We’ve been to Disney World five times, and three of those trips were for my daughter’s birthdays it’s truly one of our favorite family traditions. Over the years, I’ve learned a few tips to make the trip healthier, smoother, and still completely magical.
Whether you’re heading to the parks for the first time or you’re a Disney regular, here’s how to enjoy your Disney World trip without losing sight of your wellness (or your sanity 😉).
🏨 Where to Stay
If your budget allows, stay at a Disney resort — the perks are worth it! You get free transportation, including access to the monorail and Skyliner, which make park-hopping so much easier.
We usually stay at Art of Animation, but one year we stayed at All-Star Movies, and this year we’re trying the Caribbean Beach Resort. (Yes we’re going back soon for a Disney Cruise! We’ll be spending the day before and after the cruise at the resort, but no parks this time.)
If you want full Disney magic without the high price, Art of Animation and Movies are fun, themed, and on the more affordable end.
If you’re looking to splurge someday, Animal Kingdom Lodge and The Polynesian Resort are dream stays. They’re pricier, but you can still visit them and dine there the Polynesian’s “’Ohana” restaurant even offers a character meal.
✨ Pro tip: Disney often runs special deals. Right now, they’re offering free admission to the water parks on your arrival day. These perks change every year, so I recommend using a Disney travel agent they’re completely free and can help you find the best discounts. I have one I love if you need a referral!
🥗 Eating Healthier at Disney
I always bring my own snacks and a filtered water bottle, and I use Amazon Fresh to order Mountain Valley water and other healthy staples straight to the hotel. You can pick up deliveries at the front desk — super convenient!
If you’re traveling with kids, I suggest packing a few of your own meals or snacks to balance out all the park food.
And yes… treat yourself too! We always do a character breakfast for Zoe’s birthday — definitely not seed oil free, but so worth it. The churro waffles are incredible, and one year they even had beignets that were out of this world.
We’ve done character breakfasts at Chef Mickey’s and Cape May Café — both located at Disney resorts (not inside the parks) and easy to get to with Disney’s free transportation options (bus, monorail, or Skyliner).
Other restaurants we’ve enjoyed:
• Maya Grill at Coronado Springs (great Mexican food)
• Boma Buffet at Animal Kingdom Lodge (delicious and fun variety!)
✨ Tip: Don’t forget comfortable shoes — there’s a lot of walking — and pack a stroller or rent one even for bigger kids. Also bring a portable fan if you are going in the summer and a rain jacket (the ones they sell in the park are pricey).
If you need packing ideas, I have a “Travel” folder on my Amazon storefront with all my must-haves.
AMAZON STORE https://amzlink.to/az0KEbgpUCcij
🎢 The Disney Parks Breakdown
Magic Kingdom
This is the most iconic park — classic rides, princesses, and tons of character meet-and-greets.
Our favorites:
• Tron (if you love roller coasters!)
• Pirates of the Caribbean
• Haunted Mansion
• Peter Pan’s Flight
• Buzz Lightyear
• Jungle Cruise
• Mad Tea Party
• Winnie the Pooh
• Under the Sea
• Tomorrowland Speedway
• Space Mountain & Big Thunder Mountain (for thrill-seekers)
• Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (prepare to get wet!)
Least favorite but still a must once: It’s a Small World — that song will live rent-free in your head forever 😂
Each trip, we also do Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for Zoe’s birthday. She loves getting her hair, nails, and makeup done to feel like a princess for the day. It’s not the cleanest product-wise, but this is my 20% of grace moment. You can always bring your own non-toxic polish and hair products if you’d like!
We once tried Cinderella’s Royal Table, but I honestly wouldn’t recommend it — no characters and the food wasn’t great.
Epcot
One of my favorite parks because you get to travel the world in a day!
Top rides:
• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
• Frozen Ever After
• Soarin’ Around the World
• Test Track
• The Seas with Nemo & Friends
Don’t miss the Aquarium, Turtle Talk with Crush (so cute for kids!) and the Journey of Water Moana area.
Food-wise, Mexico has my heart the best flavors, even if not seed oil free. You can always ask for modifications. I also love eating pizza in Italy and checking out Coral Reef Restaurant near the aquarium.
If you drink alcohol, Epcot is known for “drinking around the world” just pace yourself! I have supplements on my Amazon to help support your body if you do. 😉
Hollywood Studios
This isn’t my favorite park overall, but it’s great if your little one loves Toy Story.
Favorites:
• All the Toy Story rides
• Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
• Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge (tons of fun!)
• Tower of Terror and Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster (if you’re brave!)
We usually eat tacos at ABC Commissary, and the Roundup Rodeo BBQ is a cute themed restaurant (not seed oil free, but fun!).
This park also has lots of shows we always see the Frozen Sing-Along and the Disney Jr. Play & Dance show (so much fun for kids). Check out Star Wars land if you are a fan even if you are not its super cool.
Animal Kingdom
One of the most beautiful parks and my personal favorite for relaxing vibes.
Don’t miss:
• Avatar Flight of Passage
• Na’vi River Journey
• Kilimanjaro Safari
• Festival of the Lion King show
• Tree of Life (stunning photo spot!)
• Affection Station where kids can interact with animals
We loved Harambe Market — I had the chicken rice bowl and it was so good!
This park closes early due to the animals and doesn't allow balloons
Disney Springs
Perfect for off days or evenings when you’re not in the parks. Disney transportation takes you there for free via bus.
There’s shopping, live music, and amazing food options. Our go-tos:
• The Polite Pig — not seed oil free, but delicious (I always get the half chicken with slaw and cornbread).
• Chicken Guy! — a hit if you don’t mind seed oils.
• Rainforest Café — super fun for kids.
Don’t miss the LEGO Store and World of Disney shop. At night, you’ll find live entertainment, and during the holidays, they even make it snow!
There’s also a movie theater, making Disney Springs great for rainy or rest days.
⚡ Disney Tips to Make the Most of Your Trip
✨ Lightning Lane: Totally worth it to skip long lines. Use the Disney app to plan ride times, mobile order food, and check parade or fireworks schedules.
✨ DAS (Disability Access Service): If you or your child has a disability, this can help you avoid long waits. I used it for my pharmaceutical injury, but they’ve become stricter it now seems mainly for autism and developmental disabilities. Still, if you qualify, it’s worth trying!
✨ Special Events: If you visit during the holidays, Disney goes all out. We’ve done the Christmas Party twice, and it’s magical free cookies, treats, music, and snow! Halloween looks amazing too and is next on our list. 🎃
✨ PhotoPass: Add it on! There are photographers all over the parks, and it’s the best way to capture memories without worrying about your phone.
✨ Pro Tip: You can ship your souvenirs home directly from the Disney stores if your luggage is overflowing — ask any cashier!
💚 Final Thoughts
Disney World is truly one of the most magical places on earth and yes, you can make it a little healthier.
Between packing your own food, choosing better options where you can, staying hydrated, and balancing the fun with rest, it’s possible to enjoy the full experience without burning out or overloading on sugar and seed oils.
For me, it’s all about balance I want Zoe to experience the magic without feeling restricted, and with a little planning, that’s exactly what we do every trip. ✨