There have been some recent updates when it comes to Disney Dining and Kissimmee restaurants. Most of the focus is on the menu. Like Capone’s Dinner & Show, the menu is constantly monitored for quality, freshness and consistency. Food items must also follow the public’s eating trends. That’s why Capone’s added a salad bar, meat carving station and pizza a few years ago. The guests love it!

What’s trending these days in the theme parks and area chain restaurants? For starters, what is taken off the menu is often as important as what is put on the menu. Just as Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins will be cutting salt, sugar and calories in their menu items over the next two years, many new restaurants are removing additives from ingredients used in their menu items, and also introducing healthier dishes.

Amphicar at The Boathouse

Guests go for a ride in a Captain-guided tour aboard an Amphicar. If planning to dine at the new Lake Buena Vista restaurant – The Boathouse – be sure to include this adventure. (photo by Matt Stroshane)

New food and beverage offerings available at Downtown Disney’s new restaurants, The Boathouse, Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto and Dockside Margaritas provide healthier choices for diners in the Lake Buena Vista area. The world-famous Dole Whip is being served at the Pineapple Lanai which goes nicely with the Polynesian-themed dishes and tiki cocktails at these new restaurants.

Walt Disney World Resorts is also offering new allergy-friendly menus to many of its quick-service and table-service locations. The new menus provide allergen content for each menu item, allowing guests to make informed choices on what to eat. From appetizers to entrees and desserts, common allergens such as gluten/wheat, milk, peanuts, tree nuts and fish are noted.

Later this month, the Harambe Market is set to open at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It will provide park guests with a taste of African-inspired street food. Two of the most noted venues are Kitamu Grill and Chef Mwanga’s. Kitamu Grill will feature skewered chicken and a kabob flatbread sandwich. Chef Mwanga’s will be serving up a spice-rubbed karubi rib with green papaya-carrot slaw. These new food items are sure to be intriguing enough for guests to try out.

Mini FrappuccinoIf you are watching your diet using portion control, you’ll be happy to know that those delicious Frappuccino’s at Starbucks are now offered in a smaller portion. Recently Starbucks Corp. debuted a new 10-ounce “Mini” size to its Frappuccino line in response to customer requests. The size is smaller than the 12-ounce “Tall,” which was previously the smallest size on the menu. It will save you about 60 calories, 12 grams of sugar and about 20 to 30 cents. However, this smaller size is only available through July 6.

It is difficult to be on a diet when spending an evening with the gang at Capone’s. The delicious dinner buffet is filled with American and Italian favorites. Take smaller portions of your favorites or skip the buffet line and enjoy the fresh salad bar. Better yet, just go all out and eat what you please. An evening at this Kissimmee dinner show is a treat. You can go back on your diet tomorrow.

Bon Appetit!

Last Updated on August 4, 2023