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Skinny Disney
By: Leslie Clevenstine, Mon Mar 20th, 2006
One of the joys of vacation is eating well. But if you’re trying
watch your weight or have other dietary concerns, sometimes
dining out can be a challenge. In recent years, dining options
for those who are trying to eat healthy have improved immensely
at Disney World.
An advantage to a Disney World vacation is that you’re usually
very active, which helps to burn extra calories. Just don’t let
that fact lull you into a false sense of security and throw all
good sense out the window. It’s very easy to out-eat your
activity level in very short order.
You’ll find plenty of selections for salads, chicken, and fish
at the full service restaurants in the parks and resorts. A
growing number of restaurants also offer vegetarian meals.
You’ll find that the full service restautants are very
accomodating to special preparations, if for example, you would
like to skip a heavy sauce or substitute an extra serving of
vegetables.
Some good full service restaurants to try for healthy eating:
California Grill at the Contemporary Resort, both Jiko and Boma
at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Crystal Palace at the Magic Kingdom
(character meal), Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney-MGM Studios,
and Restaurant Akershus in Epcot.
Many of the counter service restaurants have moved beyond your
basic hamburgers and hot dogs to offer soups, salads, wraps,
chicken sandwiches and fruit. You’ll also find a fruit stand at
each of the four Disney World theme parks for an alternative to
ice cream or chips for a snack.
Here’s a small sampling of what you can find at counter service
restaurants: Stir fry chicken and rice at Chakranadi Chicken
Shop in the Animal Kingdom Tabbouleh wrap at the ABC Commisary
at Disney-MGM Studios Seared tuna on mixed greens at the
Sunshine Season Food Fair at Epcot (lots of good choices here)
Vegetarian chili at the Columbia Harbor House at the Magic
Kingdom
If your dietary needs go beyond low calorie or vegetarian
dining, such as certain food allergies (wheat, shellfish, eggs,
etc.) or kosher dining, contact Disney dining services
(407-WDW-DINE) at least 48 hours before you plan to dine for
information, advice, and ordering special meals.
About the author:
Leslie Clevenstine is publisher of Your Disney Guide, an
unofficial guide to making the most of your Walt Disney World
vacation.