When you think of Walt Disney World, the first things that pop into your head are probably castles, classic attractions, enormous hotels, or Mickey Mouse & his friends. One of the things that probably doesn’t pop into your head first, however, is the food. Historically, theme parks in general (or their lesser-quality cousins, the amusement parks) have been known for fried foods on a stick, popcorn, hot dogs, and cotton candy. And even though you can find all of those foods in various spots in Walt Disney World, there is a whole new world of food out there for you to enjoy on your Disney vacation. Some of my favorite WDW locations to try out some fancy foods are the pavilions around the World Showcase Lagoon in Epcot. You’re not going to find a lot of amusement park-style food here, and that’s just the way I like it! You’ve probably heard of “Drinking Around The World,” where guests have an alcoholic beverage at each stop along the way, but here’s a more family and kid-friendly, Snacking Around The Showcase.
Go Left: First Stop, Mexico – One of my favorite places to grab a snack in all of Walt Disney World is Mexico’s La Cantina de San Angel. It’s outside right by the water of the World Showcase Lagoon so you’ll have a great view of the rest of the park while you sit and enjoy your snack. From this pavilion you’ll have a bunch of options, but my favorite thing to munch on here are the nachos. And you might be able to twist my arm a little to convince me to have a margarita while I’m here as well!
Norway – With all of the recent construction around the Norway pavilion, you might decide to walk right on by, but I think that would be a mistake! The Kringla Bakeri (I spelled that right…look it up!) has a wide variety of interesting snacks that you absolutely have to try. My recommendation is the Sweet Pretzel with Chocolate, but I’m a big pretzel guy being from Philadelphia and all! Other popular options are the School Bread (Sweet Cardamom Bun filled with Vanilla Crème Custard and topped with Glazed and Toasted Coconuts) and the Lefse (Potato Flatbread rolled with a Sweet Cinnamon Butter). Be a viking, be a little adventurous, and stop by the Kringla Bakeri!
China – I can (and have) written entire posts about Chinese food in Walt Disney World, but if you’re looking for a quick snack at this pavilion stop by the Lotus Blossom Cafe. I’d say grab a couple of egg rolls or pot stickers (or both, you’re on vacation!) and keep walking. They are the ultimate in portable food, and you need to keep burning calories until you get to your next stop!
Germany – Okay, I mentioned before that I was a pretzel fan, and in my opinion the Germany pavilion has THE BEST pretzels in all of Walt Disney World. You can grab one from the Sommerfest stand toward the back of the pavilion, or if you want to keep moving there is also a pretzel stand closer to the lagoon at the front of the pavilion. If you’re not a salty-snack kind of guy or gal and would rather have something sweet, you can’t beat the caramel popcorn that they are constantly making at the Karamel-Kuche bakery. It’s made with Werthers brand caramel, it’s hot, and it’s awesome!
Italy – I don’t know about you, but when I think of Italy I think of pasta, pizza, and tiramisu. Whether that is my Americanized version of Italy in my head or not, you can find all of those things over at Via Napoli when you’re really hungry! If you’re looking for a quick snack (which we are today), then stop by Gelati for authentic Italian gelato (think ice cream, only thicker and richer). As a coffee nut myself, I’d recommend the Espresso Gelato “Affogato” which (word by word from the Gelati menu) is “fresh Italian Espresso poured over Fior Di Latte Gelato, topped with Chocolate Coffee Beans.”
American Adventure – Back in the good old U S of A, I like to slow it down a little bit, take a break from the food, and enjoy a little slice of Americana known as the American Dream. This drink is a frozen strawberry, vanilla ice cream, & frozen raspberry slush concoction that really hits the spot on a hot afternoon spent walking around Epcot’s World Showcase. If you’re not a frozen drink fan, you could always stop by the funnel cake stand to grab one of those American fair favorites, but in America I like to drink my sugar!
Japan – I’m going to stick with the recent dessert theme this post has taken and suggest you do not go find a great sushi roll (which are available) and instead head over to the Kabuki Cafe for a Kaki-Gori. Kaki-Gori translates to “shaved ice” in English and this is another fine option for cooling off in the humid Florida summers. The flavor choices are strawberry, melon, cherry, tangerine or rainbow (a three-flavor combo) so this is definitely not just a souped up version of a Snoopy Snow Cone!
Morocco – If you’re kind of a wimp like me and Moroccan food scares you a little bit, then there’s only one thing for you to do in this pavilion. Stop over at Morocco’s Spice Road Table and get the Baklava. Yes, I’m on a dessert tangent right now, and yes, this is the least adventurous thing you could possibly order in this pavilion. with lamb, curries, shawarma platters everywhere (“Have you ever tried shawarma? There’s a shawarma joint about two blocks from here. I don’t know what it is, but I wanna try it.”) I’ve heard nothing but fantastic reviews about all of the food in the Morocco pavilion, but trust me, the Baklava is amazing!
France – Okay let’s take a break from all of the sweets and the sugar and swing by the French pavilion’s incredible bakery, Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie. First off, man, I have never taken any French courses in my entire life, so I couldn’t begin to even try to say the name of this place. I’d have to just point to it on a map like Tarzan and say “there!” And while Les Halles has a TON of awesome sweet options, I’d recommend the Croissant Jambon Fromage. We’re talking a croissant stuffed with ham, cheese, and béchamel sauce. Did I mention it was a croissant? Trust me, you will not be disappointed with this one!
United Kingdom – We’re getting close to the end of the “Grand Circle Tour” of the World Showcase pavilions, and I hope you saved some room, because it’s time for the world-famous Yorkshire County Fish & Chips! These are fresh fish filets and a healthy portion of thick cut chips (french fries) fried to perfection and served in a very portable paper basket. Grab some malt vinegar for the fish, a fork, and walk around the UK pavilion while enjoying this British staple. To really get that “other side of the pond” feeling, I like to pair mine with a nice Bass Ale from the beer stand in the United Kingdom!
Canada – You’ve made it! You’re at the end of your snacking tour of Epcot’s World Showcase! And what a beautiful pavilion to end up in, the Canada pavilion! This is a great place to walk around and take in the sights and sounds of our neighbor to the north. Unfortunately, there aren’t many options for snacks here (unless you’re up for the standard Disney popcorn), so I’d WHOLEHEARTEDLY recommend grabbing a La Fin Du Monde beer from the popcorn cart. You deserve it! You walked an awful long way and I’m sure you’re extremely thirsty! Grab your delicious beer and head back on out toward Future World to try even more fun snacks at Epcot!
If you’re thinking about taking a Disney vacation soon, whether it’s Walt Disney World, Disneyland, the Disney Cruise Line, Aulani in Hawaii or Adventures By Disney, I can help! I offer concierge level service and will take care of any and all planning for you, and I will do that 100% FREE OF CHARGE!
