SNACK AROUND THE WORLD!

It's been a little while since we've been back and re-entry is never easy!!  Thank you to all who followed our journey through Facebook.  I'm glad you enjoyed it and hope it helped you to re-live some of your own magical moments or to imagine the ones yet to come!

As promised, here is a report of some of our gastronomic adventures while visiting Walt Disney World.

THE CHALLENGE:  DISCOVER NEVER BEFORE TASTED SNACK ITEMS FROM THE FOUR MAJOR THEME PARKS. 

I learned a few things with this challenge.  First, for a family who goes to Disney World as often as we do, I was amazed at just how many snack items we have naively passed by through the years.   The second thing I realized was some parks are much more conducive to finding a variety of snacks than others.  As you will see, in my list of ten favorite items we came across, many more selections were from Animal Kingdom and not surprisingly from Epcot, but with only one item from Magic Kingdom and nothing from Hollywood Studios.  I think we need to try harder the next time.  Having said all this, here is our list of tasty treats you might want to search out during your travels:

ANIMAL KINGDOM PARK

Chocolate Dipped Elephant Ear – (AFRICA)  Is it an ear or a Mickey head?  Not sure but doesn’t matter, it’s still yummy!  My daughter in particular LOVED this while her brothers thought it was just good.

Apple Blossom – (DINOLAND)  Super Delish!!  All the best parts of grandma’s apple pie and big enough to share!

Frozen Lemonade -  (ASIA)  Okay, so maybe frozen lemonade isn’t too exotic but when you factor in a very hot and sticky day in the Asian jungle and a very cool little shrine just beyond the kiosk that provides a quiet, private retreat with a great view to enjoy said frozen lemonade… well, I considered this a magical moment!!

Fried Wonton Dessert in Yak & Yeti – (ASIA)  OMG!!!  This doesn’t really count as a snack food since it is from the dessert menu of a table service restaurant but there is no way I could not mention this dessert that was featured on the Food Network! Skewers of fresh pineapple and cream cheese wontons, vanilla ice cream and honey vanilla drizzle just does not do this incredible dessert justice!!  It’s the sort of thing that haunts me in the middle of the night!

EPCOT

Red Velvet Whoopie Pie – (THE LAND)  If you are a fan of either Red Velvet Cake or Whoopie Pies, than you are sure to enjoy this sweet treat!  Perhaps it was the mini-chocolate chips all along the edges or the very adorable and edible Mickey Face smiling at me while I took my first bite but I really enjoyed this.

Chinese BBQ Pork Buns and Curry Chicken Pockets – (CHINA)  Less you think we only snack on sugary treats, here are two delicious menu choices from China’s Joy of Tea Stand that at least two of my kids went bonkers over.  I often encourage guests to take a day while visiting Epcot and instead of a formal meal, eat your way around the World Showcase.  This should definitely be one of your stops!  Each item comes as a pair making it perfect for sharing!

Kaki Gori – (JAPAN) – I can hear your comments now, “But Debbie, that’s just a snow-cone in a cup!”  And a French croissant is just a piece of bread.  No need to comment further except to say, go for the rainbow to experience three flavors!!    

The next two selections are so much more than a single item as it really is about the experience.  I simply wouldn’t know how to single out just one treat!

Les Halles Boulangerie & Patisserie – (FRANCE)  Walking into this relatively new shop in the back of the French Pavilion, I was transported to my trip to Paris.  I couldn’t make a decision on just one there either!!

Karamell-Kuche –  (GERMANY)  I never really gave much thought as to all the wonderful things you can do with caramel,  but thankfully the good people at Werther’s Original Caramel can!! 

MAGIC KINGDOM

Giant Cinnamon Roll – (GASTON’S TAVERN)   These legendary rolls have been discussed online and quite frankly, my mouth had been watering to try one since I spotted them back in January.   Unfortunately, they are a lot like Gaston himself, incredible to look at, but full of air and actually rather dull and boring to the taste buds.  A big disappointment but we absolutely loved this tavern so much, we almost didn’t care… almost.

At the conclusion of this little report, I would like to note for honorable mention that a closer look inside the Big Top Souvenirs will reveal an area of fabulous treats with a circus theme.  The candy apples alone are works of art.  And this is what I love most about Disney, that no matter how much you cram into your week… or your mouth, there is always something new to come back and sample!!

I’d love to hear more about your favorite treats while visiting “The Mouse!”