There are a few things I must do on every trip to Walt Disney World; see the fireworks from Main Street, U.S.A., ride Toy Story Mania, buy a new pin, and most importantly (in my book), check a few specific snacks and meals off my personal menu.
The theme parks and resorts are full of restaurants, quick service spots, and snack carts full of must-eat items, but only a few are either so delicious or so nostalgic that I must enjoy them every single time I step into the magic.
5. Popcorn
This first one isn’t very unique, but snacking on popcorn at an amusement park is always a must, right? It doesn’t have to be special, with fancy flavors or in a limited edition popcorn bucket; simple Pop Secret in a magical cardboard box will do, and it’s delicious.
Popcorn can be found at plenty of snack carts around the parks, and while plenty of guests may prefer to munch on it while in line for Jungle Cruise or enjoy it as Mickey battles Maleficent during Fantasmic!, my favorite spot to snack on popcorn has always been while sitting right of Cinderella Castle just outside the Hub near the popcorn cart at Magic Kingdom. Simply taking in the sights and sounds of the park while snacking on popcorn have become some of my favorite Disney memories.
4. Beyond Plant-based Link
As a vegetarian for over a decade, I’ve always been pleased with the plant-based options the parks offer. And while some guests probably have a Casey’s Corner hot dog on their must-eat list, for me, it’s the Beyond plant-based link. I first tried this hot dog substitute at Flame Tree Barbecue at Animal Kingdom; pair it with some fries, and it’s become a lunchtime must on every trip.
If you’re enjoying the link at Animal Kingdom, the best spot to eat is at the tables behind Flame Tree Barbecue that overlooks Discovery River, where you’ll often spot characters riding by. If you prefer to eat at Casey’s Corner, and viewing the parade from the sidewalk isn’t a priority, try and snag an outdoor table when Festival of Fantasy goes down Main Street for some early dinner and a show.
3. The Grey Stuff
Magic Kingdom takes the lyric, “Try the grey stuff, it’s delicious,” to the next level by offering the iconic Beauty and the Beast dessert, and you can snag it at a couple of different places. I’ve eaten The Grey Stuff – a cookies and creme whipped pudding – on a cupcake, a brownie, in a Chip-shaped white chocolate teacup, and straight off a plate as a magical birthday surprise from a cast member.
As of Fall 2023, the current options for trying The Grey Stuff are at table service restaurant Be Our Guest and quick service spot Gaston’s Tavern, both located in Fantasyland. If you’re hoping to feel like Belle or Beast while you try The Grey Stuff, you’ll find it filling a chocolate tart as part of the dessert trio at Be Our Guest. If you’re looking to quickly (and cheaply) check The Grey Stuff off the must-do list, you can order The Grey Stuff Cupcake, topped with crispy pearls and an edible rose.
2. Mickey Waffles
This one is probably a given, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the Disney Parks’ famous Mickey waffles. Mickey-shaped waffles truly are some of the best waffles I’ve ever eaten, and can be found at multiple places throughout the parks and resorts.
Whether you’re enjoying them at a character breakfast or scarfing them down at your resort before a long day at the park, there’s no better way to start your day than receiving your plate of food and seeing Mickey’s smiling face staring back at you.
1. Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar
The most important thing I try to snack on at least once during every WDW trip is a Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar. It may simply consist of vanilla ice cream and a chocolate shell in the shape of the parks’ mascot, but oh boy, is it good.
You can find Mickey ice cream bars around every park, including Disney Springs, as well as at resort food courts, and I’ve probably eaten one at them all! Nothing brings you back to your younger years like biting into a Mickey ice cream bar as you walk down Main Street, pass by Brickley the LEGO Sea Serpent, or take a much-needed break from the sun at your resort.
What are your must-eat meals and snacks when you visit Walt Disney World? Tell us in the comments section below!
Ashley Amber is a former Disney cast member who rediscovered her love of writing when the 2020 pandemic ended her time making magic. When she's not bringing the magic to The DIS articles, Ashley works as a writer for Happy Productions and a live-blogger at MJ's Big Blog, and previously published over 300 articles with Collider. Ashley also authored a self-published fantasy/romance series of novelettes, and made her poetry debut in 2021's LGBTQIA+ anthology Deviant: Chronicles of Pride by InkFeathers Publishing. As a former pro ballroom dancer, when she's not writing, you can find Ashley on Youtube and TikTok where she posts dance videos featuring her own choreography and tutorials.