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 the Ketogenic 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 a Disneyland annual 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 and Disney 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 in Red Text is probably not low-carb and should be substituted out or removed entirely. I have used Blue Bold text 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 just Bring Your Own: Disneyland allows you to bring your own snacks in 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.

In and outside of Disneyland, Breakfast is typically the easiest meal of the day to find Keto options.

Carnation Cafe on Main Street is an excellent option for Keto breakfast, offering all the eggs, bacon, sausage you could want.River Belle Terrace in Frontierland has some great morning options:

Plaza Inn on 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 offer scrambled eggs, made to order omelets, and sides of bacon and sausage.Flo's V8 Cafe in Cars Land offers an American Breakfast featuring Scrambled Eggs, Breakfast Potatoes, Bacon and a Biscuit.

Bengal Barbecue in 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 Terrace in Frontierland has a ton of barbeque options which are easily Keto friendly.

Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante in 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 with Mexican Rice and Refried Beans. You can sub the beans and rice for veggies and lettuce.River Belle Terrace in Frontierland also offers a Half Chicken. Their oven-roasted BBQ Chicken is served with Signature Baked Beans and Seasonal Vegetables.French Market in New Orleans Square offers a French Market Chicken. A Southern-style oven roasted half chicken, it normally comes with mashed potatoes and gravy, and seasonal vegetables, but you can ask them for double veggies instead of the potatoes.Red Rose Taverne in Fantasyland offers a Chicken Sandwich à la Lumière which comes with a Grilled Chicken Breast, Apple Slaw, Onion-Bacon Jam, and Fried Cherry Peppers on a Toasted 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 Horseshoe in 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 includes Chicken Wings tossed with creamy Buffalo Sauce. Don't get the barbeque sauce option.Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill in Pacific Wharf offers an Achiote-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 Palace at Pixar Pier serves a Chicken Drumstick Box which 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:

The Spinach Salad (pictured above) featured at Lamplight Lounge (downstairs only) in Pixar Pier includes curly Spinach with warm Wild Mushrooms, Soft Poached Egg, Charred Onion Vinaigrette, Shitake "Bacon," and Blue Cheese Toast

They also have a Grilled Chicken Salad at Lamplight Lounge (downstairs only) in Pixar Pier featuring Grilled Romaine, Marinated Tomatoes and Cucumber, Feta, Piquillo Pepper Hummus, Olive Tapenade, and Green Dressing

The Hacienda Caesar Salad at Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante in 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 with Crispy Tortilla Strips and Cheese. It's probably smart to ask for them to go light on the dressing.

River Belle's Chopped Salad at River Belle Terrace in Frontierland features Romaine Lettuce, Black Beans, Garbanzo Beans, Pickles, Roasted Corn, Red Bell Pepper, and Tomatoes topped with Fried Onions and served with BBQ Ranch Dressing and a choice of Chicken, Grilled and Chilled Shrimp, Brisket, or BBQ Tofu.

The Terrace Wedge at River Belle Terrace in 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, or BBQ Tofu.

Royal Street Chicken Caesar Salad offered at the French Market in New Orleans Square comes with romaine lettuce, cajun chicken, parmesan cheese, and croutons (which could be removed) with a traditional Caesar Dressing.Chopped Salad is offered at Galactic Grill in 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 Salad from The Golden Horseshoe in Frontierland comes with choice of Dressing. While I wouldn't recommend this bland option, it is an option if you need it.Chopped Salad offered by Plaza Inn on 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 with Signature Croutons.Cobb de Ville Salad available at Flo's V8 Cafe in 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 Cafe has some Keto salads and a hamburger for lunch/dinner:

Alien Pizza Planet (AKA Pizza Port) should be called Planet Carb. Alongside Boardwalk 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: a Centurion Caesar Salad at Pizza Planet and a Chicken Caesar Salad at Boardwalk that you could eat, minus the croutons.Clarabelle's and Daisy's Diner in Toontown both offer very little in terms of Keto options. If you're visiting the park with toddlers and stuck in Toon Town, you can get a Chef Salad at 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 Burger is offered at Carthay Circle Restaurant on Buena Vista Street (ONLY DURING LUNCH) featuring Tillamook Cheddar served with French Fries. This is probably by far the best burger you are going to find in the California parks.Cheddar Burger at Lamplight Lounge (downstairs only) in Pixar Pier features a grilled custom Burger blend with Tillamook Cheddar, Roasted Plum Tomato, Red Onion, Avocado Ranch Spread, and Toasted Amish Bun served with Malted Fries. This is probably the second best burger you can find in the California parks.Red Rose Taverne in Fantasyland features some good burger options.

Hungry Bear Restaurant in 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 Grill is 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.

Carnation Cafe on Main Street offers the Main Street Cheeseburger which comes with an Angus Chuck Patty, Tillamook Cheddar, Tomatoes, Red Onions, Lettuce, and House 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 of fresh 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 Grill in Grizzly Peak offers a Bacon Cheeseburger which is an Angus 1/3 lb Burger with Bacon, American Cheese and Signature Smoked Sauce served with choice of Waffle-cut Fries or Onion Rings. They also serve a normal Cheeseburger, same Angus 1/3 lb Burger with American Cheese and Signature Smoked Sauce served with choice of Waffle-cut Fries or Onion Rings.Flo's V8 Cafe in Cars Land offers a Ka-Cheeseburger which features a 1/3 lb Angus Beef Patty, Cheddar Cheese, 1000 Island, and Caramelized Onions on a Sesame Seed Bun with Steak Fries.

Wine Country Trattoria in the Pacific Wharf offers a Rib-Eye Steak (pictured above) served with creamy Garlic-stacked Potatoes and Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Honey. They also serve Salmon with Roasted Potatoes, Tomatoes, and Arugula Salad with a Dill-Butter Cream SauceCafe Orleans in New Orleans Square offers a Steak and Potatoes meal, and the potatoes can be changed out for more seasonal veggies.Lamplight Lounge (downstairs only) in Pixar Pier features a Salmon PLT Grilled Salmon features crispy Pancetta, Romaine Lettuce, Roasted Plum Tomato, Lemon-Bacon Aïoli, and Toasted Focaccia served with Malted FriesPlaza Inn on Main Street offers Pot Roast which 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 Cafe in Cars Land offers a Blue Plate Special featuring Slow-cooked Turkey Breast piled high on White Bread, Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables and GravyFlo's V8 Cafe in Cars Land offers Ramone's Low and Slow Club featuring Turkey Breast, crispy Bacon, Avocado-Bacon Mayo, Lettuce, and Tomato on Toasted White Bread with Steak Fries

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 Restaurant offers a Bone-In Rib-Eye, a Roasted Chicken Maison and a Bone-In Pork Loin. You may have to ask to substitute the mashed potatoes for a side of veggies or seasonal salad, and sauce on the side.Carthay Circle Restaurant on Buena Vista Street offers Skuna Bay Salmon that is Unagi glazed with Heirloom Tomatoes, Roasted Corn, Soy Glazed Bacon, Yuzu Basil Vinaigrette, and for dinner a Creekstone Farms "Prime" New York Steak with Green Garbanzo Beans, Pickled Fresno Chili Salsa and a Thick-cut Berkshire Pork Chop with Roasted Yams, Orange-Date Chipotle Vinaigrette.Lamplight Lounge (downstairs only) in Pixar Pier has a handful of Keto options: Cheddar Burger that is a grilled custom Burger blend with Tillamook Cheddar, Roasted Plum Tomato, Red Onion, Avocado Ranch Spread, and Toasted Amish Bun served with Malted Fries, a Salmon PLT Grilled Salmon features crispy Pancetta, Romaine Lettuce, Roasted Plum Tomato, Lemon-Bacon Aïoli, and Toasted Focaccia served with Malted Fries, a Spinach Salad includes curly Spinach with warm Wild Mushrooms, Soft Poached Egg, Charred Onion Vinaigrette, Shitake "Bacon", and Blue Cheese Toast, and a ]Grilled Chicken Salad at Lamplight Lounge (downstairs only) in Pixar Pier featuring Grilled 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, some Good Dees cookies, 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 whole Keto Alchol guide here.

Upstairs at the Lamplight 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 includes Jolly Holiday Bakery on Main Street, offers nothing but carbs. Mint Julep Bar in New Orleans has great Beignets that you can't eat. The Ice Cream Shop on Main Street, Clarabelle's Hand-Scooped Ice Cream on Buena Vista Street, Adorable Snowman's Frosted Treats in Pixar Pier, and Ghirardelli® Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop all serve delicious but carb-filled frozen treats. The cookies at Jack-Jack Cookie Num Nums and the smoothies, slushies and donuts at Schmoozies! are delicious, but you should stay far away.

Cozy Cone Motel in Carsland sells cones made up of and filled with carbs, alongside popcorn and sugary drinks. Avoid it.Pacific Wharf Café serves most of their meals on yummy but carb-filled Boudin sourdough bread and even their salads are very high carb.Paradise Garden Grill in Paradise Garden Park serves mostly burritos.Market House on 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.

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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.