Have you "dieted" at Disney World?

That's a hard one. I've only dieted for a daytrip, not for an extended period of time at WDW. For me personally, I think it would be next to impossible, what with all the amazing temptations. Having said that, I think my top recommendations (and what works for me on a day trip) are

• to PLAN, PLAN, PLAN: You WILL fail if you don't plan meals and snacks, and even the occasional cheat. If you wander into the park thinking, "Oh, there are lots of healthy options, I'll be fine" you will find yourself eating hotdogs and nachos before you know it! Know where you're going, know what you're having, bring an emergency snack, and don't wing it.
  
• be sure to hydrate. Have a plan for drinking plenty of water - either a refillable bottle, or extra cash to buy water as often as necessary. Thirst often masquerades as hunger, and when you throw temptation and fatigue in, well, you're best-laid plans are sunk.
  
• take the time to exercise meaningfully. Sure, the average guest walks an amazing amount in a day. But is it a heart-pumping walk? Not so much. So get a little workout in first thing - in the gym, a brisk 30 minute walk, a swim - and then you can enjoy your day.
  
• aim for "good enough." A couple of things here: do not even attempt to start a diet at WDW. If you're dieting, I would suggest that you start at least a month before your trip. That way, it's more of a lifestyle and a habit. I also wouldn't plan to lose weight while I'm there. I'd be content with maintaining the weightloss I've already achieved.
  

I hope this helps without being too bossy. When I go for the day, I take water and snacks, and then plan a healthy lunch or dinner. Sometimes, that's a healthy option, like a salad. Sometimes, it's just a calorie-restricted option, like getting the kid's meal (with grapes and water instead of fries and soda.)

I'm in the middle of a serious weightloss and fitness campaign, so I'm pretty passionate about the subject, and I want my friends to be healthy, too! <3

Now this is the easiest question ever....NEVER, NOPE, NOT GOING TO HAPPEN

I've just been trying to make better choices, but this, which I'm going to refer to as the "Scrappy Plan" has been the more common outcome.

I vote for the "Scrappy plan"

I like the Scrappy Plan. Much easier. And easy on vacation is great!

But I do know its very possible at Disney to stay on a diet. Almost everywhere you go now you have healthy options. You can even let the waiter know at a sit down, and they can cook it a certain way for you.

I've tried! Doesn't mean I have succeeded!

I say just make better choices, have fruit as a side. Honestly with all the walking I do at WDW I don't really gain!

We've found making better choices has been a big plus. I view it as being "on vacation" but that I can still be aware of having some sense. Of course sometimes I don't even succeed at that.

The first time we went to WDW Mrs T actually lost 4lb without trying an account of the long non-stop activity filled days and LOTS of walking.

It's really hard! Because vacationing for us is always synonomous with eating special things. It's hard to dial that back, ESP at WDW! But if I'm really trying to lose, then I know that getting too far off track will sabotage me for weeks after. On the other hand, your plan might be to eat whatever you want (in moderation) and have a plan for immediately returning to your healthy eating ways as soon as you get home.

Wow - that's awesome for Mrs. T! I always hear of people losing on vacay. I don't think it's happened to me personally, though...sigh.

When we went last year i wasnt dieting but did lose half a stone in 2 weeks. And i really only ate burgers and rubbish. However wer were out from 6am till 2/3am every day for 14 days and waling pretty much the whole time.

I'd sleep for 3 days and gain it all back if I only got 2-3 hrs sleep a night at Disney.

But you cant eat while your asleep for 3 days.

I like the Lizzy_B plan! As she says, just be content with maintaining your weight.
Also, there are so many amazing food options in Disney that you can eat there for weeks without ever having to resort to a burger and fries.

I've had to watch my "diet" as I'm a vegetarian who eats minimal dairy. It's easy to find healthy, fresh options.

Love the Disney Food Blog (thanks wdwforgrownups for introducing me to it!) and they have a page on healthy eating at Disney World.

http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2010/02/04/eating-healthy-in-walt-disney-world/

Yes.

If today is opposite day than my answer applies.

Dieting is a very un-Disney like