Hello All, i just returned from a lovely vacation. As a registered nutritionist however, i got a little worried with some things i saw. All of the portions at WDW are HUGE! I couldn't believe it. Many of the people i saw were on the larger side, and were going up to buffets as many as 4 times! Does anyone else thing Disney has a role to play in stopping this epidemic that is killing many people in this country?? How about smaller portions, more healthy options (i cant tell you how many times i saw burgers and ribs on menus)?? Lower salt options?? People can't make healthy choices if there aren't many to be had!! It seems some people go to Disney world solely to eat food. If the food is made healthier, we will all be better off. If i wrote to Disney, do you think it would make a difference?? I think the best way to start is to eliminate desserts with lunches on the dining plan. Completely unnecessary. Thoughts?? And anyone have an address to whom i could write??
) made wiser choices! I agree with other posters that it is not Disney's responsibility to monitor my diet, but I certainly do appreciate them making it easier for me to monitor my family's diet.
It is not up to anyone but each person to make their dietary choices. It is not up to you, or anyone else, to tell me what to eat or how to live my life. I am fortunate in that I do not have a weight issue...well, I could drop some, but it's not a huge issue. But, my ds and dd have their father's genetic makeup, so they tend to be heavy. And they both know that...it's not something they don't realize. But it's up to them to make dietary changes.
What's interesting is that sometimes some folks come back and complain how portion sizes have gotten smaller, in some cases (an action Disney has sometimes taken, seemingly in response to posters here sharing information about the best single meals that can be shared between two people).
Through education, yes. Disney presents EI programming (as well as other news and informational) on its ABC network (and perhaps other networks, and through attractions, perhaps, in their theme parks). That is the extent of Disney's role in addressing this problem.
The problem is that consumers feel cheated paying these high prices for smaller portions, even if they don't clean their plates. The problem stems from one of the most insidious aspects of restaurant management: The cost of food ingredients is just a small contributor to the value of a menu item. So cutting the size of a portion in half would reduce the price by perhaps 10%, but consumers would be much more likely to feel that they're not getting a good value that way.
Disney has tried healthier choices in the past, but on vacation a lot of folks generally prefer to indulge. Disney must listen to its customers.
If you're willing to pay more, there are full service restaurants that not only typically have healthier choices, but will typically custom-tailor what they offer to whatever dietary needs you might have. However, note that the desire for what you're asking for is so small that you'll only see corresponding limited consideration of it in the fast food eateries.
Have you see these threads?
I don't really think that's true. Here's why: Most folks only go on vacation one or two weeks a year. The number that spend a week at WDW is very small, as compared to the true scope of the problem. Changing what's available at WDW is going to have so little impact that the change could actually be counter-productive.
As a registered nutritionist I would think that you wouldn't be so judgmental! *Most* nutritionists have at least some experience working with people that have legitimate metabolism disorders (like myself). Just because someone is "larger" does not mean that they over eat! That is a stereotype and is deplorable that someone as "educated" as you would go around encouraging that type of thinking. Plus, obesity isn't the only epidemic. What about diabetes? Or high cholesterol? Often people with those equally serious diseases/disorders look perfectly "normal."
I wholeheartedly agree with you!
What about the whole fruit? The apples, bananas, oranges? The option of carrot sticks or apple slices instead of fries? The ability to order dressing on the side? How about the abundance of fresh fish, seafood, sushi, lean proteins, buffets with vegetarian and vegan items?
But you are making it specifically about Disney. The BIGGEST problem I can see is that people are quick to blame a company or an organization instead of taking personal responsibility. It is very easy to make SMART choices at Disney, you just have to use common sense.
To me the best possible advice on vacation or at home is:
Everything in moderation.
BUT that is simply advice. If someone wants to go to the buffer 10 times that is their choice.
I think there are better things to do on vacation than sit around and judge and criticize others
Exactly!! Don't spend your time worrying about what other people are eating when your on vacation, worry about yourself!!!
