Looking for a Burger Alternative at Disney World? Try These Instead

That iconic American classic handheld food known as the “hamburger” is an undeniably popular mealtime pick. With so many different versions that have come out over the years, fans of the classic burger have more options now than ever before. And with Walt Disney World Resort already famous for its vast and versatile food scene, it should come as no surprise to discover that there is a profuse range of burger combos and signature specials to be enjoyed throughout so many onsite establishments.

Yet even the most contested burger aficionados may occasionally look for something new to mix things up. Sure, you can opt for one of those other popular convenience foods, like a hot dog or a slice of pizza, but if you’re looking for an alternative that’s still burger-like in some way, here’s a list of suggested Disney World eats for you to consider.

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Cheeseburger Steamed Pods – Bao Buns

If you’ve ever been to Satu’li Canteen, on location in Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, then you know them to be a quick-service establishment laden with out-of-this-world eats. In their endeavoring to conceptualize staples and traditional fare of the fictional Na’vi people of the Avatar film franchise, Disney has concocted a host of unconventional culinary culminations, inspired by various international flavors and cuisine styles. While combination bowls are what they are most known for, those looking toward a familiar cheeseburger-like favorite done in a novelty way will find savory satisfaction in ordering their specialty Cheeseburger Steams Pods. What are these things exactly? They’re steamed bao buns stuffed with the conventional cheeseburger fillings of ground beef, ketchup, mustard, pickles, and cheddar cheese. The presentation gets served up alongside crunchy vegetable slaw and veggie chips.

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Cheeseburger Spring Rolls

Much like the aforementioned bao bun concoctions at Satu’li Canteen, you’ll find another unexpected cheeseburger-stuffed fixation awaiting you in Adventureland of Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park. I am, of course, referring to those highly popular Cheeseburger Spring Rolls of great acclaim. A novelty hit with a surprising fan following, who could have ever predicted that the combination of traditional spring rolls stuffed with cheeseburger ingredients would go over so well with Guests? But that’s just what you get—ground beef, melted cheese, and the works, all in a crusty spring roll! You’ll find these novelties being served up at the rightly referred-to Spring Roll Cart.

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Plant-Based Burgers

Vegetarians and vegans, such as myself, get great satisfaction from seeing the vast array of plant-based alternatives now available throughout Walt Disney World. Gone are those days of meager, scant options at best and being teased by callous carnivores for having made the decision to forego traditional meat fixings. In fact, it’s now a far more common occurrence to see even those who don’t keep to an exclusively plant-based diet opting for meat-free renditions time and again. And for those who are in a position to compare and contrast, many have even proclaimed that plant-based varieties exceed their meaty counterparts in several instances.

If you think all plant-based meat alternatives are the same, think again. Just as there are so many distinguishable burger variations now in existence throughout Disney World, it’s also worth noting that there is a wide range of plant-based burger specialties to be enjoyed at pretty much any given location. And each one packs its own spin with featured toppings, garnishments, and other filaments. There are so many highlighted picks that I could go on featuring, but here are some of the current taste bud tantalizations around:

• The Doom Burger at Columbia Harbour House (Magic Kingdom Park)
• The BBQ Jackfruit Burger at Regal Eagle (EPCOT)
• The Flying Saucer Impossible Burger at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater (Hollywood Studios)
• The Impossible Spicy Southwestern Burger at Restaurantosaurus (Animal Kingdom Park)
• The Roasted Red Pepper & Arugula Burger at Capt. Cooks (Polynesian Village Resort)

RELATED: A Vegan’s Guide to Disney World Theme Parks

Hot Link Smokehouse Sandwich

In continuation of profiling meatless alternatives is this must-try handheld, which is also a viable replacement for traditional hot dog renditions. This satisfying sandwich component is served at Flame Tree Barbecue, over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park. It comes as a plant-based sausage link garnished with tangy mustard barbecue sauce, slaw, and crispy onions, all on a house-made New England-style roll.

Lobster Roll

For some folks, the ideal burger exchange comes in the form of a seafood sandwich selection. And if you’re familiar with the Disney World seafood scene, then you already know of the abundant offerings all around. But again, some options outshine all others. And according to many, that is arguably the case where Columbia Harbour House’s Lobster Roll is concerned. Here you get to enjoy chilled lobster with a touch of mayonnaise, served up on a New England-style bun with a side of fries.

If your cravings aren’t crustacean-based, here’s something a bit fishier to try out. It’s the Sea Captain’s Fish Sandwich, and it comes as battered fish on bread, plied with red cabbage and tartar sauce.

RELATED: A New Englander’s Guide to Lobster at Walt Disney World

Signature Sandwiches from Chicken Guy!

In addition to seafood serving as a substitute for traditional burgers, chicken variations have long been the alternative handheld convenience of choice for so many folks. And one of the best places around Disney World, explicitly known for its signature chicken sandwich specialties, is Chicken Guy! at Disney Springs. Founded by celebrity chef Guy Fieri, all of the sandwich specialties on the menu here comprise two house-fried chicken tenders with the featured callout components each option is specifically known for. These options include The Sauce Boss, The CG Classic, Bourbon Brown Sugar BBQ, Big Bite B.L.A.T., and the Southwestern.

Spicy Italian “Sausage” Sub

There is another plant-based burger alternative that’s especially appealing to lovers of Italian subs in particular. You’ll find this one on location at Muppet-inspired PizzeRizzo, in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Aside from the obvious plant-based spicy sausage patty, the flavorful presentation includes oven-roasted sweet bell peppers, savory onions, mushrooms, and rich marinara sauce. Meat eaters also take note of their Meatball Sub offering. However, it should be known that even those who don’t adhere to an exclusively plant-based diet have proclaimed the aforementioned option the best.

Warm Pastrami Rueben

BoardWalk Deli is one of the newest hit spots for traditional deli-like options, such as sandwiches, wraps, and even breakfast staples like bagels. And because there are so many handhelds that make viable burger substitutes here, it goes without saying that there is a vast assortment of suggestions to choose from. But one of their most raved-about highlights is their Warm Pastrami Rueben. Sure, there are other Rueben sandwich renditions all throughout Disney World, but this variation garners particular praise among folks, with its double-stacked layers of marble rye, pastrami, sauerkraut, pickles, Swiss, and Thousand Island dressing.

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The Full Montagu

Earl of Sandwich, on location at Disney Springs, is another sandwich specialty establishment of great acclaim. And they have just so many enticing options to choose from, even breakfast burritos, wraps, and more. But one sandwich that some consider an elevated cheeseburger of classy distinction is their Full Montagu. This presentation calls upon roasted beef, turkey, cheddar, Swiss, lettuce, Roma tomatoes, and Earl’s signature mustard sauce.

Mediterranean Vegetable Sandwich

Sunshine Seasons Food Court, over at EPCOT, is one of the most versatile eateries, always laden with loads of options. And as far as viable burger alternatives go here, my top recommendation has to be their Mediterranean Vegetable Sandwich. A plant-based offering of mutual appeal to all tastes, this option blends together roasted red peppers, red onion, tomato, arugula, hummus, and balsamic vinaigrette on herbed focaccia.

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Depending on your unique tastes and interests, there are many other viable considerations when choosing burger substitutes. And some alternatives are absolutely clever culinary works of cleverness at that.  But that’s only to be expected, given the fact that Disney doesn’t do anything basic, not even burgers or their imaginative alternatives.