A big part of our lives is trying our best to eat low carb. We typically stick to a keto diet (but we do splurge on some mickey shaped goodies now and again.) Most days though, we try our very best be good and turn down all the delicious carbs. Sometimes, it’s easier said than done.
With all the closures and shutdowns, we did not renew our annual passes this year – but we have a craving just as strong as carbs. DISNEY.
In order to satiate our Disney World craving, we’ve made a few excursions into Disney Springs. It isn’t quite the same, but it’s a little something to get us by. Sadly, most of what there is to do in Disney Springs is eat – and 99% of it… we can’t.
In the old days, Disney Springs was called “Downtown Disney” and it was basically empty – marketed as a nightlife adult hangout for vacationers. Now, it’s essentially a high end mall with high end eats. Even the “Fast food” style places like Chicken Guy are exceptional!
Heading into Disney Springs for us usually is just an hour or so of walking down, a bite to eat, and some trips to a few stores.
The goal of our trips aren’t to be perfectly keto, but to do our best. Here’s our favorite ways to eat Keto at Disney Springs.
BLAZE PIZZA
My sister first told me about Blaze Pizza while she went to the University of Florida. Back then it was just a “Chipotle, but for pizza.” and it still sort of is. It’s a fast casual pizza place where you build your own personal sized pizza and they cook it up for ya! Recently, they’ve added healthier crust options including cauliflower, and “keto” crust. The Cauliflower crust is NOT keto friendly, but is not as bad as the regular crust (carb wise). The Keto crust is actually precooked once you put your toppings on, it cooks up the quickest of the pies they serve – the crust is light and crispy, like a thin crust pizza you might find at other places.
Keep an eye on your toppings, you can’t go wrong with meat and cheese – we love their roasted garlic and artichokes.
We usually split 1 Keto Pizza and that’s enough for the two of us. If you’re really hungry, get your own!
The Polite Pig
The Polite Pig is the BBQ restaurant right next to the entrance from the lime garage. I consider this the main entrance to Disney Springs, mostly because it’s the only way to get into Disney Springs and have the aroma of tender barbecue fill your nostrils.
Skip the sauce and the carb heavy items and you can’t go wrong. Smoked meat is awesome for Keto and a few of the sides (like Slaw, and Cauliflower) are pretty low on the carbs.
4Rivers
4Rivers is one of our favorites – they now have a little Truck in Disney Springs (But unfortunately, it’s been unavailable since we’ve been there). Luckily, they have a few standalone locations as well. You can order any sandwich, and sub the bun for an extra side (salad, and slaw are your best options). Go easy on the sauce (even though that’s a challenge too) and you’re set. I love their burnt ends.
BB Wolfs Sausage Co.
I haven’t tried this yet – but I’m dying too. There’s nothing like a really good sausage and the smell from here is incredible! Just ditch the buns and you should be all set.
The Basket at Wine Bar George
This is something we just found out about and are really excited to try – Their charcuterie boards look amazing and could make for the PERFECT picnic in Disney Springs. Grab a seat along that really blue stream or on the lake and just relax! PROTIP: Red Wine is low carb!
CHICKEN GUY!
Guy Fieri did something right with this place – there’s basically always a line outside. And for good reason: It’s GREAT. They smash these chicken tenders down, they’re breading is amazing and there’s so many good sauces to try. You can get tenders in grilled options and have low carb dippers – they also have salads and other items. The one downside to Chicken Guy! Is the temptation. Their fried tenders are so good, it’s HARD to resist.