Should Disney add calorie counts?

[emmabemmainc]

Kaytie--I'm still sort of confused as to what you meant, but I'll take your word for it!
I also, obviously, agree with your last statement. I think people like to plead ignorance as they're stuffing their face w/ greasy foods. That way they can blame someone else. What's wrong w/ just saying, "yeah, I like to eat food that's bad for me!!" ????


I think that if you get a sub and put stuff on it (mayo, oil and vinegar), there will be fat grams involved--also, if a salad has cheese, bacon, eggs, etc..on it and then you put dressing on it, yeah--it is fattening.

 

[Keegansmommy]

I think that ALL restaurants should have nutritional information available. Not necessarily on the menu, but available in some form.

 

[AlohaAnnie]

No Calorie Counts for me I do not want to know, I am on vacation

But it would be nice for those indivduals that want it

 

[AustinTink]

I think that ALL restaurants should have nutritional information available. Not necessarily on the menu, but available in some form.

Many do. I'm in the habit of finding the nutritional info for the restaurants we got to. Most of them, if they have a website, will have that info listed. It really helps me, as I posted earlier I'm on a restricted diet and have to watch my sodium intake closely. I really don't think it's a bad thing to have this info posted in the CS restaurants at Disney. TS restaurants can just have the info available upon request. It would really help people in my situation.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Kaytie--I'm still sort of confused as to what you meant, but I'll take your word for it!

Okay, well, I think you were thinking I was saying to provide the actual nutritional information in big letters? As if we weren't both already confused enough . What I was actually saying is that they could put, in big letters if they wish, at the bottom of each page of the menu THAT nutritional information is available - so you are making a wise choice in taking my word

I think that if you get a sub and put stuff on it (mayo, oil and vinegar), there will be fat grams involved--also, if a salad has cheese, bacon, eggs, etc..on it and then you put dressing on it, yeah--it is fattening.

Yep. Subway is a good example. They - at least the one I go to on occasion - have a cardboard display with the menus; customers can take one. They have a separate display with individual copies of each item's nutritional information. I was pretty stunned at the calories and fat in my favorite sub (tuna, cheese, toasted, chipotle sauce, lettuce/onion/tomato/pickle for health ), so I've cut WAY down on ordering them - but when I do, it's with full knowledge of what I'm eating. Okay, fine - it's been about six months since I had one

 

[maraki527]

The food at disney doesnt have calories.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I really don't think it's a bad thing to have this info posted in the CS restaurants at Disney.

Respectfully, I disagree - for simple logistical reasons. You already have a dozen people/parties in line who haven't decided by the time they get to the register what they want to eat, and now you're throwing additional information in for confusion?

I think the same thing at all restaurants - that the information should be available on request. As with Subway - even a cardboard display with individual take-away sheets. People who want the information can take it, and make informed decisions before reaching the order point; people who don't want it, or don't care, can avoid having more information thrown at them and slow down their decision-making.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

I think it should be available upon request. Not on the menu.

When I go out to eat I check out the calorie counters for the restaurant online. most have it.

LOTS of foods can trick you. How many foods seem healthy but have more calories than a double cheeseburger?

I learned that once I started my weight loss journey. I'm down almost 30 pounds. I will let loose at Disney a bit but I don't want to over do it too much.

 

[AustinTink]

Respectfully, I disagree - for simple logistical reasons. You already have a dozen people/parties in line who haven't decided by the time they get to the register what they want to eat, and now you're throwing additional information in for confusion?

Sorry, I didn't mean to post it on the menu by the ordering stations. Just posted somewhere, perhaps closer to the entrance.

 

[ChefMickey123]

There are a few corporate giant restaurant chains who can afford to have lab analysis done on their menu items and give this to you in printed form.

As for mom & pop and chef-driven, Disney Signature restaurants-

1. Are you willing to give up information on the catch of the day or the special? (Are you willing to give up these choices, as daily lab analysis is almost impossible?)

2. Are you willing, as a consumer to pay extra for your meal to offset the price of recipe analysis?

3. Are you willing to sacrifice the taste of your dinner because the cook does not have the freedom to adjust the recipe or seasoning on your dish in order to adhere to the nutritional information?

Just some food for thought.

 

[Beauty & the Best]

I think that if you get a sub and put stuff on it (mayo, oil and vinegar), there will be fat grams involved--also, if a salad has cheese, bacon, eggs, etc..on it and then you put dressing on it, yeah--it is fattening.

Duh! Eggs, mayo, oil, cheese, bacon and dressing add fat & calories. I think that most people can figure that out. What I'm talking about is a salad or sandwich w/o those things that still ends up w/ a lot of calories.

I used to get the Summer Salad @ Crispers w/o cheese and no dressing. It doesn't have eggs, bacon etc. on it and still ends up being like 800 calories. (Just an FYI for those who visit Crispers, the greek salad has much fewer calories!)

Anyhow, I'm just saying that sometimes things have a lot more fat & calories than a person would think. Also portion size plays a part here b/c even if it is a healthy option if you're eating 3 portions of it, it's not so healthy anymore.

Again, I think that the nutrit. info should be available but only upon request. If that were the case, most people would still enjoy their vacations w/o the guilt and those who have concerns can make educated decisions about what they eat.

 

[bomzar]

One thing no one has really touched on is the fact that any restaurant food isn't 100% the same from portion to portion. Sure, it's supposed to be an 8oz portion of fish, but some will be 7oz, some will be 9oz. Same thing with salads and dressings. The culinary CM making them knows it's only supposed to be 2oz of dressing per salad, but when you're busy you make two or three in the mixing bowl at a time. Who's to say each one has exactly the same amount of dressing. This goes with most pasta dishes too. I can't even count the number of times I've made two or three in the same saute pan and then tried to evenly portion it for service. When it's incredibly busy, you have to do things like that. Bottom line is that any numbers Disney could give out would only be very rough guidelines for the dishes. Just my 2 cents.

 

[blissventure]

There are a few corporate giant restaurant chains who can afford to have lab analysis done on their menu items and give this to you in printed form.

As for mom & pop and chef-driven, Disney Signature restaurants-

1. Are you willing to give up information on the catch of the day or the special? (Are you willing to give up these choices, as daily lab analysis is almost impossible?)

2. Are you willing, as a consumer to pay extra for your meal to offset the price of recipe analysis?

3. Are you willing to sacrifice the taste of your dinner because the cook does not have the freedom to adjust the recipe or seasoning on your dish in order to adhere to the nutritional information?

Just some food for thought.

This could be done without going overboard. It would certainly be possible to have a signature item or two that was designated healthy or heart healthy with nutrition details. For folks who watch their weight or have diabetes or heart disease that info would really help. Then then guest could make their own choice. I know I would like to have maybe as little as one chicken entree that would have that kind of info. I don't eat this way all my vacation, but occasionally would help me with my goal to not come home with souvenir pounds. Certainly Disney could add the disclaimer that counts and info are approximate.

I don't expect (or need) to see the eye popping totals for most of Disney's most calorie rich "treats".

 

[lacrosse_lady72]

I HATE that it's on menus at restaurants a lot now. I hate it soooooo much.

I know my alfredo pasta has a lot of calories and fat, I'm not stupid. I don't need the exact number of each making me feel guilty about what I have eaten.

Should I have the choice to see the information? YES, absolutely. But if I don't want to see it, there's no way to get around it...... aside from asking the server to read the menu to me or something outrageous.




Another law I hate: smoking not being allowed in bars and restaurants. I do not smoke nor do I plan on it but I knew that smoking came along with bars, it was my choice to go or not. Same with restaurants. I could sit in the non-smoking section, or choose not to go.

But I found that, especially in NYC, you cannot walk down the street, pass a bar/restaurant and walk into a HUGE plume of smoke that was created by all the people who are forced to go outside and smoke.

GGGGGRRRRRRRRRRRR.... I'm so glad I don't have issues with this at home.

 

[lacrosse_lady72]

Respectfully, I disagree - for simple logistical reasons. You already have a dozen people/parties in line who haven't decided by the time they get to the register what they want to eat, and now you're throwing additional information in for confusion?

I think the same thing at all restaurants - that the information should be available on request. As with Subway - even a cardboard display with individual take-away sheets. People who want the information can take it, and make informed decisions before reaching the order point; people who don't want it, or don't care, can avoid having more information thrown at them and slow down their decision-making.

Agreed. It should be available, but not a piece of the main menu.

 

[Tinkerdreams]

With all the walking that we do at WDW, calories don't count. We actually lose weight when we're there.

 

[jgplimdesign]

I wouldn't necessarily deprive myself of something I really wanted if I saw the shocking calorie count. . . but it might help later in the day to pick something lesser calorie-concentrated to counterbalance the heavier indulgences, you know?

And. . .no it doesn't have to be 'in your face'. . .but the info should be available for those of us who want to be in the know. . .

Personally, I think not enough places offer this information!!!!!

. . .and my surely unpopular comment here is that if people don't want to see it less they feel quilty. . .well. . .hmmmmm???

Sorry. . .

 

[MentalVacation]

I would love it if it were on the menu, or at least available upon request (and I would ask). I know EXACTLY how many calories are in my favorite sub at Subway and in my favorite value meal at McDonald's (w/each size fry). I lost about 70 lbs about 7 years ago and I have no intention of gaining it back. I GAINED it in the first place by eating McDonald's (or similar) twice a day, or thinking a chili cheese fry appetizer at Outback plus a steak, bread, salad and desert was a reasonable meal.......

No, I do not. I feel they should have the information readily available for anyone who requests it, but I do not think it needs to be printed on the menu.

Not that you asked, but I also feel the same policy should hold true for ANY restaurant. In fact, it should not BE a matter for legislation. Neither, since I'm on a roll, should the use or nonuse of trans fats.

And, while I'm at it, no reputable or semi-reputable, or widely-distributed newspaper should be supporting the offensive use of nouns as verbs (see "impacting").

Soapbox closed.

I'm not advocating for over-legislation, but do people realize WHY this stuff has been legislated? Because is really IS a crisis? Because childhood obesity and diabetes and all the problems that go along with obesity are out of CONTROL? Because it is a huge drain on the medical system and insurance industry? And all the 'denial' in the thread is (sorry) part of the problem. Some of the PP may actually be healthy and may go back to 'real life' and work it off....but you and I and all of us know that most won't. Plain and simple, over half of all adults in the US are obese. Or maybe it is overweight. But either way, isn't that crazy? And it IS other people's business when your (the general your, of course) diabetes or gastric bypass or heart transplant is covered by insurance or Medicare. That certainly can't help your risk pool. The collective's rates are going to rise. And is that fair to the guy who counts his calories, keeps his cholesterol and BP in check w/diet and exercise and isn't spending $$$$$ on health expenses? No. It is one of the problems in health care. There are others. But healthcare spending on disease and problems related to obesity is IMMENSE. Knee replacements. Degenerative Disk Disease. The list is endless. (Not that these things don't happen to the 'normal' weight. But they happen less, generally speaking..)

So....unfortunately, I can see why this stuff is being legislated. Because people have not gotten it under control on their own.

As a chef at a resort, I am often asked to provide special requests for people who have medical issues, such as allergies, celiac, diabetes, etc. I can pretty much make people happy with some sort of alternative. I have no problem with this, and consider part of it customer service. Sometimes people just plain old don't like the idea of what I've put together, and ask for a substitution. Most of the times I can do it for free, sometimes, when a guest wants double asparagus instead of potato chips with a hamburger, I have to charge a little extra. I try to accomodate everyone.

I draw the line at providing nutritional information for guests. Gauging your food intake is your responsibility. It is mostly common sense. If you must know your calorie counts, there are several good nutrition manuals available in most libraries and bookstores and some computer programs which will help you learn how to estimate what is on your plate.

I personally have tried to add more healthy and vegetarian friendly items to my menus in the past few years. I always tell guests the truth when they ask how much a steak weighs, what is fresh, what is frozen, what is organic, etc...

If you want bacon and eggs for breakfast once or twice a week for a treat, great. If you eat bacon and eggs for breakfast seven days a week, lead a sedentary lifestyle, and don't drink enough water, that is your fault when you get sick.

If you eat fast food everyday, and you gain weight or get sick, don't blame the restaurant for not telling you how many calories are in something. You should be able to figure out that 7 cheeseburgers and fries a week is not good for you.


Restaurants are there to serve you. We want you to have a good time when you are with us dining. Most will accomodate your requests. Know what you want, and ask for it clearly to get what you want. ( I have a very regular guest who won't eat salt, sauce, seasonings of any kind, and wants his vegetables overcooked, his meat overcooked and untrimmed--and I do it for him--that is why he is a frequent guest.)

Be prepared to wait a little extra time or pay a little more to get what you want if it is not on the menu. Above all, be nice when you ask for something special. It works like a charm-e.g. ("If there is any bleu cheese on my salad when it comes, I'm sending it back and I won't pay for it" does not work as well as "Please make my salad without bleu cheese", or even "no bleu cheese, please".


If you think you have overeaten, you probably have. Ultimately, restaurants usually do what you ask. There is always a to-go box to make last night's dinner today's lunch.

I have given my opinion. If I have offended you, I am sorry, but these are my beliefs and how I guide my successful business. If the law ends up requiring me to post nutritional information on my menus, I will comply with the law.

The problem with this is that people don't always know what is in their food. Steamed veggies at Outback always seem like a great option until they arrive.......soaked in butter. I appreciate your willingness to customize, but lots of customers would never feel comfortable making such requests.

And you probably think when someone says "I am from the givernment and I am here to help you" - its a good thing.

Enough of the ridiculous regulations and government / company driven mandates. As someone else noted, publishing this on menus will have lots of unintended consequences. All it would take is one media outlet to run with a story about high fat or high calorie menu items at WDW and they'd be making all the menus Weight Watchers compliant! Who wants that.

And what ever happened to personal responsibility and common sense. I guess it has gone out of style in our country today as people look to big brother to protect themselves.

Here is a clue - That Ice cream sundae or big piece of cake - it has lots of calories. No need for a menu to spell it out.

Those french fries - not a great nutrional choice.

Bacon and eggs - and a nice juicy cheesburger, well . . . .

Its called COMMON SENSE people. If you want to eat healthy - and are practicing what you preach, you ALREADY KNOW what is and what is not healthy. Why do you need Disney to spell it out for you? Or is it you just want to legislate / shame others into eating on vacation how you think they should?

I am sick and tired of government / other people imposing more and more ridiculous regulations on people. Who cares if California requires restaurants to post this. California regulations in a whole lot of areas make no sense. Thats why I will never live there.

Freedom, Personal responsibility, limited regulation - Thats my mantra. If our country practiced this, we all would be better off

I think my paragraph above illustrates how people are not utilizing common sense and it is impacting more than just their own bodies. When 'your' poor choices start biting me in the butt, 'you' have dropped the ball on personal responsibility.

(But I am sort of a renegade. I think you should have to have a license to procreate. And I should head up the licensing board. Screw the Constitution and those fundamental rights. Lots of people have shown they can't handle those rights either. ) Ah...I digress.....

Actually no I didn't vote for Obama - Thank you

So - cigs never should have the warning on it that they are dangerous? Hair dryers shouldn't have warnings on them that they shouldn't be used in the bathtub? yes common sense should cover all of those, but face it - common sense is NOT something everyone is born with. Heck our economy is where it is party because consumers didn't have the common sense to realize that a 20k income really shouldn't be buying a 200k mortgage. Sorry but I don't have faith in common sense.
Look around - we are a nation of obese adults and CHILDREN. With huge portions and readily available fast food - good choices have gone out the window. If you can't enjoy that over sized chunk of cake because the truth is staring you in the face - that should tell you something.

Disclaimers - I am not obese but I am not skinny either. I am a chocolate lover and don't always make the best choices but as with anything in my life, I prefer to take the informed route then the head in the sand route.

Yep. What you said. If the # bothers you, you have a guilty conscience. I figure..."Mmmm. Chocolate shake. I ran 15 miles yesterday. That should about cover it."

Your children are YOUR responsibility - not Disney's, not the New York City Council's, not the California State Legislature's.

NO restaurant should be required by law to post nutritional information. School cafeterias, okay. Government run food-service operations in government-owned establishments, okay. But where does it stop? But if you own your own restaurant, WHY should the government be able to make laws affecting YOUR business, especially in a potentially negative financial way? No more trans fats? Awesome. Who pays for the reformulation of recipes, and the potential higher cost of acceptable-to-the-government cooking oils/fats? Not the mayor of New York. Who pays the additional cost of researching the exact nutritional information for every menu item served by affected restaurants, and for new (larger) menus? Again, not the city of New York; not the state of California; not the state of Florida - because, realistically, can you see ANY regular restaurant voluntarily doing the research and redesigning entire menus, except if required by law?

And who pays for 'your' kid's diabetes medicine? Who pays for the special MRI machine for persons of exceptional size?

Lots of government regulations cost businesses money. It doesn't mean they are a bad idea. I'm not happy that we have come to a point where the government felt the need to step in, but it IS a problem. And people are in denial. After all there are no calories in denial.

 

[MissionMouse]

... Respectfully, any fast food diner who does not know that, or at least have an idea of it, has their head buried in the sand. French FRIES? FRIED chicken? Hamburgers cooked on a flattop NOT designed with a nonstick surface?

But we're not discussing McDonald's or Taco Bell, except referentially. We're discussing Disney, and only in concept.

Sorry! I don't eat fast food at Disney or home... I am referring to table service and their ingredients may come from food manufactuers who love to use food extenders, salt and fat....it doesn't have to be fried to be bad for you.

 

[Lynn5700]

EEk I would be afraid to see how many calories are in Tonga Toast LOL!