Disney Tips Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation
Walt Disney World Resort is a magical culinary destination that caters to every palate, from classic comfort foods to exotic delicacies. With such a diverse array of options, there’s always something new and exciting to try. For adventurous eaters and foodies seeking the unexpected, Disney delivers with quirky combinations and dishes from around the globe that you won’t find just anywhere. Let’s dive into some of the most unique and surprising eats you can enjoy across Walt Disney World Resort!
1. Escargot – A Taste of French Elegance
Escargot, or cooked snails, may not be an everyday dish for most of us, but it’s a delicacy steeped in French tradition. At Walt Disney World, you’ll find this savory treat at multiple locations, each offering its own creative spin:
Credit: Paelo Disney
- Be Our Guest Restaurant in Magic Kingdom serves Escargot de Bourgogne as part of its prix fixe menu. It’s a must-try for anyone dining in Beast’s enchanted castle.
- Chefs de France in EPCOT’s France Pavilion offers Cassolette d’escargot de Bourgogne au beurre persillé, a mouthwatering dish baked with herbed butter.
- At The Hollywood Brown Derby in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, indulge in Escargot Casino, a flavorful appetizer that elevates this classic dish.
- Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera at Disney’s Riviera Resort serves Escargot en Gougères, pairing snails with airy choux pastry.
2. Octopus and Squid – For the Adventurous Foodie
Seafood lovers will appreciate the creative octopus and squid dishes available throughout Disney property. These delicacies offer a taste of international flair with unique presentations:
- At Morimoto Asia Street Food in Disney Springs, savor Takoyaki, crispy octopus fritters. Or head to the main Morimoto Asia Restaurant for Madako, Octopus.
- Tiffins in Disney’s Animal Kingdom offers Charred Octopus with sweet corn salsa and mole rojo—a true culinary adventure.
- Jiko – The Cooking Place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge features Côte d’Ivoire Octopus Salad and a Seafood Tagine, blending octopus, scallops, and mussels with African-inspired flavors.
- For a Spanish twist, Jaleo by José Andrés in Disney Springs serves Charcoal Grilled Octopus and Traditional Toasted Pasta “Paella” with squid ink.
3. Oxtail – A Bold African-Inspired Dish
Oxtail is a tender, flavorful cut that has found a home at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Dive into this hearty delicacy at:
- Boma – Flavors of Africa, where Ghanian Oxtail Stew is a highlight of the buffet.
- Jiko – The Cooking Place, which serves Zulu Oxtail Samp and Beans, a dish that combines traditional African ingredients with modern flair.
4. Bone Marrow – A Rich, Decadent Appetizer
Credit: Resorts Gal
If you’re looking for something indulgent, The Hollywood Brown Derby in Disney’s Hollywood Studios offers Roasted Bone Marrow. This savory appetizer pairs braised beef with pickled mustard seeds and fig bread crostini, creating a dish that’s both luxurious and satisfying.
5. Cheeseburger Spring Rolls – A Fan Favorite
A Disney classic with a twist, Cheeseburger Spring Rolls have become a beloved snack at Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland Spring Roll Cart. These crispy rolls are filled with seasoned ground beef and gooey cheese, making them a must-try for first-timers and returning Guests alike.
6. Grilled Cheese Donut – Sweet Meets Savory
Ever imagined combining a grilled cheese sandwich with a donut? At Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew in Disney Springs, the Grilled Cheese Donut is a culinary curiosity that satisfies both sweet and savory cravings. If you’re feeling even more adventurous, try the Pulled Pork Jelly Donut Sandwich at Eight Spoon Café in Animal Kingdom.
7. PB&J Chicken Wings – A Sweet and Savory Delight
Credit: Disney
At Steakhouse 71, these wings combine a peanut glaze with jelly powder for a nostalgic yet unexpected flavor. They’re a surprising hit with Guests seeking a playful twist on classic chicken wings.
8. Salt & Straw’s Unique Ice Cream Flavors
Disney Springs’ Salt & Straw is known for pushing the boundaries of ice cream. While there are traditional options like Chocolate Gooey Brownie, adventurous eaters will gravitate toward flavors like Black Olive Britten & Goat Cheese, Sweet Corn & Waffle Cones, and Arbequina Olive Oil. Seasonal offerings like Creepy Crawly Critters—featuring edible bugs—are perfect for daring diners.
9. King Dog – A Hot Dog Like No Other
Credit: Disney
Served at the Hot Diggity Dogs Food Truck in Disney Springs, the King Dog is a spectacle. This all-beef hot dog comes nestled in a French toast batter-dipped bun crusted with cereal, then topped with spicy peanut butter sauce, banana honey mustard, and chipotle berry preserves. It’s a flavor explosion you won’t forget!
10. Dried Baby Crabs and Grasshoppers – A Taste of Japan and Mexico
For those curious about international snacks, EPCOT delivers:
- Mitsukoshi Department Store in the Japan Pavilion offers Tamagogani—dried baby crabs you can eat whole. They’re crunchy, salty, and truly one-of-a-kind.
- At La Cava del Tequila in the Mexico Pavilion, sip on mezcal rimmed with grasshopper salt. It’s an adventurous pairing that’s perfect for bold palates.
Conclusion: Disney Dining Is an Adventure
Walt Disney World isn’t just a destination for magical attractions—it’s also a culinary wonderland filled with dishes that surprise and delight. Whether you’re savoring escargot in EPCOT, indulging in Cheeseburger Spring Rolls at Magic Kingdom, or daring to try dried baby crabs in Japan, there’s always something new to discover.
So, the next time you’re planning your Disney vacation, why not add a little adventure to your dining itinerary? From the familiar to the truly bizarre, these unique eats prove that the magic of Disney extends to every corner of the plate. Let us know your favorite unusual Disney dish in the comments below!
