June 5 was an important moment in Disney company history. CEO Bob Iger with First Lady Michelle Obama announced that Disney would be expanding their “Magic of Healthy Living” initiative and using a new “Mickey Check” symbol to identify healthy foods inside and outside of the theme parks. (For more information on this announcement, click here to go to the original Disney Parks Blog post.)
All of this healthy-food-hubbub got me thinking about where I like to go in the Disney Parks to find nutritious snacks and meals. Although many people end up stuffing themselves during a Disney vacation, it is better at least to stuff oneself with good-for-you food. Here are some recommendations of my favorite healthy eateries from every corner of the resort.
Magic Kingdom
If you like a daily snack from the ice cream cart, then you’ll love the “Nutella and Fresh Fruit Waffle Sandwich.” This waffle is by far one of the most delicious thingS I’ve had anywhere. I’ve visited Sleepy Hollow in Liberty Square twice since they added it to the menu, and both times, I fell deeply in love with this waffle. Although this isn’t the healthiest item you’ll find in the parks, it is certainly a better option if you’re craving a sweet treat. Nutella contains no artificial colors or preservatives, and the chocolatey flavor is complimented by real hazelnuts. The fruit on top are fresh & juicy, and the waffle is filling, so you’ll stay full until your next meal.
Epcot
If you like Cosmic Ray’s in the Magic Kingdom, then you’ll love Sunshine Seasons in the Land pavillion. Just like Cosmic Ray’s, Sunshine Seasons offers multiple stations for guests to choose whatever they’re hungry for. Two stations in particular, “Soup & Salad” and “The Grill,” offer a few choices that are healthy and delicious. At Soup & Salad, guests can find fresh vegetables served in unique and appetizing ways. The Grill, which is my favorite station, serves grilled fish and chicken, as well as nutritious sides like seasonal vegetables and rice.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
If you like snacking throughout the day, then you’ll love Harambe Fruit Market. In the Florida heat, snacking on fresh fruit between meals is the best way to refuel. This snack stand offers a variety of fruit, flavored water, juices, and other healthy alternatives to soda and sugary snacks. If you’re craving a Citrus Swirl or Dole Whip, you can substitute them with real pineapple chunks or oranges here.
Downtown Disney
If you like quick-service, then you’ll love Earl of Sandwich. This is the place to go for some of the best sandwiches, soups, and salads on property. There are plenty of choices for picky eaters, and it’s a great alternative to regular burgers. Many of my friends would rather dine at Earl of Sandwich over Pecos Bill’s if they had to choose a last Disney meal- now that’s saying something!
Disney Resorts
If you take your Disney dining very seriously, then you’ll love Artist Point at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. This is my favorite restaurant on property. The food here is exquisite, and the waitstaff is incredibly knowledgable. The food here is some of the freshest, and the menu changes seasonally to accommodate the healthiest, best food possible. The restaurant is very quiet and romantic, and it provides not only a nice break from typical theme park food, but also from the hectic crowds.
You may have noticed that I left out a healthy option at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. I tried my best to come up with something, but unfortunately none of the restaurants or snacks stands stood out. If you have any healthy recommendations for that park or anywhere else on property, comment below, email me at MickeyWaffle71@gmail.com, or tweet me @MickeyWaffle71. Thanks for reading & I hope your next visit to the Walt Disney World Resort is as healthy and delicious as it is magical!
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