I know, I know. It’s the new year and you’re really trying to fit in your five servings of fruit and veggies every day, right? Well, I’m here to help you stick to that goal — even when you’re vacationing in Disney World!
Here are my top 5 ways to get my veggie servings in Disney World… . Don’t forget to take notes.
Jalapeño, Avocado, and Cucumber Margaritas at La Cava del Tequila
One of my favorite ways to get my veggies comes with a healthy dose of tequila. That’s right, Friends. We’re heading to Mexico — in Epcot, that is — to La Cava del Tequila.
La Cava del Tequila in Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion
Because that’s where you can get some of the green stuff via their Handmade Margaritas. (Yep, that’s right. None of that pre-made, swirling in the slushie machine stuff for you here.)
The Avacado Margarita is one of our favorites!
Avocado Margarita in Epcot’s Mexico
If you like a teensy bit of zip, go for the Jalapeño Margarita, which features tiny pieces of the peppers right in the mix.
Jalapeño Margarita at La Cava del Tequila
Another refreshing option is the Cucumber Margarita.
Cucumber Margarita
Fans of this unusual choice swear by it. It’s like a spa treatment in a glass! With tequila!
Pizza at Via Napoli
Savvy parents have been sneaking veggies into stubborn kids’ food since the dawn of the food pyramid, I figure. And now, I think we should take a page from their book and visit Via Napoli in Epcot’s Italy Pavilion. Because who doesn’t love Pizza?
You guys — you know I think their pizza is totes the BEST. Ever. But hey, who says the best ever can’t have a few healthy benefits?
On our last visit, we tried several pies, including the luxurious Pizza Carciofi. Doesn’t “Artichoke” sound so much more appealing in Italian? This gorgeous pie also features Truffle Oil. So that’s got to count for a serving too, I’m thinking.
Pizza Carciofi at Via Napoli in Epcot’s Italy Pavilion
Or you can skip the pizza and have your veggies lightly battered and fried, courtesy of the Fritto Misto Platter.
Fritto Misto Platter
Dip your assorted Asparagus, Eggplant, Zucchini, Artichoke, and Mushrooms into the fresh Tomato Sauce to layer on the vegetable-y goodness.
Toppings Bars at Your Favorite Counter Service Spots
When it comes to getting your Five Servings in for the day, go ahead and order that burger. Because it’s the perfect excuse to visit the Condiment Bar at your favorite Disney counter service spot.
If you’re thinking little packets of ketchup, then have I got a treat for you. Because spots like Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe in Magic Kingdom take toppings to a whole other level.
Cosmic Ray’s Toppings Bar
These aren’t just toppings bars. These are mini-smorgasbords. Seriously — I’ve watched guests make little side salads from the myriad of fixins here.
Toppings Bar at Cosmic Ray’s — Up Close
Over at Peco Bill’s Tall Tale Cafe, they have an equally stellar spread. Peppers and Pickles totally qualify imo.
Peppers and Pickles at Pecos Bill’s Condiment Bar
And bring on the Sauteed Mushrooms to make a balanced meal out of that burger!
Condiments – Sauteed Mushrooms
Trade in your ketchup for a little extra fiber and vitamin-packed power, courtesy of Salsa!
Condiment – Salsa
And if the thought of so much produce starts to get you down, do what I do, and add a dip of plastic cheese to the mix. 🙂
Crazy Corn at Paradiso 37
Hot and buttered used to be my favorite way to enjoy corn — outside of cornbread, of course. That is, until I got my first taste of Crazy Corn from Paradiso 37 at Downtown Disney.
According to the menu, this dish comes from Central America. I personally think it’s heaven-sent. Corn on the Cob is cut into halves, and then halved lengthwise, before it’s skewered and fire roasted.
Central American Crazy Corn
Then, they’re covered with this creamy Yellow Pepper Sauce, which comes with a little kick. After that, the whole mess is smothered in Imported Cheese and broiled until it’s perfectly melted.
Crazy Corn — Up Close
You think you know how good this is. But trust me. You need Crazy Corn in your life.
Wild Forest Mushroom Chowder at Raglan Road
Finally, we head over to Raglan Road Irish Pub at Downtown Disney for another great way to get your veggies — in soup form!
Anytime I can enjoy one of the Chef Kevin Dundon’s amazing soup creations, I am so there. But my favorite so far has been the incredible Wild Forest Mushroom Chowder. And this one has it all — the amazing, earthy flavors of those Mushrooms held together by sinful quantities of Cream and Butter. So. Good. And chock full of…well, something healthy. I just know it.
Wild Forest Mushroom Chowder
Can’t get to Raglan Road to try some today? Make it at home with this handy recipe.
There you have it! I just know you are super happy to have the healthy eating guesswork taken out of your next trip to Walt Disney World. With just a few stops at the bar — margarita or condiment — plus a couple visits to some other spots, you’ll meet your veggie quota in no time!
What are your favorite stops for getting your vegetable servings in while visiting Walt Disney World? Leave a comment and give us the scoop!
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Calamari is my favorite veggie!
*wiping drool off of keyboard*
Crazy Corn…where have you been all my life?
I hate to be “that guy”, but technically corn and mushrooms aren’t vegetables. Most of it does look delicious, however (save the mushroom chowder, but that’s because mushrooms and I have… issues).
The Jalapeno Margarita just jumped to the top of my “must try list”.
But how does one even begin to eat crazy corn? it looks too messy to even get your mouth on. Can you eat it without becoming a complete mess?
Hey Matt, I hate to be “That girl,” but Tequila isn’t a vegetable either. 😉
I love the flavor the Jalapeno margarita, but hate the chunks. Would they scoff at me if I ask them to strain it next time?
Thanks for this cheeky list. It’s fun!
Summer rolls from Bradley Falls kiosk in Animal Kingdom. So good! And guacamole and salsa count as vegetables, right? Cause those, some chips and a cucumber margarita at Cava sounds like a produce-packed meal to me! Also, three words: chocolate. covered. banana. (OK, that’s a fruit, but it practically counts as breakfast!)
Any of the hibachi veggies or the tempura veggies from Teppan Edo is awesome!. My family will eat a lot more of those than any other!
Oh my! I want that corn on the cob in the worse way! My stomach is just growling because of it. My son works for Disney. Now, I have two reasons to travel to Orlando. My awesome son and to get some of that corn on the cob!
Thanks AJ for another great post. The thing I love most about this post is that when I first saw the title, I thought ‘ooh healthy tips’ and then I read the top five and LOL’ed to myself! Tequila, pizza, battered food, toppings to go on burgers and hot dogs, corn smothered in sauce… the veggies are a little irrelevant. But you know what? Who cares? Because the food at Disney is stunning and I love it all!
And Matt… I have serious issues with mushrooms. Actually more of a phobia. One strong enough for me to see my doctor. I feel your pain. I once had to leave a restaurant because the person on the table beside mine ordered a plate of garlic mushrooms. I could see them and smell them and… had to get out of there.
Don’t forget CARROT cake cookies, or any kind of carrot cake for that matter! =)
In all seriousness, I do make a little ‘side salad’ with the burger bar fixings. I made a lovely little salad at Taste Pilots Grill this weekend to accompany my blue cheese bacon burger. Two lettuce leaves, a few slices of tomato, and a squirt of ranch. So yummy!
This post perfectly sums up why I love this site. Where to get veggies? The first answer is in a margarita. Awesome.
This is hilarious. And that corn…omg. Get in my belly!!!!!
Love this list!
Though I must point out, avocado is a fruit.