So you’re traveling to Disneyland (California) or Walt Disney World (Florida)? Lucky you! Disney requires a LOT of planning. There’s so much to see, do and eat that you don’t want to miss out on something amazing because you haven’t prepared. You’ve come to the right place for food recommendations. This isn’t an exhaustive list by any means but it’s some of the delicious food I enjoyed on my recent trip (end of 2017) to America.
1. A Sampling of Mom’s Favorite Recipes – 50’s Prime Time Café
ECHO LAKE, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, walt disney world
It’s worth going to 50’s Prime Time just for a glass of water. The Café is a mashup of a 1950’s diner and a traditional American kitchen with kitschy decor, mini black and white TV sets and servers in era-representative uniforms who scold you for bad manners (don’t worry, it’s not as awkward as it sounds!). The whole menu is peppered with fun choices but I opted for the Sampling which gave me a taste of Aunt Liz’s Golden-fried Chicken, Mom’s Old-fashioned Pot Roast, and Cousin Megan’s Traditional Meatloaf with all the fixings. The standout of the dish was the Pot Roast which was delightfully moreish but I’m happy that I tried all three traditional American dishes.
Tip: Although it might sound sickly sweet, order the Peanut Butter & Jelly Milk Shake. You won’t regret it!
2. Anything – Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant
ECHO LAKE, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, walt disney world
I could have ordered anything on the menu and still come out satisfied because Sci-Fi Dine-In is that cool. I had the Drive-In BBQ Burger which came with BBQ sauce, bacon, cheddar cheese and crispy-fried jalapeño and onion straws. Sure, there are probably better burgers at Disney. But I challenge you to find another burger at Disney that you can eat while sitting in a little “vintage Chevy” and watching 50’s movie clips! What a blast!
Tip: Look out for a stamp on your check/bill that says “Parking violation”.
3. Cheshire Cat Tail – Cheshire Café
Fantasyland, Magic Kingdom, walt disney world
This cute and Instagram-worthy treat is a pastry with chocolate chips on the inside and coloured icing on the top. It’s a tribute to the cheeky feline from Alice in Wonderland.
Note: The Cheshire Café is quick service only but there are tables with umbrellas out the front so you can give your feet a break while you snack!
4. Lunch – Be Our Guest Restaurant
fantasyland, Magic Kingdom, walt disney world
If you’re a Beauty and the Beast fan, Be Our Guest is a must for you. As you walk into the Beast’s Castle, you’re greeted by stone gargoyles, mosaics of red roses and stained glass windows. We dined in The Grand Ballroom which had huge candlelit chandeliers dangling from the beautifully painted ceiling and fake snow falling outside the windows. The lunch at Be Our Guest isn’t fancy but it’s on-theme which I appreciated. The French Onion Soup was covered in a blanket of bubbling, melted cheese, the Croque Monsieur was a solid ham and cheese sandwich served with fries (Pommes Frites) and the Strawberry Cream Cheese Cupcake was a satisfying way to finish the meal!
Note: You’re handed a round plastic “rose” before grabbing your own seat and then the servers magically find you! I asked our server how she knew where we were sitting and she replied, “It’s an enchanted castle.”
5. Sweet and Spicy Chicken Waffle Sandwich – Sleepy Hollow
Liberty Square, Magic Kingdom, walt disney world
If you’re hungry for something substantial but don’t have time for a proper sit-down meal, this Waffle is for you. You can take it on the go or sit down at the tables near Sleepy Hollow which is just a quick service window.
Note: They also have Mickey waffles with strawberries and whipped cream for the sweet tooth!
6. All-You-Care-to-Enjoy Bill of Fare – Liberty Tree Tavern
Liberty Square, Magic Kingdom, walt disney world
After an exhausting day of endless magic – and walking – at Magic Kingdom, you’ll no doubt be famished and the Bill of Fare is a heaven-send. The Tavern is a Colonial New England-themed inn with six rooms that each commemorate a U.S. historical figure. The feast begins with the Declaration Salad and Rolls with Honey Butter (see Number 7!). Don’t fill up on the starters because then comes the Patriot’s Platter – roasted turkey breast, pot roast, carved pork roast, mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, herb stuffing and house-made macaroni and cheese – phew! It’s a massive feed and although it’s all really good, the mashed potatoes were exceptional. If you’re not yet in a food coma, for dessert there’s Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake – a vanilla cake with gooey toffee filling, caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream served in a skillet. Don’t forget to take a photo before the first spoonful because this dessert won’t last long!
Note: If the title doesn’t give it away, this is all you can eat – but with such generous portions, I doubt anyone will be asking for seconds!
7. Rolls with Honey Butter – Liberty Tree Tavern
Liberty Square, Magic Kingdom, walt disney world
So good that they deserve their very own number! As mentioned above, the Rolls and Honey Butter are included in the Bill of Fare but for some bizarre reason they’re not actually listed on the website. I could have eaten a bucket of that Honey Butter! Definitely one of the best things on this list.
Tip: Dig in as soon as the dish hits the table, while the bread rolls are still warm.
8. Pineapple Float – Aloha Isle
ADVENTURELAND, Magic Kingdom, walt disney world
The Pineapple Float is Dole Pineapple Juice topped with Dole Whip (pineapple-flavoured soft serve). As someone who doesn’t really like the taste of pineapple, even I have to admit this was a tasty and refreshing treat after a long day in the hot sun.
Tip: If you time it right, you might even be able to enjoy your Dole Whip while watching a street performance around the corner at Country Bear Jamboree!
9. Firecracker Shrimp – Yak & Yeti Restaurant
asia, disney’s animal kingdom, walt disney world
Yak & Yeti is a Pan-Asian restaurant with some great, authentic-tasting Indian, Chinese, Malaysian and Korean dishes. The starter Shrimp was deliciously crispy; fried and then tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce and Asian slaw. Did not disappoint!
Note: Don’t eat and run – there’s a free fortune cookie at the end of your meal!
10. Colossal Cinnamon Roll – Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery
africa, disney’s animal kingdom, walt disney world
What’s better than a warm cinnamon roll slathered in white icing? A Mickey-shaped cinnamon roll slathered in white icing. A perfect quick breakfast but try and get here at opening as the line can be really long in the morning.
Note: This thing was huge and easily shared between two.
11. Piccante Pizza – Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria
italy pavilion, world showcase, epcot
Via Napoli has a reputation for having the best pizza at Disney and I think that’s a fair assessment. The Piccante was topped with spicy Italian sausage and tasted just like a good wood-fired pizza should. Delizioso!
Tip: Make sure you check out the fun brick pizza ovens Vesuvius, Etna, and Stromboli (named after Italian volcanoes).
12. Kakigōri – Kabuki Cafe
JAPAN pavilion, world showcase, epcot
When you’re halfway around the World Showcase, your feet are sore and the Orlando sun is beating down, you need a Kakigōri. If you’ve heard of Hawaiian shave ice, Kakigōri is the Japanese version. It’s refreshing and quite big so easily shareable. You can get it with rainbow, strawberry, melon, cherry or tangerine flavour and can also add sweet milk topping.
Note: To add authenticity to the World Showcase, Disney created some international internship programs which means the cast member (Disney staff) accents around the pavilions are genuine.
13. Dinner – La Hacienda de San Angel
MEXICO pavilion, world showcase, epcot
Bring your appetite! Before we’d even ordered food, there were warm tortilla chips and salsa on the table to accompany our icy, salt-rimmed margaritas. The Queso Fundido starter is melted cheese topped with chorizo, peppers and avocado-tomatillo sauce, served with flour tortillas – don’t overdo it on this one as too much can be too much. For main, we devoured the Costillas en Salsa de Chili which were braised short ribs topped with chimichurri and served with potato puree, chile de árbol sauce and a side of frijoles.
Tip: Make your booking for 7:30-8pm so that you can watch the 9pm Illuminations fireworks through the windows while you eat!
14. Macaron – L’Artisan des Glaces
FRANCE pavilion, world showcase, epcot
This chewy and sweet Macaron is actually served as an ice cream sandwich and is available in chocolate and other seasonal flavours. It came wrapped in a French “newspaper” which was a cute touch!
Note: L’Artisan des Glaces is quick service only but you can enjoy your dessert at one of the wrought iron bistro tables in the cute French rue out the front.
15. Palmier – Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie
FRANCE pavilion, world showcase, epcot
You can indulge in a variety of French treats at Les Halles including Créme Brûlée, Éclairs and Pain au Chocolat but for something not as easily obtainable in your everyday life, the Palmier is the way to go. Disney’s Palmiers – or elephant ears – are deliciously flaky, buttery, cinnamon puff pastries partially dipped in chocolate.
Note: Les Halles is quick service only but there is some seating available inside.
16. Milk Chocolate Caramel with Sea Salt – Karamell-Küche
germany pavilion, world showcase, epcot
At Disney, the only food I went back for more of was Karamell-Küche’s Milk Chocolate Caramel with Sea Salt. That little square was a perfect balance of salty sweet and the caramel was so deliciously chewy and clearly the star ingredient. I have been dreaming about it ever since.
Note: If you’re not into salty sweet combos, the Caramels also come without salt.
17. Popcorn – Various
Popcorn is probably the most iconic snack at Disney. As you move through each park, the smell envelops you so don’t be surprised if you’re suddenly ravenously craving popcorn. Luckily, there are vendors everywhere! If buttered popcorn isn’t exciting enough for you, there are other varieties available, including Karamell-Küche’s Werther’s Original freshly-made caramel popcorn which – if you have self control – you can take home with you in a sealed bag.
Note: Beware the Smellitizer! Disney has sneaky scent generators around the parks that pipe out delicious smells and make you crave the foods they’re selling.
18. Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Ice Cream – Ample Hills Creamery
disney’s boardwalk – walt disney world resort
“It’s always ice cream weather here” is painted on the wall outside the Ample Hills Creamery. As if you need sunshine to indulge at Disney! This spectacular flavour is made with cream cheese and gobs of house-made St. Louis-style Ooey Gooey Butter Cake. There’s a reason it’s the staff favourite!
Note: You can also build your own sundae over a warm brownie or ooey gooey butter cake.
19. Dinner – ‘Ohana
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort – walt disney world resort
‘Ohana means family. No tasty Polynesian-style morsel gets left behind or forgotten at ‘Ohana. Dinner is all-you-can-eat but like Liberty Tree Tavern, the portions are so generous that you probably won’t need more. The feast begins with a surprisingly delicious Mixed Greens Salad and Pineapple-Coconut Bread served with an incredible honey butter, followed by a dish of Pork Dumplings, Chicken Wings, Teriyaki Noodles and Stir-fried Vegetables. The server then brings out big skewers of Sweet-n-Sour Chicken, Szechuan Sirloin Steak and Spicy Grilled Peel-n-Eat Shrimp which are made even tastier with the peanut and sweet and sour dipping sauces. For dessert there’s the Bread Pudding à la mode which you top with Caramel Sauce and Bananas – yes, it’s as good as it sounds.
Note: During the meal, there are games for kids including coconut races and hula dancing – if you’re sitting at a table near the walkway, beware – some of them might crash into you!
20. French Vanilla Iced Coffee with Mickey Straw – Various
Okay, this is cheating since it’s not food – mea culpa! These addictively refreshing machine-made iced coffees can be found in various locations including Boardwalk Bakery, Kusafiri Bakery, Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe, Sleepy Hollow and Restaurantosaurus. You can also get Mickey straws from various locations including Be Our Guest, Boardwalk Bakery and Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café.
Tip: The straws are also good, cheap and light souvenirs!
21. Chili Cone Queso – Cozy Cone Motel
cars land, disney california adventure park
I’d love to know who came up with the (utterly brilliant) name Chili Cone Queso. This seems like it could be one of those weird foods you see on Instagram that look incredible but taste gross. It’s not. The Cone Queso tasted amazing! It’s beef chili, cheddar cheese and corn chips served in a bread cone. No regrets.
Note: Fear not, vegetarians, there’s an option for you too!
22. English Toffee – Candy Palace and Candy Kitchen
main street, u.s.a., disneyland park
Disney’s take on traditional English Toffee – little rectangles of sweet toffee dipped in milk chocolate and rolled in chopped almonds. This is definitely a treat to enjoy at home – the nuts will crumble everywhere!
Note: You can watch the workers making and bagging the Toffee in store.
23. Grey Stuff Gâteau – Red Rose Taverne
fantasyland, disneyland park
“Try the grey stuff, it’s delicious. Don’t believe me? Ask the dishes!” Lumière sang about it in Beauty and the Beast and Disney made it a reality. No, it’s not a savoury, pâté-topped amuse-bouche like it appears in the movie. It’s white chocolate mousse (coloured grey) swirled around red velvet cake sitting atop a shortbread cookie. Magic!
Tip: Avoid the Lemon Rose Cake – looks better than it tastes!
24. House-made Funnel Cake – Stage Door Café
frontierland, disneyland park
Funnel cakes are a typical snack at carnivals in America but they’re almost unheard of in Australia. They get their name from the utensil used to pour the batter into the cooking oil. You can have them with powdered sugar, ice cream or chocolate sauce. I got mine with just powdered sugar and regretted it – although it was delicious, it needed the ice cream.
Note: They’re available at canteens and carts throughout the Disney parks.
25. Hand-dipped Corn Dog – Little Red Wagon
main street, u.s.a., disneyland park
If you’ve never had a corn dog before, this is the place to try it. It’s a simple delight – a hot dog dipped in corn batter and deep fried. It’s a classic for a reason.
Note: Definitely big enough to share!
Make sure you look into Advance Dining Reservations for dine-in restaurants – some require you to book 6 months in advance! Good luck and bon appétit!
If you’re just getting started on your Disney vacation planning, these guides are really useful:
- Birnbaum’s 2018 Disneyland Resort: The Official Guide
- Birnbaum’s 2018 Walt Disney World: The Official Guide
-
Frommer’s EasyGuide to Disney World, Universal and Orlando 2018
Planning a trip to Disney’s Aulani Resort? Check out our top 10 tips here.
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