Why get so worked up?

[minmate]

As I understand the chicken strips are still rumored to be gone at this point. There are reports of people who were there as late as 2/16 that they are still on the menu and still as tasty as ever.

Also, rereading my list, I see that it can be hard to visualize what options are out there for meals vs snacks. I reorganized to the best of my ability so it'd be easier to see what is available out there, depending on what you're craving.

I just don't see why anyone would have to leave property to get something to eat that'll appeal to them. It seems like there are a lot of choices out there that aren't that healthy for you. (Also note this is not a complete menu - I skipped the stuff that is healthy or healthier like Rotisserie chicken, tacos with grilled meat, healthy sandwiches, etc.)

Snacks/Desserts
Chips
Hot Fudge Sundae
Ice Cream in a Waffle Cone
Ice Cream Float
Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich
Churros
Fresh Baked Cookies
Hot Chocolate
Popcorn with butter grease
Key Lime Pie
Chocolate Cake
Soft Pretzel with cheese sauce
Sweet Pretzel
Assorted Pastries, Muffins, Bagels, Cookies and Cakes
Soft Serve Ice Cream
Strawberry Shortcake
Brownies
Mango Mini Pie
Chocolate Mousse
Carrot Cake
Nestle Crunch King Size Ice Cream Bar
Cookies n Cream Ice Cream Sandwich
Caramel Corn
Mickey Mouse Crispy Treat
Cheese Cake
Milk Shake
Pretty much any pastry dessert you can dream up at Boulangerie Patisserie
Two locations - Main St Confectionery and Goofy's Candy
Bunnelos
Crepes
Funnel Cakes
School Bread
Lefse
Black Forest Cake
Apple Strudel
Dole Whip/Dole Whip Float
Apple Pie Sundae
Strawberry Shortcake Sundae
Cracker Jacks
Mickey Mouse Ice Cream Bars
Nestle Toll House Ice Cream Sandwich
Fruit Tart
Napoleon
Bear Claws
Crumb Cake
Apple Charlotte
Apple Turnover
Cupcake
Cinnamon Rolls
Bread Pudding



Beverages
Soda with Sugar
Beer
Frozen Lemonade
Wine
Cappuccino
Frozen Carbonated Beverages
Margarita



Meal Options
Hot Dog (put it on whatever bun you want -that dog is still not healthy)
Ribs with baked beans and corn muffin
Beef or Pork Sandwich
Cole Slaw
French Fries
Onion Rings
Pepperoni or Cheese Pizza
Caesar Salad - Delicious, but not a truly healthy option
Breadsticks with cheese and marinara sauce
Hot Italian Style Sandwich
Double Cheeseburger
Cheeseburger with Bacon
Chicken Nuggets or Chicken Strips
Smoked Turkey Leg
Egg Rolls
Fried Rice
Fried Fish
Chili Cheese Hot Dog
Chicken Caesar Wrap
Mac N Cheese
PBJ
Nachos
Wet Burrito
Bratwurst
Frankfurter with sauerkraut
Meatballs
Fish & Chips
Corn Dog Nuggets
Chili
BLT Salad - salad with bacon and egg in it
Taco salad - ground beef in a fried flour tortilla
Figaro Fries

When you list it out - healthy or not there are a TON of options!

 

[LilGMom]

Thank you for posting a picture (even if the nuggets are hidden under the fries, lol). I was not happy when I heard that the chicken strips had been replaced with chicken nuggets which I had assumed would be simliar to McD's nuggets (processed bits mushed together in a nugget shape ). I have two small children that will tear through some chicken fingers, but will only eat one particular brand of chicken nuggets. My DH & I both like the chicken strips found in WDW and I'd often get them at a CS because I know that is something my 2 yr. old will eat as opposed to him sharing my BBQ sandwich which he won't eat.

My problem with so many of the recent WDW dining food changes is that they are taking away some old favorites that we've grown accustomed to for years and replacing them with things that we won't touch (wheat buns/bread come to mind). Yes we could go off property but, again, with two small children that isn't the easiest thing to do, with or without a car. And while nobody is forcing me to eat in the parks for us that is part of the fun of vacation - throwing our food caution to the wind and indulging in things we might limit ourselves in the rest of the year.

Now if they take away the Mickey Ice Cream bars they'll have a revolt on their hands!!

 

[eliza61]

Out of curiosity - other than the white buns, what has been removed from the menu?

Chicken strips are still the same meat, but they're smaller now. However they're still on the menu.

I understand the great bun debate, but the rest of it has me

You're better than me Tricia, all of it has me . Disney makes changes all the time. Over 20 years I've seen them try to offer healthy selections more times than I can count, I've seen many old favorites come and go and there have been 100's of versions of dining plan. It is like any other vacation venue, it tries to make the broadest selection available and still turn a profit (a very big one I might add). If you have special concers (picky eaters, dietary restrictions) it can be a bit of a challenge but like any other place where you are not in control of the menu you deal.

 

[Disneylvr]

My problem is more with the children's menu at some restaurants, for example Kona Cafe. Their chicken strips are not breaded and are grilled. DD is NOT going to go for that nor will she like anything else on their menu. She is stubborn, 5 years old and has autism. It angers me when other posters suggest that we just "work around it" or "go offsite."

 

[addicted_to_WDW]

My problem is more with the children's menu at some restaurants, for example Kona Cafe. Their chicken strips are not breaded and are grilled. DD is NOT going to go for that nor will she like anything else on their menu. She is stubborn, 5 years old and has autism. It angers me when other posters suggest that we just "work around it" or "go offsite."

Do you really expect menus to never change, though? I appreciate your particular issue, but it is not possible to cater to the particular needs of every single person who enters a theme park. That's where personal responsibility (and choice) comes into play. If I know my kid is only going to eat breaded chicken, I won't eat at a place that serves it naked. I won't demand that the menu be changed to suit my child's preferences.

Anyway...I applaud Disney's attempt at making things more healthy. If everyone ate just a bit healthier every day, the cumulative effect would be very positive. I'm not a health nut by any stretch, but after a few days of burgers and fries I'm burned out. It's there if I want it but it is awesome that there are now more choices for healthier fare.

 

[sjaakie]

Disney just can't please everyone. There's sooooooooo much to eat and I’m sure there's something for everyone.
I do think that Disney is also responding to a more international public.
With the dollar being so cheap more and more public will come from overseas.
Personnel I'm glad with the new policy.
The last time I visited WDW my first visit after our flight home was the hospital The food was so fat I really got sick and had to be hospitalized.

 

[eliza61]

My problem is more with the children's menu at some restaurants, for example Kona Cafe. Their chicken strips are not breaded and are grilled. DD is NOT going to go for that nor will she like anything else on their menu. She is stubborn, 5 years old and has autism. It angers me when other posters suggest that we just "work around it" or "go offsite."

I don't think we mean to be insensitive (at least I know I don't mean to be) I think it's more of saying that with a little bit of pre planning (you probably have more than I) it can be a bit easier. In your example you may have to skip Kona Cafe or it may mean checking out all the menus before hand to get a idea of what is offered where and it may even mean renting a car and going offsite. I think every one at one time or another gets frustrated, especially with the childrens menu but it is what it is.

 

[MrsJackSparrow]

Do you really expect menus to never change, though? I appreciate your particular issue, but it is not possible to cater to the particular needs of every single person who enters a theme park. That's where personal responsibility (and choice) comes into play. If I know my kid is only going to eat breaded chicken, I won't eat at a place that serves it naked. I won't demand that the menu be changed to suit my child's preferences.

Anyway...I applaud Disney's attempt at making things more healthy. If everyone ate just a bit healthier every day, the cumulative effect would be very positive. I'm not a health nut by any stretch, but after a few days of burgers and fries I'm burned out. It's there if I want it but it is awesome that there are now more choices for healthier fare.

This was why I started this thread in the first place. I happened to notice that Sci-Fi has removed the BBQ chicken breast sandwich from their menu. And I've already mentioned the lack of grilled cheese.

Of course the menus are going to change. Yes, Disney has mentioned quite publicly that they are switching to healthier fare. A PP mentioned the wheat buns at Casey's. No, they really don't make a huge difference nutritionally, but every little bit helps. Whole grain is better than processed grain. Whatever.

The chicken strips vs. nuggets thing is kind of silly IMHO. This country does not know what a proper serving size of food even looks like. My guess is the switch to nuggets over strips is actually more of a proportionate portion thing rather than Disney shoving health down our throats. They are, after all, fried, folks.

And as far as finding something decent to eat, DH is allergic to tree nuts, peanuts, and shellfish. Dining with him is truly a delight. There are many places on property that I just cannot even plan to dine at based on their menu offerings. Is Disney somehow conspiring against my family by offering shellfish/peanut products/tree nut products? Can't say that they are. As also previously mentioned, they go out of their way at WDW to be accommodating to the masses. It's one of the things I love about Disney - customer service!

 

[Aurora's Mommy]

I can so see both sides (or perhaps it is "all") on this issue. On one hand, darn it, I'm on vacation, I can afford to splurge a little. On the other, I'm getting to an age where I just can't get rid of this extra 15 pounds! Any weight I lose before heading to WDW (in 7 short weeks ) I'd like to try to keep off.

On one hand, kids-wise, after 8 years I finally realized I had a third job. First, full-time Mom, second, full-time government employee, third, short-order cook for my kids. Just last year I quit my third job and stopped making multiple meals, I make one and if you don't like it, I doubt you'll starve to death before breakfast (and if you will, EAT, it's perfectly good food). As a result, my kids are eating more variety and healthier. On the other, I'm on vacation, do I really want to listen to the (admittedly tired) kids whine because there is nothing they like on the menu? (Those of you with special needs kids, bless you, I understand you are dealing with a whole lot of issues beyond some whining)

Anyway, I guess this is the beauty of internet access. As a previous poster noted, it takes some additional planning, but you can check almost every WDW menu. For every ADR I have made, I checked the kids menu, and there is at least one thing my (increasedly less) picky kids will eat. If there is nothing on the menu my kids will eat, we are not going there.

But, whats the deal with the lousy buns?! You can get really good whole wheat hot dog and hamburger buns. Perhaps in the interest of keeping us all healthy, Disney should look into spending a little more cash, and get some decent bread!

 

[tlens]

My type 1 diabetic husband who is only 38 has recently found out he has some heart diesease due to the diabetes. (had diabetes for 26 years now)While we always ate fairly healthily, we did eat too much red meat and therefore we have radically changed our dining habits to cut almost all saturated fats/high cholesterol foods. (It's amazing where saturated fat hides) So while eating the burgers may not cause the heart attack, avoiding the burgers may help keep his heart disease from progressing. A week of burgers and chicken strips would be 3 months of no red meat for us when we get home.

That being said, I certainly don't expect Disney to alter their menus to please us. Finding foods without alot of salt/fat will be a challenge but it just part of our life now and we'll deal with it accordingly.

I'll be looking at the menus before we go so I'll know where his best options for food will be.

Disney can't please everyone....nor should they.

 

[ZoZo]

I think it's just disappointing for lots of folks who eagerly anticipate some favorite WDW treat, only to find it drastically changed. Hey, it's not all about the food, but it's fun to enjoy some decadent things while on vacation.

 

[mkycrzy1971]

I hardly think that eating a few burgers on white bread during a WDW visit is going to CAUSE a heart attack during that trip; and on the other side of the token, I don't think eating a few burgers on wheat bread during a WDW trip is going to PREVENT a heart attack during that trip, either.

You are so right!!! I cannot believe that some actually think that by changing the offerings at a resort it will make people eat healthier...people are set in their ways and have to make their own decision to eat healthy, it can't be forced.

 

[mkycrzy1971]

I think it's just disappointing for lots of folks who eagerly anticipate some favorite WDW treat, only to find it drastically changed. Hey, it's not all about the food, but it's fun to enjoy some decadent things while on vacation.

You got it!

 

[addicted_to_WDW]

I think it's just disappointing for lots of folks who eagerly anticipate some favorite WDW treat, only to find it drastically changed. Hey, it's not all about the food, but it's fun to enjoy some decadent things while on vacation.

That's the thing though...there are still plenty of decadent dishes to be had. It seems that most of the complaints concern downsized chicken strips and wheat buns. I just can't see getting worked up over stuff like that.

A few years back I had a sandwich near Soarin (Sunshine Food Fair or whatever the counter service there is called) and it was awesome. I can't even remember what it was now, but I loved it and on our next trip I made a point of going back there to get another one. Nope, it was gone!!! I made a pouty face, thought, "bummer," then found something else to eat.

People are carrying on (not necessarily in this thread but on others) as if Disney has committed an unpardonable sin by eliminating a few foods.

 

[Mermaid_Ariel]

People are carrying on (not necessarily in this thread but on others) as if Disney has committed an unpardonable sin by eliminating a few foods.

It's what discussion boards are for. A bunch of us just found out about the change, so we're complaining/venting/debating. It'll calm down just as things are about the DDP changes, but it's a hot topic right now so there's no sense in complaining about the complainers.

People will eventually adapt but we're gonna moan and groan until then. We all share the love of Disney, that's why we get so passionate about the less desirable changes here!

 

[MrsJackSparrow]

But are white buns and chicken strips indulgences on vacation? Isn't this the same as what is eaten at home - much like having Giordano's? That's why I don't understand the drama.

 

[Mermaid_Ariel]

But are white buns and chicken strips indulgences on vacation? Isn't this the same as what is eaten at home - much like having Giordano's? That's why I don't understand the drama.

They are to me because I don't eat them year-round. I had a salad for lunch.

 

[addicted_to_WDW]

But are white buns and chicken strips indulgences on vacation? Isn't this the same as what is eaten at home - much like having Giordano's? That's why I don't understand the drama.

Exactly! Hey, I'd be leading the charge if Le Cellier dropped the Cheddar Cheese Soup or if there were no more Zebra Domes at Boma, but chicken strips? Nah, can't work up the passion there. I'd guess that the kids who will only eat chicken strips at WDW probably eat chicken strips weekly at home. They aren't unique to Disney.

I'm not going to tell my DS that the chicken strips have changed. He always gets them at some point during a trip and when he does I'll ask if he noticed anything different. I guarantee you that he'll have no clue.

 

[mikkiwikki]

 

[Maxwell]

Exactly! Hey, I'd be leading the charge if Le Cellier dropped the Cheddar Cheese Soup or if there were no more Zebra Domes at Boma, but chicken strips? Nah, can't work up the passion there. I'd guess that the kids who will only eat chicken strips at WDW probably eat chicken strips weekly at home. They aren't unique to Disney.

I'm not going to tell my DS that the chicken strips have changed. He always gets them at some point during a trip and when he does I'll ask if he noticed anything different. I guarantee you that he'll have no clue.

I never eat chicken strips at home but I love them when I'm in WDW!! What good does it do to make these changes if its really all about the kids anyways. My kids love burgers but don't have them too often at home. When we are at Disney I let them eat them whenever they want. They will not eat wheat buns nor will I. Same goes for hot dogs. I just can't imagine ruining a good hot dog with a wheat bun. I have to believe they will go back to white at some point this year.