While most people would associate a visit to a Disney park with experiencing iconic rides, walking past beautiful castles and meeting classic characters, in recent years both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World have become a haven for self-described “foodies” who love the wide variety of things to bite, sip, and snack on across these two resorts.
However, did you know that there are several secret “off menu” items that can be ordered around both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort? Even though you may have eaten more Dole Whips than you can admit, had dinner at the iconic Blue Bayou restaurant, and perhaps even taken in a seven course meal at the ultra-exclusive Victoria & Albert’s, you can’t truly call yourself a Disney “foodie” unless you’ve had these secret “off menu” items at Disney parks. How many of these delicious menu items have you had?
1. Ice Cream Nachos
Image: Disney
Location: The Golden Horseshoe (Disneyland)
Though Ice Cream Nachos was originally on the menu at the Golden Horseshoe, this decadent dessert was unceremoniously removed from the lineup several years ago. However, if you’re craving this decadent treat, which is made with waffle cone “chips” topped with three scoops of your choice of ice cream, smothered in hot fudge, whipped cream and chocolate chips with a cherry on top, simply ask for it the next time you drop in. Since all of the components of this fan favorite dish are still in the kitchen, guests are still able to enjoy this treat, even though it is now technically “off menu”. But be aware, this is quite a large dessert, so you may want to bring some friends when you order and ask for extra spoons!
2. Mickey’s Fun Wheel
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Location: The Cove Bar (Disney California Adventure)
The Cove Bar at Disney California Adventure actually has half a dozen “secret” alcoholic drinks that can be ordered off menu, but the most stylish of these has to be the tri-colored Mickey’s Fun Wheel, which of course is named for the iconic attraction located right across from this watering hole. This fruity drink starts with sweet and sour, and is then layered with Fusion liqueur, rum, vodka, and blue curacao. A quick spritz of soda water is added to give it a little fizz and then a generous final layer of lemon-lime flavored whipped cream is placed right on top of this delectable drink, which hits just the right notes on a warm Anaheim afternoon.
3. Rice bowls
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Location: Pecos Bill’s Tall Tale Inn & Café (Magic Kingdom)
Back in 2015, quick service eatery Pecos Bill’s Tall Tale Inn and Café went through a substantial menu change and began offering Mexican inspired fare featuring fajitas, burritos and other Southwestern dishes. Though guests responded fairly postiviely to the new menu, some complained that there weren’t any “standard” options like burgers and fries on the new menu for diners that enjoy more traditional theme park food. Several months later, Disney debuted a new Southwestern burger to try and appease these diners, and unfortunately as a result the rice bowl dish (which is essentially a burrito without the tortilla, and can be served with chicken beef, or vegetarian) was removed to make room for this new item.
However, those who enjoyed the rice bowl (and the ease with which toppings could be added to it!) can still order it at this dining location if they ask. And in even better news, those looking to really make a big meal out of this off-menu item can order a side of tortillas as well before helping themselves to all the guacamole, corn salsa, sour cream, cheese and other fixin’s they could want at this location’s ample topping bar.
4. Vienna Latte
Image: Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea
Location: Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea (Walt Disney World)
A few years ago Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea quietly created a secret menu item inspired by the Disney Vacation Club. Named Vienna Latte, this drink can be ordered hot or iced and is a sweet blend of espresso, steamed milk, chocolate sauce and vanilla syrup topped with whipped cream. Though this drink was originally designed with Disney Vacation Club members in mind, anyone can order the Vienna Latte at any of the Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea locations all around Walt Disney World.
5. Mozzarella Sticks
Image: Disney
Location: Stage Door Café (Disneyland)
Mozzarella sticks have been an off and on menu item at Frontierland’s Stage Door Café at Disneyland over the years, but for those in the know, this cult favorite has always been available for a quick lunchtime snack. Though Cast Members at the Golden Horseshoe will now tell you that this off menu item is a “special order” (so you’ll have to wait a bit longer for your food to be ready), guests can still get an order of five super-sized crispy golden-fried mozzarella sticks at this location, served complete with a cup of warm marinara sauce for dipping, and a side order of french fries as well! This guilty pleasure might not be very healthy, but it certainly is delicious!
6. Carnitas Nachos
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Location: White Water Snacks (Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel)
Though you can find beef or chicken nachos on the menu at the White Water Snacks quick service dining location at Disneyland Resort’s Grand Californian Hotel, those craving something a bit more adventurous can order the off-menu carnitas nachos. As the name implies, this dish is served with flavorful tender pork in addition to the usual nacho toppings, which include guacamole, sour cream, jalapeños and salsa. And like other nachos served at this location, the portion sizes here are fairly generous, making this another off-menu item that is best shared with friends!
Have you ever had a chance to sample any of these special off-menu items at a Disney park? Or better yet, do you know of any secret menu items not listed here? Let us know about your favorites below!
