Far Beyond a Burger and Bun

"MOM!  I'm hungry!"
As the mother to two young boys, both of which are in the 95th percentile or higher for their height, we hear this often at home...and even more when we are on vacation.  Just the other weekend we went to Fort Worth, Texas for the day to enjoy the Children's Museum.  To our delight, the Fort Worth Stock Yard show was also going on, and we had the opportunity to enjoy it as well.  The only downfall to our day was having lunch at the stockyard show.  Just the thought of eating at fairs or amusement parks is enough to send me running for my antacid! The burgers, fries, corndogs, chicken strips, fried pickles and such make up just about the entire menu selection.  I know it's bad when my kids start asking for a piece of fruit instead of more junk.
At Walt Disney World, some refer to it as Quick Service, others refer to it as Counter Service, some may even call it "fast food".  It is all those things, but it is also much more than what you would expect from "amusement park" food.  Clients who are on one of the Disney dining plans, especially those on the Quick Service Dining Plan, always ask me which are the best places to eat a quick meal.  Now, I will admit that the expected burgers and fries, pizza and chicken strips are available.  But much better options abound!


MAGIC KINGDOM
While in the Magic Kingdom you can eat like a princess on a pauper's budget (well, not really, but almost!)  The Columbia Harbor House in Liberty Square has Quick Service options such as their Lighthouse Sandwich which is hummus with tomato & broccoli slaw on toasted multigrain bread; or the Anchors Aweigh Sandwich with white tuna with lettuce and tomato on toasted multigrain bun; or even grilled salmon served with couscous and steamed fresh broccoli..  Also in the Magic Kingdom, Cosmic Rays Starlight Cafe in Tomorrowland boasts half a rotisserie chicken or BBQ Ribs, both served with mashed potatoes and a seasonal vegetable.


ANIMAL KINGDOM
The theme park is "natazu" and the Quick Service options are much more than typical fast food!  At the Yak and Yeti Cafe, guests can dine on items such as honey chicken, sweet and sour chicken, orange beef, an Asian chicken sandwich, or Mandarin chicken salad.  Over at the Flame Tree Barbecue there are options such as half a slab of St. Louis Ribs served with baked beans and corn muffin; half a rotisserie chicken served with baked beans and corn muffin; a beef or pork sandwich served with baked beans; a smoked turkey breast sandwich served on a multi-grain bun with cole slaw; or a barbecue chicken salad served with crisp greens and tomato with balsamic vinaigrette dressing in a toasted garlic shell.


HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
Not exactly Rodeo Drive, but a little searching will find you some quality Quick Service meals here too.  The Backlot Express offers guests a Southwest salad of mixed greens, crisp corn tortilla, black bean relish, avocado, chicken and cilantro vinaigrette; a grilled turkey and cheese sandwich on multigrain ciabatta with arugula and red peppers; or even a grilled vegetable (including , mushrooms, red peppers, zucchini, tomato, watercress and cheese) sandwich on basil asiago artisan bread with a sundried tomato pesto.


EPCOT
With the all the nations of the World Showcase within a 1.3 mile loop, there are amazing Quick Service Options in EPCOT.  The Tangierine Café in the Morrocco pavilion has tasteful plates such as chicken and lamb platters served with side of hummus, tabouleh and a tangierine couscous salad with fresh Moroccan bread; Mediterranean wraps served with tangierine couscous salad and lentil salad; lamb, chicken and Falafel wraps; as well as many other Mediterranean Specialties such as Morrocan kefta sandwiches, vegetable platters, and even a Mediterranean sliders combo made up of  lamb, chicken and falafel pita pockets.
The Katsura Grill in the Japan pavilion will not disappoint either with it's assortment of sushi rolls, curried rice and udon.
Future World is home to Sunshine Seasons in the Land pavilion, some of the BEST Quick Service in all of the theme parks.  With options such as ginger Mongolian beef; spicy cashew chicken; roasted beets and goat cheese salad; Togarashi seared tuna noodle salad; an oak grilled vegetable flatbread sandwich; or oak-grilled sustainable catch Niciose style you will think again before you use the words "fast food" to describe the Quick Service / counter service food options at the Walt Disney World Resort!