Visiting Disneyland in December

Australia has a healthy reputation? Hmmmmm? *oops sorry misread you sentence. There will be plenty of multicultural options in the US to chose from.

I say youre on vacation live it up. Enjoy the food and pastries. That would be like going to Italy and not eating in any of the cafes.

I used to work at Walt Disney World and I imagine Disneyland is just about identical with food. Disney is not the greatest place to be on a diet. They will have vegetarian options available, just ask a cast member for directions to that, but Disney provides really yummy, calorie filled foods in large portions, so you'll just have to be mindful of how much you eat, or leave the park for meals. I don't think you're allowed to bring meals from outside into the parks, but snacks are fine, and you'll want something to munch on because the smells get to you. They should have a fruit stand somewhere, though.

I went to Disney World in November, and we had the dining plan. I am not vegetarian but they claim they can accomodate special requests, you should request ahead of time. You can book reservations 180 days out, check and see if you book special requests at that time. Also menus change seasonally so what you see now my differ from the Winter. I will say on the dining plan for DW you got a beverage, meal and dessert - for each meal (speaking of lunch and dinner). For Desserts we would often opt for the fruit option and pack it to go in ziplock bags we brought ourselves, and save for snacks later. When we were there in the Fall I actually stayed the same weight wise as I did watch, rarely snacked and of course you walk a ton - in February when we were there we logged 9 miles in a day.

If you opt to bring in your own foods look for local grocery stores that will deliver. I can only speak to the FL location but you can have groceries delivered, at most Disney resorts (probably all) there is cold storage available until you get into your room. We always stay onsite and know the limits of the fridge and practicality of transporting foods/meals needs to be considered. The first time we went my husband obsessed over having enough fresh produce and sort of went overboard buying it and we were pleasently surprised how many healthy options there were, and of course we indulged and enjoyed things as well. I would def get plastic bags to take food items from meals, we found for three of us we had a lot of food available, desserts became snacks later on walking around, like fruit or veggies, muffins, bread items.

In FL I never say nachos and cheese, there are loads of restaraunts that are a step above most chains here in the states. I had a lunch in February that was hummus, tomatoes, carrots and cucumbers. I know you can make dietary requests, and obviously that would be at the restaraunts and not at walk up locations - referred to as "counter service".

So many options, you will not have a problem at all. Someone already gave you the link and there are app available as well. Mousewait is really great!!!

Remember it's the holidays so it will be busy. Go during the week if you can and use the Fastpass system as much as possible!!!

If you have any mobility issues you can also get a Guest Assistance pass that can trim some wait time.

Have a great time!!!

My advise is that you're going to be walking... A lot. So if you want to splurge and eat something unhealthy and get a treat, I think it is safe to assume you are going to walk it off. Otherwise, Disneyland will let you bring a cooler or backpack or whatever with your own snacks. You can stop by a store and get fruits and veggies and other snacks to keep you satisfied for more of the day.

Hi! I performed at Disneyland many times and have been for leisure a lot as well. Perks of growing up in the OC. There will be lots of terrible temptation, however many of the places do have salads and veggie sandwiches. Plus with all the walking you do, I'm sure you'll be fine!

Cafes/restaurants in Disneyland to consider, with veg options/my personal faves:
- Blue Bayou
- Cafe Orleans
- Ariel's Grotto
- Cocina Cucamonga
- Disney's PCH Grill

And if you can get inside Club 33, that would be a treat!

I was just at Disney World in December. I assume they will have similar dining options to Disney Land. I was able to get half rotisserie chicken, with garlic mashed potatoes, and green beans at one of the dining centers. It was delicious and about the healthiest option I could find.

How about you just enjoy yourself, walk plenty, and use some common sense?
You are lucky to be getting a vacation, some people never get to go on vacation and you are agonising over a few days of possibly less than stellar eating in a whole lifetime? Seriously.

I don't see the OP agonizing over anything. Seems like a pretty normal question to ask a General Diet and Fitness Board.

I completely agree. To plan ahead and be mindful is key to continued success with the healthy lifestyle changes we are all working towards.