Ricky Brigante is Host of 'Inside the Magic' The Internet's First Orlando-Based Disney Podcast
For more information and to hear his Podcast visit: www.distantcreations.com/insidethemagic

It was recently reported by the Los Angeles Times that The Walt Disney Co. and McDonald's would be parting ways after their exclusive long-term promotional contract expires this year, ending a 10-year run filled with greasy food and Happy Meal toys. However, both McDonald's and Disney quickly responded to the Times' article stating that although their 10-year contract would be expiring, they would not be separating. They would, instead, simply continue their partnership on a case-by-case basis.

When the story was first reported by the Times, it seemed odd that the two companies, one being a leader in children's entertainment and the other being a leader in children's cuisine, would end their hugely successful promotional campaigns since McDonald's now has a strong presence in Disney's theme parks around the world. In fact, just two weeks ago, The Walt Disney Co. opened a new quick-service spot in Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, called the "Village Fry Shoppe", that is now serving McDonald's french fries to theme park guests. It is the fourth of such eateries to open at Walt Disney World, with one other just around the corner in Frontierland at the Magic Kingdom.

Between a partnership with McDonald's both inside and outside of its theme parks and the abundance of other fried foods within its theme parks, it's hard to believe that The Walt Disney Co. is looking out for the health and safety of the current generation of children. While NBC is running "The Biggest Loser", a show documenting overweight contestants' battles with losing massive amounts of weight, and TLC airs "Honey, We're Killing the Kids!", in which parents are shown what their overweight children will look like if they were to suddenly be 30 years older, Disney's ABC television network is running "Supernanny" in which an overweight "nanny" is sent to homes across America in an attempt to prevent bad behavior. The subject of weight is rarely, if ever, brought up on this show.

However, a visit to Disney's theme parks, at least in the United States, shows that Disney is making an effort to cater to those who actually want to skip the fried chicken strips and greasy french fries. The Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World has offerings in every themed land that will fill guests up without putting on a few unnecessary extra pounds. Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe, a quick-service eatery in Tomorrowland, features a Turkey Bacon Wrap, Vegetarian Wrap, and Caesar Salad, all priced similarly to their fried alternatives. The Main Street Bakery on Main Street USA features a wide assortment of pastries and fruits to snack on. Even Pecos Bill's Tall Tale Inn and Cafe in Frontierland has a healthy chicken salad meal available, alongside its not-so-healthy bacon double cheeseburgers and chili cheese fries.

A trip to the Pacific Wharf Cafe at Disney's newest theme park in the US, Disney's California Adventure, will result in nothing but healthy eating, with menu options including vegetarian chili, a chicken and apple salad, and corn chowder.

It seems that The Walt Disney Co. does want to help children and adults alike eat healthier foods when in their theme parks and, in turn, get them to bring these healthy habits home with them. However, they don't make it easy. With large colorful signs for fried chicken, hot dogs, and McDonald's fries at almost every turn in Disney’s theme parks, it's easy to overlook the other options.

We live in a fast-paced society where grabbing fast food is often the solution to only having 10 minutes for a lunch break. When visiting a Disney theme park, between waiting in line for rides and nabbing the perfect spot for a parade, there is often the same feeling of being short on time, causing Disney's guests to exhibit the same behavior of grabbing whatever food is the easiest and fastest to find. Perhaps it is Disney's responsibility to make healthier foods as widely advertised as their McDonald's tie-ins in an effort to prevent today's increasingly overweight society from getting any larger. After all, many of Disney's guests get more exercise from walking the theme park streets than they do at home. Combined with eating right, this daily activity in the parks may result in families not only having a magical vacation but also shedding a few extra pounds before their trips home.

Ricky Brigante is Host of 'Inside the Magic' The Internet's First Orlando-Based Disney Podcast
For more information and to hear his Podcast visit: www.distantcreations.com/insidethemagic