Gayle:
Disney has gone to lengths since 2006 to bring nutritious foods to their parks. You'll find fruits at many snack carts and bakeries, including my new favorite,
Prince Eric's Village Market, which offers hummus and snacks in an eye-appealing display to entice you--and your children--to choose healthier options. Luckily, we've found that we can avoid the candy stores that are hidden behind shop doors and embrace the more healthier snack locations that are "open-air" like Prince Eric's or the stand right outside of Liberty Tree Tavern.
As for meals on the
Disney Dining Plan, I recommend looking for the
"Mickey Check" on menus at counter-service locations. Although many choices may seem obvious, we found that on most any kid's meal, we can substitute apple slices or carrot sticks for french fries and applesauce or yogurt for desserts. Drink choices are just as varied so you can stay away from sodas and high fructose corn syrup-laced beverages. Milk, juice and bottled water are on most every menu. Personally, our crew prefers the grilled salmon and rice at Columbia Harbor House over fried. But if you have questions about any food on the menu, most counter service locations have a book of their menu items that lists ingredients in their offerings, and you can double-check anything that may not work for your family. Just ask for it at the counter.
Wishing y'all a magical vacation!
Whitney