Are nutrition facts for the food available?

[AquaDame]

I'm not a picky eater and I certainly know that since I am at Disney I should be splurging but I'd like to make it intelligent splurging if I could! Is there anywhere I could find the nutrition facts for the menus? Would I have to wait until I got to each restaurant and ask for them, or are they not even available there? TIA

 

[TDC Nala]

If you mean calorie counts and the like, Disney doesn't publish those.

 

[ZuzuWDW]

I just contacted Disney within the last week to see if they could provide nutrition info for me. I really need them because my dad is on a strict "heart healthy" diet and we'll be traveling to WDW in January for the 1st time since he's started it. I was told it is "almost impossible" to provide the nutrition facts because they have so many restaurants. I was surprised that they aren't required to provide them, even if they aren't published but to be available upon request.

They were able to provide me with some basic info such as the hamburgers don't have any added salt, the restaurants cook with olive oil, there is a butter substitute/margarine option available at all TS locations. It wasn't what I was hoping for but it was a start. She also suggested talking to the chef at all our TS locations. It's gonna be more of a hassle than I hoped but oh well. Most of the choices for healthy eating are common sense. But when it comes to processed food, you really have to watch sodium. That's my concern. If you're just trying to keep calories/fat low, just use common sense. Everything in moderation, fruits and veggies are always gonna be the "healthiest" choice, and allow yourself to splurge a little...it is vacation after all! we're even gonna let dad splurge a little

 

[SweetSpot]

Cities that require restaurants to post nutritional info limit the restaurants to those who have several they don't require it of mom and pops or independents. Most of the restaurants on the Disney property are unique to Disney so wouldn't be regulated. Think about when you cook, unless you follow a recipe by measuring precisely it will never be exactly the same, taste or nutrition wise. Chefs generally good on sight not exact measurement even when following the restaurants recipe for an item so the exact nutrition would vary. To get an idea of what to expect from a meal check out the same type of food that might interest you at a chain restaurants website. It won't be anywhere near exact but it is a good starting point to get an idea of what to expect or steer clear of.

I'm sure if there are health concerns the chefs will do their best to help guide you toward what is save on the menu.

ZuzuWDW: While hamburgers don't have added salt in the hamburger you have to double check that they don't season the meat during cooking. Also, the roll, ketchup, cheese and pickles are usually the salt killers in hamburgers.

 

[clanmcculloch]

This comes up periodically on the disABILITIES! board for needs such as ZuzuWDW's or for diabetes carb counts. As others have said, WDW does not have carb counts. What they WILL do though if you have a special dietary need like these is send a chef out to discuss options with you, and the chef can customize a meal to better meet your dietary needs. If you have special dietary needs, you should contact the Special Diets department and they'll make a note on each of your ADRs about your dietary needs so that chefs will be aware that you're coming. They'll also send you information about foods at CS locations and snack carts. Contact info can be found on the disABILITIES! board as can all sorts of other helpful info for people with special dietary needs.

For people who are just trying to make healthy choices, use your best judgement. Sauces add fat and calories. Steamed will be lower in fat than sauteed in butter. Grilled will be lower in fat than fried. Vegetables will be more nutrient packed than fries or mashed potatoes. Ask questions about preparations and try to enjoy yourself. Remember that you're on vacation.

ETA: ZuzuWDW, please be aware that it really isn't much trouble to talk to the chefs at TS restaurants. They are wonderful about it and will be tremendously helpful and will customize dishes to accomodate your dad's needs. Chefs at the CS location at your resort will be able to help your dad better than at the CS locations in the parks. Don't forget that there are options such as fresh fruit and frozen fruit bars in the parks for snacks (assuming he's not too restricted on carbs). Look through the menus on allears.net or wdwinfo.com and feel free to ask specific questions about ingredients in products or manufacturers of packaged foods so you can make more informed decisions. At Epcot, Sunshine Seasons has an actual chef you can talk to for helping out. At most CS locations in the parks you're dealing with a manager who doesn't know anything about nutritional contents of foods.

 

[AquaDame]

How sad! I don't have any special needs and I'm not overweight or anything, I just like knowing what I am eating, otherwise I vacillate between pleasure and guilt; eat everything I am served one day and then feeling guilty the next and eating less but not being satisfied. I know Mom & Pop restaurants aren't required to disclose their info but with how accomodating Disney tends to be I am still surprised they do not have their facts available for the more basic TS meals like Tony's or Liberty Tree; it makes more sense when you get to the more creative seasonal places like Cali Grill or Bluezoo.... oh well, maybe someday!

 

[rapunzels]

I think Disney's motto is eat up and don't look back. If you really want to try and eat healthy, try and stick with similar things you eat at home, and ask to speak with the chef if your questioning a particular item.

 

[ZuzuWDW]

I guess I was more surprised that the nutritional info wasn't available for counter service locations. I can totally see why it would be tricky for the sit-down restaurants, as SweetSpot said, it could vary by who is preparing it. This happens in my own kitchen But since the counter service locations are more like fast food, I assumed everything would be more streamlined and I guess more *processed*, so it would be easier to provide nutrition info. The pizzas are all the same size, I assume are pre-made, so I thought they could provide calories, etc for stuff like that.

clanmcculloch: I'm not worried about table service, I know the chefs will take care of dad. I was just concerned about counter service, since the CMs don't always seem to have the answers, even though they are trying to be helpful. For the most part, dad knows what he can and can't eat, but I've been amazed at the way sodium is hidden in foods. I know it won't be much trouble though dad is someone who never wants to make a fuss over himself...I'm just gonna have to make sure he makes a little fuss, I guess

Aquadame: I love to splurge at WDW as much as the next person but sometimes the portions are just too big for me. If you'll be traveling with others, consider splitting a meal. My mom and I do this a lot (well, this trip we'll have the dining plan so we won't) because we just don't need to eat the entire portion ourselves. I've also ordered off the children's menu at counter service. My favorites are breakfast (mickey waffles!) and the sweet and sour chicken at Sunshine Season's at Epcot. The S&S chicken was the same as the adult version just a smaller portion, which was really just the perfect amount. It also helps to drink water rather than soda, stuff like that. Hope you have a nice trip! oh and the kid's meals include a drink in that price...so it's really quite a deal. I've never had a problem ordering them for myself at CS locations.