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Eleven Re-energizing Lunches at Disney World Theme Parks

It’s tempting to throw good eating habits out the window on vacation. Enticing Mickey bars, savory chicken nuggets and luscious cupcakes send your taste buds to Fantasyland, but reality can set in quickly when you overdo the sweets and treats.

Don’t despair! You don’t need an advanced dining reservations to find a re-energizing meal at Walt Disney World. Quick-service meals on the lighter side are within reach. Want to know where to go for wholesome snacks between meals? Each park has a fresh-fruit cart or quick-service stop where you can get a nutritious snack and forego an energy-zapping cupcake craving. It’s just the thing to refuel before more Disney park fun.

Let’s take a look at the best places to get re-energizing lunches and some grab and go items in the Disney World theme parks.

Magic Kingdom

1. Columbia Harbour House

Grab a seat in the Colonial Williamsburg-styled dining room on the second floor of the Columbia Harbour House away from the crowds of Liberty Square.

Columbia Harbour House has old-America dishes that are healthy and filling.
Columbia Harbour House has old-America dishes that are healthy and filling.

Try the grilled salmon with couscous and steamed fresh vegetables. We had broccoli. This is a great find for a quick-service lunch. The Anchors Aweigh tuna sandwich and Broccoli Peppercorn Salad are great alternatives. This respite provides the perfect break before heading back out to the busy park.

2. Pinocchio Village Haus

For a fresh twist on pizza, try the Caprese Flatbread at Pinocchio Village Haus in Fantasyland. It’s a standout on the menu.

The flatbread at Pinocchio Village Haus is delicious and nutritious!
The flatbread at Pinocchio Village Haus is delicious and nutritious!

Fresh tomato and basil pop with thick Mozzarella on a fragrant flatbread. Balsamic glaze puts the exclamation point on this lovely lunch, which will have you imagining Geppetto’s distant homeland.

Still hungry? Try the tomato basil soup or sneak in a gelato because you don’t always get the chance to eat Italian ice cream. Try the No Sugar Raspberry or Tiramisu flavors.

3. Prince Eric’s Village Market

For a quick energy boost, pick some vitamin-packed fruit from Prince Eric’s Village Market in Magic Kingdom‘s Fantasyland. The open-air market offers assorted, pre-packaged fruit, hummus, vegetables, and refreshing drinks. Prince Eric’s is also the place for a roasted turkey leg to go.

There are many fruit stands like Prince Eric's Village Market around Disney World.
There are many fruit stands like Prince Eric’s Village Market around Disney World.

Grab a picnic table and refuel on these simple foods that can get you moving to your next FastPass with time to spare.

Hollywood Studios

4. ABC Commissary

Explore oversized posters of the latest ABC shows while you relax and eat lunch in the spacious, air-conditioned ABC Commissary on Commissary Lane at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

ABC Commissary is neat because it brings some of the real world into the Disney parks.
ABC Commissary is neat because it brings some of the real world into the Disney parks.

The Mediterranean Salad is big enough to split with a friend. You can also get it with chicken for an extra $3.00. Packed with mixed greens, the salad is colored with sweet peppers, red onion, tomato, and sprinkled with Kalamata olives and feta cheese. The salad is tossed with a Greek vinaigrette. Hummus and pita chips are served on the side.

5. Anaheim Produce

If eating clean means something to you, head to Anaheim Produce on Sunset Boulevard for a snack break. Whole fruits and granola and nut mixes are star attractions, plus standouts like Hayden Valley Probiotic Boost Blend and Raw Energy Mix. Try the sweet potato chips or the Enjoy Life Seed Pack for an energy pick-me-up.

Anaheim Produce on Sunset Blvd is more than just a fruit stand. They have hot Pretzels, fresh fruit, frozen Margaritas, and frozen lemonade.
Anaheim Produce on Sunset Blvd is more than just a fruit stand. They have hot Pretzels, fresh fruit, frozen Margaritas, and frozen lemonade.

Animal Kingdom

6. Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes

After a thrilling ride on Expedition Everest, don’t leave Asia without stopping at the Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes for lunch. The quick-serve stop is next to the full-service Yak & Yeti restaurant.

The quick-service restaurants attached to full-service restaurants are nice because they tend to serve better food that is more typical in a sit-down restaurant.
The quick-service restaurants attached to full-service restaurants are nice because they tend to serve better food that is more typical in a sit-down restaurant.

A stand-out on the menu is the Roasted Vegetable Couscous Wrap. Roasted, seasoned vegetables are married to perfectly cooked couscous and wrapped in Lavash bread large enough to split with a friend. A lemon-herb yogurt sauce is the crown jewel on this bright, flavorful meal.

Take note: word of the wrap is getting around. During our last visit, the wrap was sold out. I was devastated. I had planned our day around having lunch here. Of course, we rearranged our schedule and returned two days later, just for the wrap.

7. Flame Tree Barbecue

You smell it before you see it. You salivate before you get there. Oh yes, it is the Flame Tree Barbecue on Discovery Island in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Flame Tree Barbecue has some of the best barbecue there is!
Flame Tree Barbecue has some of the best barbecue there is!

A little bit of roasted meat paired with some bright green veggies will perk you right up at lunch. Try the Mixed Greens Salad with Roasted Chicken Breast. The flavorful meat is matched with a bold mix of field greens, pecans, apple wedges, cheddar, and dressed with apple cider vinaigrette.

The Smoked Turkey Breast Sandwich on multigrain bread has a fresh cranberry mayonnaise and a fruit side. A baked drumstick comes with the standard kid’s meal, which is a nice departure from chicken nuggets.

8. Harambe Fruit Market

Whole fruit, apple slices with caramel, fruit and nut trail mix, and watermelon are some of the refreshing options at the Harambe Fruit Market in Africa. Carb-up with a Mickey pretzel and wash it all down with a cold juice or water.

The fruit markets are always busy!
The fruit markets are always busy!

Sometimes, simple foods are just the thing to reboot your family for a second round in the parks.

Epcot

9. Tangierine Cafe

Walk through Morocco in World Showcase, and let the exotic aromas and spices from the Tangierine Cafe coax you in. The small cafe brings big, bold flavor to modest dishes.

Try the Mediterranean chicken wrap with hummus, marinated red onion, lettuce, tomato and a magical Taziki sauce that may have you re-routing your plans for lunch another day.

Inside Tangierine Cafe, you'll find authentic Moroccan dishes!
Inside Tangierine Cafe, you’ll find authentic Moroccan dishes!

Get a falafel wrap for a dollar less, or a lamb wrap for a dollar more. The wrap is big enough to split with a friend although you may want to keep it all to yourself.

10. Sunshine Seasons

After your Soarin’ journey around the world, relax in the airy, spacious Sunshine Seasons for lunch in The Land Pavilion in Future World. It is the perfect location for light-lunch alternatives including meatless options.

Sunshine Seasons is the go-to spot for anyone with dietary restrictions!
Sunshine Seasons is the go-to spot for anyone with dietary restrictions!

Try the vegan flatbread with grilled vegetables and hummus or vegan Korma with Gardein Meatless Chik’n. The Power Salad says it all with Quinoa, chicken, almonds and a honey-vinaigrette. Wake up your taste buds with spicy fish tacos with Poblano Pepper Aioli.

11. The Land Cart

Find fruit, cheese and vegetable plates, hummus, pita chips, and Mickey pretzels at The Land Cart at Epcot. Try a chocolate coconut water or frozen lemonade.

The Land Cart serves some unique "cart" snacks.
The Land Cart serves some unique “cart” snacks.

How do you eat healthy in Disney World?

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