How to Eat Healthy at Disney World: 25 Tips from Magic Kingdom Insiders

Disney World is the ultimate indulgence and escape: fun theme park rides, photographs with well-loved Disney characters and lots of fantastic experiences for the entire family. For many — kids and adults alike — Disney World is a place of magic. It’s also a place full of tempting sweets, drinks and meal choices that are bad for your teeth. But don’t worry: You can still enjoy the Magic Kingdom without having to fall back on unhealthy dietary options. Healthy eating at Disney is not as daunting as it may seem. Here are our top 25 tips for making healthy choices at Disney World.

Bring Your Own Food

To make healthier food choices, Tamara Mannelly from Oh Lardy believes in packing her food for her family’s trips to Disney. In this post, she shares her list of what she packs for snacks and meals and recommends bringing your own small cooler (carry-on size) for your packed perishables and frozen foods. For additional necessities when you’re already onsite at the Disney resort, Tamara recommends grocery delivery to get fresh food items. Garden Grocer is a service that delivers to Disney. If your accommodation includes a kitchen or kitchenette, this is an excellent option for eating healthy at Disney. While it does take some effort and meal planning, preparing your own food, even for one meal, can be cheaper and healthier.

Eat Smaller Portions

The Disney Food Blog suggests opting for smaller portions: “Disney likes to give you your money’s worth when it comes to food, so be aware when you order. Make a meal out of an appetizer, and when you splurge on a rich entree or huge dessert, share with someone else at the table.”

Find the Mickey Check

Disney has devised a recommendation system for healthy choices in their eating establishments. All you have to do is look out for menu items with a Mickey Check, which indicates that it meets Disney’s nutrition guide requirements. That makes it a breeze to select food that’s healthier for you and your family.

Make Requests in Advance for Special Dietary Needs

Disney’s Guest Services takes special dietary requests. If you have any food allergies or would like to request kosher or halal meals, you can indicate your preferences by requesting in advance.

Check Out Anaheim Produce

Eat This, Not That! says Anaheim Produce at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on Sunset Boulevard is “an easy grab-and-go quick service restaurant that offers a variety of fruits and veggies.” What better way to eat healthy than to eat fresh?

Customize Your Sandwich

If you’re in Epcot, check out the Sunshine Season Food Fair. This food court gives you the option of building your own sandwich or salad from scratch. Load it up with healthy greens, and skip the dressing for a healthy meal.

Go for Sugar-Free Desserts

For those watching their sugar intakes, good news: Disney offers sugar-free desserts. Most of the table-service restaurants offer this healthier option, so that you can have that treat without any guilt.

Resist Temptation When it Comes to On-Site Food Choices

If you’re staying within the Disney resort, chances are you’ll have access to a grab-and-go area during your stay. These areas incorporate healthy food options such as yoghurt, cereal and fruit. These are great for breakfast, or you can take them with you so you can snack throughout the day.

Skip the Fried Food

One way to make better food decisions is to simply skip the fried stuff. Fried chicken? Fries? Fish and chips? Choose barbeque chicken, steamed vegetables and grilled fish instead. If you and your family are fairly adventurous about food, check out Restaurant Marrakesh. Tom Bricker explains why it’s his favourite Epcot restaurant in his review on Disney Tourist Blog, with special mention being given the brewat roll and chicken bastilla.

Eat at Cinderella’s Royal Table

Aside from indulging your child’s princess dreams, there’s another reason to eat at Cinderella’s Royal Table: Her Majesty's catch of the day is a fish dish. They also offer vegetarian options. Read Jennifer Retzlaff’s review of her family’s dining experience in the restaurant. She says “[t]he service, food and atmosphere is everything that we hoped it would be when making our reservations.”

Have a Cheat Meal

Being too strict about your food options can be stressful, so allow yourself some room for food fun. If there’s a special treat at Disney you’re really looking forward to, let yourself enjoy it. After all, you are on vacation. Indulging in one sumptuous cheat meal can be the cherry that tops off your Disney adventure! If you need some inspiration, Travel + Leisure’s list of 60 Foods Everyone Should Try at Least Once When Visiting Disney World is a fantastic resource. Images by: rgrivas10, skeeze, Pexels, Grandpa Steve