What is it about the parks that make us so homesick for Disney when we finally return to our everyday lives? The sights? The smells? The unexplainable cloud of work-free, stress-free, problem-free escapism that envelopes you once inside those turnstiles? All of it is true – we miss everything. One critical component though, of every Disney Park experience seems to tug on the loneliest heart strings once we leave – THE FOOD. Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Disneyland Paris – it doesn’t matter which park or experience you’re on, Disney food fills the stomach and feeds the soul. Why spend the next 365 days waiting to taste the sweet blackberry preserves of a Monte Cristo Sandwich or the savory tang of Big Thunder Ribs when Disney has sent you home with the recipes to make in your own oven? To hold you over, fill your homes with just a bit of the magic and take you back to the parks if only for a meal – 10 Disney Park Recipe Favorites that the whole family will love!
1. Walt’s Chili
A man not for gourmet or adventurous cuisine, but who liked to get straight to the meat and potatoes of the thing, Walt’s favorite dish was always hearty and filling – chili to be exact. Today’s recipe served at the Carnation Cafe on Mainstreet U.S.A, Disneyland packs a bit more heat to the 1958 original, but is a complete fan and family favorite!
2. Blue Bayou Monte Cristo Sandwich
https://d23.com/blue-bayou-monte-cristo-sandwich/
Nearly 200 of these decadent beauties are served each day, making the Monte Cristo sandwich EASILY the restaurant’s most popular offering since it first appeared on the menu at Blue Bayou’s grand opening in 1967. At only 15 minutes to prepare and cook, Monte Cristo’s are definitely going to be your next go-to kitchen favorite!
3. Disney Park Churro
You can’t do it. No one can do it. No one can walk past one of those glistening red carts with the banner reading “Churros”, and not suddenly find yourself having produced cash from a pocket you don’t remember reaching into to exchange for a magical tube of cinnamon, sugary, doughy joy. Churros are things of heaven.
4. Polynesian Village Resort Tonga Toast
Oh how I used to think french toast couldn’t get much better: bread, egg, butter – it was perfect. Then Disney laughed at my simple mind. Banana-stuffed sourdough bread, battered, deep fried and dusted with cinnamon sugar – I stand corrected Walt Disney World. Tonga Toast is better. Tonga Toast is king.
5. New Orleans Beignets
That brown paper bag. That brown paper bag that hides the powdery bundles of joy within. Those New Orleans Square Beignets are what Disney memories are made of, and definitely worth a Princess and the Frog themed movie night!
6. Maurice’s Treats Strawberry Twists
https://d23.com/maurices-treats-strawberry-twists/
Tucked back behind the west wing of the Sleeping Beauty Castle sits the most delightful little cart of treats – Maurice’s Treats. Don’t let the hidden location fool you though, these strawberry twists can certainly hold their own among the beignet and churro contender line-up! Our favorite bit about this Maurice Treat? They only take 5 ingredients to make!
7. Whispering Canyon Cafe Apple Pie
You know what’s great about pie? Pie is welcome at every time of the year. You know what’s better than pie? Probably nothing. And Whispering Canyon Cafe can prove it with one slice of their Apple Pie.
8. Big Thunder Ribs
https://d23.com/disneylands-big-thunder-ribs/
Does anything say summer quite like ribs? They’re like the godfather of summer month meals. Big Thunder’s spicy, sweet, tang of that citrus roundup rub? You’ll never try another rib recipe again.
9. New Orleans Square Gumbo
https://d23.com/chicken-gumbo-from-new-orleans-square/
When the cold crisp air starts to roll in, nothing warms the soul more than a bowl of spicy New Orleans Gumbo. Tasso ham, andouille sausage, sliced okra and a good shot of cajun spice will not only warm your soul, it’ll make your heart sing.
10. Grand Floridian’s Gingerbread Cookies
https://d23.com/gingerbread-cookies-from-disneys-grand-floridian-resort-spa/
Sleigh bells jingling, chestnuts roasting, jack frost nipping at your nose – the smell of Grand Floridian gingerbread cookies in the air and it’s beginning to feel a lot like a Disney Christmas at any time of year in your house!
