Even if you don't have diabetes, a Disneyvacation might be overwhelming. When you mix in diabetes and the need to watchyour carbs and sugar intake, a trip to Disney World or Disneyland suddenlyseems like it might not be worth the hassle.
The food at Disney is far from the typicaltheme park fare; it's actually something to be enjoyed and savoured. From tableservice restaurants to kiosks that provide unique treats, the food at Disney issomething to be indulged in. However, there are limits to indulgence,particularly for those who are subjected to medically prescribed foodrestrictions.
Fortunately, it is still possible to enjoyfood at Disney amusem*nt parks even if you have diabetes. Yes, the food theremight often be laden with sugar and fats, but there are ways around it so youcan have a memorable time with your family.
While many restaurants at Walt DisneyWorld can handle specific diet demands, including diabetes, here are someuseful tips that can make your visit go more smoothly and help you feel moreprepared for dining during your vacation.
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Ask for the "allergies" menu
If you decide on having a table servicemeal, the best strategy is to ask for the "allergies" menu, whichgenerally contains at least a couple of low-carb/diabetes-friendly meals.You can also request to speak with thechef to discuss the menu and ask for some substitutions. They will generallygladly make necessary adjustment for you. For example, if you order a hamburgerat the Magic Kingdom, you can ask for a salad instead of chips and explain thatyou can't eat the starchy side.
Make your dinner reservations in advance and let the restaurant knowabout your dietary restrictions
Call the restaurant in advance when makingyour dinner reservations so you can let them know that you will be orderinglow-carb items. If you decide to make your booking online through the WaltDisney World website, you may indicate "Other" on the Special DietaryRequests box and fill it out at the time of making the reservation.
Remember that the Disney World websitefurther states that: "Many Walt Disney World restaurants can accommodatethe following requests without prior notice: vegetarian, vegan, no sugar added,low sodium and carbohydrate, diabetes, and gastric bypass or lap band."
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Opt for sugar-free desserts and drinks or bring your own food
When it comes to dining and snacking, WaltDisney World and Disneyland both offer a variety of healthy and sugar-freedessert alternatives to choose from. Guests are also permitted to bring intheir own coolers with food and beverages, so take advantage of thisopportunity.
Bring your own water bottles, and thenrefill them at a water fountain to ensure that you keep hydrated during theday. All Disney Quick-Service restaurants that serve fountain drinks are alsorequired to give water in a cup at no additional cost to customers. Carry thefood you'll need with you, so you'll always have something to eat when you'rehungry.
Instead of fries, choose a salad or fruit
The majority of quick-service meals willlikely come with fries or other typically unhealthy side items as standard. Youshould skip the fries and instead order fruit, coleslaw, or a side salad.When you order a tossed salad from aquick-service restaurant, it will usually come pre-dressed. Just make sure youget the dressing on the side. You can also request cheese and croutons on theside as well.
Eat only fresh foods and avoid processed ones
Fresh fruits and veggies are available forpurchase at every Disney park and Disney resort location. Fresh fruits andvegetables can be found in little outdoor food markets in the parks, and at theresorts, they can be found in the food court.The food court is the best place to startwhen it comes to eating low-car and healthy at Disney Resorts. Food areas heretypically serve yoghurt, cereal, fresh fruit, veggies, nutritious sandwiches,milk, salads, and other healthy options. You can easily find something suitablefor people with diabetes at the food court.
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Bottom line
It's entirely possible to finddiabetes-friendly food in Disney parks. All you have to do is have a close lookat the nutritional information of the food you want to eat. Do your homeworkahead of time and arrange your meals accordingly. Some restaurants will have amuch wider range of tempting selections than others, so it's always a good ideato plan ahead. If you have the time, look over the menus at Disney Worldrestaurants before your trip. Finally, don't forget that you can also bringyour own diabetes-friendly snacks when you visit Disney parks.
