Eating Plant-Based at The Hollywood Brown Derby: What to Order (and Skip)
Published June 28, 2026 · Updated October 12, 2026
Live now: The Hollywood Brown Derby availability
Disney’s Hollywood Studios isn’t exactly known as a culinary capital for vegetarians, which makes The Hollywood Brown Derby such a pleasant surprise. While the iconic restaurant leans heavily on its famous steaks and seafood, its plant-based options are quietly some of the best in the park.
If you are a vegetarian or vegan looking for a sit-down meal that feels upscale and satisfying, here is the smart way to tackle the menu.
The Star of the Show: The Plant-Based Cobb Salad
The Brown Derby’s Famous Cobb Salad is the stuff of Disney legend, but you do not have to eat meat to get the experience. The kitchen offers a completely plant-based version of the finely chopped salad, swapping out the turkey and bacon for plant-based proteins and utilizing a vegan version of their classic dressing.
The smart move: You can order the Cobb Salad as either an appetizer or an entrée. If you want to try a few different things, order the appetizer portion. It is surprisingly hearty and leaves room for the main course.
The Seasonal Plant-Based Entrée
The Brown Derby frequently rotates its main vegetarian entrée to fit the season, but it is consistently excellent. You will typically find a hearty, well-composed dish like a roasted mushroom risotto or a savory vegetable and grain bowl. Unlike the afterthought veggie burgers you find at quick-service spots, the chefs here actually put thought into the flavor profile and presentation.
How to Do Signature Dining on a Budget
Because The Hollywood Brown Derby is a Signature Dining location, the bill can escalate quickly. If you want the upscale, air-conditioned atmosphere without the massive price tag, use a classic Disney insider trick (the same one we use at pricey spots like Yachtsman Steakhouse): split an appetizer with your table instead of ordering your own. It saves cash and keeps you from filling up before the main course arrives.
Also, skip the dessert and coffee here. The entrées are incredibly filling, and you do not really need the extra courses to have a complete meal. You are much better off saving that money and grabbing a cheaper, more unique sweet treat out in the park later.
Scoring a Table
Because it is arguably the best restaurant in Hollywood Studios, Advance Dining Reservations disappear quickly at the 60-day mark.
What to do if you are locked out: Do not stress and do not waste your vacation refreshing your phone. Set up a dining Drop Watch on supapark.com. People change their plans constantly, and the moment a cancellation drops, SupaPark catches it and pings you instantly. Once you get the alert, you just grab the table directly in My Disney Experience.
Go deeper — the full guides: The Insider’s Guide to EPCOT’s Regal Eagle Smokehouse: What to Eat, Skip, and Share · The Insider’s Menu and Booking Guide to California Grill · The Insider Guide to Vegetarian Dining in EPCOT’s World Showcase
SupaPark tracks live wait times and crowd forecasts, and pings you the second a hard-to-get reservation opens or a ride goes walk-on — free to start at supapark.com.