Healthy Dining in Walt Disney World

Becky CriswellJanuary 28, 2016Many people go on vacation to splurge when it comes to food. Everyone in my family has a “go all out” mentality, especially when we are in Walt Disney World where the food options are endless and there are too many delicious treats to choose from. Even still, I enjoy eating on the lighter side for some meals and I know there are many people who prefer to maintain their healthy eating habits while on vacation.Theme parks are known for treats such as funnel cakes, candy apples, hot dogs, pizza, popcorn, etc., but have no fear! If healthy dining is what you are in search of, Walt Disney World has plenty to offer. Let’s take a look at some of the delicious and healthy options that are available to you on your magical Disney vacation.  The following recommendations have been made by our trained, traveled and trusted agents:

• Wolfgang Puck Express (located in Disney Springs): This restaurant, included as a quick-service meal on the Disney Dining plan offers “lots of fresh foods, healthy options, and a very yummy breakfast,” according to our agent Mallory M. A variety of salads are available including a Baby Spinach & Quinoa Salad, and a Barbecued Chicken Salad featuring many fresh veggies such as cucumbers, onions, tomatoes, corn, and peppers. Other healthy offerings include a Whole Wheat Hummus Wrap and Oven Roasted Salmon. Breakfast is also served daily from 9-11am.
• Sunshine Seasons (located in The Land - Future World, Epcot): This is another quick-service option offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast options are limited, but at lunch time you can find delicious rotisserie chicken or grilled salmon. In addition to the chicken and salmon, at dinner time you can find a power salad featuring chicken and quinoa or a grilled vegetarian flatbread. Sunshine Seasons seems to be a favorite among our agents! “A great place for ‘different’ options!” – Jen S.
• Flame Tree Barbecue (located in Discovery Island, Disney's Animal Kingdom): This quick-service restaurant is known for being a favorite quick-service spot among many Disney enthusiasts. While Flame Tree BBQ is sure to be a delight for true BBQ lovers, they offer light and tasty options such as a Watermelon Salad, Jamaican Jerk Chicken Salad and a Smoked Turkey Breast Sandwich w/ fresh fruit. “The chicken salad is something I usually get.” –Leslie D.
• Columbia Harbour House (located in Liberty Square, Magic Kingdom): Serving lunch and dinner, this popular quick-service restaurant features the Lighthouse Sandwich (hummus, tomato and broccoli slaw on toasted multi-grain bread), Grilled Salmon and sides such as vegetarian chili, couscous, and fresh broccoli. “My husband loved Harbour House…for grilled fish, vegetables, and rice” – Laurene K.
• Earl of Sandwich (located in Marketplace, Disney Springs): There are more sandwiches, wraps and salads here than I could ever name. Personally, I have had the Berry Chicken Almond Salad and the Chicken Bacon Avocado Wrap. They were both delicious! “We just tried Earl of Sandwich last trip and were very impressed!” – Missy R.

In addition to the above favorites, you can also find:

• Tuna or Chicken Nicoise Salad (Be Our Guest - Fantasyland, Magic Kingdom)
• Mediterranean Salad (Pinocchio Village Haus - Fantasyland, Magic Kingdom)
• Veggie Pizza (Pizzafari - Discovery Island, Disney's Animal Kingdom)
• Veggie Burger (Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café - Magic Kingdom)
• Tuna Salad Pita (Tamu Tamu - Africa, Disney's Animal Kingdom)
• Grilled Veggie Sandwich (Backlot Express - Echo Lake, Disney's Hollywood Studios)
• Veggie Platter (Tangierine Café - Morrocco, Epcot)

The list above includes just a few of the many healthy options in Walt Disney World. You can find light, healthy and delicious options almost anywhere you go. In this blog, I have focused on quick-service options but most table-service restaurants offer healthy meals as well. You can also find a variety of healthy snacks scattered around the parks.  Keep in mind are the many healthy options available for your children as well.Almost all restaurants include “Mickey Check Meals” on the menu, which makes it easy to find healthier options for the kids. These meals meet specific nutritional guidelines for calories, saturated fat, sodium and sugar content. Most places offer sides for your children such as fresh fruit, yogurt and carrots, rather than fries and chips. Even adults can usually get fresh fruit as a dessert item. Also, the Gardens Kiosk in Animal Kingdom offers many healthy snacks including options for those with special diets and/or food allergies. “They also have info on hand and experts to discuss dining options.” –Caralee W.Walt Disney World is extremely accommodating for all diets and lifestyles. If all this food talk is making you hungry for delicious Walt Disney World dining, contact me today to plan your next vacation: beckyc@wishesfamilytravel.com