This week, we’re venturing beyond the classic treats to uncover the hidden snack gems of Walt Disney World. From savory surprises to sweet delights, discover the treats that fly under the radar with my friend and guest, Shay Spence! And don’t listen hungry, because you won’t believe what’s been hiding in plain sight!
In this episode, Lou Mongello and Shay Spence explore the hidden culinary treasures in the Disney parks. They discuss their favorite snacks and treats in Magic Kingdom, including the Sleepy Hollow refreshments, bacon mac and cheese tots from Friar’s Nook, and the pepper jack pretzel from Cheshire Cafe.
In Epcot, they recommend the frozen mint tea from Morocco, the chicken tostadas from Choza de Margarita, and the salted caramel gingerbread cookie sandwich from Karamell-Küche. They also mention the lefse and egg rolls from Norway, and the egg rolls and salted caramel gingerbread cookie sandwich from Germany.
In this part of the conversation, Shay and Lou discuss their favorite hidden gems and snacks at Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. They mention the caramel butter bar and pretzel bread pudding at Epcot, as well as the sake slushies at the Kabuki Cafe. They also talk about the gelato stand in the Muppets area and the peanut butter and jelly milkshake at 50’s Prime Time Cafe in Hollywood Studios. They highlight the waffle bowls at Fairfax Fair and the buffalo chicken bowl at Animal Kingdom. They also mention the Ahi Tuna Nachos at Yak & Yeti and the street corn tacos at The Smiling Crocodile.
Overall, they emphasize the variety and quality of snacks available at these parks. In this conversation, Lou Mongello and Shay discuss their favorite snacks and hidden gems at Walt Disney World.
They cover snacks at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs. Some of the highlights include the Nutella and fruit waffle sandwich at Sleepy Hollow, the Ahi Tuna Nachos at Tambu Lounge, the Ronto Wrap at Ronto Roasters, the Ube Donut at Everglazed, the Hop Salt Pretzel at The Polite Pig, the Funky Chicken Sandwich at Everglazed, the Prime Rib Sliders at Crew’s Cup Lounge, the Wachos at Rick’s Sports Bar, and the Orange Flancocho at Dahlia Lounge. They also mention the Kona Cafe Pot Stickers, the Churros at Coronado Springs, and the Mickey Waffles stuffed with fried chicken at Rix Sports Bar.
Overall, Lou and Shay provide a comprehensive guide to the best snacks and hidden gems at Walt Disney World!
What is YOUR favorite hidden snack gem in Walt Disney World? Share your thoughts in the WDW Radio Clubhouse at WDWRadio.com/Clubhouse,
Shay Spence, a freelance writer specializing in food and travel from Key West, Florida, has earned the self-proclaimed nickname of “professional eater.” With his engaging content, he has amassed over 250,000 Instagram followers and 1.6 million TikTok followers at @theshayspence. Previously, Shay served as a food editor at People magazine and showcased his culinary skills on season 2 of Fox’s “Next Level Chef.” A frequent visitor to Walt Disney World, he is perpetually in search of delicious new experiences. If you spot him there, don’t hesitate to say hi!
Get your copy of Shay’s Ultimate Disney World Food Guide and SAVE $5 Off using this exclusive WDWRADIO discount code!!
Summary
This conversation is a behind-the-scenes look at Lou Mongello’s visit to Walt Disney Imagineering and his exclusive interview with Imagineers Charita Carter and Ted Robledo. They discuss the balance between nostalgia and bringing new stories to life in the Disney parks, the importance of innovation while honoring the legacy of Imagineering, and the excitement of introducing new experiences to guests.
They also delve into the details of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, highlighting the extension of Tiana’s story and her entrepreneurial spirit. The conversation showcases the dedication and passion of the Imagineers in creating immersive and magical experiences for Disney fans. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is an opportunity to give guests a more multi-dimensional Disney princess experience. The attraction showcases Tiana’s personality traits, her love of cooking, her entrepreneurial spirit, and her connection to her community in New Orleans.
The Imagineers spent time in New Orleans to ensure the attraction authentically represents the diverse culture, music, and stories of the city. The attraction features advanced audio-animatronics, special effects, and an original theme song by PJ Morton. It also introduces new characters that guests can connect with. The attraction offers different experiences during the day and night, capturing the magic and romance of the bayou. The costumes and hair design were meticulously researched to reflect the time period and cultural authenticity. The attraction aims to bring joy, celebration, and a sense of being seen to guests.
This episode also covers:
- Exclusive Insight: Dive into our special interview with leading Imagineers behind the creation of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Charita Carter and Ted Robleto. Discover the magic and innovation shaping this highly anticipated attraction.
- Behind the Scenes: Get an intimate glimpse into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Uncover the unique storytelling elements and meet the characters set to bring the experience to life in a way that’s unlike any other.
- Technological Marvels: Explore the latest breakthroughs in Audio-Animatronics technology, pushing the boundaries of realism and interactivity.
- New Additions from a Galaxy Far, Far Away: Encounter the newly introduced Star Wars BDX droids alongside the next-generation figures of Duke Weaselton and Judy Hopps.
- Expansion Insights: Unveil what lies “Beyond Big Thunder Mountain” with updates on the expansion of Magic Kingdom.
- A Fresh Vision for Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Step into the imaginative re-envisioning of Dinoland, featuring the “Tropical Americas” retheming, new Indiana Jones and Encanto attractions, and a surprising Coco carousel.
- Inside the R&D Labs: Join us for an exclusive tour of the R&D labs for a heartfelt and magical revelation from Lou’s “7-year-old fan” perspective.
- Artistic Excellence: Visit the Blaine Gibson sculpting shop for an insider’s look at where Disney’s iconic sculptures come to life.
- Innovative Surfaces: Discover the HoloTile floor in a special segment with Imagineer Lanny Smoot, showcasing the cutting-edge of interactive environments.
- Leadership Vision: Don’t miss the discussion of a very special presentation from Bob Iger and Josh D’Amaro as they share an exciting outlook on the “turbo-charging” of Disney Parks and what’s on the horizon.
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Takeaways
- There are hidden culinary treasures in the Disney parks that are often overlooked
- Some of the best snacks and treats can be found in Magic Kingdom and Epcot
- Favorites include the Sleepy Hollow refreshments, bacon mac and cheese tots, and pepper jack pretzel in Magic Kingdom
- In Epcot, the frozen mint tea, chicken tostadas, and salted caramel gingerbread cookie sandwich are highly recommended
- Other notable snacks include the lefse and egg rolls in Norway, and the egg rolls in Germany Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios have a wide variety of hidden gems and snacks to try
- The caramel butter bar and pretzel bread pudding are must-try treats at Epcot
- The sake slushies at the Kabuki Cafe are a refreshing and unique option
- The gelato stand in the Muppets area offers delicious and surprising flavors
- The peanut butter and jelly milkshake at 50’s Prime Time Cafe is a nostalgic and tasty treat
- The waffle bowls at Fairfax Fair and the buffalo chicken bowl at Animal Kingdom are satisfying and flavorful options
- The Ahi Tuna Nachos at Yak & Yeti are a gourmet twist on traditional nachos
- The street corn tacos at The Smiling Crocodile are a vegetarian-friendly and delicious choice Walt Disney World offers a wide variety of delicious snacks and hidden gems throughout its parks and resorts.
- Some of the must-try snacks include the Nutella and fruit waffle sandwich at Sleepy Hollow, the Ahi Tuna Nachos at Tambu Lounge, and the Ronto Wrap at Ronto Roasters.
- Hidden gems can be found at various locations, such as the Ube Donut at Everglazed, the Hop Salt Pretzel at The Polite Pig, and the Prime Rib Sliders at Crew’s Cup Lounge.
- Other notable snacks include the Funky Chicken Sandwich at Everglazed, the Wachos at Rick’s Sports Bar, and the Orange Flancocho at Dahlia Lounge.
- Additional recommendations include the Kona Cafe Pot Stickers, the Churros at Coronado Springs, and the Mickey Waffles stuffed with fried chicken at Rix Sports Bar.
- These snacks and hidden gems provide unique and delicious dining experiences for visitors to Walt Disney World.
Sound Bites
- “Attractions in the Disney parks are just things we do in between meals, like snacks.”
- “Sleepy Hollow refreshments in general, I think is the best quick service in Disney World.”
- “I’m going to go with a drink instead of, because I think a drink is a snack too.”
- “I love that whole pastry case”
- “The seed has been planted”
- “Shay told me to come in and get the Japanese face mask”
- “Grab a couple of egg rolls and a chicken fried rice. And I think, I think they’re both like seven or eight dollars. So it’s like 15, 16 bucks and you grab a water or a beverage or in cheesecakes, a couple of watermelon things. You sit out in the back by, under the shady tree, by the little fountain there in the middle. And that’s a really nice snack too.”
- “And listen, my definition of snack may be a little bit right. It may be a little broader.”
- “You’re in my head. Okay. But I’m going to let you speak. I keep wanting to interrupt you because I agree with you. I agree with you because last time I went, I got the dulce de leche and I was like, I don’t like this. It’s too much stuff. And then you just get the plain glaze. And I’m like, the plain glaze is unbelievable. So good. Keep going.”
Timestamped Overview / Chapters
- 00:00 Introduction and Background
- 10:05 Must-Try Snacks and Treats in Magic Kingdom
- 32:33 Hidden Gems and Snacks at Epcot
- 40:27 Delicious Treats at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- 49:28 Sake Slushies and Gelato at Epcot
- 59:30 Satisfying Snacks at Animal Kingdom
- 01:07:18 Disney Springs Snacks
- 01:17:25 Custom Art on Coffee at Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea Company
- 01:25:09 Kona Cafe Pot Stickers at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
What is your favorite hidden snack gem in Walt Disney World?
Share your thoughts in the WDW Radio Clubhouse at WDWRadio.com/Clubhouse, or call the voicemail at 407-900-9391 (WDW1) and share your story on the show.
Episode Transcript
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