Disney Tips Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation
When dining at Walt Disney World, appetizers aren’t just a warm-up to your meal—they’re an experience of their own!
From crispy, cheesy, and savory bites to bold, international flavors, these top 10 appetizers will take your Disney dining to the next level. Whether you’re planning a magical dinner or a quick snack between attractions, these dishes are worth adding to your must-try list.
Credit: Disney
1. Cornbread – Whispering Canyon Cafe
For a warm and comforting start to your meal, Whispering Canyon Cafe at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge serves up buttery, slightly sweet cornbread that’s impossible to resist.
When ordering the All-You-Care-To-Enjoy Skillet, you’ll receive this delicious treat as part of your meal. However, the cornbread is not available as an a la carte appetizer, so be sure to order accordingly.
This golden cornbread pairs perfectly with the restaurant’s signature barbecue sauce for a mouthwatering bite.
2. Sticky Wings – Kona Cafe
Located at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Kona Cafe is known for its tropical flavors, and its Sticky Wings are no exception.
These wings are coated in a honey-lime Sriracha glaze, delivering a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Unlike the previous description, the wings do not include sesame seeds, mustard sauce, or pickled vegetables.
Despite this change, they remain a must-order appetizer for fans of flavorful wings.
3. Lobster Bisque – Yachtsman Steakhouse
At Yachtsman Steakhouse, a signature dining destination near EPCOT, the lobster bisque is a showstopper.
This rich, creamy soup is made with a hearty portion of fresh lobster, blended with the perfect amount of seasoning.
Be sure to save room for your entrée—this dish is so indulgent, it can fill you up fast!
4. Arancini – Via Napoli
Credit: Via Napoli
If you’re craving authentic Italian flavors, Via Napoli in EPCOT’s Italy Pavilion serves up perfectly crispy arancini.
These golden-fried risotto balls are stuffed with mozzarella and meat ragù, then served over a bed of house-made marinara sauce.
It’s the perfect pre-pizza treat that delivers a delightful crunch in every bite.
5. Crispy Onion Rings – Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater
Classic appetizers never go out of style, and Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater in Disney’s Hollywood Studios delivers one of the best with its Crispy Onion Rings.
Served in a stacked tower, these rings come with dipping sauces, though the current menu does not specify the previous inclusion of sweet chili sauce and zesty horseradish blend.
It’s best to check with the restaurant for the latest options.
6. Firecracker Shrimp – The Boathouse
Located in Disney Springs, The Boathouse offers not only stunning waterfront views but also a standout appetizer: Firecracker Shrimp.
These crispy, golden shrimp are tossed in a bold Sriracha mayo, Serrano chilies, and sweet peppers, offering the perfect balance of spice, crunch, and creaminess.
Pair them with one of The Boathouse’s signature cocktails for a perfect start to your meal.
7. Loaded Fries – Splitsville Dining Room
Credit: Splitsville
For a twist on traditional nachos, the Loaded Fries at Splitsville Dining Room in Disney Springs are a must-try.
These crispy fries are topped with queso blanco, bacon, ranch dressing, and scallions, making them even more indulgent than originally described.
With live music, retro bowling lanes, and a lively atmosphere, Splitsville is the perfect place to snack and socialize.
8. General Tso’s Chicken Buns – Nine Dragons
Tucked inside EPCOT’s China Pavilion, Nine Dragons is an underrated gem offering modern spins on classic Chinese-American cuisine.
The General Tso’s Chicken Buns take the beloved dish and transform it into a steamed bun delight, filled with sweet and spicy chicken.
If you’re looking for a unique take on a familiar favorite, this appetizer won’t disappoint.
9. Sopa Azteca – San Angel Inn Restaurante
Step inside San Angel Inn Restaurante in EPCOT’s Mexico Pavilion, and you’ll feel transported to an enchanted Mexican village.
The Sopa Azteca is a standout starter, featuring a spicy, rich broth filled with crispy tortilla strips, avocado, cheese, and pasilla pepper.
This dish delivers authentic flavors and a comforting warmth, making it the ideal way to begin your meal.
10. Orinoco Ida’s Cachapas – Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen
At Magic Kingdom’s Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen, adventurous flavors take center stage.
The Orinoco Ida’s Cachapas are sweet corn pancakes topped with braised pork, black bean salad, and avocado cream.
Inspired by the flavors of South America, this dish is a deliciously unexpected appetizer bursting with bold, savory, and sweet notes.
A Taste of Disney Magic
Disney dining is all about memorable flavors and immersive experiences, and these top 10 appetizers truly deliver.
Whether you’re in the mood for crispy wings, creamy bisque, or bold international flavors, these starters are sure to impress.
