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

[angelmav]

If this is all about avoiding a lawsuit, our society is even more pathetic than that sugar free jello.

 

[PlutoLuvr]

I don't think this is about liability and lawsuits. Those suits that were filed against companies for "making them fat," have been thrown out to my knowledge. Now, companies who say one thing on their ingredient list and it turns out not to be true, those suits are moving forward. But, for instance, the one against McDonalds was dismissed a long time ago.

Anyway, I think they're doing this based on a profit thing. I think they probably scored a nice deal with a particular vendor and they might think this will score some good points with those that prefer healthy foods.

But where I'm scratching my head is a hot dog isn't a "healthy food" no matter what kind of bun you put it in. And the CS burgers they're using instantly brought me back to a fourth grade cafeteria in public schools. Really, really nasty. Actually, they remind me of the burgers that were sold at WDW in the '70s and '80s. And this isn't a matter of personal choice or preference. I like a good burger, and I also like my organic ground flaxseed cereal. There is no way the burgers that are currently being served at the CS places can be categorized as "healthy" no matter what you serve them on.

Even the salads aren't what I'd call healthy. Sure, there's some iceburg lettuce ... which has absolutely no nutritional value. It's water. What do you pour all over that salad? Salad dressing full of high-fructose corn syrup, partially-hydrogenated oil, msg and other "preservatives."

So, IMO, Disney hasn't gone "healthy" yet. They've reduced their portion sizes and gone el cheapo on some of their ingredients and menu items.

 

[Lucky'sMom]

I want some healthy meal options at the restaurants. But I want those to be separate options. I don't want them to change the hamburger into a veggie burger on a whole wheat bun! I just want options, not mandated changes to existing selections. The kids meal thing was a real issue for us on our last trip (before they allowed the soft drinks and fries again). Our rule on vacations with lunch and dinner drinks for the kids is that one meal must be milk and the other can be soda pop. They do not drink pop every day at home, only occassionally, which is why it is a treat on vacation. Likewise with the fries vs. carrots/grapes. Miserable kids make miserable parents. I don't want Disney to "parent" me with regard to my dining choices. I want to choose healthy options sometimes, and a good ole' burger and fries sometimes.

 

[MidgeD79]

if WDW was really concerned about my (our) health, they would ban smoking in the entire resort area.

 

[Mermaid_Ariel]

if WDW was really concerned about my (our) health, they would ban smoking in the entire resort area.

Amen.

 

[A fat english gent]

if WDW was really concerned about my (our) health, they would ban smoking in the entire resort area.

Amen.

And then all the smokers would stop attending the parks and the price would go up even more,am a none-smoker and if someone lights up outside in the fresh air it's nobody Else's business but their own....If you or anybody else is offended by this it's simple DO GO TO THE PARKS....

 

[jacksmomma]

Coming from someone who eats a mostly organic diet, Yay to Disney! I wish there were more healthy options. I wish there were more vegetarian options on the menus. It is kind of sad to be treated like a weirdo because you are doing something healthy for yourself, your family, and the environment.

 

[tigger536]

I'm all for OPTIONS. But don't take away people's favorites. Most people will definately mix in healthier choices if given the option. But most will splurge some too - it is after all a vacation. Don't big brother me, is all I'm saying.

And unfortunately, Disney is waay to cost conscious to ever go organic, despite the benefits.

That's part of why this feels so disingenuous to me - the foods they've removed likely have a cost benefit to disney, yet they are billing it as "for our health". Be honest and just admit you're being cheap.

 

[Tricia1972]

Other than changing the buns from white to wheat enhanced, where there is no option for white, what has Disney removed from the menu?

Everyone seems so upset about the changes, and I can only really see one big change. I also read about the removal of options, but I only see the one option removed.

The level of concern just seems disproportionate to the change made. Maybe I am missing something.

(Before mentioning the chicken strips, they're the same strips - just smaller now and unfortunately Disney calls them nuggets, but they're the same meat and deep fried)

 

[tigger536]

Also low fat mac and cheese and (maybe) the removal of prepackaged ice cream cookie sandwiches. And the removal of the cheese sauce from the toppings bars that used to have them.

And change to something beloved (as WDW is to most of us) is always hard, even the small ones.

 

[Mermaid_Ariel]

And then all the smokers would stop attending the parks and the price would go up even more,am a none-smoker and if someone lights up outside in the fresh air it's nobody Else's business but their own....If you or anybody else is offended by this it's simple DO GO TO THE PARKS....

No, actually. It's against the law in NJ to smoke in restaurants, indoor public areas (shopping malls, hotels and BARS). Last I checked, it didn't stop anybody from patronizing a bar.

It IS my business when I'm in an area, outdoors or not and subjected to your habit.

I'm sure in the next few years we'll be seeing more things added to this list.

 

[Tricia1972]

I know that some removed cheese sauce (Pecos Bill's?) But I read yesterday that Casey's still has it. I think that that has little to do with healthy and more with CHEAP (like you said)

When did the mac and cheese change to low fat? I don't remember seeing anything about it. Does it taste any different?

 

[tigger536]

Yep, the cheese sauce at Pecos Bill's bit the dust awhile back. I agree, that was cost saving -ppl were making a meal out of the toppings bar!

I haven't had the new mac and cheese yet (but the old version was a favorite at CHH - along with the chicken strips). An earlier poster on this thread said it was pretty bad though.

 

[PaulaSB12]

No, actually. It's against the law in NJ to smoke in restaurants, indoor public areas (shopping malls, hotels and BARS). Last I checked, it didn't stop anybody from patronizing a bar.

It IS my business when I'm in an area, outdoors or not and subjected to your habit.

I'm sure in the next few years we'll be seeing more things added to this list.

I am posting his comments again
And then all the smokers would stop attending the parks and the price would go up even more,am a non-smoker and if someone lights up outside in the fresh air it's nobody Else's business but their own....If you or anybody else is offended by this it's simple DO GO TO THE PARKS....


He is a non smoker so what habit does he have that could hurt you? I am also a non smoker who doesn't see the need to ban smoking from the parks.

 

[DisMN]

Yep, the cheese sauce at Pecos Bill's bit the dust awhile back. I agree, that was cost saving -ppl were making a meal out of the toppings bar!

I heard rumors that people were filling up their refillable mugs with the cheese sauce. Disney must'a lost millions in that fiasco........forever known as the RCC. (the Refillable Cheese Caper)

 

[tigger536]

I am posting his comments again
And then all the smokers would stop attending the parks and the price would go up even more,am a non-smoker and if someone lights up outside in the fresh air it's nobody Else's business but their own....If you or anybody else is offended by this it's simple DO GO TO THE PARKS....


He is a non smoker so what habit does he have that could hurt you? I am also a non smoker who doesn't see the need to ban smoking from the parks.

I completely agree. In fact (putting flame suit on now) I hope they never ban it completely from the parks. Many families with smokers would forgo WDW if this happens. A full day is too long to be trapped someone you can't smoke if you are a smoker. I know this not from my own experience (I have never smoked) but from my mother's. She would not set foot in WDW if smoking were banned - she couldn't last that long without a cigarette. So such a policy would be punishing the family members of those who can't/ won't quit, because they would loose outon trips to WDW. I must also add that she is a considerate smoker, who sticks to the designated areas and cleans up the mess. Its possible for non- and smoker to coexist if everyone is considerate.

OK, back to complaining about food now...

 

[Caren]

On my last trip, I was struck by how generally unhealthy the counter-service choices were--lots of cheap starches and sugar. They desperately need more healthy options. I don't know if whole-wheat hot-dog buns are the way to do it, though. Blech.

 

[Mermaid_Ariel]

I am posting his comments again
And then all the smokers would stop attending the parks and the price would go up even more

And I'll repeat what I said. If a smoking ban state-wide in bars of all places didn't deter people from patronizing, I highly doubt that a smoking ban in an amusement park would either.

I'm not going to turn this discussion into a smoking debate. This is and just my opinion since someone mentioned it.

 

[DCDisney]

We just returned from our annual end of Jan trip and many of the foods had changed. We didn't notice the strip/nugget issue because we aren't big strip eaters BUT the good news is that for nugget eaters the new nuggets are now all white meat which my kids vastly preferred. The mac and cheese was awful a few places still had the old kind but it was hit or miss. I'm guessing like the strips it's a gradual change of using up supply. Many places have started serving whole grain pasta which just doesn't taste the same at all. All of the places that serve the round plate sized pizza (pizzafari, pizza planet, resorts) and the large resort and buffet pizzas have switched to a multigrain crust. This crust has flax seeds and sunflower seeds in it so it is full of little lumps and for anyone with nut allergies it is not safe from cross contam due to the stupid seeds. Buns and breads have also switched to a similar multigrain yuck. The first ingredient was still flour so not that much healthier anyway. The CS kids meals in general were better than last year (because of having more side options) but it was very hit or miss trying to avoid some of the multigrain stuff. The kids sections on buffets had baked chicken rather than nuggets most places now as well.

 

[Amy&Dan]

But where I'm scratching my head is a hot dog isn't a "healthy food" no matter what kind of bun you put it in. And the CS burgers they're using instantly brought me back to a fourth grade cafeteria in public schools. Really, really nasty. Actually, they remind me of the burgers that were sold at WDW in the '70s and '80s. And this isn't a matter of personal choice or preference. I like a good burger, and I also like my organic ground flaxseed cereal. There is no way the burgers that are currently being served at the CS places can be categorized as "healthy" no matter what you serve them on.

Even the salads aren't what I'd call healthy. Sure, there's some iceburg lettuce ... which has absolutely no nutritional value. It's water. What do you pour all over that salad? Salad dressing full of high-fructose corn syrup, partially-hydrogenated oil, msg and other "preservatives."

So, IMO, Disney hasn't gone "healthy" yet. They've reduced their portion sizes and gone el cheapo on some of their ingredients and menu items.

That's exactly my school of thought. Like I said back on page one, I was thrilled when they offered carrots instead of fries if you wanted. I don't think I've eaten a fry at WDW since. I love salads, but I like them with real lettuce leaves and a dressing that doesn't list stuff I can't pronounce in the ingredients.

Again, if Disney really wants to take stides towards better health for their guests, they need to do more than offered processed weenies on wheat buns.