Disneyland is where children dream of going and where adults get nostalgic of their childhood. However, like most amusement parks, Disneyland is notorious for being mecca of unhealthy food options and outrageous portion sizes. Instead of being “the happiest place on earth”, Disneyland can be a food-guilt land-mine. But have no fear, because Disneyland does actually have lots of healthier food options that taste awesome! If you think the only way to eat healthfully at Disneyland is to buy their boring overpriced apples, this guide will prove you wrong.
Here’s 10 healthier food options at Disneyland that aren’t only healthy, but actually taste pretty darn awesome.
1. Vegetable and Tofu Skewers at Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue
Located near the entrance of Frontierland, Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue serves your standard BBQ chicken and ribs. However, they also have a great vegetarian and vegan option which is a “seasonal veggie and tofu skewer with BBQ glaze”. Eating your vegetables doesn’t have to be boring and everyone knows anything served on a stick is always more fun.
2. Frozen Bananas
Nearly every cart that sells ice cream throughout Disneyland also sells chocolate covered frozen bananas. It’s not exactly a great source of protein (so don’t substitute it for an actual meal), but the banana does provide potassium and the nuts sprinkled on top provide some vitamin E. If you’re craving something sweet, it’s a much healthier option than their chemical laden ice cream bars in the shape of Mickey Mouse ears (in fact, a good rule of thumb to eating healthy eating at Disneyland is to pretty much avoid anything that’s in the shape of Mickey’s ears).
3. Chef’s Vegan Burger at Carnation Cafe:
After years of watching Disneyland patrons gnaw on turkey legs and corn dogs, vegans finally have something to eat at Disneyland that isn’t cotton candy. This vegan burger has “house-made bean and vegetable patty, tomatoes, lettuce, pickled red onions, and vegan chipotle mayo on a multigrain roll”. It also comes with a side of fruit or french fries (of course opt for the fruit if you’re on the healthy eating bandwagon.
4. Chieftan Chicken Skewer at Bengal Barbecue
Across from the Indiana Jones ride in Adventureland, you’ll find Bengal Barbecue that has a few awesome healthier food options. A good bet there is their “Chieftan Chicken Skewer” which is a simple skewered chicken breast flavored with some “Polynesian sauce”. Simple, lean, and a great source of protein.
5. Baked Fish Tacos at Ranch del Zocalo Restaurante:
Located in Fronteirland, this Tex-Mex themed restaurant actually offers a few healthy options that won’t weigh you down too much. A good bet is their baked fish tacos that comes with cabbage slaw and a side of rice and beans.
6. Planetary Pizza Salad at Red Rocketts Pizza Port
You might not expect to find healthy fare at Tomorrowland’s Pizza Port, but they actually offer an impressive selection of salads. If you’re craving a pizza but want to stay on the healthier side, your best bet is their “Planetary Pizza Salad” which comes with “crisp lettuce and pepperoni tossed in an Italian vinaigrette, topped with tomatoes, mixed olives, pepperoncini and a Parmesan-mozzarella cheese blend”. The dressing also comes on the side so you can control how much of it you douse on your greens.
7. Pineapple Dole Whip at the Tiki Juice Bar
Outside of the infamous Tiki Room, is the tropical themed juice bar that sells a large selection of fresh fruits and vegetables. However, instead of paying for overpriced carrot sticks and pineapple spears (that you can easily bring from home), a tasty choice would be their specialty Pineapple Dole Whip. It’s a hybrid of sherbet, frozen yogurt, and fresh pineapple and it’s very refreshing in the sweltering heat of the summer months.
8. Chili Lime Corn on the Cob at Edelweiss Snacks
If you’re craving a hot snack that isn’t completely nutrient deficient like your standard buttered pretzel or churro, a good option would be this chili lime flavored corn on the cob located at Edelweiss Snacks in Fantasyland. Just make sure you bring some toothpicks or dental floss as corn on the cob has a tendency to get stuck in between your teeth (or fangs, if you’re a vampire).
9. Vegetarian Bread Bowl at Royal Street Veranda
Located right by the Pirates of the Caribbean ride is a small little quick-service nook that sells a few southern specialties. A delicious and healthier option they offer is their vegetarian gumbo. Watch out though because it is served in a huge, dense bread bowl. Hopefully the gumbo itself will you up enough that you won’t end up eating the whole container it came in.
10. Shrimp Salad at Harbour Galley
At this quick service “dockside” themed restaurant, you’ll find all sorts of classic seafood specialties. A healthier option amid their indulgent lobster rolls and creamy clam chowder is their simple shrimp salad. The salad comes with “shredded romaine, poached shrimp, bacon, blue cheese, tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, avocado and green onions”. Shrimp is a great source of lean protein and avocados will provide you with some healthy unsaturated fats. This salad will leave you full and satisfied that the rest of the greasy Disneyland fare won’t leave you feeling deprived.
Still don’t see something that sounds appealing? They have even more options and you can look up all of the Disneyland restaurant menus here so you can arrive prepared and scout out your own healthier food finds.
