So you have made it to Walt Disney World – hooray! Now the question is – where do I start? Which Park do I visit first? Well, maybe this can help you make that decision…
So what’s the verdict? Personally, I am a Magic Kingdom girl all the way, which is confirmed with this chart!
(I borrowed this image from the Disney Parks Blog – it was too fun not to share!)
I talk a lot about the food at Walt Disney World, and that’s because there is a LOT to say about it! It’s one of the things I look forward to most about WDW – planning my meals, making my ADR’s, and reading the Disney Food Blog to learn all about the new snacks they will have in store for me when I go!
Everyone has their personal favorite Disney food items, and I have compiled a list of ones that I think everyone should try:
1. Butterfinger Cupcake – Moist chocolate cake with a fudge center, piled high with fluffy vanilla frosting, and a chocolate and butterfinger shell – these things are massive, and delicious too – they are available at Starring Roles Cafe over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
2. Prime Rib at Cinderella’s Royal Table – My husband says this is the best prime rib he has ever had – perfectly cooked and seasoned, and not to mention huge! I will take his word for it, and I also suggest you check out CRT, located in the Castle at the Magic Kingdom – you get to dine with the Princesses and enjoy some royally amazing food. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and this place will definitely bring out your inner prince/princess!
3. Chicken Tenders – Ok, I know what you are thinking, really, chicken nuggets on a top 10 list? Well, call me crazy but i just love the nuggets they serve at various counter service locations around WDW – they are always moist on the inside, crispy and hot on the outside, and there is that little spice of black pepper in the breading that gives it just a bit of a kick. Grab some honey mustard and dip away – you won’t regret it, trust me
4. Mickey Ice Cream Bar – It doesn’t get much more classic than this – creamy vanilla ice cream covered in a layer of chocolate, shaped like a famous Mouse? Count me in – but you better be quick about it, or that Florida sun will melt Mickey all over your hand! Not that eating it fast is an issue – it’s so yummy it will disappear before your very eyes!
5. Zebra Domes – A creamy “adults only” dessert that consists of a kahlua mousse with a hint of chocolate…these are so good! They are only available at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, and can be enjoyed at Boma or at AKL’s counter service restaurant, the Mara
6. Bobotie – It’s an authentic African dish made of spiced ground meat, baked with an egg topping. Think quiche, but more savory and flavorful, with hints of exotic spice and an almost cornbread like topping – you can score some of this winner at AKL’s Boma buffet
7. Pooh’s Breakfast Lasagna – Head over to the Crystal Palace for a delicious buffet breakfast with Pooh and Friends, and sample this amazing concontion, comprised of pound cake, waffles, pancakes, pastry cream, custard, berries, and bananas. It reminds me of a berry bread pudding, and is amazing. If you’re adventurous, you can attempt this at home – personally, I will wait for Pooh to make it for me
8. Mickey Waffles – A staple of any WDW breakfast, these crispy on the outside soft and hot on the inside gems come in small and large sizes, and can be found all around the World. They have the perfect ratio of crunch to soft, and the best thing about them? They are shaped like a smiling Mickey, and are pretty much the cutest things ever. I like to start with the ears, personally
9. Salted Caramels – I am pretty much obsessed with salted caramels, and am happy to see that Disney has a few ways to feed my obsession – one place caramel lovers need to check out is Karamel Kuche over in the Germany area of Epcot’s World Showcase. They specialize in all things gooey and caramel-y, from fresh caramel corn to caramel drizzled cookies – to my beloved salted caramels, covered in either milk or dark chocolate. I also spotted some bagged Goofy’s Candy Company Salted Caramels at many spots around the World, and picked up some of these to enjoy at home – the caramel was nice and soft and a perfect amount of salt was on each one…needless to say, they didn’t make it all the way home
10. Bread and Butter Pudding at Raglan Road – Raglan Road (LINK) is an amazing place to eat (and drink!) in true Irish fashion. Their Bangers and Mash and Fish and Chips are delightful, and if you have any room after dinner, I suggest you try the Bread and Butter pudding – a bread pudding studded with golden raisins and served hot with vanilla and rum sauces on the side – its huge, and tastes like home – comfort food at it’s finest
Insider Tip: If you’re looking to mix it up, I suggest you attempt the 100 Disney Foods To Try Challenge, it is a great way to expand your dining horizons!
Ok, now I am starving…good thing it’s lunch time!
The 2013 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival is in full swing, and in addition to the tons of beautiful topiaries, celebrity appearances, and live concerts – there are also some deliciously unique fresh food offerings, like BBQ meat and craft beer pairings, Mexican tapas, and much more, including this beauty:
The Rum Spiced Dole Whip
So they take the traditional Dole Whip and add some delicious Siesta Key Spiced Rum for a delicious adults-only treat!
Head over to the Pineapple Promenade booth for this and other delicious treats – like pineapple upside down cake, and a non alcoholic version of the Dole Whip is available here too
And what could be more perfect than enjoying a delicious frozen Dole Whip with Rum while walking around Epcot and taking in all the sights and sounds?
When I was a kid, Walt Disney World food was nothing special – typical burgers, chicken fingers, and soft drinks you would find at any other theme park across the US. But over the last 10 years, they have really been stepping up their game in the culinary arena – there are truly delicious restaurants that serve ALL kinds of food
For those of you who love sushi, you don’t have to worry about going without it while vacationing at WDW – there are plenty of places where you can get your fill!
Some form of packaged sushi is available at almost all counter service eateries at the Walt Disney World Resort Hotels, usually just some vegetable rolls and cooked shrimp options, nothing too spectacular but its always fresh and easy to grab on your way to/from the Parks. Or, in the case of Disney’s Polynesian Resort, a whole sushi bar (and sake!) awaits you!
Head over to Japan in Epcot’s World showcase for some amazing sushi options, available at their sit down and counter service eateries, and they’re authentic, fresh, and delicious!
If you’re in the mood for a sit down meal, I recommend the California Grill at the Contemporary Resort – which comes with a great view of the Magic Kingdom’s nightly fireworks show, or the Flying Fish Cafe over at the Boardwalk Resort – which is the perfect place to take a sunset stroll
And those are just a few of the options available to those sushi lovers out there – check out the Disney Restaurant Menus on allears.net. Just don’t do it when you’re hungry – it may cause actual drooling!
Last Week I talked about some of my favorite Disney things, including Character Hugs, Mickey Waffles, and the View down Main Street of Cinderella’s Castle. Well, my mind was wandering to all things Disney today (as it so often does!), and I realized there are a WHOLE lot more Disney Things to Love, and this time I wanted to focus on some of the ones I love as an Adult Walt Disney World vacationer:
Trying out the different yummy Adult Beverages available at many WDW restaurants, including sampling some of the beers on the extensive list available at Raglan Road Irish Pub
Enjoying the View of the Savannah at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, something I love doing and I always try and arrive early for my dinner reservation at Boma so I can catch a glimpse of the animals!
Taking my time to stroll around Epcot’s World Showcase and really soak in the culture and detail that is imbedded within each country (something I did NOT care much for when I was a kid, but can really appreciate and enjoy as an adult!)
TGIF
When planning your trip to Walt Disney World, one of the most important (and fun!) things to do is pick where you’re going to EAT! There are tons of amazing WDW Restaurants and if you’re a fan of authentic Mexican cuisine, then make sure you book a meal at San Angel Inn over in Epcot’s World Showcase
The restaurant is located inside the Mexico Pavilion and is modeled after a 17th century hacienda at the base of Mayan ruins – it’s quite the scene, and is the perfect spot to grab some great food and drinks!
Speaking of drinks….Tequila anyone? San Angel Inn offers some delicious drainks, including a variety of margaritas and tequlias – what better way to relax and unwind after a long day walking through the Parks in the hot sun?
Not a tequila fan? Well, don’t worry, there are plenty of other drink choices, like Mexican wines and beers, not to mention all the delicious things to eat – starting with chips and salsa, and entree choices include enchiladas, fish and pork choices, and for dessert choose from amazing delicacies like flan and more!
…Pork tenderloin or chicken enchiladas anyone?
Check out my full review on this great eatery on the disney food blog
San Angel Inn really is a perfect place to take a break on a hot day and enjoy some amazing authentic Mexican cuisine. Plus, the dim lighting makes for a pretty romantic setting as well, perfect for a Disney Date night!
