Walt Disney World in Florida has been called "The Happiest Place on Earth." It is world renown for its thrilling, heart pounding rides like Space Mountain and Mission: SPACE and the Broadway rivaling shows like The Lion King and Finding Nemo. And they are experts at recreating landmarks like Old Faithful Lodge in Yellowstone National Park and Bavaria's Neuschwanstein Castle. The folks at Disney amuse, enlighten and educate all who pass through the gates of The Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Downtown Disney, and Hollywood Studios. But little, if anything, is mentioned about their ability to delight the palate.
For a week I made my way through Mickey's place sampling the food in between the rides, shows, and gift shops. It is a little known fact that Disney has just as many eating venues as amusements. For the 5 days I was there I was only able to enjoy a few of the many meal offerings, but was amazed at the wide variety of food available. Everything from candy apples and chicken fingers to wagu beef could be found on the menu. And it was all available at walk up, take-out and sit down locations. And just like the parks themselves, the food menus carefully followed certain themes. At the Wilderness Lodge the Whispering Pines Restaurant served an authentic smoked turkey sandwich with sweet potato fries that I thoroughly enjoyed. In the Polynesian Resort 'Ohana put out a family style all you can eat feast complete with skewered chicken, beef, pork and shrimp. At Disney's Hollywood Studios I had lunch one day at a re-creation of the Brown Derby Restaurant, sampling their signature Cobb salad. But without a doubt the highlight of my food tour was the 7 course meal at Victoria & Albert's Restaurant in the Grand Floridian Resort.
I will recount my culinary experiences in the comings days, and into the New Year.
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