If you’ve spent much time at the Walt Disney World theme parks, then chances are you’ll have come across several, if not all, of the calorie crazy but essential snacks served up at various outlets and carts scattered around the place.  Many I’m sure have indulged in one or two down the years as an in-betweener around mealtimes or as a much needed energy boost (well that’s my excuse anyway) during a long day at the parks.

Here are just a few of the best and tastiest snacks to try during your next visit.

1. The Mickey Bar
what is it? :- Vanilla ice-cream coated in a Mickey-shaped chocolate shell
where can i find it? :- Various vendor carts thoughout the theme parks.

Perhaps the best known of all the Disney theme park snacks, the humble Mickey bar is almost like a right of passage for many park goers, who’s visit would be incomplete without one of these frozen treats.

2. Dole Whip
what is it? :- pineapple flavoured ice-cream float
where can i find it? :- Aloha Isle, Adventureland (Magic Kingdom) & Captain Cook’s (Disney’s Polynesian Resort)

There is nothing more refreshing on a hot Florida afternoon than this fresh pineapple juice/pineapple flavoured ice-cream combo. Be warned though, once you try one you may find yourself making special trips to the Magic Kingdom just to have another. A personal favourite!

3. Smoked Turkey Legs
what is it? :- Its a leg…from a turkey (cooked obviously)
where can i find it? :- available at selected counter service venues, such as Toluca Turkey Legs Co. at the Studios or The Lunching Pad in Tomorrowland, MK.

There’s a debate as to wether these are indeed genuine Turkey legs or the appendage of a somewhat larger bird (an Emu perhaps?) given their size. It can be a messy business eating one of these, so pocket a few extra napkins before tackling it. A meal in itself really, so you may want to recruit a sharer if bought as a ‘in-betweener’

4. Casey’s Hot Dog
what is it? :- A sausage in a bun, or to give it it’s American name, a hot dog!
where can i find it? :- Casey’s Corner on Main St, Magic Kingdom

You can get a hot-dog at loads of locations throughout Disney World but there are none finer than those served up at Casey’s. The baseball-themed counter service venue is renowned for its tasty ‘dogs, which can be had as part of a meal or on its own as a stomach filler.

5. Funnel Cake
what is it? :- fried doughy swirl with a choice of toppings to choose.
where can i find it? :- The American Adventure, Epcot or Sleepy Hollow, Magic Kingdom

Similar to churros, except round and swirly. Choose to add a sprinkling of sugar, chocolate, fruit or splat of vanilla ice-cream to complement. Not the healthiest of treats, much like the rest but extremely moreish and oh so good.

6. Kaki Gori -
what is it? :- snow cone with a variety of flavored syrups
where can i find it? :- Japan Pavillion, Epcot

Perfect on those warm summer days, this chipped ice/snow cone type treat is sold at a small booth just outside the Japanese Pavillion within Epoct’s World Showcase. There are three different flavours to add, tangerine, melon or strawberry, or you could go all out for the rainbow option which is all three together, if you like to live life on the edge.

7. DIY Caramel Apple
what is it? :- coated apple with your choice of toppings
where can i find it? :- Goofy’s Candy Co, Downtown Disney

A slight twist on the convential candy apple, in that you can select a coating of your choice for your apple, such as caramel, milk chocolate or dark chocolate, then add a range of toppings which could include sprinkles, coconut, crushed oreos, reeces’ pieces, nuts, almonds and so on. Top it off with a drizzle of yet more caramel or chocolate and you’re done. It may be sugar-riffic but its a clever way of ensuring your kids get at least one of their 5-a-day.

8. Mickey Krispy Rice Treat
what is it? :- marshmallow/rice crispie square
where can i find it? :- Most gift shops around the ‘world’

Another treat you may need several sittings to finish. Sweet and cerealy (that is a word isn’t it?), it’ll certainly give you that sugar boost you may need during a long day at the parks. Has the side effect of making kids so hyper they push their own stroller…whilst still sitting in it. Also makes a good door stop or paperweight.

9. Popcorn!
what is it? :- popped corn! (butter optional)
where can i find it? :- At several vendor carts scattered around the parks.

The king of theme park convenience foods! The sweet scent of freshly made popcorn drifts around, inviting you to locate its static origin and part with the required $’s to enjoy. Plenty enough for a family to enjoy and spend the remainder of the day picking pieces or kernal from between teeth.
The nemesis of the street sweeper!

10. Pretzels
what is it? :- Curly bread based snack with choice of flavorings
where can i find it? :- Vendor carts at various points around the parks or Wetzels Pretzels in Downtown Disney

You’ll come across the standard symetrically shaped bready treat at a number of places around Disney World, each with similar offerings such as the original salty pretzel, cinnamon or sugar. Wetzels Pretzels in DTD has a greater menu such as cheese pretzels, non-fat pretzels (for the calorie counter)  and pretzel dogs, again with a variety of fillings or toppings.

Have you tried any of the featured snacks? Got a favourite that hasn’t been mentioned? Leave us your comments!