By Sarah Sekula, Published on ShermansTravel.com
It takes a special kind of nerd to track down all the healthy-eating options at the Magic Kingdom; I am that nerd. Of course, I love pigging out on a behemoth burger or a cinnamon bun the size of my face on occasion. However, most times what I need is a light but filling meal that doesn’t wreck havoc on my belly (especially if I plan on hitting the Mad Tea Party ride). If this sounds like you, never fear. We’ve scoured the park’s restaurants for some healthful choices that also happen to be darn tasty.
1. Quinoa Salad: Be Our Guest Restaurant, Fantasyland
Quinoa is all the rage these days because it packs a powerful punch of protein. Be Our Guest’s lunch menu includes quinoa salad ($7.99), which comes with green beans, potatoes, olives, roasted bell peppers, golden beets, and tomatoes. The kids’ lunch menu includes Mickey-shaped meatloaf and seared mahi.
2. Vegetable Burger: Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe, Tomorrowland
Head down Main Street, U.S.A. to find Cosmic Ray’s, the largest fast-food joint in the park. Then, chow down on the vegetable burger ($8.14) and consider opting for apple slices instead of fries. For extra veggies, add a cucumber salad ($2.99).
3. Lighthouse Sandwich: Columbia Harbour House, Liberty Square
The fast-food fish house is the perfect pit stop for a hearty meal. The Lighthouse Sandwich ($8.99), served on multi-grain bread, is packed with hummus and comes with tomato and broccoli slaw. Additional sides include steamed fresh broccoli ($1.99), couscous ($2.99), and vegetarian chili ($4.69).
4. Mediterranean Salad: Pinocchio Village Haus, Fantasyland
Skip the pizza and meatball sub sandwiches served at this popular restaurant. The Mediterranean salad ($8.69) is a good-sized entree and comes topped with chicken, mozzarella, roasted red peppers, red onions, and black olives.
5. Cinderella’s Favorite Healthy Choice Breakfast: Cinderella’s Royal Table, Fantasyland
Have a royal good time inside of Cinderella Castle, where the servers address guests as “my lord” and “my lady.” For breakfast, nosh on castle-made granola, fresh fruit, egg whites, 10-grain cereal, and Greek yogurt. For dinner, try the pan-seared salmon with a grain pilaf and grilled asparagus. (Character breakfast $53 adults, $34 kids; character lunch $56 adults, $35 kids; character dinner $66 adult, $40 kids)
6. Snacks: Gaston’s Tavern, Fantasyland
Just past the giant bronze statue of “everyone’s favorite guy” (a.k.a. Gaston) is Gaston’s Tavern. Snack options include the mixed fruit cup ($3.59), mixed vegetable cup with dip ($3.69), hummus and chips ($4.39), and sliced apples with caramel sauce ($3.49).
7. Mango Black Bean Salsa Salmon: Crystal Palace, Main Street
This charming eatery offers an array of healthy choices. The mango black bean salsa salmon goes well with the edamame salad, the couscous salad, or the sweet plantain, cucumber, and corn salad. There’s also the fruit and vegetable tofu curry and the tabbouleh salad. Better yet, you get to meet Winnie the Pooh and his posse while stuffing your face. (Character breakfast $23 adults, $13 kids, character lunch $25 adults, $14 kids; character dinner $37 adults, $18 kids.)
8. Chicken Wrap: Pecos Bill Cafe, Frontierland
This old-time saloon is popular because of its ample seating. A healthy choice here is the grilled chicken wrap ($9.59) served with apple slices or French fries.
Look for the Mickey Check on menus for kids’ meals and other items that meet Disney Nutrition Guidelines. For more information, visit www.disneymickeycheck.com.
For more trip-planning information, check out our Walt Disney World destination guide. For all things Disney, visit our Disney interest hub.