Top 5 Places to Find Healthy Food at Walt Disney World
Welcome back to Tasty Treat Tuesday here at MickeyBlog.com!
Happy New Year from Tasty Treat Tuesday! One day into 2019 and I am already looking for ideas on how to get back on track from the rich and decadent holiday food over the past few months! This made me think … for those visiting Walt Disney World, are there any Tasty Treat options available that don’t include fried, sweet, salty, decadent goodness? Sure, those options are great and we will continue to showcase them each week! It is vacation, of course. And calories don’t count on vacation, right?
However — I am happy to report that in recent years, Disney has elevated its game by offering a variety of wonderful spots where you can grab healthful snacks and meals. Today, we are going to feature my top 5 favorite places to find Healthy Food at Walt Disney World. So … let’s count our steps and trim that waistline!
1. Satu’li Canteen
First on the list is Disney’s newest quick service spot in Animal Kingdom. Located in Pandora, Satu’li Canteen is inspired by those delightful creatures from Avatar – the Na’vi. Well, I have to applaud Disney for this adventurous and healthy quick service menu. Not only is the quick service space air-conditioned (a rarity at Animal Kingdom and a blessing on a hot day), the menu offers a plethora of “build-your-own” bowl options. Choose from grilled beef, chicken, or sustainable fish with a crunchy vegetable slaw and mix it with your choice of base which includes quinoa, sweet potato hash, whole grain rice, or romaine-kale salad. Yes, folks! I said kale, quinoa, and sweet potatoes! Not only are these options hearty and earthy to keep you fueled all day long, but they tasty too.
2. Columbia Harbour House
A popular quick service restaurant for many guests, Columbia Harbor House offers a variety of healthful food options that will keep you coming back again and again! Located in Liberty Square across from the Haunted Mansion in Magic Kingdom, guests can choose from grilled salmon with couscous and steamed veggies, the popular “Anchors Aweigh” tuna sandwich on multigrain bread, vegetarian chili, corn on the cob, or Broccoli Peppercorn Salad. On crowded days, the upstairs seating area is tucked away and often overlooked, making for a quiet respite to enjoy your meal.
3. Liberty Square Market
Looking for a quick snack that won’t bust the waistline? Walk a few steps over from Columbia Harbour House in Magic Kingdom to Liberty Square Market. This open-air, but covered, snack cart features a variety of grab-n-go snack options. Healthy snacks galore include a variety of seasonal fresh fruit options, pineapple cups, veggie sticks, greek yogurt, trail mix, and Dasani smart water!
4. Harambe Market
Located in Africa, this open-air quick service location provides 4 walk up windows with food inspired by the African culture. Picky and adventurous eaters will find a plentiful list of tasty treats in this wonderfully immersive African themed market. Those seeking a healthier option can select from lamb gyros, grilled chicken skewers, or a vegetable stack of grilled portabella mushroom, tofu, yellow squash topped with arugula and balsamic. Even the sides are more interesting than most quick service locations with options like green papaya slaw and black-eyed pea salad.
5. Sunshine Seasons
Epcot’s World Showcase is the foodie destination for most theme park guests with tasty treats located throughout each country. If you are looking for healthful options, Japan’s Katsura Grill is a great pick with sushi, steamed rice, udon, and mixed garden salads. However, my personal Epcot pick for this list goes to Sunshine Seasons. The quick service restaurant located next to one of my favorite rides – Soarin’ – utilizes the food grown in the greenhouses at the Land Pavilion. There are not many theme parks quick service locations in the world which source their food literally steps from where it is grown! Start your day off right with the breakfast power wrap filled with wild rice, sweet potatoes, blueberries, avocado and tofu. Too adventurous for you? Overnight oats are also available on a daily basis. For lunch or dinner, select from their oak-grilled rotisserie chicken with rice and black beans or grilled salmon. Their salads are no slouch, either, with a Power Salad that includes kale, brussel sprouts, chicory, quinoa, dried cherries, goat cheese and almonds. After your meal, hop on Living with the Land to view those greenhouses in action!
Honorable Mention: Kids’ Mickey Check Meals!
Adults are not the only ones that get eat healthy and have fun, too! Located on most, if not all, menus throughout Walt Disney World are Mickey Check Meals. These kids’ meals are designed to help guests identify healthier food options in all of the theme parks. Choices that receive the “Mickey Check” certification must meet Disney nutrition guidelines that limit calories, saturated fat, sodium and sugar. They usually include at least three of the following food groups – fruit/veggies, low-fat dairy, whole grains/lean proteins.
Did your favorite healthy spot make the list? Let me know in the comments below!
I am a self-professed Disney foodie who loves planning Disney vacations! Want to eat around the world with me on a Disney vacation? Contact me today for a FREE quote!
Kelli Hughes
MickeyTravels, LLC
Authorized Disney Vacation Planner – Platinum Level
1-214-458-4626 (cell)
1-855-MICKEY-9 (toll-free)
khughes@mickeytravels.com
www.mickeytravels.com