Come, journey with me as I recount the deliciousness, using this post from back in July as a point of reference...
#10: Frozen Banana with Nuts
I chowed down on one of these babies in Epcot as you can see above. Got it from the nicest little old lady who was manning the ice cream stand on the walkway heading toward The Land pavilion from Innoventions West. It was the perfect snack to have whilst searching for Finding Nemo underoos for the nephew. (Unfortuantely, no such underoos exist. Sorry, Grant :( )
#9: Hot Dog from Casey's Corner
This ended up being our final meal of the trip and it was a delight. I went with the Chili Cheese version and armed myself with two cups of molten cheese for my fries. Only part of this meal that wasn't great was the roll, but a true WDW veteran will know that that's what you're gonna get wherever you go for a hot dog. Apparently once you cross the border onto Disney property soft and fresh hot dog rolls cease to exist. Oh well, the hot dog, toppings, fries, and copious amounts of lava cheese made up for it.
#8: Grey Goose Lemon Citron Slush
I was in a bit of a time crunch when it came to this one. We had dinner reservations at LeCellier about 20 minutes from the time I got in line for this bad boy, so I kinda had to run/walk (stop for this glorious picture) and chug it on the way from France to Canada. But it was still awesome. Luckily it was my first drink of the day, so the run/drinking didn't bother me too much. Also, I had this in hand when a passing Daisy Duck, clad in what I think was ambiguously Canadian duds, pointed at me and gave me a thumbs up. I thought she was complimenting my drink. She was pointing at my medal. Oh well.
#7: Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar
This, fittingly, was the last thing I consumed before leaving WDW to head back to NJ. It's just so iconic. It's made by Nestle, so I'm sure I can get the same sort of thing outside of the World, but what the hell is the point if it doesn't have ears?!?! There isn't one.
#6: Egg Roll at Animal Kingdom
I wasn't even SLIGHTLY hungry when I ate this. I just had to have it. Seriously, we had eaten a large breakfast less than an hour before, but this was my only chance. As usual (and shamefully), we only spent a few hours in Animal Kingdom. It just always seems like there's not all that much to do there, so you can knock it out quickly. This can't actually be true though. There must be things we just don't know exist. Next time we go, I'm exploring that place IN DEPTH for a full day. Maybe then I can have multiple egg rolls, cuz one is really not enough.
#5: Turkey Leg
Good God. These things are absolutely absurd. Although I'm glad I tried it and can say I had one once, ONCE IS ENOUGH. I probably took about 10 bites of this thing before I had to give up. The first few bites were actually really tasty, as I love salt so much I have to make myself give it up for Lent almost yearly. But for a normal person who doesn't keep a salt lick on their nightstand (I swear I don't really do that, it was just for emphasis), it can be overwhelming. I ate this at around 5pm intending to eat actual dinner much later, but, not surprisingly, 'twas the last thing I ate all day. The Turkey Leg defeated me.
#4: Tonga Toast
This picture may speak for itself, but you're not shutting me up that easily. Alison and I both ordered this monstrosity from Captain Cook's at the Polynesian for breakfast Tuesday morning. I promise you we both were only able to eat half before throwing in the towel. It is SO SO DELICIOUS, but so so much and so so indulgent. Those facts were reinforced when the older couple at the table next to us widened their eyes and dropped their jaws in SHEER DISGUST when we brought them to our table. The phrase "That is just ridiculous" was said several times by the lady. And after we reassured them that it was ok to be eating them because we had just run a marathon, her husband retorted "well you better run another one now." Burrrnnnnnnnn, old man, BURN.
#3: Giant Peanut Butter Oreo Cookie
DEVASTATION. Ughhh I'm still upset about this. Alison and I had big plans to hit The Main Street Confectionary on the way out of the Magic Kingdom and purchase these as on-the-way-to-the-airport treats that would soothe our sadness to be leaving. It was not to be. They were nowhere to be found. And a kind soul behind the counter regretfully told us that they stopped making them after 2011. OH UNKNOWABLE UNIVERSEEEEEEEEEEE. Please, if there is anyone out there who can help me get one of these... I will sell you my soul.
#2: Fried Chicken at The Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue
Well, I knew from the beginning that I wouldn't be getting this, but it merits a sad face nonetheless. Maybe next time, Hoop Dee Doo, maybe next time.
#1: Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup
And, lo, on the 8th day, the Lord heldeth out His hand (which was full of sharp cheddar) and proclaimed "By My power almighty, may Moosehead Lager raineth down from the Heavens and coat this Great Cheddar with glory. And though you may haveth anger now, you will soon be at peace, for I have bestowed unto you the very essence of wondrousness. THIS FREAKING SOUP."
Amen.
So, that takes care of the list. There was only one actual disappointment. I couldn't have asked for better results from the rest. But if you think I stopped there, you are sadly mistaken. Here are some other notable items consumed:
Left: Breakfast at the Kona Cafe. In the foreground is my meal, "The Samoan". 2 poached eggs and hollandaise sauce over a pile of PULLED PORK HASH. Amazing. In front of Alison is gigantic pancakes and a ham steak. And we can't forget about the delicious french press Kona coffee and Lilikoi juice. Would absolutely go back.
Top Center: Lapu Lapu from Tambu Lounge. Some sort of mixture of booze and pineapple juice. Delicious. And, lets face it, the entire reason for getting it is to drink out of a pineapple. Mission accomplished.
Center 2nd from Top: Pineapple Bread Pudding from 'Ohana. There are no words. Get on a plane and go to Florida if only for this. You'll thank me.
Center 2nd from Bottom: Mickey's Premium Ice Cream Sandwich. I didn't eat one, but, as you can see, Al sure did. Cookies and cream ice cream sandwiched between Mickey's chocolatey mug.
Bottom Center: Raspberry Pinacolava from Tambu Lounge. This was Alison's choice of beverage from Tambu. Prettiest drink ever, but good God is it sweet. We sipped our Lapu Lapu and Pina Colava whilst watching the evening fireworks on the beach. Not bad for January.
Top Right: Imperial Sampler from Rose and Crown. Left to right in the picture it's Guinness, Boddingtons, Strongbow, Harp, and Bass. Perfect lunchtime treat for a beer lover like muhself. Although pairing this with a stop in France for some sort of French beer that I never found out the name of made for a dizzy boatride from Epcot to Hollywood Studios. But, when in Rome.... orrrrr fake France and fake United Kingdom...
Center Right: Scotch Egg from Rose and Crown. Al and I shared this as our appetizer, and subsequently had this godawful ditty stuck in our heads for the remainder of the trip.
But that song didn't make the egg any less delicious.
Bottom Right: Citrus Swirl from Sunshine Tree Terrace. This is frozen orange juice swirled with vanilla softserve ice cream. Kind of a slightly more tart creamcicle that you eat with a spoon. I loved it. Most Disney folks go with the fan-favorite Dole Whip (which I did have on this trip as well), but the Citrus Swirl was better in my opinion. Most refreshing.
There you have it, guys. Food Tour = complete. I hope you enjoyed it. I'll undoubtedly have a whole new list of must eats and drinks for next year's marathon AND for Disneyland late this summer. Until then I guess I'll just have to settle for New York City food... which I guess is ok, but the guy at the Halal cart on 53rd ain't gonna shape my lamb kebab into Mickey Mouse. Travesty.
Great, Now I'm Starving,
CQ
