10 Hidden Food Gems You Need to Try at Disney World
Disney World is famous for signature snacks like Dole Whip and Mickey pretzels, but the things that keep me returning to the parks year after year are the food gems that most people overlook.
I remember this long before I’d ever heard of “hidden gems” at Epcot — a perfectly caramelized treat from an out-of-the-way German bakery.
It was love at first bite.
Since then, it’s been my mission to find all the underrated eats hidden within the parks.
This piece is for those of you that love to travel off the beaten path as often as possible and find flavors that feel like they are your own little secret.
These aren’t the snacks that get all the hype, but they’re the ones that’ll have you texting your friends, “You have to try this.”
So here, then, are 10 hidden food gems at Disney World worth adding to your must-eat list.
1. Satu’li Canteen Cheeseburger Pods
Located within Pandora – The World of Avatar at Animal Kingdom, Satu’li Canteen serves up these unique steamed pods, which are stuffed with seasoned ground beef and cheddar cheese.
They’re the love child of a burger and a bao bun — soft, flavorful and completely satisfying.
Top them with the crunchy vegetable slaw, though, and you have yourself a meal that feels otherworldly.
2. School Bread at Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe
Port Sledges’s School Bread If you’re in Epcot’s Norway Pavilion is a must.
This mildly sweet pastry is filled with custard and cloaked in toasted coconut.
It is sweet, and so darn good. I snatch one up every time I go through this bakery — it’s an instant dose of Norwegian comfort food.
3. Pork Belly Bao at the Asia Street Eats Cart
This small cart doesn’t look like much but serves one of the best bao buns I’ve ever had near Epcot’s World Showcase.
The pork belly is perfectly tender, balanced with just the right amount of savory and sweet.
The bun is soft and pillowy, the ideal handheld snack to walk with as you trod through the park.
4. Sleepy Hollow Fresh Fruit Waffle Sandwich
Over in Liberty Square at Magic Kingdom, Sleepy Hollow is an attraction all its own, but their Fresh Fruit Waffle Sandwich is something else altogether.
It’s a warm, golden waffle smeared with Nutella and topped with fresh strawberries and sliced bananas and blueberries.
This sweet, sickly treat is rich but not too rich to keep you going.
5. Carrot Cake Cookie at Trolley Car Café
Hollywood Studios tip: Carrot Cake Cookie Secret Weapon
This big indulgent is like a whoopie pie — two soft, spiced carrot cake rounds stuffed with a creamy frosting.
I usually get one with a cup of coffee and enjoy every bite.
6. Tomato and Cheese Soup at Woody’s Lunch Box
Woody’s Lunch Box in Toy Story Land gets a lot of love for its grilled cheese, but the real star is the Tomato and Cheese Soup.
It’s rich, creamy and packed with flavor, the ultimate comfort food. And dip your grilled cheese in the soup for a combo that’ll warm your soul.
7. Poutine at The Daily Poutine
There’s some great eats in Disney Springs, but The Daily Poutine doesn’t get the attention it should.
Their classic poutine comes smothered in crispy fries, rich brown gravy and melted cheese curds.
It’s rich but not too heavy, the ideal snack while making the rounds of the shops.
8. Cinnamon Roll at Gaston’s Tavern
In Magic Kingdom, Gaston’s Tavern has an incredibly large cinnamon roll.
It’s perfectly gooey with just enough cinnamon and icing. Pro tip: Request the icing extra on the side; it’s free and takes this to the next level.
9. Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue: Cornbread
This one’s a little bit of a journey, situated out at Fort Wilderness at Disney World, but if you’re going to the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, do not skip the cornbread.
It’s rich, buttery and just sweet enough — everything cornbread ought to be. Added to the fried chicken and ribs, and you can see why this meal is legendary.
10. Kakigori at Kabuki Café
Cool down with Kakigori, a Japanese-style shaved ice dessert available at the Kabuki Café in Epcot’s Japan Pavilion.
Usually flavored with fruity syrups and sometimes finished with an extra drizzle of sweetened condensed milk, it is a refreshing, light snack — just right for a sunny day in Disney.
