10 Ways to Be Healthy at the Happiest Place on Earth

Updated on 7/26/2018 at 12:05 PM

POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Yi

Theme parks are rarely synonymous with healthy habits, but we're here to tell you that it is possible to have fun at the Happiest Place on Earth without throwing your efforts out the window. Luckily, Disneyland makes it easy to enjoy yourself while staying healthy, thanks to its many park offerings, from food to visitor perks. Check out our 10 tips before your next visit!

Sign up for a morning power walk before the parks open.

Guests staying at any of the Disneyland Resort hotels have the option to sign up for the Get Up & Go Power Walk. This fast-paced two-mile power walk starts at 6 a.m., and goes through Disney California Adventure before the park opens the public!

Take advantage of the park's fruit stands.

Situated on Main Street USA in between Disney Clothiers and Market House is a cart filled with healthy offerings: dried cranberries, whole fruit, Fuji apple chips, Nesquik chocolate milk, apple slices, pineapple spears, sliced watermelon, and more. Check out this grab-and-go spot before hitting the rest of the park.

Enjoy a frozen, dairy-free treat at the Tiki Juice Bar.

Skip the ice cream and opt for a vegan Pineapple Dole Whip Soft-Serve or Dole Whip Float (Dole pineapple juice topped with pineapple soft-serve) at Adventureland instead. And if you're looking for pure fruit, the counter also serves pineapple spears.

Ask for free water at any of the restaurants.

The most important thing to remember during your visit is to stay hydrated. Fill up your reusable water bottle at water fountains throughout the park or request a cup of ice water free of charge at any of the Disney eateries. There's also plenty of bottled beverages, including coconut water, sold next to rides.

Rack up steps on your fitness tracker.

Walking around the parks is a great workout on its own. You can easily walk 20,000 to 30,000 steps in a full day at Disneyland — 27,000 steps equates to about 11 miles and 2,500 calories burned! Not to mention the calories you're burning while standing in line.

Snack on healthy items in line.

No area in the park is short of good-for-you snacks. As you make your way through Tomorrowland, for example, you'll find a stand directly across from The Star Trader store with items like hummus cups, mango slices, mini Babybel cheeses, and seedless grapes. These are perfect to munch on while waiting in line at Space Mountain.

Grab a cold pickle at Adventureland.

There's nothing more refreshing on a hot park day than a cold pickle. Pickles are offered everywhere throughout the park, but I personally love munching on one with a turkey leg (which you'll see ahead). Plus, they're a great source of electrolytes!

Nosh on a giant turkey leg at Frontierland.

Once you grab a pickle, head over to the Ship to Shore Marketplace in Frontierland for a cured, smoky turkey leg. Enjoy over a pound of pure, lean protein that's large enough to split between two people.

Explore the park menus for healthy options.

Deep-fried and sugary items may top the list of popular Disney park foods, but most of its fast-casual restaurants also offer plenty of salads and other healthy alternatives. Some of our favorites include the salade de maison at Cafe Orleans in the French Quarter, the spinach salad with grilled chicken at Carnation Cafe on Main Street, and the grilled lobster tail salad at Ariel's Grotto in California Adventure to name a few.

Grab a fresh fruit cup at Disney California Adventure.

When I'm craving a fresh snack that's both delicious and satisfying, I head straight to Paradise Garden Grill at DCA. The ensalada de frutas there features a seasonal mix of fruits topped with chili-lime salt and chamoy. Its cup also makes this the perfect snack to eat on the go.