Any Walt Disney World pro knows that the food is an attraction in itself! While other guests are rope dropping Space Mountain, you’ll find me rope dropping Aloha Isle for a Dole Whip.
And while there are the standard Disney snacks everyone knows about – turkey legs, Mickey ice cream bars, churros, etc – I believe these lesser known food options deserve their time in the spotlight, too.
Here are 10 incredible foods you absolutely need to try during your next visit to Walt Disney World:
(Keep in mind menus are subject to change at any time.)
1. Citrus Swirl – Sunshine Terrace, Magic Kingdom
Starting the list off strong with a (kinda) off-menu item! You know about Dole Whips at Aloha Isle, but right next door lives its less popular cousin, the Citrus Swirl. Technically the menu item is called “Orange Cream Soft-serve Cup” and it mixes Orange soft-serve with Vanilla soft-serve to create the perfect mix of sweet and savory.
2. Cheeseburger Spring Rolls – Spring Roll Cart, Adventureland, Magic Kingdom
These crispy, savory rolls have developed a cult following among Disney foodies. Found at a small cart in Adventureland, the Cheeseburger Spring Rolls are exactly what they sound like: a cheeseburger reimagined inside a deep fried spring roll wrapper. Filled with seasoned ground beef, cheese, and a hint of pickle flavor, they’re the perfect snack to eat while walking between attractions.
3. Warm Cinnamon Roll – Gaston’s Tavern, Magic Kingdom
I know what you’re thinking: “Mindy, I’ve had a cinnamon roll before.” BUT HAVE YOU??? I dare you to step inside Gaston’s Tavern in Fantasyland and prepare to be wowed by a cinnamon roll that’s larger than life (much like Gaston himself). This cinnamon roll is the perfect mid-morning snack. It’s big enough for sharing (I personally don’t share my food – it’s up to you tho) and pairs beautifully with a chocolate milk for a truly delectable snack experience. You know what they say … “No one knows cinnamon rolls like Gaston!”
4. Mickey Waffle with Chocolate-Hazelnut Spread, Bananas, Berries, and Whipped Cream – Sleepy Hollow Refreshments, Magic Kingdom
Sleepy Hollow in Liberty Square recently updated their menu, removing the beloved Nutella Fruit Waffle Sandwich (RIP). Luckily it was replaced with a somewhat similar item. The new offering features a fluffy Mickey-shaped waffle drizzled with chocolate-hazelnut spread and topped with fresh bananas, strawberries, and a dallop of whipped cream. I’ve found it isn’t as hearty a meal as the original but the taste is similar, and if you can score an open table with a view of Cinderella Castle, score!
5. Smoked Chimichurri-braised Beef – Satu’li Canteen, Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Everyone talks about the Cheeseburger Pods but I’m all about the Chimichurri Beef. But no matter what you order, Satu’li Canteen located within Pandora – The World of Avatar offers some of the best quick-service meals in all of Walt Disney World. The Chimichurri Beef Bowl is a customizable dish featuring a hearty portion of beef, vibrant vegetables, and a creamy herb dressing over your choice of rice and beans or noodles. It’s not your typical theme park food and we love them for that.
6. Hot Honey Chicken with Sweet Potato Fries – Golden Oak Outpost, Magic Kingdom
When regular boring chicken nuggets won’t do, head over to Golden Oak Outpost in Frontierland. This traditional theme park snack is tossed in a flavorful hot sauce / honey combo and served alongside warm sweet potato fries with cajun-seasoning, and topped with a New Orleans style olive relish. You won’t find a dish like this in any other theme park, I guarantee you!
7. Cheddar, Bacon, and Ranch Tots – The Friar’s Nook, Magic Kingdom
Sometimes a girl just needs some tater tots, and The Friar’s Nook in Fantasyland is where to get them. Warm crispy tots topped with cheddar sauce, bacon pieces, and ranch dressing, it’s the perfect indulgent comfort food (unless it’s the height of summer … go get a Mickey Ice Cream Bar instead).
8. Caramel Butter Bar – Karamell-Küche, EPCOT (Germany Pavilion)
Make your way over to the Germany Pavilion in EPCOT’s World Showcase and you’ll find a caramel lover’s paradise. Karamell-Küche is famous for its caramel treats, but the Caramel Butter Bar is my absolute favorite. This decadent dessert combines a buttery shortbread base with a thick layer of ooey gooey caramel. But truly, all the snacks here are good; you really can’t go wrong!
9. Raspberry Lunch Box Tart – Woody’s Lunch Box, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Tucked into the colorful world of Toy Story Land, Woody’s Lunch Box serves up some surprisingly sophisticated snack items. Their Raspberry Lunch Box Tart is a house-made pastry filled with bright raspberry marmalade, topped with strawberry fondant and crunchy pearls. Unlike the processed toaster pastries of your childhood, this tart is flaky, flavorful, and freshly made, offering a sweet start (or end) to your Disney’s Hollywood Studios visit.
10. Gideon’s Bakehouse Cookies – Disney Springs
If your travels take you to Disney Springs, don’t leave without visiting Gideon’s Bakehouse. Famous for their massive half-pound cookies, Gideon’s specializes in decadent flavors like Peanut Butter Crunch, Pistachio Toffee Chocolate Chip, and Cookies & Cream. Each cookie is packed with chocolate chips and boasts a rich, almost brownie-like texture. Expect long lines … this place is popular!
