Keto At Disneyland: How To Eat Low Carb At Walt’s Original Magic Kingdom
For the past few months. I’ve been losing weight on theKetogenic diet– I’m down 25 pounds and counting. For those of you who don’t know what the Keto diet is, it’s a high fat, extremely low carb diet that transforms your body into a fat eating machine. When you first start Keto, the prospect of finding Keto-friendly foods when eating out seems overwhelming. However, as you continue on the journey, you discover that it’s not very hard to find Keto options outside the home.
As aDisneylandannual passholder, I’ve agonized over my latest visits to the park, worried about the temptation to cheat and not sure what Keto options were offered. I have done some research on the subject, and while there are some helpful threads on Reddit and other message boards, I was unable to find a good resource for eating Keto at Disneyland andDisney California Adventure. So I decided to make one.
Being on Keto at Disneyland isn’t easy, but with some planning it isn’t very hard. Here’s my complete guide to eating Keto at Disneyland.
How to Read This Post:To make things easier to read, anything inRed Textis probably not low-carb and should be substituted out or removed entirely. I have usedBlue Boldtext to make it easier to find the names of the food dishes.
Keto-friendly snacks are available at Disneyland Resort, but much like the food options, they are not found everywhere. There is no such thing as a low-carb churro, Dole Whip, popcorn, corn dogs, pretzels or Mickey Premium bar, but there are some Keto snack options available in the parks:
Or you could always justBring Your Own: Disneylandallows you to bring your own snacksin your bag to the park, so feel free to fill it up with Beef Jerky, Keto Chow, Quest Bars and whatever other snacks you usually eat on the Keto diet.
Where to Eat Breakfast
In and outside of Disneyland, Breakfast is typically the easiest meal of the day to find Keto options.
Carnation Cafeon Main Street is an excellent option for Keto breakfast, offering all the eggs, bacon, sausage you could want.River Belle Terracein Frontierland has some great morning options:
Plaza Innon Main Street offers reservation-only character dining for breakfast, so if you’re with some little ones who want to do that sort of thing, this is a great option for Keto. They offerscrambled eggs, made to order omelets, and sides of bacon and sausage.Flo’s V8 Cafein Cars Land offers anAmerican Breakfastfeaturing Scrambled Eggs,Breakfast Potatoes, Bacon and aBiscuit.
Bengal Barbecuein Adventureland is one of the easiest places at all of Disneyland Resort to eat Keto friendly food. Almost every option on the menu is keto or can easily be modified to be keto. People usually order snacks at Bengal Barbecue, but as the seating area for this quick-service stand has expanded in recent years, they have also expanded their offerings a bit. Most of the Jungle skewers here are low-carb – just get the sauce on the side. The cast members working this stand are always very accommodating. A skewer makes for a tasty snack, but I’d recommend getting two or three if you’re looking for a full meal.
River Belle Terracein Frontierland has a ton of barbeque options which are easily Keto friendly.
Rancho del Zocalo Restaurantein Frontierland has one of my favorite Keto-friendly Disneyland dishes:Citrus Fire-grilled Chicken, which is basically a 1/2 Chicken seasoned in a Savory Marinade of Cumin, Garlic, Cilantro, Lemon and Lime served withMexican Rice and Refried Beans. you may sub the beans and rice for veggies and lettuce.River Belle Terrace in Frontierlandalso offers aHalf Chicken. Their oven-roasted BBQ Chicken is served withSignature Baked Beansand Seasonal Vegetables.French Marketin New Orleans Square offers aFrench Market Chicken. A Southern-style oven roasted half chicken, it normally comes withmashed potatoes and gravy, and seasonal vegetables, but you can ask them for double veggies instead of the potatoes.Red Rose Tavernein Fantasyland offers aChicken Sandwich à la Lumièrewhich comes with a Grilled Chicken Breast, Apple Slaw, Onion-Bacon Jam, and Fried Cherry Peppers on aToasted Roll served with Pommes Frites or Sliced Apples. You’ll need to forgo the bun and slaw, but the onion-bacon jam should only be a few carbs.The Golden Horseshoein Frontierland surprisingly offers a couple Keto options to munch on while you sit back and enjoy the Golden Horseshoe Revue in a venue that Walt Disney used to hang out in and love. This includesChicken Wings tossed with creamy Buffalo Sauce. Don’t get thebarbeque sauceoption.Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grillin Pacific Wharf offers anAchiote-marinated Half Chicken Plate. That’s Citrus Achiote-marinated Half Chicken, Epazote Black Beans topped with Queso Fresco,Cilantro-Lime Rice and Corn Tortillas.Poultry Palaceat Pixar Pier serves aChicken Drumstick Boxwhich includes a few dry rub chicken drumsticks.
Salads are one of the easiest Keto options in the parks because most of the restaurants serve a salad that is low-carb or can easily be modified to be low-carb:
TheSpinach Salad(pictured above) featured atLamplight Lounge(downstairs only) in Pixar Pier includes curly Spinach with warm Wild Mushrooms, Soft Poached Egg, Charred Onion Vinaigrette, Shitake “Bacon,” andBlue Cheese Toast
They also have aGrilled Chicken SaladatLamplight Lounge(downstairs only) in Pixar Pier featuringGrilled Romaine, Marinated Tomatoes and Cucumber, Feta, Piquillo Pepper Hummus, Olive Tapenade, and Green Dressing
TheHacienda Caesar SaladatRancho del Zocalo Restaurantein Frontierland is a good salad option. It comes with Grilled Chicken, Romaine Lettuce,Black Bean and Roasted Corn Salsa, tossed in Lime-Cilantro Caesar Dressing and garnished withCrispy Tortilla Stripsand Cheese. It’s probably smart to ask for them to go light on the dressing.
River Belle’s Chopped SaladatRiver Belle Terracein Frontierland features Romaine Lettuce,Black Beans, Garbanzo Beans, Pickles,Roasted Corn, Red Bell Pepper, and Tomatoes topped withFried Onionsand served with BBQ Ranch Dressing and a choice of Chicken, Grilled and Chilled Shrimp, Brisket, orBBQ Tofu.
TheTerrace WedgeatRiver Belle Terracein Frontierland includes Iceberg Lettuce, Tomatoes, Bacon, Crumbled Gorgonzola, and garnished with Pickled Red Onions and Buttermilk-Gorgonzola Dressing served with choice of Chicken, Grilled and Chilled Shrimp, Brisket, orBBQ Tofu.
Royal Street Chicken Caesar Saladoffered at theFrench Marketin New Orleans Square comes with romaine lettuce, cajun chicken, parmesan cheese, andcroutons(which could be removed) with a traditional Caesar Dressing.Chopped Saladis offered atGalactic Grillin Tomorrowland, featuring Mixed Lettuce with Grilled Chicken, Cucumber, Tomato, Onion, Red Pepper, and Feta Cheese served with Roasted Pepper-Ranch Dressing.Grilled Chicken Mixed Green SaladfromThe Golden Horseshoein Frontierland comes with choice of Dressing. While I wouldn’t recommend this bland option, it is an option if you need it.Chopped Saladoffered byPlaza Innon Main Street comes with Pesto-marinated Chicken on a bed of Greens, tossed with House-made Ranch Dressing, Cheddar, Bacon, trio of Beans, Pickled Onions, and Tomatoes, served withSignature Croutons.Cobb de Ville Saladavailable atFlo’s V8 Cafein Cars Land features Mixed Lettuce, Turkey Breast, crispy Bacon, Blue Cheese, Hard-boiled Egg,Corn, and Tomatoes with House-made Ranch Dressing.
In addition to the breakfast options mentioned above,Carnation Cafehas some Keto salads and a hamburger for lunch/dinner:
Alien Pizza Planet (AKA Pizza Port)should be called Planet Carb. AlongsideBoardwalk Pizza & Pastas, the menus are mostly pizzas and pasta, although if your friends insist on eating at these places, you can find some salad options: aCenturion Caesar Saladat Pizza Planet and aChicken Caesar Saladat Boardwalk that you could eat, minus the croutons.Clarabelle’s and Daisy’s Diner in Toontownboth offer very little in terms of Keto options. If you’re visiting the park with toddlers and stuck in Toon Town, you can get aChef Saladat Clarabelle’s, but I would not recommend it.
Next to Salads, Burgers are very easily found at most eateries in Disneyland Resort. You’ll have to forgo the bun and make some smart choices with the sauces (no ketchup, but you can have mustard and mayo), but sometimes there is no good substitute option for the fries side. At home, I buy and keep Smart Buns from Smart Baking in my freezer for when I make hamburgers. I sometimes defrost these and take them in my bag with me when I know I want a burger at a restaurant. Yes, it is a little weird to bring your own bun to a restaurant to eat a hamburger, but sometimes I want more than a lettuce wrap. Just know that this is also an option. When you know you will be entering a situation that will test your adherence to the Keto diet, preparation is your best friend.
Carthay Angus Bacon Burgeris offered atCarthay Circle Restauranton Buena Vista Street (ONLY DURING LUNCH) featuring Tillamook Cheddar served withFrench Fries. This is probably by far the best burger you are going to find in the California parks.Cheddar BurgeratLamplight Lounge(downstairs only) in Pixar Pier features agrilled custom Burger blend with Tillamook Cheddar, Roasted Plum Tomato, Red Onion, Avocado Ranch Spread, andToasted Amish Bun served with Malted Fries. This is probably the second best burger you can find in the California parks.Red Rose Tavernein Fantasyland features some good burger options.
Hungry Bear Restaurantin Critter Country has a few Burger options, but you’ll have to resist the temptation of the funnel cake goodies that everyone is eating around you.
Galactic Grillis one of my least favorite quick service restaurants in Disneyland, but they do offer some burger options that are good for Keto. You’ll need to get both of these bunless, sauceless, or with mustard and mayo and give your friends the sides.
CarnationCafeon Main Street offers theMain Street Cheeseburgerwhich comes with an Angus Chuck Patty, Tillamook Cheddar, Tomatoes, Red Onions, Lettuce, andHouse Sauce on Toasted Brioche. Just get it protein style without the sauce, you can add mustard and mayo if you want to add some flavor. The hamburger is usually served with a choice offresh Fruit or Seasoned French Fries, but I’m sure they would substitute seasonal veggies or you could pay for a house side salad with ranch dressing.Smokejumpers Grillin Grizzly Peak offers aBacon Cheeseburgerwhich is an Angus 1/3 lb Burger with Bacon, American Cheese andSignature Smoked Sauceserved with choice ofWaffle-cut Fries or Onion Rings. They also serve a normalCheeseburger, same Angus 1/3 lb Burger with American Cheese andSignature Smoked Sauceserved with choice ofWaffle-cut Fries or Onion Rings.Flo’s V8 Cafein Cars Land offers aKa-Cheeseburgerwhich features a 1/3 lb Angus Beef Patty, Cheddar Cheese,1000 Island, and Caramelized Onions on aSesame Seed Bun with Steak Fries.
Other Meals
Wine Country Trattoriain the Pacific Wharf offers aRib-Eye Steak(pictured above) served with creamy Garlic-stacked Potatoes and Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon andHoney. They also serveSalmonwithRoasted Potatoes, Tomatoes, and Arugula Salad with a Dill-Butter Cream SauceCafe Orleansin New Orleans Square offers aSteak and Potatoesmeal, and thepotatoescan be changed out for more seasonal veggies.Lamplight Lounge(downstairs only) in Pixar Pier features aSalmon PLT Grilled Salmonfeatures crispy Pancetta, Romaine Lettuce, Roasted Plum Tomato, Lemon-Bacon Aïoli, andToasted Focaccia served with Malted FriesPlaza Innon Main Street offersPot Roastwhich is Slow-roasted and served with Vegetables,Buttermilk Biscuit, Mashed Potatoes, and Gravy. Those last three options you’ll have to forgo to substitute for more veggies.Flo’s V8 Cafein Cars Land offers aBlue Plate Specialfeaturing Slow-cooked Turkey Breast piled high onWhite Bread, Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables andGravyFlo’s V8 Cafein Cars Land offersRamone’s Low and Slow Clubfeaturing Turkey Breast, crispy Bacon, Avocado-Bacon Mayo, Lettuce, and Tomato onToasted White Bread with Steak Fries
Reservation Table Service Restaurants
Sit-down restaurants are very accommodating of diets and allergies. You can request to talk to the chef and they are willing to jump through hoops to modify any of the dishes to accommodate your diet. Disney is great like this. I’ve never done this myself, but have read many experiences from other Keto dieters who have. I usually just ask my server for a substitution for the potato side dish and there is usually a good option.
Blue Bayou Restaurantoffers aBone-In Rib-Eye, aRoasted Chicken Maisonand aBone-In Pork Loin. You may have to ask to substitute themashed potatoesfor a side of veggies or seasonal salad, andsauce on the side.Carthay Circle Restauranton Buena Vista Street offersSkuna Bay Salmonthat isUnagi glazedwith Heirloom Tomatoes,Roasted Corn, Soy Glazed Bacon, Yuzu Basil Vinaigrette, and for dinner aCreekstone Farms “Prime” New York Steakwith Green Garbanzo Beans, Pickled Fresno Chili Salsa and aThick-cut Berkshire Pork ChopwithRoasted Yams,Orange-Date Chipotle Vinaigrette.Lamplight Lounge(downstairs only) in Pixar Pier has a handful of Keto options:Cheddar Burgerthat is a grilled custom Burger blend with Tillamook Cheddar, Roasted Plum Tomato, Red Onion, Avocado Ranch Spread, andToasted Amish Bun served with Malted Fries, aSalmon PLT Grilled Salmonfeatures crispy Pancetta, Romaine Lettuce, Roasted Plum Tomato, Lemon-Bacon Aïoli, andToasted Focaccia served with Malted Fries, aSpinach Saladincludes curly Spinach with warm Wild Mushrooms, Soft Poached Egg, Charred Onion Vinaigrette, Shitake “Bacon”, andBlue Cheese Toast, and a ]Grilled Chicken SaladatLamplight Lounge(downstairs only) in Pixar Pier featuringGrilled Romaine, Marinated Tomatoes and Cucumber, Feta, Piquillo Pepper Hummus, Olive Tapenade, and Green Dressing.
Sadly, there aren’t any real options for dessert at Disneyland Resort for us low-carbers, but that doesn’t mean you can’t eat dessert in Disneyland or DCA. You could stop by Starbucks and get a Coffee with heavy cream and sugar-free syrup or a sugar-free tea, but if you’re looking for something sweet to eat, you’ll just have to bring it yourself. Good suggestions include Quest Bars, someGood Deescookies, brownies or blondees packed in a ziplock bag, Slimfast fat bomb peanutbutter cups, cookie packs from Nui, or some Ketochow with a water tumbler.
If you’ve been on Keto for a good length of time, you should know by now what you can and cannot drink. Stick to water if you’re strict. Indulge in some diet soda if you’re blood sugar level is not as susceptible to artificial sweeteners (its different for everyone). If you’re going to drink some alcholic beverages, remember that while it may not throw you out of ketosis, the more alcohol you drink, the more weight loss may slow down. But if you just have to stay away from the sweet stuff and mixers, stick to light beer, champaign, whisky, tequila, vodka. You can find a wholeKeto Alchol guide here.
Places to Avoid
Upstairs at theLamplight Lounge(formerly The Cove bar) does not offer any Keto options.Too bad they got rid of the buffalo wings originally offered at The Cove bar, they were replaced with the Piggy Wings which are awesome but come with a sauce that is filled with carbs.
Any of the ice cream, bakery and desert places, this includesJolly Holiday Bakeryon Main Street, offers nothing but carbs.Mint Julep Barin New Orleans has great Beignets that you can’t eat. TheIce Cream Shop on Main Street,Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Creamon Buena Vista Street,Adorable Snowman’s Frosted Treats in Pixar Pier, andGhirardelli® Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shopall serve delicious but carb-filled frozen treats. The cookies atJack-Jack Cookie Num Numsand the smoothies, slushies and donuts atSchmoozies!are delicious, but you should stay far away.
Cozy Cone Motelin Carsland sells cones made up of and filled with carbs, alongside popcorn and sugary drinks. Avoid it.Pacific Wharf Caféserves most of their meals on yummy but carb-filled Boudin sourdough bread and even their salads are very high carb.Paradise Garden Grillin Paradise Garden Park serves mostly burritos.Market Houseon Main Street is basically a glorified Starbucks, so if unless you’re going to get a breakfast sandwich with no bun or a coffee with no milk, better to avoid this huge line.
Disclaimers:It should be noted that this list is not official. I am going based on my own experience and knowledge, so if you are unsure if one of the ingredients or a sauce included in one of these dishes is low-carb, never be afraid to ask a cast member. Always err on the side of caution. Also, note that these meals were accurate as of this writing in December 2018. Disneyland Resort changes their menu from time to time, so always consult the official Disneyland app or website before making a reservation or trekking across the park deadset on eating a particular food item listed here.
Please note: All the Disneyland images here were taken by Disneyland Resort.
