Everyone loves Dole Whip, Mickey Bars, popcorn, but here are some of my favorite secret and not so secret snacks.
Once upon a time, the sweet aroma of fresh cinnamon rolls drifted down Main Street. I remember: My poppop and dad stand on either side and I clutch their hands. They pull me up. Woohoo! I'm flying through the air, giggling. I land. Grandma and mom are resting at a nearby table, pulling apart an ooey-gooey cinnamon roll. I rush to them and devour my piece (probably a whole one), the soft, fresh bread melting in my mouth. Afterward, the white glaze sticks to my fingers, so I lick it off.
This is just one of my favorite Disney food memories, which I am sure I share with a lot of you. These days, when I bite into those incredible Disney cinnamon rolls—which now that I'm older is much less often—I travel back to that moment with my family. My heart swells and I cannot help but smile. I'll never forget it.
And now, living nearby, with oodles of friends and family visiting from all around the world, and escaping a horrendous winter (Elsa, I see you) I'm tasked with helping others create these special memories.
Recently, friends from England came for the very first time and I had a huge undertaking ahead of me: Show them the best of Walt Disney World, all the things new and old that I love. So I drafted a list of my seven favorite snacks and decided to share them with MousePlanet.
Tot-bowls at Friar's Nook in Magic Kingdom's Fantasyland
Greek tots, Fiesta tots, Buffalo Chicken tots—I love them all. And the name Friar Nook is a nod to one of my favorite characters, Friar Tuck from Robin Hood. My favorite? The Fiesta Bowl with creamy queso, fresh tomatoes, and tart pickled jalapeños. If you've ever heard of Figaro Fries, from long, long ago, these are the updated version.
Pizza at Pizza Rizzo in Disney's Hollywood Studios and Pizzafari
I had to cheat and add Pizza as a snack. Let me say this: I'm a New Yorker at heart and I prefer thin slices, but the doughy, cheesy pizza with yummy savory Marinara sauce at Pizza Rizzo is a favorite of mine.
Pizza at Pizza Rizzo in Disney's Hollywood Studios and Pizzafari. Photo by Jenna Douglas.
Mini-donuts with white chocolate sauce at Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach
Crunchy outside and light inside, I could eat 50 of these. I once tried. It didn't end well. I recommend to get the white chocolate sauce, but try all of them. Trust me, it's worth it!
Mac and cheese from Eight Spoon Café in Animal Kingdom
Eight Spoon Cafe is located at the foot of the Asia Bridge on the Discovery Island side. Photo by Jenna Douglas.
This is possibly the best macaroni and cheese on property, and different from what you will get anywhere else. Baked fresh, it is velvety, creamy, and buttery, and oh so good—like any Southern mac and cheese.
Mac and cheese from Eight Spoon Café in Animal Kingdom. Photo by Jenna Douglas.
Butter bar at the Werther's store in the Germany pavilion
One taste of this magical, addicting buttered-caramel bar (or maybe it's a cookie—whatever, it is amazing) and you'll never pass the Werther's store ever again without stopping. Luscious and soft and buttery, they will melt in your mouth.
Butter bar at the Werther's store in the Germany pavilion. Photo by Jenna Douglas.
Churros at the La Cantina de San Angel (quick service) outside the Mexico pavilion in Epcot
Churros at the La Cantina de San Angel (quick service) outside the Mexico Pavilion in Epcot. Photo by Jenna Douglas.
These are not your average Disney churros La Cantina de San Angel in Mexico has done this special fritter right. Authentic choux dough is fried to a crispy golden-brown, while cooked perfect and fluffy on the inside, then the rolls are dusted with cinnamon and sugar. The creation and taste of these churros are far and away better than any I've had in the US. And then they add the chocolate-caramel sauce. This sauce… I dream about it. Rich and creamy, it's a perfect sweetness for the churro. You will often find me eating it with a spoon after all the churros are gone.
Cinnamon rolls at Gaston's Tavern in the Magic Kingdom
Cinnamon rolls at Gaston's Tavern in the Magic Kingdom. Photo by Jenna Douglas.
These are the traditional, ooey-gooey, amazing, mouth-watering, supercalifragilisticexpailidocious, iconic Disney cinnamon rolls from my childhood. And they are a must-eat (Gaston's Tavern is a truly fun-themed eatery, too).
Using the same recipe from the Main Street Bakery, this treat hits the mark with the baked-in maple, and swirling cinnamon, buttery pastry, and perfect icing. Tip: Ask for extra icing.
Whew, after writing this I need to head to the parks for a snack. Though, maybe I should hit the gym first.
What are your favorites? What should I try next? I'd love to hear your fave Disney Food memories too! Reach out on Twitter, Facebook, and in the MousePad forums here.
