What to eat at DisneyWorld?

jsmjboertlein

It is pricey but I had a delicious healthy salad at the coral reef rest in epcot

ninerbuff

If it were up to me, I'd nix Chip and Dale and eat them for lunch.


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MissJenn33

We went to Disney this past November. We had the deluxe meal plan which was the best idea ever. (Booked thru AAA and got it completely free & saved a massive amount of $$$) If you are staying in a Disney resort there are "food court" like places that have plenty of healthy snack oprions. Lots of whole fruits, fruit or veggie packs, yogurts ect. You have a better chance a healthier choices @ sit down restaurants. The "quck serve" places are basically fast food burgers and fries. It was not my healthiest week of eating!

oneIT

Your on vacation, your supposed to eat whatever you want!! LOL!

Fairysoul

Well in that case, pick the healthiest options and use your portion control!

Debbe2

My son just went to Disney with a high school school trip 2 weeks ago. We gave him a lot a money to go with and he spent a lot of it on food in the park. Said a burger was almost $12 and came just as is ... a burger.

I think I would possibly plan a filling breakfast before arriving each day or possibly a special breakfast in a disney park restaurant, then a snack or two during the day at the park and dinner elsewhere at night. Bring tons of water with you too.

Have FUN!!! So much walking you will burn a lot of calories there

Alexinette

My family and I went to Disney 4 years ago. I had just finished a very strict diet and I was worried about what I'd eat. We had the meal plan. If my memory is good, it includes 2 meals and collations. So each morning, i was having breakfast at the hotel. I was able to find fruits and yogourt and avoid eggs, bacon, or other greasy stuff. On site, i was disappointed by the food. It's all the same thing. Burgers, hot dogs, mac & cheese, etc. So, I skipped lunches. I was bringing some food from the hotel or having collations. (Btw, collations on site are mostly ice cream, but there's an healthier choice. It's a frozen banana covered with chocolate) Dinner was the most interresting part. In each parks, but mostly in Epcot, there're good restaurants à la carte. So it's easier to have access to healthier choices. Each night we were headed to Epcot because the food was a lot tastier and healthier than everywhere else. It's because of all those ethnics restaurants. The thing is, it's always full. You need to make reservations in advance. Disney recommends you to plan all your reservations before you arrive. But we were always able to find a table if we made a reservation the same day or for the day after. There's a restaurants guide you can consult. You should take a look before you go and choose few places you where you want to eat.

heathersmilez

I had no idea you could bring food in, Canada's Wonderland has always forbid it and since they started checking backpacks/bags about 5 years ago you can't even sneak it in. Saw a guy with a giant bag of cherries get confiscated and cherries were like $6.99 a lb at that time, sucky!

Anyway, I've always done the classic fanny pack tourist thing (but worn around the back so as to not look like a 60 year old man, lol!) so that I can have my camera, wallet and rides aren’t interrupted at Disney, can you drop off a backpack at the exit of a ride? People do at Wonderland but I'm not sure how safe that is in Orlando or even if they have the space.

For all the buggy pushers this idea works for you but what about people who go on all the rides?

Acg67

Turkey legs!

tracydio

check out this disneyworld food blog:
http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2010/02/04/eating-healthy-in-walt-disney-world/
They seem to have some very good tips and restaurants suggestions

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JPsFunkyMojo

Can you drop off a backpack at the exit of a ride? People do at Wonderland but I'm not sure how safe that is in Orlando or even if they have the space.

For all the buggy pushers this idea works for you but what about people who go on all the rides?

They do have spots for you to put the strollers, but they are unattended so just keep that in mind. But being from Orlando, the only time I've seen or heard of anything being taken from them were just from squirrels looking for food. Disney and all theme parks make sure it is a worryfree place to visit. As for bags on the ride, you will have to get a locker to put your bags in, and they are always in front of the ride and only cost a few quarters.

golope

Small children, they are plentiful and low cal.

LOL LOVE THIS!!

busyPK

We got the free dining plan, sit down dinner, counter service lunch and a snack.

We had that as well. Just make sure you search Disney website and make reservations for dinner at sit down restaurants or you will be eating similar things all day long (most of the faster lunch places serve similar items).

rashidaSolid

If you are buying your tickets at the gate there is usually a discount on the receipt. If you eat before a certain time you get a large discount in the Magic Kingdom. There are various cafes you can use it in. Otherwise you may want to just eat the large turkey drumsticks. I usually pack food for the day.

bissenhotel

Thanks everyone! I've had a few friends on MFP just come back and they all did fine. Lots of water!!:happy:

JustMichelleB

We got the free dining plan, sit down dinner, counter service lunch and a snack.

Going in one month (from today!) and have the same plan (and have a reservation each day for some type of sit down restaurant, a couple w/ characters).
Still planning on eating b'fast in our hotel (hope to use a grocery delivery service to have cereal, milk, cereal bars, fruit, etc, plus snacks to pack for hte day). Trying not to obsess much, figure there's LOTS of walking to be had (this might be the hardest thing for me, not doing my Chalean Extreme or Turbofire workouts!).

heathersmilez

Can you drop off a backpack at the exit of a ride? People do at Wonderland but I'm not sure how safe that is in Orlando or even if they have the space.

For all the buggy pushers this idea works for you but what about people who go on all the rides?

They do have spots for you to put the strollers, but they are unattended so just keep that in mind. But being from Orlando, the only time I've seen or heard of anything being taken from them were just from squirrels looking for food. Disney and all theme parks make sure it is a worryfree place to visit. As for bags on the ride, you will have to get a locker to put your bags in, and they are always in front of the ride and only cost a few quarters.

Thanks for the response. This definitely solidifies that I will stick to my fanny pack only. A backpack is obviously too much of a hassle and all for the sake of food $ saving? I’ll spend all my food money on lockers this way, silly! I’ll do what I have before, eat a good breakfast before we go, bring a bottle of water, 2 granola bars and then eat a fun dinner. I've never spent more than $40 a day in the park for the 2 of us on food other than when we went to the buffet in Frontier Land for $35 each but that was well worth it because we didn't buy dinner after so that’s still $80 a day and considering you pay $90 a person (assuming 1-day ticket) enjoy your time there, eat the best you can i.e. chicken burgers and sub for apple slices but otherwise, workout at your hotel and you'll burn it off walking + workout.

heathersmilez

We got the free dining plan, sit down dinner, counter service lunch and a snack.

Going in one month (from today!) and have the same plan (and have a reservation each day for some type of sit down restaurant, a couple w/ characters).
Still planning on eating b'fast in our hotel (hope to use a grocery delivery service to have cereal, milk, cereal bars, fruit, etc, plus snacks to pack for hte day). Trying not to obsess much, figure there's LOTS of walking to be had (this might be the hardest thing for me, not doing my Chalean Extreme or Turbofire workouts!).

Grocery Delivery? Are you without a vehicle? If you are flying car rentals are very cheap, I know Disney Resorts offer free transportation to the parks but how will you go to Prime and Premium Outlets, Millennia Mall and Florida Malll?? You gotta shop on vaca!

If you are flying just stop in at a Walmart when you get there to get some cereal, milk and such. I love going to Walmart in the US b/c they have the odd thing we don't in Canada like Cherry Coke Zero, 35 cal bread and Fiber One Yogurt - the key lime one is to die for!

Check your hotel, they may have DVD players in the room, The Hard Rock does.

njean888

I was just there this last weekend. We packed things like water, bananas, and protein bars. We had lunch at the Crystal Palace and loved it. They had alot of bad items but they had healthy things as well (its a buffet). For example, first I had a big salad then I had salmon, and vegetables. The hardest part was staying away from the dessert table. At the other parks I ate from the kids menu, I think it was Hollywood Studios where I ordered a kids turkey sandwich with carrot sticks. Just try to make the best choices, with all the walking you should be fine.

JustMichelleB

We got the free dining plan, sit down dinner, counter service lunch and a snack.

Going in one month (from today!) and have the same plan (and have a reservation each day for some type of sit down restaurant, a couple w/ characters).
Still planning on eating b'fast in our hotel (hope to use a grocery delivery service to have cereal, milk, cereal bars, fruit, etc, plus snacks to pack for hte day). Trying not to obsess much, figure there's LOTS of walking to be had (this might be the hardest thing for me, not doing my Chalean Extreme or Turbofire workouts!).

Grocery Delivery? Are you without a vehicle? If you are flying car rentals are very cheap, I know Disney Resorts offer free transportation to the parks but how will you go to Prime and Premium Outlets, Millennia Mall and Florida Malll?? You gotta shop on vaca!

If you are flying just stop in at a Walmart when you get there to get some cereal, milk and such. I love going to Walmart in the US b/c they have the odd thing we don't in Canada like Cherry Coke Zero, 35 cal bread and Fiber One Yogurt - the key lime one is to die for!

Check your hotel, they may have DVD players in the room, The Hard Rock does.

We are not renting a car. We are staying on Disney property and don't have any plans to leave. Honestly, I'm not going to Disney with my kids to go shopping (I can do that at home).
While I could check out the DVD player thing, I'm assuming we're going to be walking a lot and I am not going to travel with my weights, etc anyway (-:

jessimurph

Turkey legs!

I'm pretty sure those turkey legs are over 1,000 a pop!

TheRealParisLove

Disney has healthy snack carts placed around the parks that offers fruit, granola bars, yogurt and snacks of a healthier nature. It's hella expensive, like $3 for a big pickle, but at least you can snack on healthy options. There are a few restaurants throughout the park, and they have an ok selection of fare, but again, you won't be able to get a meal for less than $25. The food was a little bland IMO. I recommend getting to the park early, right at opening and spend half the day seeing the sights. Have a late lunch and take a nap then head back after dinner to see the light parade and fireworks.

If you can stay at one of the Disney Hotels, this is the best way to experience the park. I stayed at a hotel close by, but getting in and out of the parking structures took 20-30 minutes minimum. Then you have to wait for the trams to take you into the park proper, so expect at least an hour if you are driving to and from the park.

StilleNacht

Eat them calories, girl!
Dole Whip
Ostrich from Jiko
PB&J milkshake at 50's Primetime Café
Breakfast Lasagna from Crystal Palace
Corn dog nuggets from Casey's
Mickey waffles!
Seriously though. This is a vacation. I LOVE Disney food, and when I go in October, i'm using my Dining Plan to the fullest. Worry about nutrition facts when you get home.
The Brown Derby has the original Cobb salad. Seriously. They INVENTED it. Pricey? Yes. Oh God it's worth it though.
Bistro De Paris has wonderful french cuisine.
Enjoy!

AGreen54

There is this restaurant in the Magic Kingdom called the Liberty Tree Tavern in Liberty Square and it has an amazing salad on the menu with apples, roasted walnuts, and a ton of other healthy stuff. I love getting it and they give you such a big serving that it keeps you feeling full.

geonbaeLeilee

I love Disney!! I was there a year ago November. The food is pricey so I would suggest bringing snacks if you can. You will be walking a lot so have water with you and if you want to have nice dinners make sure you make reservations beforehand because they are booked all the time. Coral Reef was my favorite restaurant there (Epcot) and they had seafood and chicken if I remember right.

I LOVE Coral Reef! And Fulton's Crab House. =^_^=

geonbaeLeilee

There is this restaurant in the Magic Kingdom called the Liberty Tree Tavern in Liberty Square and it has an amazing salad on the menu with apples, roasted walnuts, and a ton of other healthy stuff. I love getting it and they give you such a big serving that it keeps you feeling full.

^^ This. Most favorite restaurant there. I love the salad!

laughingdani

Giant smoked turkey leg.

WickedBean

Anything but Mickey... I hear he tastes funny.

caterpillardreams

Like everyone here said being your own snacks. I have brought a cooler, I also had a stroller I could store it in. My parents work there so I used to go alot. They Have water fountains, bring everyone a reusable bottle. Water is expensive as well. Have a blast. They sell salads and healthy items, just so pricey.

tanyaslosingit

Going to Disney next week. Does anyone have any great "healthier" places/items to eat? :drinker:

I was just there a couple of weeks ago and eating healthy was a challenge: Understand that Disney World does not post nutritional information either at the restaurants or online. Portions are large and sometimes contain inexact measures of ingredients. You just kinda have to muddle though as best you can and hope all the walking around will counteract the calorie intake :-)

In the Animal Kingdom, we sat down at the Yak and Yeti Restaurant for "lunch." I put the word lunch in quotes because it was really a dinner scale meal. I had the Ahi Tuna Salad and the "slaw" covered a twelve inch plate, piled high and, was made with an aoili (?) dressing. There was a reasonable amount of tuna (4-6 ounces would be my best guess.) I also treated myself to a Sprite and fruit summer (non-alcoholic) drink. My best guess as to the calories consumed between these two items is in excess of 640 calories. There was nothing "bad" for me in the meal; but if I had to do it again, I would probably just order from the appetizer menu and stick to water.The food is really delicious; but definitely a challenge when you are trying to be good :-)

I realize no one forced me to eat the whole thing or order a Sprite; but I fell into the mistake of thinking that I was damn well going to eat it all considering what I paid for it! :-/