Healthy(ish) Snacks at Disneyland

You know it and I know it: walking around Disneyland for an entire day is enough to make you want to eat your weight in Mickey pretzels. Every time you pass a snack cart, the delicious smells of churros and popcorn make your mouth water. Even the rides are designed to make you hungry – I leave the Incredicoaster craving cookies every time!

However, sometimes extenuating circumstances make it so that you have to steer clear of the junk food and set your eyes on something a little healthier. You might be training for your first big RunDisney race. Maybe you’re on a doctor-ordered nutrition plan. You could be in the middle of a bet that you can be gluten free for a month and you instantly regretted it but you had to continue anyway because there was money and pride on the line.

Fret not! There are still delicious and (somewhat) healthy snacks available to you at Disneyland.

Whole Fruits and Veggies (Various Fruit Stands)

In every land you can find a fruit stand with ice buckets full of pineapple spears and giant pickles, apples, bananas, sliced seasonal fruits, and veggie cups.

Disney Check Power Pack (Various Quick Service Restaurants)

For some reason Disneyland cares more about kids eating healthy than adults, so they made the “Disney Check” program that has balanced meals available at every restaurant. But just because it says “Kids Meal” doesn’t mean you aren’t allowed to order it.

If you buy a Disney Check Power Pack in the morning, you can eat the snacks (a Danimals smoothie, apple slices, carrots, crackers, a banana, and a beverage) throughout the day and not have to go looking for food between meals. It’s a great time and money saver.

The best part about the Disney Check Power Pack is that it’s available in a whole bunch of places, like Galactic Grill in Disneyland or Award Weiners in California Adventure.

Corn on the Cob (Turkey Leg Carts)

At Disneyland, wherever you can buy one of the famous turkey legs you can also buy a healthier option: corn on the cob. The corn from the carts come in two options: butter or chili lime. Personally I like the buttered corn better, but If you’re trying to win the award for healthiest eater at a theme park, go for the chili lime.

Side Salad (Boardwalk Pizza, Pizza Port and others)

The side salad is probably the most boring item on my list, but also the easiest to prove healthy. It is literally just lettuce, carrots, tomato, cucumber, and a little cheese. Dressing is served on the side. Yawn.

The Vegetable Skewer (Bengal Barbecue)

While you can get it as part of a meal, the vegetable skewer at Bengal Barbecue also makes a great snack. It’s easy to take with you as you walk, it tastes great, and you can proudly say you made a point to eat your vegetables while you were on vacation even if you were pretending it was a Mickey ice cream bar the whole time.

Dole Whip (Tiki Juice Bar)

Disneyland Dole Whip in front of the Tiki Juice Bar at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA.

I can hear it now. “But I thought you said this was a list of healthy snacks!” Yes, it is. Mostly.

In comparison to most of the other desserts at Disneyland, this IS a healthier alternative. The Dole Whip is dairy free, gluten free, and fat free, even if you get it as a float. If you’re on a low-sugar diet, this won’t be your optimal choice, but aside from that you shouldn’t feel guilty about not sharing this delicious tiki treat. Especially if your other option is the giant funnel cake over at Stage Door Cafe.

And voila! A guide to finding food at Disneyland that won’t clog your arteries or send you into a sugar coma. Happy eating!

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