Welcome BACK, Rebecca!
It's great to see you again! One of my favorite things to do at Walt Disney World Resort is snack around! I've hEARd that calories don't count at the Most Magical Place on Earth, and also it's been scientifically proven that everything tastes better when it's Mickey-shaped. I like to say that Disney is quickly becoming an Eat Park, too!
Dining at Disney is definitely a favorite topic amongst most Moms Panelists, especially when it comes to redeeming your
Disney Dining Plan snack entitlements. When asked what "can't be missed", I think of all the
Classic Disney Parks treats, like the world-famous Pineapple Dole Whip (also served in a float form!) at Aloha Isle, Mickey-shaped giant soft pretzels from The Lunching Pad (but can also be found in multiple places in all parks) and Mickey Ice Cream Bars, which can be found at ice cream carts all over the 'World, including in some
Disney Resort Hotel Quick-Service Dining Locations.
As far as 'out of the box' ideas, this can go a few ways, both interesting items but also clever ways to redeem your credits. For me the interesting uses are redeemed exploring the flavors of the world in
Epcot's World Showcase. There's usually a location (or two or three!) in each country pavilion that has snack-worthy treats. Some of my favorites here are the Japanese shaved ice at Kabuki Cafe, Norwegian specialties from Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe, and gelato from Gelati in Italy. But don't forget the flavors of other worlds, like at Milk Stand and Kat Saka's Kettle in Batuu in
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, or Pongu Pongu and Satu'li Canteen in
Pandora - The World of Avatar.
As for clever 'out of the box' uses, I like to find the
counter service snack items that could count as a quick breakfast, or in case I have an early dinner reservation or enjoyed a big breakfast buffet, could be a lite lunch. My favorites are the croissant jambon fromage (a ham and cheese croissant sandwich, that yes you do want warmed up) from Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie, the baked macaroni & cheese cups at Eight Spoon Cafe, the lunch box tarts at Woody's Lunch Box, the colossal cinnamon roll from Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery, a giant Mickey-shaped waffle from Sleepy Hollow, the french fries topped with pulled pork and cheese at Flame Tree Barbecue, and
any size hand-crafted beverage from any of the in-park
Starbucks locations, so be sure to get the venti!
Pro Tip: Your vacation starts a few days before the
Epcot International Festival of the Arts ends its run, and many of the Culinary Arts booths have items that qualify as Disney Dining Plan Snacks!
I hope this helped to plan your upcoming Disney Days, Rebecca, and We'll See You Real Soon!
~Kristen