It may seem like an odd post to start the year but with plans to return to Disney this year and my love of most things Disney, it feels appropriate. This past fall I participated in my first runDisney race after a five year hiatus. It was great to be back to enjoy the fun and pageantry of the races, explore the parks, and, of course, eat the food.

One great thing about the Disney World races is that they almost always coincide with a festival. In this case it was the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. Trying to eat all my favorite Disney foods in one trip is near impossible. It’s even more difficult to include limited time festival offerings, but we made a valiant effort.

runDisney races

Before we get into the food, let’s talk a little bit about the runDisney races. These races are very popular, not only for Disney fans but for running fans. Registration is highly competitive, a race in and of itself. Some races, particularly the 5K races, sell out in a matter of minutes. On the morning when general registration opens, our group of friends coordinates via chat and text. Whoever gets in first tries to sign up as many people as possible. It doesn’t always work, especially when the system crashes.

Those who are truly dedicated can join Club runDisney for early access to registration. I believe there is a waiting list to join that particular club.

Of course, participating in a race is not required to enjoy a visit to Disney World, so let’s get to the good part, what we ate.

Just as I learned on our trip to Disneyland, social media recommendations can be hit or miss. You may agree or disagree with my recommendations. But in a destination like Disney World, there is a lot to choose from and something to satisfy almost any palate. So don’t be shy, share your favs, and tell me what to eat or avoid on my next trip.

Epcot

La Hacienda de San Angel (Mexico)

One of our favorite restaurants in Epcot is the San Angel Inn Restaurante inside the Mexico pavilion. It is especially nice on a hot summer day – it has lots of air conditioning and overlooks the indoor water ride. This time, we tried La Hacienda de San Angel, the restaurant outside of the pavilion, along the World Showcase Lagoon. It is a great location to watch the evening performance on the lagoon too. I really enjoyed the meal, one of my favorites of this trip. My favorites were:

• Mentirosa (mocktail) – Almave blanco, watermelon & lime juice, and raspberry agave
• Enchiladas de Chorizo – Corn tortillas filled with plant-based chorizo, served with beans and plantains

Karamell-Küche (Germany)

A favorite for sweet snacks is Karamell-Küche in Germany. It is sponsored by Werther’s and the caramel is delicious.

• Caramel Popcorn – We always make a point of getting a bag or two of the freshly made caramel popcorn
• We also tried the Caramel Cookie Dough Cup and the Apple Butter Bar (the latter wasn’t much of a looker but it was delicious)

Les Halles Boulangerie et Patisserie (France)

Another favorite in EPCOT is Les Halles in France. It is a great (but popular and busy) place to pick up a quick sweet or savory bite. For me, a nostalgic favorite is the Jambon Buerre sandwich – a simple ham and cheese sandwich on freshly baked baguette. It reminds me of visits to Paris.

As expected, the pastries are delicious. My friend particularly loves the Macaron Lime Raspberry (seen in the pastry case below), a large macaron with raspberry and lime cream (I’m not a fan of raspberry otherwise I’m sure I’d love it).

EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival

As I mentioned, we were there during the International Food & Wine Festival. Each year there are different food booths available in addition to the regular menus served in each of the countries around the world showcase. Some fan favorites return each year but you will always find new dishes. While each of the plates are small, it’s great to share dishes with friends – you can try more things without getting stuffed. Some of the things we tried:

• India: Potato and pea samosa with coriander-lime cream
• The Alps: Warm Raclette cheese with baby potatoes, cornichons, and baguette
• Spain: Paella negra: Squid ink rice with shrimp, bay scallops, and octopus served with garlic aïoli
• Block & Hans, The American Adventure: Frozen pineapple chipotle lemonade: Lemonade and chipotle pineapple syrup with a chili-lime salt rim (My drink was non-alcoholic but there was a boozy version too)
• Greece: Griddled cheese (I think it was halloumi) with pistachios and honey
• Brazil: Pão de queijo: Brazilian cheese bread
• Macatizers: Truffle macaroni and cheese

Magic Kingdom

Columbia Harbour House

I was actually surprised that I liked the plant-based Crispy Mushroom Roll as much as I did. It featured cornmeal-fried mushrooms, plant-based spicy tartar sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, and a pickle. I would have been happy snacking on the crispy mushrooms without the bun. I’m hoping to recreate this sandwich and if the results are successful, I will share it.

Gaston’s Tavern

I have to say, this was one of those examples of where, for me, the dishes didn’t live up to the social media hype. We tried three things and they were all rather meh for me. My companions differ on the croissant – they loved it – but otherwise, these were not items I could recommend.

• Crème Brûlée Croissant – Crispy croissant dough filled with vanilla bean custard
• Ham and Gruyère Tart
• LeFou’s Brew – Frozen apple juice with a hint of toasted marshmallow and topped with passion fruit mango foam (this was refreshing on a hot day but very, very sweet)

Hollywood Studios

Catalina Eddie’s

We found this fan favorite Toffee and Coconut Blondie at Cataline Eddie’s, one of the stalls you pass on the way to Tower of Terror. This blondie far outweighs the much celebrated Wookie Cookie (I said what I said). It is a blondie filled with gooey toffee and toasted coconut, topped with salted caramel buttercream. I’ll go back for this one.

Disney Springs

Wine Bar George

I heard a lot about Wine Bar George over the years but never had the chance to eat there. I wanted to make sure I had a meal this time around. Overall the food was good but I feel like that box is checked and I don’t need to go back. The meatballs on polenta were on my “must try” list and I definitely enjoyed them. We also got a burrata, tomato, and corn salad that was delicious. It was a satisfying meal.

Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’

We never miss a chance to eat at Homecomin’ – it’s one of our favorite restaurants in Disney Springs. Surprisingly, had this been my first time eating at Homecomin’, I probably would have had the same reaction I did to Wine Bar George. It was good. There was nothing bad. But there was nothing amazing. But since I’ve had many stellar meals in the past, it remains on the go-to list, at least for now.

Gideon’s Bakehouse

Gideon’s Bakehouse is another social media darling. There’s almost always a line but since the wait was only about 20 minutes, we took a chance. The cookies are large and generous and if you like soft baked cookies, these are for you. For us, they were better the next day when they firmed up a bit. They weren’t our favorite but that didn’t stop us from finishing off the four cookies we bought. Another box checked but not on the must-have list.

Eet

Eet is the fast casual Indian street food restaurant from Maneet Chauhan. We stopped by on our first day and we were so hungry, we didn’t take any pictures. The food is tasty, the wait staff is wonderful, the ordering process was confusing. As I don’t have many opportunities to enjoy Indian street food in Hawaii, I would go back.

Animal Kingdom

Tiffins Restaurant

I’ve been to Tiffins a couple of times and have enjoyed very good meals. I will say, however, that I don’t quite understand social media’s love for the signature bread service. It had some decent offerings but not something I would say is a must-have. I thoroughly enjoyed Tiffins’ take on shrimp & grits – tasty and satisfying. My companions shared the whole fried fish which is dramatically served with coconut fried rice and dual curry sauces.

Satu’li Canteen

For a quick service meal in Animal Kingdom, I recommend Satu’li Canteen in Pandora. They serve a variety of bowls and bao (people love the cheeseburger bao). If you can find a table inside, it’s a good air conditioned respite.

Resorts

When we participate in runDisney races, we stay at the Port Orleans French Quarter resort – it’s an excellent mid-range resort within the Disney family with convenient bus service throughout Disney World. As a New Orleans themed resort, of course they serve Mickey-shaped beignets and they are extremely popular (try to get them on a Saturday evening). You can find them at Scat Cat’s Club – Café. They come with a choice of chocolate or caramel dipping sauces and loads of powdered sugar.

And finally, my friend raved about the Dark Chocolate Waffle at Ale & Compass Restaurant at the Yacht Club Resort. It featured a dried cherry compote, espresso mascarpone cream, and chocolate shavings.

Finally, I can’t end this post without a shoutout to the snack darling of runDisney races and Disney Parks. This processed cheese product is affectionately called plastic cheese. You will it in the post-race snack boxes and throughout the parks (served with Mickey pretzels and other snacks). It’s a tradition and a guilty-pleasure post-race treat.

And so ends another stay at Disney World. We will be back soon and I will be sure to share more eating adventures.