Has Disney gone too far with the "healthier options" menu changes?

[Tricia1972]

I was at WDW last month and I personally didn't notice a difference in the taste of the rolls.

don't blame Disney. I blame our OVERLY-litigous society as well as people who blame everyone but themselves . Instead of people taking personal responsibility for what they eat, they would rather blame corporations (such as McDonalds) for making them fat.

Understandbly, this makes companies like Disney feel the pressure to do something, even though it may not be in the best interests of all of their customers.

I hate to say this, but I agree with you on this point. The stupid thing is that people are WINNING these crazy lawsuits.

They're stupid lawsuits to begin with, I mean if a person is going to stuff themselves, it doesn't matter how much healthy food is around - they'll still eat junk.

 

[sandym718]

I'm one who enjoys splurging on vacation - and sometimes at home too. I have a few pounds I'd like to lose, but I'm not overweight, I also exercise regularly and have always gotten a clean bill of health at the Dr. To me - everything in moderation is the KEY!!! So, that said - I think it's great for Disney to offer more healthy choices. I personally love fruit and would prefer that over fries any day as a side dish, as do my kids (I don't know that they've ever had McD's fries - they love the apples!). BUT, I think Disney needs to make sure there are CHOICES!!! Why do they have to take away the "old" options to have the new? Why not just both? Not everyone prefers fruit over fries. I personally am not much of a cooked veggie person. I love my fruit, but I also love my chocolate!! I know there's tons of chocolate options in WDW, but I'd hate for that to go away. I'm another who LOVED the packaged Toll House sandwich I had last spring - so yummy. I sure hope they're not gone!!

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

I like the changes. I like being able to obtain my foods of choice now. I don't change my eating habits when I am on vacation as it would rebound on my health.

I do realize not everyone likes the same things and it would be really nice to see choice, but if it has to be one way or the other, I'll go with the healthier choices, thanks.

 

[SuzieN]

I think choices are great! I, myself, like to splurge while on vacation. What I think is a shame is the lousy choices for kids. Yeah great, offer them salads [ my 2 youngest will eat them], but how about a burger option for them? I planned even our CS meals before our trip earlier in the month because I needed to make sure there were things my kids would eat. I ended up sharing a lot with my 9 year old because, let's face it, what 9 year old is satisfied with about a cup of salad or 4 chicken nuggets! I can't wait until they are all over 11!

 

[krissyh]

I am all for offering healthy options, some people, can't say I understand them , want to eat healthy, even on vacation. More power to them.
Me? I want chicken strips, steak, milk shakes made with ice cream, not no fat frozen yogurt. Low fat mac and cheese sounds like punishment to me!
WDW would be far better off offering choices - white or wheat (I only eat good grilled WNY hot dogs but you know the hamburgers and chicken sandwiches will be next), fruit or fries, even offering cheese sauce on the side in a cup rather than on the stand, but offer the choice or lose customers.
The accountants will say it is too costly to offer both, but if they see a decline in sales,

By the way, my weight, blood pressure, etc. are perfect, you think they'd give me chicken strips if I get a doctor's note?

 

[taitai]

Love the changes but don't think they go far enough. In fact, we are not doing the DDP because of the lousy choices for kids. My children do not eat red meat (except maybe once or twice a year and then it is organic, grass-fed) and they do eat lots of salads, fish, fruit and green vegetables (they are 4 and 5). In the DDP there are simply not enough low-fat protein and veggie options for them so we are going OOP so I can order non-kids meals and salads that will meet their needs.

I don't think anywhere Disney is saying you can't eat this. All they are saying is we are not going to sell it. Just like smoking or drinking to excess. You can do it all you want, just not at Disney. I think it is great and probably has a ton to do with the bottom line. They are a huge employer with enormous health insurance bills and any little bit they can do to keep their employees and their families eating correctly and cutting down on obesity related health issues is good business. As a stock holder, I am all for it.

I am also all for special treats and splurges on vacation but those are never food (which doesn't mean we won't have sundae's and cookies on our trip...I have a HUGE sweet tooth). But food is not a reward in our house, so special treats are always other things...a new book, going to a Twins game, family hike, etc.

As for those who need to eat to gain weight...any nutritionist will tell you healthy fats, lean proteins and appropriate carbs are the way to go. Not chem cheese laden fries.

taitai

 

[1andrea]

I am an adult I have many responsibilities in my life and its MY responsibility to choose what I eat and if Disney takes away my meal of choice I will eat offsite.

I really LOVE the chicken strips and I eat them twice/three times max on a 14day trip. If they are not there I will not feel forced to buy a healthier alternative I will simply eat off site and make MY own choices.

I dont want to eat off property but I will if Disney forces me too.

And wheat buns are a no no for me if I want a Hot Dog I would not buy it on a wheat bun but I have probably ate one hotdog in the past 3 14 day trips to Disney World.

 

[DisneyGirlie]

I'm kind of upset about the changes too. I understand that Disney wants everyone to be healthy and live long, magical lives, but vacation is a special time. You can eat healthy at home on a regular basis, but vacation is like a special occasion where you should be able to eat whatever you want, especially since there's so much walking involved.
I say bring on the Mickey bars and fries and chicken strips!

 

[TDC Nala]

I don't think anywhere Disney is saying you can't eat this. All they are saying is we are not going to sell it. Just like smoking or drinking to excess. You can do it all you want, just not at Disney.

As far as I know you're welcome to smoke and drink to excess at Disney...you just have to smoke in designated areas and you can't buy alcohol in the Magic Kingdom.

They still sell the junk food...you just have to know where to find it. And the children's dining plan only costs $10 for a table service, a counter service, and a snack per night of your stay. That sort of limits the amount of quality options that can be made available. Nevertheless, Disney did make the attempt, limiting children's meals to raw vegetable appetizers, desserts consisting of fruit or sugarless jello or maybe some ice cream at TS places, offering fruit in place of french fries (and not allowing substitutions in some cases) and making liberal use of grilled chicken in both chilled and unchilled form. Apparently because of protests by guests, who insisted that their children would not eat the meals, they found it necessary to return to offering "typical theme park kid food." I haven't seen the raw veggie appetizer anywhere lately, or the apples with cinnamon that was offered as a typical child's dessert not so long ago. Now it's cookies and ice cream again.

 

[jodifla]

Love the changes but don't think they go far enough. In fact, we are not doing the DDP because of the lousy choices for kids. My children do not eat red meat (except maybe once or twice a year and then it is organic, grass-fed) and they do eat lots of salads, fish, fruit and green vegetables (they are 4 and 5). In the DDP there are simply not enough low-fat protein and veggie options for them so we are going OOP so I can order non-kids meals and salads that will meet their needs.

I don't think anywhere Disney is saying you can't eat this. All they are saying is we are not going to sell it. Just like smoking or drinking to excess. You can do it all you want, just not at Disney. I think it is great and probably has a ton to do with the bottom line. They are a huge employer with enormous health insurance bills and any little bit they can do to keep their employees and their families eating correctly and cutting down on obesity related health issues is good business. As a stock holder, I am all for it.

I am also all for special treats and splurges on vacation but those are never food (which doesn't mean we won't have sundae's and cookies on our trip...I have a HUGE sweet tooth). But food is not a reward in our house, so special treats are always other things...a new book, going to a Twins game, family hike, etc.

As for those who need to eat to gain weight...any nutritionist will tell you healthy fats, lean proteins and appropriate carbs are the way to go. Not chem cheese laden fries.

taitai

I don't need WDW tell me or my kids what to eat. And really, I doubt that's what's behind this.

I'm not sure why Disney keeps monkeying with the chicken strips. I'd bet 90 percent of kids have this as a staple in their diet, and special needs kids, of which Disney has more than it's fair share as guests, are particularly fond of chicken strips.

It's a dumb decision on their part...although it looks like since they've traded strips for nuggets, it's all about the price, not health.

WDW absolutely responds to enough complaints. I encourage everyone to email, snail mail, and follow up with a call.

Every other family restaurant in America has figured out what kids like to eat, and they offer it. Not sure why WDW has trouble in this regard.

 

[1andrea]

The chicken strips change cannot be about health. Lots of smaller pieces of chicken coated and deep fried will be less healthy than 3 larger pieces of chicken that are coated and deep fried.

 

[surfergirl602]

I've never eaten the food there yet, so I don't think it will make a difference to me. I wouldn't have even known that there was a change if I hadn't read this thread. We all try to eat healthy here, and stick with it. My hubby is always fighting his weight so that he can pass his PT test (army) so we all try to support him. My kids actually prefer to eat a salad over fries, given the choice, but I think that if we splurged every day and ate "junk" more than usual, we'd all have indigestion and tummy aches since we wouldn't be used to eating it. I am going to have to search for one of those toll house cookie sandwiches!! yum!!

 

[Amy&Dan]

I still say that putting a wheat bun on a hot dog is sort of like smoking and having a nice juicy piece of fruit while you puff away. The fruit coupled with the cigarette will not make the cigarette a healthy choice! If somebody wants a hot dog, I think they left the whole "I want to be healthy" idea behind at home. More than anything, I think this particular latest, and not so greatest idea of Disney's is just lame and pointless.

I agree, more fruit carts, salads made with non iceberg lettuce, choices of wheat or white bun all go a long ways towards good health. Disney does this, but could do a bit more and that would be a real step in the right direction, it already is imho.

And I won't sit here and kid you guys with a statement of how healthy and thin I am because but I am not thin. But I didn't get to where I am because I ate too many white buns at home or at WDW. This issue goes way deeper than what we eat on vacation. Unfortunately, as a society that has about twenty fastfood establishments on every corner and sells soda pop at public schools (and candy, twinkies, pop tarts and fruit roll ups), it will take more than putting processed meat on wheat buns to tackle the problem.

I just have to say that a place that still sells an enormous amount of junk food, has about 20 or more all you can eat buffets, sells refillable mugs to pump yourself and your kids full of sugar is not going to win any healthy habits awards. Wheat buns aside.

The vast majority of people I know who are thin and healthy eat what they want in moderation and exercise. Especially on vacation!

 

[sandym718]

As far as I know you're welcome to smoke and drink to excess at Disney...you just have to smoke in designated areas and you can't buy alcohol in the Magic Kingdom.

They still sell the junk food...you just have to know where to find it. And the children's dining plan only costs $10 for a table service, a counter service, and a snack per night of your stay. That sort of limits the amount of quality options that can be made available. Nevertheless, Disney did make the attempt, limiting children's meals to raw vegetable appetizers, desserts consisting of fruit or sugarless jello or maybe some ice cream at TS places, offering fruit in place of french fries (and not allowing substitutions in some cases) and making liberal use of grilled chicken in both chilled and unchilled form. Apparently because of protests by guests, who insisted that their children would not eat the meals, they found it necessary to return to offering "typical theme park kid food." I haven't seen the raw veggie appetizer anywhere lately, or the apples with cinnamon that was offered as a typical child's dessert not so long ago. Now it's cookies and ice cream again.

Oh, that is a bummer if raw veggie appy for kids is gone, that they loved!! Again, moderation is key for us - if they have a veggie appy, maybe pasta or grilled chicken for the entree (they shared), I definitely didn't mind some ice cream for dessert!! I just like having the choices!

I think part of the problem, for us at least, with the healthy kids TS offerings were the way they were Take it all or Leave it. You had to have the appy, entree, dessert paired just as they listed it. Many times one out of those 3 was something they (or one, since they shared) wouldn't like. It never really was a problem for us - they always just ordered from the a la carte choices and it was fine.

I personally loved the fruit sides for the kids at CS, as far as I know fries were always an option (as stated on the menus) but we never got them. Again, the choices!

It's just hard when the kids' meal menus are generally somewhat small to begin with if they cut the choices even more.

 

[TDC Nala]

I don't have children. I haven't paid a lot of attention. From the recent menus I have been posted, no raw veggie appetizer for children that I can find (except the Grand Floridian Cafe which lists carrot and celery sticks as a choice), although a lot of TS places have a garden salad available.

 

[GurGie]

Has anyone been recently and had the packaged Nestle toll house cookie bars?!? Those are my big splurge!

 

[fla4fun]

What I don't understand is why they don't look for a source of whole wheat or whole grain products that look like white. We buy bread at the grocery (the name of which escapes me at the moment) that is whole grain and the color and texture is not far from white bread. It doesn't have that overly "grainy" taste that some whole grain products have, but it has more fiber and is better for us. It would be a better compromise, and many people probably wouldn't know the difference.

For the record, I can't stand whole wheat buns for burgers or hot dogs. I also don't like whole wheat and peanut butter. It's just a taste combination I don't like. My experience with burgers and the new buns was kind of hit and miss on my trip last month, and when I got a wheat bun, I just ate the meat and left the bun. I guess I'll be eating a lot more meals in my DVC unit on the next trip if all the buns are wheat and all the chicken nuggets are baked.

 

[simonkodousek]

What I don't understand is why they don't look for a source of whole wheat or whole grain products that look like white. We buy bread at the grocery (the name of which escapes me at the moment) that is whole grain and the color and texture is not far from white bread. It doesn't have that overly "grainy" taste that some whole grain products have, but it has more fiber and is better for us. It would be a better compromise, and many people probably wouldn't know the difference.

That is a really good idea. The whole grain white bread that we buy is from Sara Lee. I think Wonder even makes it!

For the record, I can't stand whole wheat buns for burgers or hot dogs. I also don't like whole wheat and peanut butter. It's just a taste combination I don't like. My experience with burgers and the new buns was kind of hit and miss on my trip last month, and when I got a wheat bun, I just ate the meat and left the bun. I guess I'll be eating a lot more meals in my DVC unit on the next trip if all the buns are wheat and all the chicken nuggets are baked.

I HATE whole wheat buns on hot dogs, and especially burgers. Why can't Disney simply get better whole wheat products that donh't crumble?

 

[brighteyes]

Ok this really bums me out about the chicken strips. Why don't they offer a choice, strips or nuggets, whole wheat or white bun. I think WDW is going too far with this.

At home we only eat 100% whole grain bread but like our white buns once in a while. I for one loooove any kind of cheese, real or fake, it's all good. I also ate cheese sauce on my fries almost everyday of our vacation. Why? Because I was on vacation. I did eat healthier meals other times, but I splurged.

The chicken strips is a real bummer. We were on the DP last summer and my DS12 was an "adult". This is about the only meal he really liked and ate it at least once a day. Since having those chicken strips, he does not eat nuggets anymore, even the whitemeat ones.

We just bought chicken strips from the grocery store and he said they're just like the ones at Disney.

My son does eat veggies, brocoli and green beans but did not see those much at Disney, so he stuck with the chicken strips or burger or pizza.

The other thing that really struck me as strange while I was in Florida, I did not see one Florida orange the whole time I was there. I saw apples, grapes and bananas, but why no oranges, I mean it is Florida after all right?? I was really looking forward to having a nice, juicy florida orange every day. Seems sooo strange.

I was planning a trip to WDW but now am reconsidering as not sure what my son will eat everyday now that the chicken strips are gone. At home DS eats chicken strips at least 3 or 4 days of the week. At least it's chicken and at least its whitemeat. I would rather him eat the chicken strips at WDW everyday over the pizza. I lost about 100.00 paying for the dining plan as the adult meals didn't really appeal to him much.

Really bummed out about this...and if they are soo worried about healthy options, why do they still have McD's there? Would rather my son eat chicken strips over McD's everyday.

Stephanie

 

[Family Fun Mom]

Studies show that 65% of all americans are considered overweight or obese. The percentage by 2010 is expected to be somewhere around 75%. : (

The more weight we carry, the more medical issues we have. (ex: diabetes, heart attacks/strokes, falls etc.) In turn, this costs insurance companies a lot more money. I'm thinking Disney is trying to get on the bandwagon to help these percentages go down. I even notice fast food places/restaurants here offering more healthier choices which to me is a great thing.

Even though I'm vacationing at Disney doesn't mean good health should go out the door? My family has a high rate of diabetes in it on both sides so my kids % rate to have it is very high. I have always tried to teach them good eating habits so as adults they won't face so many health issues. They are both teens now and do very well with food. They both love salads and fruits/vegetables...etc. They know that eating good is simply a lifestyle.

I say way to go Disney

Way to go Disney, and way to go to loss of freedom.

If I want to squirt cheese sauce into my mouth straight from the package, I should be able to. To quote one of my favorite lines from the movie Coming to America "This is America, jack!" I should be able to eat what I want, when I want, and how I want it. If that makes me a big old fattie, then so be it. My life, my body. Our fore fathers are probably turning in their graves at this new "you're too stupid to make your own choices, so we'll do it for you" way of thinking. Isn't that why our ancestors came here? Isn't that what we revolted against back in 1775? All of the great men and women who fought and died for our freedoms are probably turning in their graves, too. Shame on anyone who supports this stripping of free will.

I am all for offering healthy choices for those who want to maintain a certain diet while at Disney, but it should be a CHOICE. As I said before, this is America, jack! Choice is what we're supposed to be all about.