How to Eat Healthy in Walt Disney World

“I can’t wait to eat healthy food at Walt Disney World!”, said no Guest, ever.  

After all, the most magical place on Earth boasts some of the most tantalizing eats on Earth, and the Internet is full of articles that describe the tastiest dishes at table service and quick service restaurants in Disney’s Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom theme parks.  

But if you’ve prioritized healthy eating in your life and don’t want to take a break from that while you’re on vacation in Walt Disney World, there are ways to make healthy (or relatively healthy) food choices – if you’re willing to put in a bit of work.  Here are a few ways you can eat healthy – despite the temptations – on your WDW vacation.

Order Kids’ Meals

This tip won’t work at a table service restaurant, where adult Guests aren’t able to order kids’ meals.  

But when you dine at a quick-service restaurant, think about ordering from the kids’ menu. Not only will you receive smaller portions, but you also have the option of choosing a Disney Check (formerly Mickey Check) meal that meets healthy nutritional guidelines and includes items like yogurt, grapes, applesauce, carrot sticks, apple slices.

Order Toppings on the Side

Salads are healthy, we’ve been taught to believe.  

Sadly, though, not all salads are created equal, and if you’re piling on the dressing, cheese, croutons, nuts, or bacon, your meal might not be remotely as healthy as you hoped.

To combat this, order toppings and dressings on the side. That way, you’ll be able to decide which add-ons you want on your salad, and you can control the amount. This works well for salads, but also for virtually anything else you’re ordering. Deconstruction is key!

BYO Breakfast

Worried about the effects of a week of Mickey waffles, bacon, sausages, and chocolate croissants? Take control of your breakfast, and start your Disney day the right way.  

You can bring your own cereal or go-to breakfast food from home, or purchase healthy options like fruit, cereal, and milk in the food court of your Disney Value, Moderate, or Deluxe Resort Hotel. Most Disney Resorts feature in-room refrigerators, and if yours doesn’t, you can request one.  

Eating breakfast in your Resort room not only helps you to eat healthily, it also saves time and money.

No-Sugar-Added Desserts

Who doesn’t love dessert? If you’re like me, a dessert menu can make or break a restaurant experience!  

It’s easy to find mouth-watering desserts to delight every palate at WDW, but what if you’re watching your sugar intake?  

Guests can find no-sugar-added (note: that’s not the same as “sugar-free”) dessert options throughout Walt Disney World.  Don’t see a no-sugar-added option on the menu? Sometimes they’re not listed, so ask a Cast Member.

Share

Some Walt Disney World desserts are meant to be shared (Kitchen Sink dessert at Beaches and Cream, I’m looking at you).  

But even single-serve desserts can be shared among friends or family if you’re desperate for a taste of your favorite confection but don’t want all the associated calories or carbs.

Sure, it might require a bit of restraint. But when you think about it, half a DOLE Whip is better than no DOLE Whip at all, right?

Don’t Forget the H2O

Staying hydrated is always good advice, and it’s imperative when you’re racking up the steps on a hot day in Walt Disney World!  

But remembering to drink lots of water can also make you feel fuller, which can help with cravings throughout the day.  There are people who even swear by drinking a cup of water half an hour before a meal, to make overeating less likely.

You can buy bottled water almost anywhere in WDW, but of course, that will quickly get pricey. Consider bringing your own water bottle and refilling it in water stations throughout the property.

Forgot your water bottle?  Most quick-service restaurants around the parks will give Guests free cups of ice water – you just have to ask!

Look for Healthy Snacks

You may be tempted to track down those Cinnamon-Glazed Nuts that smell so heavenly, but if you want to eat healthy, look for the outdoor food markets throughout Disney parks that offer fruits and vegetables.  

It’s not the most exciting snack choice, sure, but your body will thank you for it!

Avoid Buffet / Family-Style Restaurants

They have more variety than other restaurants, it’s true – but when you eat at a buffet or family-style restaurant, your meal carries a higher price tag, and you may feel pressured to eat more to make it worth the cost. (It’s also tough to make healthy choices when you have to pass an entire table of desserts to get to the vegetables.)

Plan Ahead 

Like everything else in Walt Disney World, we’ve found the key to eating healthy is planning ahead.  It’s probably not realistic to deny yourself all of your favorite treats on vacation (though if you can, kudos on the willpower!), but you plan ahead, you can identify the meals or snacks or desserts that are worth indulging in.  

It will be easier to make healthy choices throughout your trip if you know that the day after tomorrow, you’re dining at your favorite Disney restaurant and ordering that dish you’ve been salivating over for weeks.

Talk to the Chef

If all else fails, ask to speak to a chef. Walt Disney World is a fabulous place for any Guest with dietary restrictions of any kind.  

All you need to do is ask, and a trained chef will come to your table and speak to you about creating a custom meal that is safe and healthy for you – and also delicious!  

Bottom Line

There are more healthy dining options than ever before at Walt Disney World.  We can’t promise it will always be easy, but if you’re committed to eating healthier, it can be done, even on a WDW vacation – it just takes a bit of planning and effort!