK is the easiest - you can also Uber from anywhere (relatively inexpensive at WDW) or take a resort bus there from another park

​As always, let me know if you have questions!