Dining at Disney World: Indulging Doesn’t Have to be Unhealthy.

 I am sure all of you are surprised by the headline of this article and why I of all people would write about healthy food. Well, I have been trying to live a healthier lifestyle lately as are a lot of people. So I wanted to give you some options when you are on vacation to eat healthier. I am not saying you can’t have your Mickey bars, churros, cinnamon rolls, etc. However, Disney offers some great choices that not only taste amazing, but won’t break the scale either.

If you are like me and have no need for a family suite or don’t want to pay deluxe room prices for a “value” resort, choose to stay at Pop Century. They have upgraded their food selections. You can also take the bridge over to the Art of Animation Resort and enjoy the “Landscapes of Flavor” food court.

Let’s start at Pop Century. For breakfast they offer a create your own yogurt parfait, egg white omelets, and spanish quiche with chorizo. The rest of the day you can enjoy many lighter options as well. From, flatbreads, build your own salads, sushi, hummus, etc. You might even save enough calories to enjoy a slice of tye-dyed cheesecake.

If you take the bridge to Art of Animation (which is exercise too), the “Landscapes of Flavor” is a health junkies dream. For breakfast you can make your own smoothies, fruit bowl, yogurt parfait, and omelets. You can also get an egg white frittata with spinach, tofu, and tomatoes. If you are there for lunch and dinner you can go into sensory overload with choices. You can enjoy a caprese sandwich with ripe tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil all on a ciabatta roll. If you are a tandoori fan, you can get shrimp, acorn squash, or chicken thigh all served with naan bread. They even have a mongolian grill with steak and fish.

If you are in the parks it can get a little trickier to weed through the junk to find the healthy.

A brand  new option has just opened in the Magic Kingdom’s New Fantasyland. The Villiage Market is at the base of what will be the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. They are offering some great drinks and fresh fruit. You can read the full review on my website blog at www.dolewhipdaily.com

It just so happens my favorite treat in all of Walt Disney World is actually healthy(er) for you. The legendary Dole Whip Float at Aloha Isle is a triple threat treat. Not only is it delicious and has pineapple juice in it, but it well help you cool down on those hot Disney days. It is also non dairy so anyone who has a lactose allergy, fear not this treat is for you too.

If you are cruising around Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you can eat like an actor or actress if you know where to look. The Anaheim Produce counter offers whole fruits, vegetable sticks, trail mix, oh and margaritas!

The KRNR cart outside of the Rock’n’Roller Coaster has smoothies in four great fruit flavors and combinations.

When you are soarin’ over at EPCOT the Sunshine Seasons in the Land Pavilion offers healthy choices for all three meals. You can enjoy some oatmeal with fruit for breakfast. For lunch and dinner try the roasted beet and goat cheese salad, seared tuna salad, oak grilled vegetable flatbread, or the chicken caesar salad.

*Writer’s note: I am not going to include World Showcase because lets face it you walk enough there to be able to eat whatever you want! Try the school bread in Norway its delicious.

When you are hiking around the Animal Kingdom I think this is the best park for food options in all of Walt Disney World. The new allergy kiosk has some great gluten free and vegan options. Bradley Falls in the Asia section has edamame beans, summer rolls, Asian noodle salad, and fresh fruit salad. 

In Africa, check out the Harambe Fruit Market. They have a selection of mixed and whole fruit. They also have the jalapeno stuffed pretzel (OK that’s not that healthy but dang its good). I think my favorite counter service place in the Animal Kingdom has to be Tamu Tamu. They have a South African quinoa salad. Loaded with romaine lettuce, olives, chickpeas, feta cheese, fried tofu, and tossed in a vinaigrette. If you don’t want the salad I recommend the spicy beef sandwich.

Make sure you plan and look at the menus before you go to the parks to scope out all the Disney Parks have to offer. You can still indulge on your classic Disney favorites, but explore the “unusual” and different items. Who knows you might create some new favorites.

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Keith was born and raised in Northeast Ohio.He now lives with his wife a few miles from his childhood home. His first trip to the Magic Kingdom was at the age of two and while the only memories are in pictures, the magic laid dormant within him. Until he saw the animated movie Robin Hood, and his love began to grow. He has always had an interest in food and the togetherness it brings. He became a classically trained chef and all around foodie. His last trip to Disney World was in 2011 and he has been learning, researching, and keeping up on all things Disney since. He hopes to bring you all of the food news from the parks, tips on how to save money on food, and all the tastes and smells from the House of Mouse (especially when smell o vision is invented). You can follow Keith on Twitter @DarthChef79.

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