It's a Food Showdown: Healthy vs Indulge at Walt Disney World

01/11/22 • 20 min

2 Listeners

1923 Main Street: Disney Travel Style Podcast

Disney Springs Health and Wellness Celebration in January

Disney Springs is embracing 2022 with a focus on health and wellness, including complimentary group fitness classes on select Wednesdays and Fridays in January. Each class will begin at 9:00 a.m. and will take place in Town Center near Ever After Jewelry Co. & Accessories.

Wellness Wednesday Events Schedule:

January 12 – Warrior One Yoga presented by lululemon
January 19 – HIIT Workout Class presented by Under Armour
January 26 – Orlando Power Yoga presented by Fabletics

Fitness Friday Events:

January 21 – Warrior One Yoga presented by lululemon
January 28 – HIIT Workout Class presented by Under Armour

Registration is required for all events and space is limited. To register, visit the Fitness and Wellness page under the Experiences tab on DisneySprings.com.

Eat Healthy at Disney Springs

It’s also important to eat a well-balanced diet. Disney Springs has plenty of great food, and that includes healthier option menu items.

Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC – Focus on diners with gluten, dairy, egg, and soy sensitivities, the health-minded, and those with allergies (especially kids) who can't find good food. Everything here is vegan, gluten-free and promises to be delicious.

Frontera Cocina – The Taqueria Ensalada features Arcadian lettuce, poblano rajas, carrot, radish, avocado, tortilla strips, Cotija cheese and an avocado-lime vinaigrette-grilled chicken breast or the Mojo garlic grilled shrimp can also be added.

Planet Hollywood – The Hollywood Bowl is a standout salad that features Romaine lettuce, house-roasted turkey breast, hard-boiled egg, avocado, Roma tomato, and cucumber. It comes with bacon, swiss cheese and croutons, but you can omit those if you’re aiming for a lower calorie meal. While the recommended dressing is Thousand Island, feel free to swap in a balsamic vinaigrette if desired.

The Polite Pig – The Polite Caesar and Cobb Salads (without bacon) are satisfying bets, while the Chicken Salad Wrap is great for those who want a handheld option. There are even healthy choices for little ones including the Roast Smoked Turkey Breast and Grilled Skinless Chicken Breast.

Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant – This Shepherd Went Vegan is a plant-based Shepherd’s Pie, and the Raglan Risotto is a vegetarian dish that spotlights wild mushrooms, glazed baby vegetables, tarragon and shaved parmesan. Raglan Road is also celebrated by those with gluten sensitivities as many of their popular menu items are gluten-free.

Yesake – The Tofu Power Bowl is a hearty mix of organic tofu, avocado, spinach, carrot, cabbage, cucumber, tempura crunch and wasabi ponzu. Best of all? Guests can modify it to your liking.

These are just a few of the healthier items you can find at Disney Springs. But remember to ask your server for recommendations and d forget you can always ask for a dish to be modified.

Foodie Guide 2022 Epcot International Festival of the Arts

Running from January 14 through February 21, 2022 the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts will showcase visual, culinary and performing arts from across the globe.

Here's the long awaited Foodie Guide to the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts!

Pop Eats! (Near Port of Entry)

Food Items:

Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese
Tomato Soup with Bacon, Apple, and Brie Grilled Cheese (New)
Almond Frangipane Cake layered with raspberry jam and Belgian chocolate
Pop’t Art: Modern-designed sugar cookie with chocolate-hazelnut filling
Figment Premium Popcorn Bucket with Rainbow Popcorn (New)

Beverages:

Hazy IPA
Tomato Soup Can Bloody Mary

The Deconstructed Dish (Near Port of Entry)

Food Items:

Deconstructed BLT: Crispy pork belly, soft-poached egg, brioche, watercress espuma, tomato jam
Deconstructed French Onion Soup: Beef broth ravioli, Gruyère espuma, onion bread pudding, and onion textures (New)
Deconstructed Key Lime Pie: Flexible Key lime curd, “Key lime” mousse, graham cracker cake, and meringues (Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine – Green) (New)

Beverages:

Disney Springs Health and Wellness Celebration in January

Wellness Wednesday Events Schedule:

January 12 – Warrior One Yoga presented by lululemon
January 19 – HIIT Workout Class presented by Under Armour
January 26 – Orlando Power Yoga presented by Fabletics

Fitness Friday Events:

January 21 – Warrior One Yoga presented by lululemon
January 28 – HIIT Workout Class presented by Under Armour

Registration is required for all events and space is limited. To register, visit the Fitness and Wellness page under the Experiences tab on DisneySprings.com.

Eat Healthy at Disney Springs

It’s also important to eat a well-balanced diet. Disney Springs has plenty of great food, and that includes healthier option menu items.

Yesake – The Tofu Power Bowl is a hearty mix of organic tofu, avocado, spinach, carrot, cabbage, cucumber, tempura crunch and wasabi ponzu. Best of all? Guests can modify it to your liking.

These are just a few of the healthier items you can find at Disney Springs. But remember to ask your server for recommendations and d forget you can always ask for a dish to be modified.

Foodie Guide 2022 Epcot International Festival of the Arts

Running from January 14 through February 21, 2022 the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts will showcase visual, culinary and performing arts from across the globe.

Here's the long awaited Foodie Guide to the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts!

Pop Eats! (Near Port of Entry)

Food Items:

Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese
Tomato Soup with Bacon, Apple, and Brie Grilled Cheese (New)
Almond Frangipane Cake layered with raspberry jam and Belgian chocolate
Pop’t Art: Modern-designed sugar cookie with chocolate-hazelnut filling
Figment Premium Popcorn Bucket with Rainbow Popcorn (New)

Beverages:

Hazy IPA
Tomato Soup Can Bloody Mary

The Deconstructed Dish (Near Port of Entry)

Food Items:

Deconstructed BLT: Crispy pork belly, soft-poached egg, brioche, watercress espuma, tomato jam
Deconstructed French Onion Soup: Beef broth ravioli, Gruyère espuma, onion bread pudding, and onion textures (New)
Deconstructed Key Lime Pie: Flexible Key lime curd, “Key lime” mousse, graham cracker cake, and meringues (Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine – Green) (New)

Beverages:

Previous Episode

Disney's Typhoon Lagoon has Reopened (now for the bad news)

2 Recommendations

Disney's Typhoon Lagoon has Reopened, but it's not all good news

The surf’s up once again at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, but that's only part of the story. The tropical-island-inspired water park reopened to guests on January 2, 2022. Unfortunately, Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park closed to guests (temporarily at least) on New Year's Day, January 1, 2022. Disney giveth and Disney taketh away.

There's always a lot to do at Typhoon Lagoon, but with the Walt Disney World 50th anniversary underway, there are a few more things you should know.

What's New and What's a Must-Do at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon in 2022

Create Your Own Custom Dole Whip

The Snack Shack next to Typhoon Tilly’s allows you to sample items from a menu of all-new frozen dessert bar items. You can even mix and match some favorite Dole Whip flavors (including mango, pineapple, lime and raspberry) to build your own custom Disney Dole Whip. Adults can choose to electrify their Dole Whips by adding tequila, coconut rum or dark rum. Plus, there are new Moana-inspired Dole Whip cones as an option to make your Dole Whip into something a little different.

An Old Favorite is Back: Surfing at Typhoon Lagoon

You can learn to surf with professional instructors at the Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool, America’s largest outdoor wave pool. This is one of our all-time favorite things to do at Walt Disney World and it's a definite must do for anyone who wants to learn to surf and for experienced surfers alike (they will bring the big waves for you).

Crush ‘n’ Gusher: The Disney Water Coaster at Typhoon Lagoon

What do you get when you combine a water slide and roller coaster? A water coaster of course. There are three tropical fruit-themed chutes: Pineapple Plunger, Coconut Crusher or Banana Blaster.

50th Anniversary-Inspired Menu Items

From Walt’s Chili Nachos, which offer a special twist on one of Walt Disney’s favorite meals, to the EARidescent Ice Dream Cone, a birthday cake-flavored soft-serve spectacular, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon is home to a variety of delicious anniversary-themed treats.

Castaway Creek, The Typhoon Lagoon Lazy River

If water slides aren't your thing or you just want a little time to slow things down, Castaway Creek offers a "peaceful drift" down a 2,000-foot lazy river, floating past shady grottoes, thundering waterfalls, overhead rope bridges and lush rainforest landscapes.

Don’t ‘Miss’ Out on Miss Adventure Falls

As the story goes, Miss Adventure Falls is owned by Captain Mary Oceaneer – a sea-faring treasure hunter whose haul got caught in the rogue typhoon. This thrilling family-friendly adventure is the newest attraction at Typhoon Lagoon and gives you the opportunity to hunt for Captain Mary’s scattered global treasures during their voyage.

Relax in a Beachcomber Shack, a Private Cabana

If you want to splurge for your own private space, you can relax in an piece of paradise by booking a Beachcomber Shack, a luxury cabana space featuring cushioned seating, secluded shade and exclusive menu.

Beachcomber Shacks include room for up to six guests, and they have amenities such as towels, cushioned chairs, refillable drink mugs, a locker, and a cooler stocked with ice and bottled water. They make an excellent home base for your stay and you get your own personal attendant.

Hurry to Humunga Kowabunga

It's not quite Summet Plummet, but thrill seekers will love the near-vertical drops at Humunga Kowabunga, a downhill flume slide that uses the steep slopes of Mount Mayday.

In other Disney Travel News...

Explore Europe with 2022 Adventures By Disney Danube and Rhine River Cruises

If you've ever dreamed of taking an Adventures by Disney river cruise to see the towns and landscapes of Europe, Disney has announced a special offer.

Adventures by Disney guests can save $500 per person on select 2022 Danube and Rhine River cruises. Departures must be booked before February 28, 2022 and your travel dates must be between June 26 and August 4, 2022. There is limited availability and the offer excludes category E staterooms and Suites.

Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel Podcast

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Walt Disney World Dining Continues to Get Better, Plus More News

1 Recommendations

The All-New Grand Floridian Spa Opens January 26 at Walt Disney World

The Grand Floridian Spa has been refreshed while keeping in style with Victorian theme of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. Inside the newly reimagined spa you'll find a tranquil Floridian garden with serene lighting and calming music. The ideal way to take a break and recharge from the high energy magic of the world outside the spa doors.

There is a wide range of treatments and massages from which to choose. For example, you can experience The Grand Massage or Massage for Two. Both incorporate botanical lotions and other elements to designed to release tension and fatigue and replenish the mind, body and spirit. Or, why not destress with Nature’s Renewal Hydrating Treatment, which combines a full body exfoliation with a hydrating botanical massage.

A full range of salon services are also available including haircuts, styling and The Grand Manicure and Pedicure Treatments. The Grand Floridian Spa’s nail treatments provide the ultimate pampering experience with exfoliation, mask, massage and choice of nail lacquer. Plus, you can visit the relaxation lounge before or after their treatments.

Advance reservations are recommended and can be made online for dates starting January 26, 2022.

Garden Rocks Concert Series Returning to the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

The popular Garden Rocks Concert Series returns to the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival this March! New this year, top name artists will take the stage at the America Gardens Theater from Friday through Monday, while local Orlando bands and musicians will step into the spotlight Tuesday through Thursday.

The Complete 2022 Garden Rocks! Concert Line-up At EPCOT

March 4-5 – The Guess Who
March 6-7 – Rick Springfield
March 11-12 – Melina Leon – NEW to Garden Rocks
March 18-19 – Mike DelGuidice, currently on tour with Billy Joel – NEW
March 20-21 – Kool & The Gang – NEW to Garden Rocks
March 25-28 – The Orchestra starring former members of ELO
April 1-2 – The Spinners
April 3-4 – The Pointer Sisters
April 8-9 – Blue October – NEW to Garden Rocks
April 15-16 – Tommy DeCarlo, singer of the band Boston – NEW
April 17-18 – Don Felder, Formerly of The Eagles
April 22-23 – STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas
April 24-25 – Claudia Leitte – NEW
April 29-30 – Berlin
May 1-2 – TobyMac
May 6-7 – Blood, Sweat & Tears
May 8-9 – The Commodores – NEW to Garden Rocks
May 13-14 – Ambrosia with Peter Beckett – NEW
May 20-21 – A Flock Of Seagulls
May 22-23 – Collin Raye – NEW
May 27-28 – Thelma Houston – NEW
May 29-30 – Little River Band
June 3-6 – Simple Plan
June 10-13 – Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
June 17-20 – Plain White T’s

You can reserve your spot at a show by booking a Garden Rocks Dining Package available Friday, Saturday, Sunday or Monday. Find out more by visiting FreshEPCOT.com.

More Walt Disney World Restaurant Reopenings are Coming Your Way!

Here's the latest news of upcoming reopenings and updates at Walt Disney World restaurants.

January 27: The chefs from Flying Fish at Disney’s BoardWalk will welcome back guests with their signature seafood dishes. Of course, they also have steak offerings.

Favorite entrées include The Seafood Pearl Pasta which includes shrimp, lobster, scallops, clams, and mussels. Or, seafood lovers may prefer the Plancha-seared Scallops accompanied with savory grits, sweet corn, and Peppadew emulsion.

For dessert, Flying Fish has a few great offerings, including a chocolate-lover favorite: the Cocoa Breach accompanied with delicious vanilla custard.

January 31: the Ale & Compass Restaurant at Disney's Yacht Club Resort is back with some favorite breakfast options and new lunch offerings. Why not start with some Blueberry Bacon Pancakes.

February 3: The Turf Club Bar and Grill at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort will once again be off to the races. It has a well-earned reputation for offering delicious American flavors in every dish. A classic appetizer here is the New York Cider-braised Mussels with garlic, chorizo, fennel, Fresno chili, and apple cider topped with a grilled baguette.

Good picks for a main course include the Grilled Pork Chop or Braised Lamb Tagliat...