Walt Disney World is known for its immersive experiences and, of course, its food. While indulgent treats are abundant, it's entirely possible to maintain a healthy diet while enjoying the magic. This guide provides a detailed look at healthy food options throughout the parks and Disney Springs, ensuring a balanced and enjoyable vacation.
Quick & Healthy Dining at Walt Disney World
Many believe that nutritious choices at Walt Disney World Resort are limited to sit-down restaurants. However, you'll be relieved to know that there are healthy choices available at the quick-service restaurants in the Disney World theme parks and water parks.
Theme Parks
Animal Kingdom: Satu’li Canteen is a standout for healthy counter service lunches. The Combination Bowl at The Mara inside Animal Kingdom Lodge is a flavorful option. It features chermoula-spiced shrimp and oak-grilled chicken with pilau rice, kale slaw, cucumber-tomato salad, and chermoula sour cream. Requesting more kale slaw than rice enhances the salad-like feel. Pilau rice is a fragrant dish with Indian and African spices. The Chermoula-spiced shrimp and chicken are well-seasoned, while the kale and cucumber salads offer brightness, complemented by the cool chermoula sour cream.
Epcot: Explore the Japan Pavilion for lighter fare. Connections Eatery offers a Niçoise-style Salad with Seared Tuna, a classic French dish with tuna, olives, and anchovies. It includes mixed greens, romaine, potato wedges, tomatoes, green beans, olives, white beans, and a Dijon vinaigrette. It can be ordered without tuna as a plant-based option.
Hollywood Studios: ABC Commissary offers a Vegan Burger, Mediterranean Salad, Coleslaw, and Green Beans. This location now accepts reservations (dinner only). Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo, in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, provides healthy and flavorful options.
Read also: Healthy food access with Highmark Wholecare explained.
Magic Kingdom: Look for fresh fruits and veggies throughout the park. Kids’ Disney Check Meals, designated on counter service restaurant menus, aim to deliver three or more nutritious food groups, including vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein, with less sodium, sugar, and saturated and trans fats.
Water Parks
Blizzard Beach:
- Avalunch: Caesar Salad with chicken, and a fresh fruit cup.
- Lottawatta Lodge: Caesar Salad with chicken, chicken wrap, mushroom vegetarian burger, grilled chicken sandwich, and a fresh fruit cup.
- Cooling Hut: Tuna sandwich, chicken wrap, and a fresh fruit cup.
- Frostbite Freddy's Frozen 'Freshments: Smoothies.
- Warming Hut: Chicken wrap, Caesar salad with chicken, jerk chicken sandwich, and jerk chicken nachos.
Typhoon Lagoon:
- Leaning Palms: Caesar salad with chicken, chicken wrap, turkey pesto sandwich, tropical salad with chicken, and fruit cups.
- Lowtide Lou's (open seasonally): Chicken wrap, and turkey pesto sandwich.
- Snack Shack: Chicken wrap, tuna salad, Caesar Salad with chicken, turkey pesto sandwich, and shrimp wrecked salad.
- Typhoon Tilly's: Chicken wrap, Caesar Salad with chicken, and turkey pesto sandwich.
Healthy Options at Disney Springs
Disney Springs offers a variety of dining options, including several that cater to health-conscious guests.
Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza: Customize your pizza with veggies and lean meats like chicken. Side salads are also available.
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Chicken Guy!: Opt for grilled chicken tenders paired with a salad.
Cookes of Dublin: Try the char-grilled chicken breast sandwich with tomato chutney and greens.
D-Luxe Burger: The veggie burger is topped with tzatziki, green bean salad, lettuce, and tomato.
Disney Food Trucks: Look for options like fish tacos.
Earl of Sandwich: Choose salads and wraps with ingredients like tuna salad, lean turkey, and fresh veggies.
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Polite Pig: The cedar plank salmon with maple-dijon glaze is a good option. This Disney Springs BBQ joint often boasts fresh and flavorful salads.
Terralina Crafted Italian: The spinach salad with honey balsamic vinaigrette, shaved fennel, and Gorgonzola is a standout.
Wolfgang Puck Express: Offers light, healthy, and tasty menu entrees and salads.
Tips for Healthy Eating at Disney World
- Look for Fresh, Not Processed Foods: Fresh fruits and veggies are available in every theme park!
- Watch Portion Sizes: Disney portions can be large. Consider making a meal out of an appetizer or sharing an entree or dessert.
- Eat Breakfast: Breakfast is an easy and affordable way to eat healthily. Opt for eggs, veggies, and wheat toast.
- Stay Hydrated with Water: Avoid sugary beverages.
- Check Menus Before Your Vacation: Prepare in advance by reviewing restaurant menus online.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Make Requests: Disney is accommodating, so ask to omit or add ingredients to your meals.
- Consider Delivery Services: Save time and money by having healthy snacks, bottled water, and other food items delivered directly to your resort. Garden Grocer is one such service.
Salad Spotlight: Notable Salads at Disney World
Salads are a readily available and customizable option for healthy eating at Disney World.
Caesar Salad at The Artist’s Palette (Saratoga Springs): A simple salad with romaine, chicken, Parmesan cheese, croutons, and packaged dressing.
Garden Salad at The Boathouse: A basic salad with iceberg lettuce, carrots, grape tomatoes, and cucumbers, served with herb vinaigrette or your choice of dressing.
The Importance of Balance
While indulging in Disney treats is part of the experience, balancing those treats with healthier options can help you feel your best throughout your vacation. Whether you're on a restricted diet or simply prefer to eat healthy, Disney World offers choices to accommodate your needs.