Eating Healthy at Disneyland

[jrtoastyman]

Will be at Disneyland later this week at a time when I'm trying to eat well and lose some weight. I am an AP holder and am generally familiar with the parks, but I've never been before with an eye towards healthy eating. Any tips on locations where a person could find some lower calorie dining options?

TIA

 

[Baptist]

It's always a challenge to eat healthy in the parks. However, I would try Bengal BBQ in DL (offering grilled meats and veggies) and Lucky Fortune in DCA (with rice bowls of meat and veggies).

 

[SMD]

Do you have specific dietary requirements? Consider bringing your own food or at least your own snacks. The sauces at Bengal BBQ have a lot of sugar, if that's something you're avoiding. The veggie skewer doesn't have sauce, at least. Years ago my sister was on a specific eating plan and she would ask for a salad at Pizza Port with the ingredients she couldn't have left out.

 

[jrtoastyman]

Thanks for the input. I would say that I'm looking to focus upon limiting carbs and fried foods, and eating more lean protein. Ultimately, though, my primary concern is added sugar and total calories. A day at Disneyland is active enough that something that isn't completely on point isn't going to be a huge deal, but I would still prefer to be as good as I can and avoiding ultra-processed foods.

 

[Indiana Scott]

We try to eat healthy as well. For the most part, we don't even do snacks unless it something like nuts or fruit we bring.
Finding relatively healthier foods took some research into the menu's at the various restaurants because they are few. It seem like most places have one or two lighter choices though.

A few of my favorites are:
The Crispy Chicken salad at The Golden Horseshoe
Chicken sausage in a pretzel Roll (with fresh fruit - not fries) and garden burger at the Village Haus
Roasted Turkey sandwich with fruit or one of the salads at Carnation Cafe.
Turkey Caesar wrap or Picnic Salad at The Hungry Bear.

Note that there are battered and fried chicken sandwiches/burgers served in many locations but they tend to have more fat and calories than their beef counterparts.

Enjoy!

 

[rentayenta]

I always find it a struggle to eat healthy in the parks as well. My best tip is to share meals and snacks. I don't need a whole churro, Dole Whip, etc....and touring not stuffed feels better too. More energy, less sluggish.

 

[SMD]

Also you can order things a la carte at most CS places. So just a burger or sandwich without fries. At Flo's you can get just sides. They're small portions, but since they pared down the menu I don't know how healthy they are or how much variety. Any TS place should be able to do their burger or sandwich as a lettuce wrap. Also kids meals can be a good option at CS. The kid's turkey hot dog might not be particularly "healthy" but it's a much smaller portion compared to a regular hot dog, it's not fried like a corn dog and it comes with apple slices or carrots depending on where you order it.

 

[MeridaPond]

I was in DL In Feb and newly on a diet. I ate Kids meals! You get carrots and apples along with whatever you chose (I recommend the Mac N Cheese!). Plus, you save significant $$. You can not do this at TS places (I don't think anyways) but at all the CS places you can order whatever you want. I lost weight during my trip and did not go hungry. You just have to look at the food differently - there is so much to enjoy at DL, food is but one tiny aspect.

 

[mich311e]

I had the kids meal bean burrito at Rancho Del Zocalo....more than enough food! And iced tea refills!

I saw a pre-prepared apple-cheddar salad at the Starbucks in DCA that looked really good. I'm vegetarian so I put that on my list for next trip. They also had one with chicken for meat eaters. It looked like it was a good, filling size.

Besides buying food I do the following every trip:
-bring bags of cut veggies (carrots, cucumber, celery or tomatoes) and I eat those in line somewhere.
-eat an apple every day
-bring water
-bring bags of mixed nuts

I lost weight last trip to Disneyland.

 

[ADLFAN]

I also like the smaller size of the kids meals, and the healthy sides they include. There are a handful of fruit carts throughout the parks, and we love snacking on a fresh pineapple spear, it's I've cold and refreshing on a hot day. They also have these mango slices with a spicy seasoning that I plan to try on this next trip. I have tried the apples and caramel dip and didn't really enjoy the flavor of the lemon soaked apple slices.

 

[amyg1975]

We are at River Belle yesterday and I had green beans with roasted chicken. Any of the table service restaurants will have healthier options. Salads at Pizza Port or Boardwalk (DCA) are a good option too.

 

[ClaraOswald]

I agree that kids meals may be a good option. Also you can probably substitute sides with meals and get carrots or something instead of fries.

I disagree with some things mentioned in this thread. Always remember that just because something is a salad...that doesn't mean it's healthy.

Though I do like the Fields Green Salad at Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta. Blue cheese is a bit fattening. Not sure how bad the dressing would be for you. It tasted good though.
Boardwalk Field Greens
fresh Greens topped with Tomatoes, Blue Cheese, Cucumbers, Dried Cranberries, Caramelized Pecans and Golden Raisins with a Basil Vinaigrette

This kid's meal at Rancho del Zocalo sounds good too....
Kids' Mickey Check Meal - Chicken Taco
served with Rice, Fruit, Vegetables and choice of small Lowfat Milk or small Dasani® Water.

Some places, like French Market, have oven-roasted chicken which is a better choice than fried foods.

 

[jrtoastyman]

Thanks to everyone for the ideas, I had not thought about kids meals, that might be a good option! The good news is that I'm at Disney parks with enough frequency that there's no sense of, "this will be my only chance to experience Mickey beignets," or anything like that, and it's a solo trip (I'm coming in early for a work trip in LA), so I won't have the social component of eating to lead me astray. More just a matter of finding something quick to keep me going that isn't a complete gut bomb.

 

[smartlabelprint]

At some restaurants the salads you can have the dressing on the side

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Our big "healthy tip" for DLR is to drink plenty of water. We find that skipping sodas and sugary drinks really helps us keep things under control. Dressing and sauces on the side, as mentioned above. Choosing veggies instead of fries or other heavier sides whenever possible. Sharing meals and snacks. Choosing fruit (pineapple spears -- yum!) instead of candy or fried snacks. There are so many little ways to aim for healthy at DLR. I say "aim" because, let's face it, when you're at DLR, you should have a little leeway to splurge now and then!

 

[ButterflyKisses77]

The sauces at Bengal BBQ have a lot of sugar, if that's something you're avoiding. The veggie skewer doesn't have sauce, at least.

You can ask for the meat without sauce. I get the grilled chicken with no sauce and they give you lemon slices to squirt on top - sooooo good! And with the grilled veggie skewer - perfect healthy meal!

 

[ParkHopper1]

Very possible to eat healthy...it is simply about making better choices and getting creative at times.

For example: At the Galactic grill in Tomorrowland they have your typical burgers and crap...well they have a decent chicken sandwich. Order that without a bun, get the apples instead of fries, add a side of a banana and get an unsweetened iced tea instead of a soda and you have a solid meal

One of my favorite things when I get a sugar craving is the sliced mangos that are at a lot of the outdoor grab and go market stands. They also have dried apple snacks that are great.

Almost every place has a healthier option to order so don't think you have to eat salads all day!

...except Dole Whip stand...no healthier options there!

 

[AZMermaid]

I am on a weight loss journey and have started with a 20+ lbs weight loss with Weight Watchers. We leave tomorrow for a 5 day DLR vacation. This is my plan:
Egg sandwich and fruit for breakfast in the room. This is heartier than my normal breakfast, but I am hoping it holds me over longer
AM snack- low fat cheese stick (brought in) and fruit from a fruit stand
PM snack- here I may let myself splurge a little- at least 1-2 of the days, otherwise split a snack or fruit

For meals- I have looked at the menus ahead of time and feel like I can get something most anywhere. I might not get the healthy option 100% of the time, but I will be more mindful overall in my choices. I try to take things one meal at a time. Every meal I make a better choice, is one less meal to work off later. The kids meal is a great idea!

I plan to drink a lot of water too.

I am hoping to maintain for the week and I could live with a small gain. I think that is possible with more mindful choices and the extra walking.

 

[basketballmom]

I like the grilled fish tacos at Rancho. You could get the sauce on the side. I do that, because it is spicy to me.

 

[disneyxica20]

i really like the chicken and rice kids' meal from the french market. it's the perfect size for me. i usually eat all the chicken and rice and save the fruit for later. if you like seafood, the lobster roll from harbour galley is really good too.