WDW's Magic Kingdom - Your Favorite Foods
Walt Disney World: List your favorite food stuffs at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom Theme Park.
From James Rao
Posted November 19, 2009 at 11:01 AM
A recent discussion about the Magic Kingdom included several comments about people’s favorite foods to eat while visiting this timeless park. Those posts prompted me to submit a thread formally asking TPI members to list YOUR favorite Magic Kingdom food items. These items can be snacks, sandwiches, dinner platters, candy, ice cream, beverages...whatever. Just make sure you explain what the food is and where you bought it so others can benefit from your experience.
Please, try to keep your posts focused solely on Orlando's Magic Kingdom and the nearby monorail resorts (Contemporary, Grand Floridian, and Polynesian). If this thread proves popular, we can always add new threads for the other Disney parks and resorts.
From James Rao
Posted November 19, 2009 at 11:14 AM
I'll lead the charge!
My favorite food items in:
Adventureland
Aloha Isle
Dole Whip Pineapple Float (wonderful!)
Egg Roll Wagon
Egg Rolls (imagine that!)
El Pirata Y El Perico
Taco Salad (too bad this place is never open)
Sunshine Tree Terrace
Citrus Swirl (better than the same dessert at Aloha Isle)
Raspberry Lemonade Slush (huge!)
Fantasyland
Pinocchio Village Haus
Figaro Fries (are they really gone for good??)
Scuttle's Landing
Frozen Carbonated Drinks (cherry)
Sweet Cream Cheese Pretzel (sounds gross, tastes great)
Liberty Square
Sleepy Hollow
Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich (OMG!)
Main Street
Plaza Restaurant
Plaza Club (expensive, but good)
Tomorrowland
The Lunching Pad
Frozen Carbonated Drinks (cherry)
Sweet Cream Cheese Pretzel (same as Scuttle’s Landing)
Dole Whip.....THE END!
But Seriously, Dole Whip has got to be the best thing ever made.
My other favorites at the MK is Columbia Harbor House, Liberty Tree Tavern, Egrolls, and Pork Chops at Cinderella's Royal Table.
I also like the Tacos too, but like you said, its never open! Personally, I think the MK has the weakest food of the four parks. I like the counter services at AK
From James Rao
Posted November 19, 2009 at 11:24 AM
I would agree about the weakest food, Anthony. However, there are some real hidden gems in the park. You just have to hunt around. It is mainly the table service meals that blow.
Speaking of table service... at the two table service restaurants you listed, which food items do you like best?
And what do you normally order at CHH? I kind of like the tuna sandwich (though it is very expensive) and their chili is not too bad, especially if you dip your fries in it! (Side note: CHH used to sell a Monte Cristo sandwich just like the one's sold at Disneyland - why did they stop? Too many heart attacks?).
Also, keep in mind that there are three top-notch resorts just a monorail ride away that serve some pretty good food for those who don't mind stepping out of "the magic" for a couple hours....
Its the Chicken Strips and Clam Chowder for me at CHH! The Chowder used to come in a bread bowl.
I agree! There is some great items at the MK, but most are hidden and you need to know where they are! I mean, the other parks you can stumble around and find some really good stuff.
The only thing I would add is the Cappuccino Shake also at
Sleepy Hollow to wash down the Ice Cream Sandwich (OMG!).
From James Rao
Posted November 19, 2009 at 12:46 PM
Rocklin, I'm not a big Cappuccino fan, but my wife is. Thanks for the info, we'll have to try that out!
Side note: the reason the Sleepy Hollow Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich is so "OMG!" is because the cookies are made right in the shop - fresh - and the sandwich itself is HUGE, putting all the other vendor cookie sandwiches to shame.
Anthony, I see you like the pork chops at Cinderella's Royal Table, but what's your favorite food at Liberty Tree? (And you better not say Mac 'n' Cheese - no one does Mac 'n' Cheese better than Kraft!).
From Tim W
Posted November 19, 2009 at 1:41 PM
Cirus Swirl at Aloha Isle.
Auntie Gravity's Orange Pineapple Smoothie (They used to have amazing jalapeno cheese stuffed pretzels over at The lunching pad to go with my smoothie!)
Macaroni and Cheese at Columbia Harbor House
Chicken Parmesan Sandwich at Friar's Nook
Fudge Brownie Sundae at Mrs. Potts Cupboard
Chicken Wrap at Pecos Bills
Orange Chickrn at Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station
Spinach and Ricotta Gnocchi Primavera at Tony's Town Square
I'm getting hungry just thinkin bout these foods yummy lol
From steve lee
Posted November 19, 2009 at 3:11 PM
Wow, major props to Tim for actually encountering the Tomorrowland Noodle Station when it was open.
The one time we tried El Pirata Y El Perico, we waited around for 15 minutes after ordering before finally being told that they were out of meat. That was a big bag of miserable...
From James Rao
Posted November 19, 2009 at 4:46 PM
Yeah, Steve, the Noodle Station and the Pirate restaurant are notorious for not being open. Sadly they provide some of the best counter service options in the park, despite the bad service you received on your visit. The taco salad is similar at Pecos Bill's though, if you want to give it a try. Plus Pecos Bill's has a nice fixin's bar to add all kinds of love to your meal.
Tim, I love gnocchi, but am leery of almost all the Italian food at WDW. However, I have been eying that dish at Tony's for some time, so with your recommendation I may give it a try during my next visit.
Also, I believe the Citrus Swirl at the Sunshine Tree Terrace is actually a little bigger (and a little more expensive) than the one at Aloha Isle. More importantly, there is seldom a line at the counter... just an FYI.
From Rob P
Posted November 20, 2009 at 2:29 AM
The BLT salad at CCH.
From Tim W
Posted November 20, 2009 at 5:11 AM
I guess im just lucky because the last two times it has been open. Hoping it will be open in a few weeks too!
From James Rao
Posted November 20, 2009 at 5:27 AM
Tim, make sure when you go to try at least one NEW food item from those listed in this thread... and let us know if you agree with our assessment! =)
I agree with everyone's comments. I am a big chicken strip lover, and have been pleased with all those that offer them such as CCH. The dessert bar at Crystal Palace is heaven! What helps is everything is cut tiny so that you feel you can sample everything without the guilt. Also the milkshakes from Mrs. Potts and smoked Turkey Legs from the Lunching Pad.
From James Rao
Posted November 21, 2009 at 2:44 PM
Anybody else remember when Aunt Polly's used to sell sandwiches and other lunch items? It was a great place for a midday break because hardly anyone knew about it, so there was never a line, and the kids could play on Tom Sawyer's Island while you finished up. Now it is all just dessert type stuff... on the rare occasions when the place is actually open!
Amanda & Tim - I notice there is only one price/size of shake/smoothie at the places you mentioned. How big are the beverages? About the size of a McDonald's medium, or what?
One other question: does Columbia Harbour House still sell chicken strips? From everything I can tell, chicken nuggets are on the menu now. I wonder if the nuggets are as good as the strips? Generally they are not...
James, I think they got rid of strips from all the menus. They used to have it all the All Star Resorts Cafe, and most buffetts at the kids section.
So I assume they just got rid at all locations.
James, if I can remember correctly (last one I had was in February), I believe that the milkshakes would be more of a Sonic's regular size drink. I just know that they are wonderful. If you do a dining plan, they are definitely a great treat to use for a snack credit.
In June, CHH still had chicken strips so I don't know about now. I believe they still have them since I tried to eat there at MNSCHP (it was closed).
Best snack option in all of Disney World? Food of the Wine and Food Festival at EPCOT. Cheddar Cheese Soup? Yes please!
From James Rao
Posted November 22, 2009 at 5:36 AM
Tim, let us know on the chicken strips/nuggets, since you are going in a couple weeks...
And Anthony, shame on you, Epcot's discussion thread is coming up soon! ;)
Before we get that thread started, though, anyone have favorites at the monorail resorts: Poly, Contemporary, and/or Grand Floridian?
From Rob P
Posted November 22, 2009 at 6:50 AM
Yes James I do.
The picnic bag at Aunt Polly's was always a favourite of ours until it's demise. It's not the same there now which is a real shame.
Now that it is the holiday season and the Grand Floridian has built their gingerbread house in the lobby. Stay away from the gingerbread shingles. Even though the house the make there are amazing they taste like you are really eating your roof. The sea gulls outside wouldn't even eat them. Sorry I know this was supposed to be favorite but I had to give a warning to all.
First off the California Grill makes some amazing food. We are steak people and love their Oak Fired Filet of Beef. The teriyaki sauce is great. Our waiter really went all out to make sure we had the appetizers that would fit our tastes along with wine to match our dinner. We had some very nice desserts there. Luckily we were staying at the Contemporary and didn't have far to go on such full stomachs. Have done breakfast at both Chef Mickey's and Ohana. The food was pretty similar only Chef Mickey's has the buffet while Ohana was family style. No complaints on those, just basic breakfast fare. A new favorite of the snacks for us were the homemade chips at the Contempo Cafe, my husband just about hurt himself eating those each night. I also got hooked on their Pasta with Chicken Basil Creme Sauce.
I'm going to Disney on Tuesday, I'll report back about the nuggets/strips fiasco. :D
It'll be my birthday so I'm planning on throwing calorie caution to the wind and getting one of those Dole Whips.
From Tim W
Posted November 22, 2009 at 5:35 PM
I was just there in february like amanda and they definately had chicken strips, not nuggets. ill be very dissapointed if they changed!
And just a side note. Im very dissapointed so far with this trip. Im extremely shocked about the lack of rooms available at Vacation Club Resorts. Im very shocked we couldnt access any other rooms at animal kingdom or wilderness lodge or boardwalk. And im also quite annoyed at the dining. We went on the first day at 12 am to book dining reservations for chef mickeys or crystal palace. None available. Im not sure whats up with disney and this because i would never expect this to be a busy time ever. And everything seems to be booked! Anybody else having similar problems??
From James Rao
Posted November 22, 2009 at 6:54 PM
Amanda - almost everything on the menu at that Contempo Cafe looks interesting. I may have to check the place out when we head to the World in May.
Renee - I can't wait for your report. I am pretty sure you are going to find chicken nuggets almost everywhere...cost cutting and all that. And yes, for your birthday, please do throw caution to the wind. Skip the regular Dole Whip and get the much more sinful Dole Whip Pineapple Float. You will not regret it!
Rob - I am glad at least one other person shares my sense of loss. Misery loves company!
Tim - I am not sure about the crowds. My guess is that you are just getting a bit unlucky. Generally the first part of December is a great time to travel to the World. Maybe staff cutbacks for reduced crowd expectations are leading to fewer reservations being taken? Your guess is a s good as mine. Still at least you are going to be at WDW and not freezing your butt off in the middle of the country feeling sorry for yourself and wishing you were in Orlando...
Dole Whip is does not have as much calories as you think and who cares? Its DOLE WHIP!!!! Seriously, if you have never tried it, I think its the best cold treat at any theme park.
As for the Lagoon, I like Ohana and the Luau. Both do a really good job on food!
From James Rao
Posted November 23, 2009 at 5:07 AM
90 or so calories in a half cup of Dole Whip Soft Serve. I am guessing you get at least a full cup, maybe two. So anywhere from 180 to 360 calories. Not bad for a dessert.
Also, keep in mind that the Dole Whip Pineapple Float has Dole Whip soft serve as one of its ingredients. So, you get the Dole Whip and MORE (flavor, fun, and calories)! =)
I'm sold. Dole Float, prepare to be devoured.
From Tim W
Posted November 23, 2009 at 4:47 PM
Those are really good. finally tried my first one last time. But u gotta be a pineapple lover.
I personally can take it or leave it. But this in particular was pretty good.
From James Rao
Posted November 23, 2009 at 4:50 PM
Renee, I admire your spirit (and your intestinal fortitude)! Enjoy! =)
I'm home from the Magic Kingdom and I'm here to announce.. that I saw only chicken nuggets pretty much everywhere in the whole park.
Sorry guys.
On the other hand, the Dole Float was unbelievably amazing.
No burgers? No Chicken Strips? No Tacos?
???
From James Rao
Posted November 26, 2009 at 3:36 PM
Glad you liked the float. I agree they are amazing. As for the chicken strips I am pretty sure they are gone for the near term future.
How was the rest of your visit?
Re James's question about favorites at the monorail resorts: Tonga Toast at Kona Cafe!! Fabulous breakfast yumminess! And that amazing juice blend they serve at the Poly, too -- I think I drank about a gallon on my last visit to 'Ohana!
From James Rao
Posted December 12, 2009 at 8:00 AM
Honestly, almost everything at the Kona Cafe is very, very good. It is one of the more underrated restaurants at WDW, imho!
I love eating at Pecos Bills. Love the double cheeseburgers and the fixin's bar... those sauteed mushrooms are to DIE FOR!!!
Definitely the Dole Whip at Aloha Isle in Adventureland--- can't go without having one of those!!!
My daughter always talks about the chili cheesefries at Pinocchios Haus in Fantasyland, too.... she loves them!
From James Rao
Posted December 15, 2009 at 7:13 PM
yeah, that fixin's bar is hard to beat. I also like the fixin's bar at Casey's Corner. I never can get enough sauerkraut on my dogs!
From Josh K
Posted December 16, 2009 at 5:28 PM
Does anyone know the actual dates when the Noodle Station is open? About 3 weeks ago they removed the wall in front of the cash registers, though it is still closed.
Dole Whip
From James Rao
Posted December 17, 2009 at 7:35 AM
^^Yep.
And like we've said before, if you like the Dole Whip, make sure to try the Dole Pineapple Float, which is a Dole Whip on crack!
From James Rao
Posted December 29, 2009 at 8:56 PM
Question: can you see the evening fireworks from the Plaza restaurant?
From James Rao
Posted December 31, 2009 at 7:59 AM
^^ Anthony? Amanda? Tim? One of you should know the answer...
Sorry James, I've never eaten at the Plaza Restaurant. I had it on a list as possibilities for our last trip, but we went to other places instead. I'm not sure if you would be able to or not. I know you can if you get the right seating at the Crystal Palace.
From Tim W
Posted December 31, 2009 at 11:32 AM
Never eaten there either. Been to Tony's, cool place to watch the parades!, Crystal Palace, Cinderella's, and Liberty Tree Tavern. Its the only sit down i havent been to yet at MK.
Never been there either (strange)!
I am going to say not really because there a alot of trees on that side of Main Street USA,
I think the only eatery you can see the fireworks inside the park is Cosmic Ray's
From James Rao
Posted December 31, 2009 at 11:49 AM
Alright, that cinches it. One of us needs to check this place out during the fireworks! I just made an ADR for the Plaza Restaurant for my May visit. I booked the reservation about 1:15 minutes before the fireworks. If I can see the castle from inside the joint, I will eat slowly, otherwise, I will eat quick and go grab a spot on Main Street!
Huh, can't believe I missed this! For a late answer, my most favorite pizza in the entire world comes from Tony's Pizzaria in Fantasyland! Also has cool view of It's A Small World.
From James Rao
Posted January 1, 2010 at 7:06 AM
As long as we don't have a 100 posters, Nick, it is never too late.
Check out the threads for Epcot, DAK, and DHS...feel free to add your thoughts there as well.
Cheese fries and that double bacon cheeseburgers at Peco Bill's Cafe - oh, Muetti and I are soooooooooooooooooo bad!
Fried fish basket at Columbia Harbor House.
Wonderful place to cool off from the hot sun and have some reasonably priced and tasty fried fish.
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