Diabetic Dining in Disney World

I am so excited to get started answering readers’ questions about special diets, food allergies and wellness at Walt Disney World! I visit the parks regularly throughout the year and I aim to stay up to date on the food trends and dining offerings on property. This week, one reader inquired about quick service diabetic-friendly options. Spoiler alert: There are so many tasty options for diabetic dining in Disney World! *Disclaimer: While I am a Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist, this blog is intended for information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat. Your individual needs may vary. Under no circumstance shall this blog replace the guidance and expertise of a medical professional specifically caring for you or your child. As with any nutrition-related medical problem, please seek the advice of your physician, your registered dietitian, or other healthcare professional.

Diabetic-Friendly Meal Examples at WDW

Now, to answer this reader’s question… Where can I find diabetic-friendly options at Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Epcot and Art of Animation? For these picks, I’ve assumed there are no food allergies or cultural dietary practices, like vegan. For anyone looking for specific information regarding modified diets and menu selections, or to submit a question, email [email protected].

Below are some of my suggestions for diabetic dining in Disney World. This is NOT an all-inclusive list and is a general sampling of possible options. If there is something you’d REALLY love to enjoy during your visit, but you’re unsure how to fit it in to your meal plan for optimal blood sugar control, speak with your personal Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist who is familiar with your medical history and nutrition needs.

TIP: Skip the sweetened beverages so you can enjoy your carbohydrate servings as food in your meals. Choose water, seltzer, unsweetened coffee/tea and diet beverages to quench your thirst.

At Hollywood Studios:

For lunch, head to the ABC Commissary for the Mediterranean Grilled chicken salad. Skip the flatbread that comes with it IF you’d like dessert. They have a No Sugar Added Strawberry parfait for a limited time.

For dinner, stop in Docking Bay 7 and check out the Roasted Chicken Salad.

At Magic Kingdom:

For lunch, the Greek Salad with chicken at Cosmic Rays is sure to satisfy.

For dessert, peek into the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor for their selection of several no sugar added options- butter pecan, choc vanilla swirl and raspberry sorbet.

For Dinner, grab a seat at the Harbour House and check out several options like the Harbour Salad with Chicken or Shrimp, or the Grilled salmon or shrimp skewers with rice and veggies.

EPCOT

Sunshine Seasons has a delicious Broccoli and Egg-White Soufflé with Multigrain Croissant and Fruit.

The Electric Umbrella has a delicious Energy Salad with Roasted Chicken and La Cantina de San Agel makes a great Ensalada Mexicana with Grilled Chicken.

At Art of Animation:

Visit Landscape of flavors and consider the Western Omelet with a biscuit for breakfast and the Roasted turkey sandwich with side Caesar salad for lunch. The Asian Chicken Bowl would be great for dinner.

What makes these menu choices “diabetic-friendly” or appropriate for diabetic dining in Disney World? First, they focus on a balance of protein, carbohydrate and low-starch veggies and could easily fit into The Plate Method (detailed here) for blood sugar control. Balanced meals are essential for blood sugar control. Secondly, the desserts are made with no added sugars. Please be aware these items will STILL contain carbohydrate, but the overall carbohydrate load will be less than the regular sugar-sweetened counterparts on the menu.

Know Before You Go

Download the My Disney Experience App, or get access via online, to view menus of places you’d potentially like to dine at. Look at what is available and see if it fancies you. Don’t see anything you like? Move on to the next place! Keep track of which restaurants offer options that appeal to you AND meet your nutritional needs. It is tough to remember this information when you’re caught up in the fun of a magical Disney day so having it saved in a handy place (like the notes section of your phone) makes it easier. For sit down dining, contact your Disney travel agent to book reservations!

What else can you do to control your diabetes while on vacation? Remember to pack your supplies, such as glucometer, test strips and syringes, etc., so you can stay on top of your numbers as you normally would at home. Disney restrooms have sharps disposal containers. Pack extra supplies in case of a change in plans and be sure to store them appropriately during travel and when you arrive to your hotel. Pack your meds in a carry on with freezer packs in case your luggage is delayed in getting to you. Meds that require refrigeration can be kept in your hotel mini-fridge or packed in an insulated lunch box with an ice pack and kept in your backpack when touring the parks. Speak with your doctor about insulin adjustments when crossing time zones. Keep sanitizer on you and wash your hands regularly to keep hands and prick points clean to prevent infection (click here for more tips to prevent getting sick in Disney). Familiarize yourself with the First Aid centers in Disney parks (found in park maps, My Disney Experience App, or online) and always remember to dial 911 in case of an emergency.

A Walt Disney World vacation is a reason to celebrate! Taking these steps to ensure good blood sugar control will make your visit that much more enjoyable.