Of all the things that Disney-goers love to pre-plan, dining certainly ranks high. Reservations are practically mandatory at some restaurants, and strongly suggested at others, so this is obviously a wise thing to consider before your visit. But there is one aspect of “yum” that reserves itself for spontaneity: snacks! Walt Disney World’s grab-and-go snack selections are practically legendary. Everyone seems to have their own list of must-have munchies, and most of those must-have lists are quite similar. I challenge you to find a past, present, or future Disney guest who didn’t need to have a Dole Whip!
It is true that there’s just some kind of sacrilege demonstrated by a Disney visit that doesn’t include those must-try exclusives, but frequent visitors may be more apt to harbor a “been there-done that” attitude once they’ve added the most famous park snacks as a notch in their foodie fork. Some of Walt Disney World’s most beloved edibles are easier to admire than to devour.
1. Kaki-Gori
Kaki-Gori is fruity-flavored shaved ice available at a walk-up kiosk on the border of Epcot’s Japan Pavilion. Kaki-Gori comes in four flavors (cherry, melon, tangerine, and strawberry), or you can opt for the rainbow combination if you’re feeling indecisive.
Kaki-Gori is hands-down one of my very favorite things at Walt Disney World. I’ve always been a fan of shaved ice, and this one is more flavorful than most, as well as abundant. But, it’s that abundance that ends up contributing to my frustration when I purchase one! As much as I welcome the refreshing cool-down, I always seem to wind up with the tip of my “iceberg” falling over the top of the cup at my feet. The ice seems to melt together rather quickly, making it impossible to chisel off a spoonful without knocking off a chunk. Sticky, colorful toes make you hate your flip-flops – trust me! Since this isn’t the beach, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a foot-shower, and more expensive shoes may not be something you want to tie-dye. There’s certainly a wide-variety of food and drinks to choose from at Epcot, but a good alternative to Kaki-Gori can be found at Magic Kingdom or Polynesian Village. Yes, I’m referring to the famed Dole Whip! It’s got the fruity, and it’s got the frozen. The key difference is – I’ve never dropped a chunk of Dole Whip between my toes. It even comes with a flavor selection!
2. Turkey Leg
Speaking of pedestal-placed Disney favorites… this is where I’m sure I’ll ruffle some feathers. I am probably the only Disney lover on Earth who cannot stand the revered turkey leg. While I’m very far from being a Vegan, there is just something about the apparently mutated fowl appendage that equates to a revolting barbarism that just ruins it for me completely. The feather that broke the turkey’s back for me was the occasion where I watched a man sharing this colossal treat with a flock of Frontierland birds. There was so much wrong with that scene, I couldn’t even think of where to begin.
I realize that the turkey leg tops the list of most recommended Walt Disney World snacks, and it is presented conveniently enough to lend itself to being an on-the-go treat. It yields widespread aromas as tempting as popcorn and bacon, but I just personally have a strong aversion to it. Let’s not even begin to discuss my unease over the fact that Disney has access to an endless supply of unnervingly large turkeys! Although it’s not as portable as a turkey leg, I’ll choose a hot dog at Casey’s over Frontierland’s representative must-eat treat any day. If meat is the craving to quench, Casey’s hits the spot. You’ll still have the experience of an outdoor spot with a view from which to dine, and birds to share space with. And if you just have to break the rules and feed the birds here, at least it’s less offensive to feed them a french fry!
3. Funnel Cake
I wouldn’t be a good example of a Southerner if I didn’t love funnel cake, and Walt Disney World makes a stellar example of this American classic. Fittingly, you can find this irresistible diet-shattering pastry at Epcot’s America Pavilion, Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Square, and Hollywood Studios’ Oasis Canteen. Options may include chocolate, fruit, and ice cream toppings, depending on the location.
There is no denying the funnel cake’s worthiness. It’s delicious, and reasonably-priced for the size of it. But it’s that size that poses a challenge. The bigger-than-the-plate “cake” is often so well-topped that you run the risk of overflowing sugar and chocolate. Before you step away from the kiosk, grab lots of napkins. Obviously, this one is not so open to mobility. You’ll want to find a table or at least a ledge as quickly as possible… and quite possibly a member of your party to share with. Funnel cakes are rather heavy by nature, and this one is no different. Many guests may not be up for continuing an all-day park mission after devouring one of these on their own. Shared by two, the funnel cake is a great snack that won’t leave you groaning your way through the rest of your day. If you just want a nibble to quiet your sweet tooth, but prefer to keep it lighter and more convenient to carry, consider cinnamon-glazed almonds or pecans, available at multiple outdoor snack carts throughout Disney property. These come in a handy, paper-cone sleeve that allows for sporadic nibbles throughout the day. It easily folds back over to stay fresh, accessible, and easy to store all day long.
4. Candied Apples
Magic Kingdom’s Main Street Bakery is one of many locations offering amazingly clever, Disney-original candied apples. They are absolute works of food art, and they’re another item that’s priced quite fairly for its size. You never know what characters or themes will appear on the freshly made delectable selections, and its these whimsically fun representations that make them instantly appealing – especially to the youngest guests.
As pretty as they are to look at, the candied apples are outrageously sticky treats, and due to their size, many children don’t have the stomach to finish them. Though their developing teeth will appreciate this, some may not appreciate the waste. It may very well be one of those things that children famously desire by looks alone, and then lose interest in it once it’s paid for. Most of the locations that sell candied apples also offer other sweet treats that are equally appealing to the eye, but also more realistic to the normal appetite. Consider one of the countless varieties of cupcakes or cookies! If candied fruit was the initial goal, chocolate-covered strawberries are a more convenient, lighter, and less tooth-threatening option.
5. The Beverly
Epcot’s Club Cool is one of my favorite spots at Epcot. This understated “attraction” offers complimentary beverage samples from around the world. Spoiler alert for those who have yet to experience Club Cool, but if you’ve been you are well-aware that you want to avoid the Beverly. The Beverly is a very bitter, carbonated soda made by Coca-Cola, and distributed in Italy.
The Beverly is a legendary tool that informed Epcot guests like to use as an initation-style rite of passage to push on new visitors. If this is news to you, keep an eye out next time you visit Club Cool. There always seems to be some prankster aiming a camera to capture a clueless friend’s reaction to that first, taste bud torturing sip. Don’t become a victim of this candid camera-styled trickery. Next time you’re at Club Cool, avoid the Beverly. Everything else at Club Cool is safe and enjoyable, but I for one firmly believe that the Beverly was put there purely for the reaction photo opportunity.
The selection of snacks available at Walt Disney World is about as diversified as the attractions. There’s something for everyone, and some things that truly are for everyone. It’s all worth trying once. After all, you might be shamed mercilessly if you reveal that you’ve never experienced that turkey leg or Mickey Bar. But sometimes, the experience is enough. Sometimes you really have been there, done that, and even bought the t-shirt. Why not expand your horizons and change it up next time around?
