Healthy quick service options?

[DaviVascaino]

Lol I wish they were that easy going. But you’re right they can go do something else if they don’t want to come.

yes. please remember that those characters are important for your children. they are part of the Disney experience, and when they grow up, they might not even care that much about that.

Let your parents know, explain the situation, I can guarantee they won't be offended. don't worry, enjoy with your children

 

[RoseGold]

I’m working on them agreeing to a character breakfast. Probably going to have to cancel one they are being stubborn on it and might just agree to one. I have crystal palace and Tusker House booked. Which would have more healthy options? I can’t really tell from the menus but I’m thinking Tusker House? They’re both early so no cross over with lunch foods.

If your kids are little and you're doing HS, I'd consider Hollywood & Vine. I think it's a better experience than either of the other ones. The buffet is just MASSIVE and much better than I expected. There's plenty of stuff on there for anyone.

It's not impossible to get with one of the trackers, especially for a late-ish lunch, like I try to do. Lunch is cheaper, but still has seasonal Mickey + Minnie. Breakfast has completely different characters, and I haven't been since Covid. But if the buffet is anything like lunch, it will be massive.

Another option would be to do the Snow White Artist Point dinner on arrival day. Menu was surprisingly healthy. Not a good idea for a park day, too much transport and takes too long.

 

[FCDub]

Agree that your parents should suck it up.

 

[kwdw]

If you want both character meals, keep both and let your folks decide if they are joining you at both or not. Both of those are great choices if you want to knock out character meets that way.

Also, seriously, make them read the QS menus in advance so they can see their choices and have a say in which ones to pick. There are healthier QS options in every park, but not all QS places are going to have things that will make them happy. Non picky eaters can eat at any of them, but they should see that if they participate in dining planning, there are choices they will feel better about.

 

[georgina]

Thank you they’ll definitely like this! Is there somewhere on Disneys website for the festivals menus? I couldn’t find it when searching dining but not sure if it’s in a different spot.

Google Disney food blog for festival menus

 

[R&RsMom]

For our trip in early December, I needed to eat very low fat because of recent surgery. I can tell you I ate well. Hollywood Studios was the hardest for counter service, but abc commissary had a Grilled chicken sandwich. Other places at studios, not so much. We had Candlelight Processional dining package at Rose and Crown in Epcot, and there was nothing on the menu that worked. However, they offered an adult portion of the children’s grilled chicken, which was delicious. so, if there are grilled items on the children’s menu, that’s an additional option. I have read that that might depend on whether the restaurant is Disney-owned.

 

[Rory607]

Sunshine Seasons at Epcot has delicious, healthy options. We typically eat pretty healthy, but definitely splurge on vacation. But I was happy to get something healthy there and also had grilled shrimp at Columbia Harbor House that was very good. And as far as the character breakfast, go if you want to go. It’s so much fun for kids and it’s your parents’ loss if they miss it. They could eat something else and meet up with you later.

 

[Rory607]

I just read through the thread more closely and have thoughts:
1. Flying Fish is excellent. But one of my kids is a very picky eater and wouldn’t eat any main dish from the kids’ menu. Our server was so kind and accommodating and made it work. She brought him French fries, fruit and a kids dessert. If you ask politely, they’ll try and help you!

2. Your parents really need to suck it up, which I know is easier said than done. Disney is a theme park and I actually find they do a great job of having varied food options. Other places are basic burgers, pizza, etc. But your parents need to look at menus ahead of time with you and get some ideas. It’s not your job to plan every meal for two adults.

3. Split up if you need to for some meals. Don’t cancel those character breakfasts! You and your daughter deserve to go. We split up from our party one night because it was another restaurant with nothing for my picky eater and I didn’t want to deal with it again. No hard feelings on anyone’s part, we just chose to go grab dinner elsewhere.

4. Are you, by chance, staying at a deluxe resort? If so, I have a suggestion for you.

 

[notatallmagic]

We try to eat pretty clean (with some food allergies, and a T1 diabetic).

At Animal Kingdom, definitely Satuli and also Flame Tree if they're willing to do protein.

Epcot - Coral Reef (if you can get in) has decent, clean entrees. Sunshine Seasons has several clean, healthy options; some of the booths during festivals have some clean options too.

Magic - We almost always do Jungle Skipper - the kid's steak meal is plenty big enough and there are several healthy side options. This is the toughest park for us - we sometimes walk to Contempo Cafe for a few more choices.

Our other (frequent) option is to eat during our mid-day break back at the resort. We order groceries for our trips to keep in room. One of our favorite quick service places is the one at Riviera - they have some great salads. Good luck!

 

[FSU Girl]

I just read through the thread more closely and have thoughts:
1. Flying Fish is excellent. But one of my kids is a very picky eater and wouldn’t eat any main dish from the kids’ menu. Our server was so kind and accommodating and made it work. She brought him French fries, fruit and a kids dessert. If you ask politely, they’ll try and help you!

2. Your parents really need to suck it up, which I know is easier said than done. Disney is a theme park and I actually find they do a great job of having varied food options. Other places are basic burgers, pizza, etc. But your parents need to look at menus ahead of time with you and get some ideas. It’s not your job to plan every meal for two adults.

3. Split up if you need to for some meals. Don’t cancel those character breakfasts! You and your daughter deserve to go. We split up from our party one night because it was another restaurant with nothing for my picky eater and I didn’t want to deal with it again. No hard feelings on anyone’s part, we just chose to go grab dinner elsewhere.

4. Are you, by chance, staying at a deluxe resort? If so, I have a suggestion for you.

Wish my parents were easy going but they can be a bit stubborn lol. And they aren’t big planners so I definitely need to do most of the leg work here. I’m hoping to avoid any stresses while there. We haven’t picked a hotel yet, I made a post trying to figure how to keep the cost hidden from my parents because they don’t like spending a lot on hotels and I like staying deluxe. What is your suggestion?

 

[Rory607]

Wish my parents were easy going but they can be a bit stubborn lol. And they aren’t big planners so I definitely need to do most of the leg work here. I’m hoping to avoid any stresses while there. We haven’t picked a hotel yet, I made a post trying to figure how to keep the cost hidden from my parents because they don’t like spending a lot on hotels and I like staying deluxe. What is your suggestion?

Well, it might not work if they don’t want to spend money. But if it’s in your budget, consider doing club level at one of the deluxe resorts. We’ve stayed club level at two different resorts and found there to be healthy food options available and makes breakfast so much easier. No two club lounges are the same, but we’ve been happy with the ones we’ve tried.

 

[TwoMisfits]

Wish my parents were easy going but they can be a bit stubborn lol. And they aren’t big planners so I definitely need to do most of the leg work here. I’m hoping to avoid any stresses while there. We haven’t picked a hotel yet, I made a post trying to figure how to keep the cost hidden from my parents because they don’t like spending a lot on hotels and I like staying deluxe. What is your suggestion?

Is cost also a factor for dining?

My brother has in-laws that also are very frugal. So, they don't travel much together b/c it causes so much stress. When they do, my brother pays for everything, so they don't always "not do something" b/c the in-laws see the cost.

If cost is a factor and you like deluxe, I would suggest renting DVC that comes with a kitchen, so you can have groceries delivered (both for health and frugality for your in laws) for when you and the in laws want to do a different thing and you can't afford two more expensive plates per fixed price meal and yet you don't want to miss them for yourself, either...

 

[Moliphino]

Even Cosmic Ray's has salad options. I'm not sure how good they are, as it is Cosmic Ray's, but they exist. None of the MK QS food is particularly good, healthy or otherwise.

 

[Miffy]

For the MK day, consider making a reservation at GFC. It's easy to get to from MK and there are many options that could be considered healthy, depending on what your parents' preferences are. Also, there are off-menu options there and a chef will be willing to work with you to come up with something different.

For example, there's a miso-glazed salmon dish on the menu. Maybe your parents are okay with salmon. However, even though this isn't on the menu, they will make the miso-glazed salmon with tofu instead of salmon. You don't even need to speak to a chef to get this.

My suggestion for everywhere is to book TS restaurants, since they can at least try to accommodate your parents. At QS, you're at the mercy of the menu.

QS breakfasts, though, are easy: oatmeal or overnight oats and fruit. I think these are available at all the resorts.

 

[notatallmagic]

Wish my parents were easy going but they can be a bit stubborn lol. And they aren’t big planners so I definitely need to do most of the leg work here. I’m hoping to avoid any stresses while there. We haven’t picked a hotel yet, I made a post trying to figure how to keep the cost hidden from my parents because they don’t like spending a lot on hotels and I like staying deluxe. What is your suggestion?

This is tricky - we run into some of the same issues traveling with family groups.

The idea of staying somewhere with a kitchen and ordering groceries may be an option; I just don't enjoy cooking and dishes on vacation, but that could be a solution.

Depending on your touring style, access to parks is a big thing for me, so Skyliner/Epcot area resorts offer lots of price points with pretty easy access. Sometimes a Preferred room at a Moderate resort is a nice option (like at Caribbean Beach); they also have several restaurants on site that might be good for your group; and the Riviera quick service is super close too.

 

[karen4546]

Thank you everyone! This is all very helpful.

I’m working on them agreeing to a character breakfast. Probably going to have to cancel one they are being stubborn on it and might just agree to one. I have crystal palace and Tusker House booked. Which would have more healthy options? I can’t really tell from the menus but I’m thinking Tusker House? They’re both early so no cross over with lunch foods.

We like the options at Tusker House. Sounds like a great vacation.

 

[DaviVascaino]

Wish my parents were easy going but they can be a bit stubborn lol. And they aren’t big planners so I definitely need to do most of the leg work here. I’m hoping to avoid any stresses while there. We haven’t picked a hotel yet, I made a post trying to figure how to keep the cost hidden from my parents because they don’t like spending a lot on hotels and I like staying deluxe. What is your suggestion?

I love my parents to the moon and back. Super grateful about everything they have done. however, if they are going to be difficult about the restaurants I want to go with my children during a magical vacation for my children, I would tell them to pound sand.
good luck, you are going to need it

 

[DL1WDW2]

. oops wrong thread

 

[soniam]

Even Cosmic Ray's has salad options. I'm not sure how good they are, as it is Cosmic Ray's, but they exist. None of the MK QS food is particularly good, healthy or otherwise.

The salad at Cosmic Ray’s is actually really good. Lots of dark green lettuce as opposed to iceberg or romaine. It has been a goto of mine in recent trips. Otherwise, QS at MK is a bit of a wasteland. Tony’s actually had a good salad. I added grilled shrimp, and it was a really good size.

 

[FSU Girl]

The salad at Cosmic Ray’s is actually really good. Lots of dark green lettuce as opposed to iceberg or romaine. It has been a goto of mine in recent trips. Otherwise, QS at MK is a bit of a wasteland. Tony’s actually had a good salad. I added grilled shrimp, and it was a really good size.

That’s good to know! I know they hate iceberg since it really has no nutrition so they’d appreciate a real leafy salad