EPCOT International Festival of the Arts

With festivals running nearly year-round, EPCOT always has something different going on. The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, which runs in January and February, is one of our favorites. Focusing on culinary, performing, and visual arts, this festival is fun for all ages!

pin image for Festival of the Arts at EPCOT featuring delicious food

This year, the International Festival of the Arts is running from January 8 – February 22, 2021. As with all festivals at EPCOT, crowds are significantly higher on weekends when locals flock to the park, so we recommend doing EPCOT during the week if you can.

Masked teens in front of Spaceship Earth at the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts

In 2020, the girls and I took a girls’ trip to Disney World and visited EPCOT to check out the festival. We had so much fun that this year I brought just the boys.

Masked teens with mom in front of Spaceship Earth at the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts

It’s been a couple of years since the boys visited EPCOT, so in addition to the festival stuff, they wanted to hit the rides as well. We arrived before the park opened – they let people in about 45 minutes early – and after taking a few pictures, made a beeline for Test Track. With one headliner out of the way, we decided to check out the festival offerings.

Climb into a Van Gogh

One of my favorite aspects of the Festival of the Arts is the famous works of art that you can pose inside. The boys LOVED climbing into pieces that they’ve seen or learned about in school and actually becoming a part of the art – at least for long enough to take a picture!

Chalk artist creating Soul piece at Festival of the Arts

Throughout the park, there are various artists that you can watch as they create their works. We really enjoyed the chalk art and checked back on the progress several times throughout our day at EPCOT.

Masked teens looking at chalk art at FARTS

The chalk art lines the walkways and bridges before you get to World Showcase, and let me tell you, this stuff is IMPRESSIVE!

In addition to chalk art, the International Festival of the Arts is also about culinary art. Since I was traveling with three teen boys, they made it their mission to try as many things as possible.

Deconstructed BLT: Pork Belly, Soft-poached Egg, Brioche, Watercress, and Tomato Jam

DECONSTRUCTED DISH Deconstructed BLT: Crispy Pork Belly, Soft-poached Egg, Brioche, Watercress Espuma, and Tomato Jam

Overall, this one was probably a 7/10 for our crew. The flavors worked well together, but we would have liked a bit more toast for dipping in all the egg yolk!

Deconstructed Strawberry Cheesecake: Whipped New York-style Cheesecake with Strawberries and Sugar Cookies

DECONSTRUCTED DISH Deconstructed Strawberry Cheesecake: Whipped New York-style Cheesecake with Fresh Florida Strawberries and Sugar Cookies

This was quite possibly our FAVORITE dish at Festival of the Arts and definitely a 10/10. It wasn’t too sweet, and the sugar cookies added a nice crunch. This one is perfection.

Deconstructed Breakfast: Twinings of London® Chai Tea Shake with Maple Syrup garnished with a Waffle Crisp and Candied Bacon (non-alcoholic)

DECONSTRUCTED DISH Deconstructed Breakfast: Twinings of London® Chai Tea Shake with Maple Syrup garnished with a Waffle Crisp and Candied Bacon (non-alcoholic)

We all really enjoyed this one, too. It’s definitely on the sweet side, given that it has maple syrup (and candied bacon), and it was a solid 8/10.

Lobster Poutine: Lobster, Lobster Bisque Cheese Sauce, Pickled Jalapeños, and Citrus Cream

REFRESHMENT PORT Lobster Poutine: Lobster, Lobster Bisque Cheese Sauce, Pickled Jalapeños, and Citrus Cream

This one was most definitely a 10/10. Lots of big pieces of lobster and delicious flavor combos! This was probably the most filling snack that we ordered all day, and the pickled jalapeños offered some serious spice.

Live art at Festival of the Arts

During a break from snacking, we watched this guy do this entire painting while he danced around to music. We were in awe of his ability to not only paint exceptionally but to do it while dancing around in front of an audience.

Crème de Brie en Petit Pain: Warm Creamy Brie in a House-made Bread Bowl

L’ART DE LA CUISINE FRANCAISE Crème de Brie en Petit Pain: Warm Creamy Brie in a House-made Bread Bowl

It’s melted cheese in a bread bowl, what’s not to like?! Another 10/10.

Croissant à la Truffle Noir d'Hiver: Black Winter Truffle Croissant

L’ART DE LA CUISINE FRANCAISE Croissant à la Truffle Noir d’Hiver: Black Winter Truffle Croissant

This one was a bit different, and we were most definitely split on liking it vs. not. Overall, I’d say this is a 6/10, but I think you’ll either really like it or really not; there’s not much in-between.

Three smiling teens enjoying their snacks from Festival of the Arts

They loved snacking around World Showcase on this trip. We don’t often do festival food with five kids because the cost can really add up, but since this was a special trip (and what we were there for), we tried LOTS. Instead of ordering several of each option, we ordered one of everything we tried, and there was enough for everyone to have at least a bite (but usually more) of each.

Passion Fruit Mousse with Dragon Fruit Jam

VIBRANTE & VÍVIDO: Passion Fruit Mousse with Dragon Fruit Jam

I know everyone has raved about this treat but it really fell flat for us. Even looking past the smooshed presentation of our order, there was something about the texture that none of us really enjoyed. We gave it a 4/10 overall and would not order it again.

Coconut and Passion Fruit Smoothie (non-alcoholic)

VIBRANTE & VÍVIDO: Coconut and Passion Fruit Smoothie (non-alcoholic)

The smoothie, on the other hand, was delicious! Definitely a 10/10, especially considering that you can keep the cute cup!

Blue Corn Pupusa-stuffed with Cheese and topped with Shredded Pork, Guajillo and Árbol Chile Sauce, Cabbage Slaw, and Aji Amarillo Crema

VIBRANTE & VÍVIDO: Blue Corn Pupusa-stuffed with Cheese and topped with Shredded Pork, Guajillo and Árbol Chile Sauce, Cabbage Slaw, and Aji Amarillo Crema

A little bit spicy, and a whole lotta color, this one was a 7/10 for us. The blue corn pupusa was either overcooked or kind of old because we found it difficult to cut or even chew. But the pork + slaw + sauce combo was spot on.

Donut-shaped Sushi featuring Salmon, Tuna, Shrimp, Cucumber and Seasame Seed over a decorated plate of Wasabi Aïoli, Sriracha, and Eel Sauce

GOSHIKI Sushi Donut: Donut-shaped Sushi featuring Salmon, Tuna, Shrimp, Cucumber and Seasame Seed over a decorated plate of Wasabi Aïoli, Sriracha, and Eel Sauce

Always a crowd favorite, the sushi donut did not disappoint. It was one of Lexie’s favorites last year, and the teen boy sushi lovers enjoyed it, too. This was a 10/10 for our crew.

Red Velvet Funnel Cake topped with Cream Cheese Icing and Pixie Dust

FUNNEL CAKE STAND: Red Velvet Funnel Cake topped with Cream Cheese Icing and Pixie Dust

Nick is OBSESSED with all things red velvet, so this was a must-do for him, and he LOVED it – and ate the whole thing! According to him, it was a 10/10.

Funnel Cake topped with Oreos and a Slab of Ice Cream (not a Festival exclusive)

FUNNEL CAKE STAND: Funnel Cake topped with Oreos and a Slab of Ice Cream (not a Festival exclusive)

The other two are not red velvet fans and opted to share the Cookies and Cream funnel cake which they also loved! Another 10/10 from the teen boys.

teen boy in a piece of art at the Festival of the Arts

Crossing the Delaware with General Washington – and using his phone to check for directions.

Bag of Werther's Caramel Corn from Karamell-Kuche at EPCOT

KARAMELL-KÜCHE: Caramel Corn (not a Festival treat but a must-do when we’re in EPCOT – check out more of our favorite EPCOT treats!)

Warm Brown Sugar Stuffed Pretzel with Banana Soft-Serve and Chocolate Sauce

REFRESHMENT OUTPOST: Warm Brown Sugar Stuffed Pretzel with Banana Soft-Serve and Chocolate Sauce

At this point in our walk around World Showcase, the teens were not very hungry, which is odd since that never happens at home, where they also eat constantly!. But still, they couldn’t pass the Refreshment Outpost without trying this pretzel, especially since we were all intrigued with the banana soft serve. And it’s a good thing we stopped because this treat was both decadent and delicious- another 10/10.

POP Eats: Tomato Soup with French Onion and Bacon Grilled Cheese

POP Eats: Tomato Soup with French Onion and Bacon Grilled Cheese

Another hit for our group! The sandwich was grilled perfectly, and the bacon makes the grilled cheese feel a bit more grown-up – but you know we still dipped it in the tomato soup! This was a 10/10 for us though I wish our soup had been served in the decorated can like I’ve seen elsewhere on the internet.

3D chalk art of Alice in Wonderland table

The 3D chalk art is one of the most impressive aspects of the festival. We walked by in the morning, and while we could tell it was a table, we weren’t really sure what exactly the finished product would be. And by late afternoon, it was pretty much done and very impressive. Nate Baranowski does some phenomenal work!

Chalk art at EPCOT International Festival of the Arts

While we loved snacking around World Showcase, I honestly think watching the artists and seeing the finished chalk art was one of my favorite aspects of the festival.

Masked boy standing in front of butterfly wings

Continuing with the immersive theme of the Festival of the Arts, many of the construction walls around EPCOT (and right now, there are a lot!) are wing walls. There are painted butterfly wings on the walls so that you can stand in front of them and pose for pictures.

Young girl standing in front of butterfly wings at EPCOT

They come in varying sizes, so there are butterfly wings for the little ones, too! Disclaimer: This picture was from the 2019 Festival of the Arts. Masks are currently required, even when taking photographs.

Girl painting on the paint by number mural at the EPCOT Festival of the Arts

Another favorite at the International Festival of the Arts is the giant paint by number mural. You can get a little cup of paint and a sponge brush and paint five squares of the enormous mural. Over the course of a few days, it’s fun to watch the design come together and turn into a work of art. Disclaimer: This picture was from the 2019 Festival of the Arts. Masks are currently required, even when taking photographs.

Smiling girl with the finished print at the paint by number mural at EPCOT

After you paint your squares, you get a small print (like a postcard) of the image you helped create. Disclaimer: This picture was from the 2019 Festival of the Arts. Masks are currently required, even when taking photographs.

Spaceship Earth at EPCOT at night

We stayed at EPCOT until park closing, and it was a fun day full of delicious food and beautiful art. In addition to all of the festival fun, we still managed to ride: Test Track, Mission Space, Soarin’, and Living with the Land. I’m so glad that I had the opportunity to share the International Festival of the Arts with the boys this year! Have you been before?? What’s your favorite aspect??

Disney World Height Requirements

While most rides at Walt Disney World are available to everyone, there are a few at each park with a minimum height requirement in order to ensure the safety of all guests. These restrictions are not in place to negatively affect your trip but rather to make sure that everyone stays safe. Even if your child isn’t tall enough to ride EVERYTHING in the parks, there is still plenty to do– and it just means you’ll have to come back again! ???? Over the years, our kids have gone from “too short” to “tall enough” and each time they’re able to ride something new, it’s magical! Ellie just made it over the 40″ mark for our big trip last summer and was SO. EXCITED. to finally go on the bigger rides! Unless it’s listed below, you can safely assume that the ride has no height restrictions in place– and if you sign up for our email list, you’ll get a free printable version of the Disney World height requirements!!

WDW Height Requirements Pin

Magic Kingdom Height Requirements

Barnstormer 35″: This stunt plane (kids) roller coaster flies over Fantasyland and is the perfect first rollercoaster experience for preschoolers. NOTE: This ride has a single lap bar that will only pull down as far as the biggest person.

Magic Kingdom Height Restrictions Big Thunder Mountain

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad 40″: The Wildest Ride in the Wilderness is a runaway mine train with high speeds and narrowly escapes falling boulders and exploding dynamite. Some parts of this ride are in the dark, and it can be scary for some younger kids- ours have all LOVED it! NOTE: This ride has a single lap bar that will only pull down as far as the biggest person, and there are some instances of airtime, so hang on to your kiddo if the bar isn’t down far enough!

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train 38″: Like Big Thunder, this ride is also a mine train, but much smoother and not as intense. There’s also a great view of Fantasyland and Cinderella Castle as you’re headed down the mountain. NOTE: This ride has individual lap bars, so your kiddo will be nice and snug!

Space Mountain 44″: Take a ride through outer space on this thrilling ride in the dark. Some kids may be frightened by the dark and seemingly high-speed, but this one is actually slower than the Monorail- it just doesn’t feel like it! NOTE: This ride has individual lap bars, and riders sit by themselves.

Splash Mountain 40″: This is not your typical log ride! Join Br’er Rabbit as he looks for his “laughing place” and float past 100+ audio-animatronics before plunging nearly 50 feet into a briar patch. NOTE: You WILL get wet!! Typically, the left side of the last row stays the driest, though.

Tomorrowland Speedway Height Requirements Magic Kingdom

Tomorrowland Speedway 32″ (54″ to drive alone): At Disney World, the kids are able to get behind the wheel and drive a race car along a miniature motorway. With a working steering wheel and gas pedal, they’re in control (provided they’re 54″ and can drive alone) as they navigate the course.

TRON Lightcycle / Run 48″: With the highest height requirement in the park, TRON Lightcycle / Run takes you on a exhilarating journey across a world with no horizons.

EPCOT Height Requirements

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind 42″: The newest ride at EPCOT, Guardians of the Galaxy packs in the thrills as you take off on an intergalactic chase through space and time.

Mission Space Height Restriction EPCOT

Mission: SPACE 40″ GREEN and 44″ ORANGE: With two missions to choose from, there’s something for everyone on this space exploration simulator! The Orange Mission is a journey to Mars and uses a centrifuge to simulate the speed and G-forces of space travel. The Green Mission orbits the Earth and is family-friendly- since it does not spin, it is much less likely to cause motion sickness.

Soarin’ Around the World 40″: Here you can see the wonders of the world while flying high in this aerial adventure. Everything from the IMAX screen to the smells to the score is phenomenal on this one! NOTE: There is a second loop for the seatbelt to go through if your child’s head is not above the red arrows on the seat.

Test Track 40″: You get to design your own virtual concept car while you’re waiting to board in both the regular and Genie+ lines, and then take it for a drive on the test track. This high-speed adventure (it’s the fastest ride at WDW, after all!) is a can’t miss attraction, and our kids LOVED it as soon as they were tall enough to ride! NOTE: The ride vehicle seats six, so if your party is larger than that, you’ll get split up.

Animal Kingdom Height Requirements

Flight of Passage Height Requirement Animal Kingdom

Avatar Flight of Passage 44″: This incredibly immersive simulator allows you to board a banshee and fly over Pandora, and it’s kind of like a combination of Soarin’ and Star Tours times 1000. Flight of Passage is still one of the most popular rides at WDW and often has a standby wait time of several hours, so definitely try to get Genie+ for this one! NOTE: There’s a test seat before you enter the line, so if you’re unsure of the seat (it’s like riding a motorcycle), you can try it out ahead of time!

DINOSAUR 40″: If you’ve been to Disneyland before, this ride is like Indiana Jones with dinosaurs- in fact, it even uses the same ride vehicles! Along with 11 of your closest friends, you board a Time Rover and embark on a thrilling journey through the late Cretaceous period. There are dinosaurs, meteors, and lots of loud sounds in the dark, so it can definitely be a scary one for kids. NOTE: The Time Rovers feature individual seatbelts, so little ones are buckled in tightly.

WDW Height Requirement Expedition Everest Animal Kingdom

Expedition Everest 44″: This train goes to the top of Mount Everest before encountering a broken track and plummeting BACKWARDS into darkness. While in the dark, you encounter the Yeti several times before escaping the mountain and arriving safely back in the Tibetan village. NOTE: This high-speed coaster has fast drops, goes backward, is partially in the dark, and features the Yeti (who is known to scare small children). It does have individual lap bars, so you’re held in nice and tight.

Kali River Rapids Height Restriction Animal Kingdom

Kali River Rapids 38″: Embark on a whitewater adventure through the Asian jungle where you will almost certainly get wet– and maybe soaked- as you travel through rapids and down a waterfall! The rafts on this water ride seat 12, so if your party is smaller than that, you’ll be grouped with other families. NOTE: Kids between 38-42″ are given a wristband at the entrance to the line because they need to sit in a modified seat with a safety bar. Not every raft has the modified seats but those that do, have two seats with a safety bar so that you can ride with two kids that are between 38-42″.

Hollywood Studios Height Requirements

Alien Swirling Saucers 32″: This spinning adventure features the aliens from Toy Story along with some pretty groovy music.

Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run 38″: Guests have the opportunity to fly the Millenium Falcon on a thrilling smuggling mission.

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Height Restriction Hollywood Studios

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith 48″: Board a limo with Aerosmith and race through the dark streets of Los Angeles on this high-speed coaster. This is the only ride at WDW with inversions (and boasts the highest height requirement in the parks) and also features state-of-the-art sound with Aerosmith songs playing loudly. NOTE: This one has shoulder restraints due to the inversions (2 loops and a corkscrew).

Slinky Dog Dash 38″: This family-friendly coaster is another great option for your kiddo’s first roller coaster experience. Hop aboard Slinky Dog and enjoy the twists and turns (as well as a few great hills!) in Andy’s backyard. NOTE: Slinky Dog Dash has individual lap bars, so kids should feel secure with how far it comes down.

Star Tours- The Adventure Continues 40″: Embark on a mission aboard a Starspeeder 1000 on this 3D simulator ride. This intergalactic adventure features your favorite Star Wars characters, as well as a unique story every time you ride (up to the 54 possible combinations)! NOTE: Like most simulators, this one has individual seatbelts. If motion sickness is an issue for your family, ask to sit in the front row.

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance 40″: Join the Resistance in an epic battle against the First Order on the newest ride at Hollywood Studios.

Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 40″: Venture back in time to Halloween 1939 and take a trip up (and down!) the Hollywood Tower Hotel elevator. Unlike a typical drop zone ride, this one drops you, then sends you back up, and you continue dropping and rising before plummeting to the ground. NOTE: This ride has individual seat belts, but due to the dropping nature, you still float out of your seat a bit.

Tips for Dealing with WDW Height Requirements

  • Most rides in the parks are designed for the whole family to enjoy, but there are a select few in each park with a height requirement to ensure guest safety.
  • If your little one is close to a cut-off (35, 38, 40, 44, 48 inches), practice how to stand up straight before your trip. They have to actually bump their head on the measuring guide or obviously be taller than it, but we’ve found that some kids duck to fit under the guide and end up looking shorter than they actually are- and missing out on the ride.
  • Rider Switch is an option at every ride with a height restriction, so make sure to utilize it if you have little ones. To take advantage of Rider Switch, the whole family goes up to the Cast Member at the ride entrance and asks for a Rider Switch (or Child Swap) pass. Parent 1 and the big kids (or just Parent 1!) then proceed through the line (Genie+ line if you have a Lightning Lane) while Parent 2 waits with the little kids. After Parent 1 rides, Parent 2 can enter using the Genie+ line (or sometimes the ride exit) with up to two additional guests and ride while Parent 1 hangs out with the little ones. This allows both adults to enjoy the attraction, and the big kids may even get to ride twice!
  • If your kiddos aren’t quite tall enough to ride everything on this visit, it just means it’s time to start planning the next trip for when they’re a bit taller. Our kids love getting measured to see if they are tall enough for the next height milestone, and it gives them something to look forward to between trips. Plus, it’s a good way to convince them to eat their veggies– since we all know that’s what makes you tall enough for the rides at Disney World!!!

Have you used Rider Switch before?? Do you have any tips for dealing with the height requirements at Disney World??

More About Visiting WDW:

Best EPCOT Snacks

There are so many delicious treats to enjoy at Walt Disney World and after compiling our list of the best snacks throughout the resort, we’re going park by park! Last week, we released our list of the best Magic Kingdom snacks and this week, we’re moving over to the best EPCOT snacks- where else can you eat around the world in a day??

Best EPCOT Snacks

Canada

Best EPCOT Snacks Canada

While Canada is known for the fantastic steaks at Le Cellier, they don’t really have a high-profile “snack” unless it’s festival season. Year-round, we always stop at the popcorn cart in Canada for an ice cold Moosehead beer (and a refill of our popcorn bucket– they have maple popcorn!).  For just $8.75, you can have a taste of Canada and enjoy it in front of the beautiful Victoria Gardens (inspired by Butchart Gardens in Victoria, BC).

France

Best EPCOT Snacks France

Continuing our way around World Showcase, France is well known for its delicious treats and we always stop for pastries at Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie.  The Duo and the Napoleon are two of our faves and we often pair them with a Kronenbourg 1664— which we were originally introduced to on the flight to Paris for our honeymoon! The desserts at Les Halles range from $4.25 to $5.75 and count as a snack credit on the Disney Dining Plan, and at only $6.57, the beer is a steal!

Best EPCOT Snacks France

Did you know that you can get an Ice Cream Martini in France?  At L’Artisan des Glaces, you can pair their amazing ice cream with a shot of Grand Marnier, Whipped Cream Vodka or Rum, for a more adult treat. While a scoop of ice cream does count as a snack credit, unfortunately, the ice cream martini does not and it will run you about $12.

Best EPCOT Snacks France 3

Wrapping up our favorites in France, the Grey Goose Citron Slush from Les Vins des Chefs de France is another fan favorite. The sister drink to the Grand Marnier Slush, we’ve found this one to be more refreshing on a hot day at EPCOT but both are tasty treats. The lemonade and vodka pair nicely together and the combination is really refreshing on a hot day in the World Showcase.  While it’s not eligible on the Disney Dining Plan, it comes in right at $10 which is really not a bad price for what you’re getting.

Japan

Best EPCOT Snacks Japan

Continuing with cold, refreshing treats, the Kakigori from Kabuki Cafe in Japan is ah-ma-zing!  The giant serving of Japanese shaved ice comes topped with tangerine, strawberry, melon, blue raspberry, cherry or a rainbow of any three syrups. It’s $4 (or $5 if you add the sweet milk topping, and you totally should) and eligible as a snack credit on the Disney Dining Plan.

Germany

Best EPCOT Snacks Germany

Germany has plenty of tasty options from bratwurst to pretzels but we love the sweet treats at Karamell-Küche. As soon as you walk in, the scent of caramel, Werther’s Caramel to be exact, fills the air and it smells SO. GOOD. You really can’t go wrong with any of the choices here, but our favorites are the Caramel Pecan Bar and the Caramel Butter Bar.  At $3.99 and $4.49 respectively, and both Disney Dining Plan eligible, they’re the perfect sweet treat.

Norway

Best EPCOT Snacks Norway

Continuing around World Showcase, Norway has one of our favorite sweet, but not-too-sweet treats at Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe. Schoolbread, a perennial fan-fave, is a custard filled sweet roll dipped in toasted coconut and topped with more of the delicious custard. While it’s a snack credit on the Disney Dining Plan, since it’s only $3.99, it may not be the best use of one of your credits- but definitely get one!

Mexico

Best EPCOT Snacks Mexico

While not technically a snack, the Taco Trio from La Cantina de San Angel is easy to split so that everyone can have a taste of Mexico.  The trio comes with one beef, one chicken, and one fish taco and a side of black beans and rice for just $13.50.  Even though it’s technically an entrée and can definitely be enjoyed as such, we love splitting it as a snack as we eat our way around the world.

Future World

Best EPCOT Snacks Coke

Last but not least, our favorite snack in Future World is from Club Cool. Sponsored by Coca-Cola, this “exhibit” offers (free) tastes of sodas from around the world ranging from our favorite, Thai Fanta Melon Frosty, to the ever-popular Italian Beverly (make sure you have a camera ready to catch the reactions for that one!).  To beat the heat in Orlando, you can get a Frozen Coke for just under $5- or a snack credit on the Disney Dining Plan. And, if you’re wearing a birthday/anniversary button, you can get yours on the house!

Thanks for following along on our favorite snacks at EPCOT! With so many fantastic treats around World Showcase, where will you start? What’s your fave EPCOT snack??

Top Snacks at Walt Disney World

There are SO MANY amazing snacks at Walt Disney World and you could literally spend all day, every day of your trip snacking through the parks.  With tons of snack options to choose from, and some even developing cult followings, it was difficult to narrow down our top Disney snacks to just one or two per park.  We’ll have another post coming out soon with more of our favorites in each park, but for the purpose of this comprehensive look at Walt Disney World, we went with a max of two in each location giving us 11 of our favorite snacks throughout Walt Disney World.

In order to keep costs down and not fill up on sugary drinks (so we can eat more snacks, obviously!) we bring these filtering water bottles. Florida water can taste a little “different” and these water bottles do a great job minimizing the weird taste, ensuring that we stay hydrated in the Florida heat.

Best Disney Snacks Pin

Magic Kingdom Snacks

Top disney snacks buffalo chicken tots

While not technically a “snack” and not eligible as a snack credit on the Disney Dining Plan, the Loaded Buffalo Chicken Tots from The Friar’s Nook are definitely worth a stop. We included them as a snack because even though they’re quite filling, they’re easily splittable for an afternoon snack and at $9.49, splitting an order puts it firmly in “snack” pricing territory. The crispy tots are topped with buffalo chicken, blue cheese dressing and celery, making a spicy and delicious snack.

Top disney snacks cheshire cat tail

The Cheshire Cat Tail from the Cheshire Café is a more traditional snack, and eligible as a snack credit on the Disney Dining Plan. Located near the Mad Tea Party, Cheshire Café is a small location with a walk-up window and a very limited menu. Really, the only reason I can see stopping there is to get a Cheshire Cat Tail, and you ABSOLUTELY should stop! It’s a braided pastry with chocolate filling, pink and purple frosting drizzle, and chocolate chips.  While it sounds totally basic, it’s really good. Like, realllllllly good!  And at only $5.85, it’s another one of our favorite Disney snacks whether you’re on the dining plan or not.

EPCOT Snacks

Top disney snacks schoolbread

The Schoolbread at Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe is one of our top picks in the World Showcase.  We LOVE EPCOT dining options and snacking around the “World” is one of our favorite activities, but even if we don’t have time for a full World Showcase loop, we always make sure to stop in Norway for Schoolbread.  At first glance, it’s just a toasted coconut covered roll, but this sweetbread pastry is filled with custard making it a sweet treat that’s not-too-sweet and Disney Dining Plan snack credit eligible.

Best disney snacks kaki gori

Head to Kabuki Cafe in the Japan Pavillion for a great treat to beat the heat- Kakigori! This Japanese shaved ice can be topped with strawberry, melon, cherry, tangerine, blue raspberry or a rainbow of any three fruit syrups.  This giant cup of shave ice is only $4 (and DDP snack credit eligible) but you should totally spring for the sweet milk topping for an extra buck.

Animal Kingdom Snacks

Best Disney snacks night blossom

The Night Blossom from Pongu Pongu in Pandora is another great treat to beat the heat! We’ve always found Animal Kingdom to be the hottest park (least shade, lots of concrete, etc) so we’re always looking for something cold and refreshing.  Enter the Night Blossom- it’s a frozen limeade with apple and desert pear flavors topped with passion fruit boba balls (you can order with or without the boba balls).  This frozen, fruity concoction is $5.99 and counts as a snack credit on the Disney Dining Plan.

Top Disney snacks animal kingdom fries

For a more savory snack, we love Mr. Kamal’s Seasoned Fries from Mr. Kamal’s in Asia.  The crispy fries are topped with tzatziki salad and drizzled with sriracha ketchup (you can get extra ketchup, too!) and are totally addictive.  They’re $5.99 and count as one snack credit on the Disney Dining Plan, too.  There are several shady tables near Mr. Kamal’s but watch out for the birds– they love the fries, too!

Hollywood Studios Snacks

Top disney snacks mickey ice cream bars

So I have to be honest here, we haven’t spent much time in Hollywood Studios lately due to all of the construction so I’m not really up-to-date on the latest snacks there (though I’ve heard great things about Woody’s Lunchbox!). DHS has been a half-day park for our family, or we skip it altogether, but I’m assuming that will change once Star Wars Land is open.  So for now, our go-to DHS snack is a Mickey Ice Cream Bar– they’re $5.75 or one snack credit on the Disney Dining Plan.

Disney Resorts Snacks

Best Disney snacks dole whip

Even though you can get a Dole Whip Float in the Magic Kingdom, we ALWAYS get it from the Pineapple Lanai at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort (mainly so that we can enjoy other snacks in the park!). The dole whip float- pineapple and vanilla soft serve topped with pineapple juice- is a great treat to enjoy while relaxing at the Polynesian. We often stop by on an off-day from the parks just to get a dole whip and ride the monorail for some resort hopping fun.

Top Disney snacks monorail cupcake

Another favorite of ours, the Oreo Monorail Cupcake, can be found at the Contempo Café in Disney’s Contemporary Resort.  Gourmet cupcakes are a huge thing at Disney Parks right now, and this is one of our favorites because of the white chocolate monorail.  It’s a basic vanilla cupcake filled with cookies and cream frosting and topped with more of the same, but the white chocolate monorail really puts it over the top.  This sweet treat is one snack credit on the Disney Dining Plan or $5.99.

Disney Springs Snacks

Best Disney snacks earthquake at Ghirardelli

Ok, so this one isn’t technically a snack, but when you’re splitting it as a family of 7, it feels like a one and it’s a favorite for our crew. The Earthquake at Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop in The Marketplace has 8 scoops of ice cream (you can choose the flavors), eight toppings, bananas, whipped cream, cherries, and sprinkles.  It’s $42.95 but it easily feeds 6-8 people making the price per person much closer to that of a snack.  And, they offer discounts for Annual Passholders, DVC Members and military so for our family, it’s actually cheaper than everyone getting their own snack elsewhere. . . and way more fun!

Top disney snacks joffreys coffee

Last, but certainly not least, are the drinks with Latte Art from Tea Traders Café at The Landing.  You pick any of their delicious lattes, mochas, or tea lattes, and for 50¢ extra, you can get it topped with Mickey, Minnie, Goofy or Pluto. It’s a fun little add-on to your afternoon pick-me-up and it makes for a great photo op!

Thanks so much for following along on our favorite snacks throughout Walt Disney World!  There are so many to choose from and new ones coming out every week it seems, so there’s always something new to try.

What’s your fave WDW snack??


Finally 40″ Tall At Disney World

For as long as I can remember (really, since having kids) we have ALWAYS had to utilize rider swap at Disney parks because at least one of the kids wasn’t tall enough to ride something.  And once we got to the point where the big kids were tall enough for everything, Ellie was born and we had to start all over.

Ellie has always been on the small side so we’ve been waiting… and waiting… and waiting for her to get tall enough to go on the “big” rides with us.  We measured her every month at home to check the progress, told her she needed to eat her veggies if she wanted to be tall enough (which isn’t a big deal because she LOVES veggies), hoped and prayed, and finally, for our trip this summer, she hit the 40inch mark and she was ridiculously excited!!

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – Magic Kingdom – 38″ or taller

While the height requirement on Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is actually only 38 inches, she was not quite tall enough the last time we were at the Magic Kingdom so this was her first time riding.  We chose to do Mine Train as her first “big ride” just to make sure that she enjoyed the thrill level and then we moved up from here.  She was a bit nervous when we started out.

But absolutely LOVED it!!  She’s seen so many ride videos– either PhotoPass from previous trips or from the big kids showing her on YouTube– and has dubbed it the “Hi Ho Ride”.  She sang the song on the lift up and smiled so big on the way down.  It was definitely her favorite ride of the trip… at least, so far!

Test Track – EPCOT – 40″ or taller

We chose not to tell Ellie anything about this ride because we weren’t 100% sure that she would want to ride if she knew how fast it went.  Turns out, our fears were all for nothing, and she loved it!  At least we now know that she loves fast rides and high thrills!!

Soarin’ Over the World – EPCOT – 40″ or taller

We didn’t really explain this ride to Ellie until we were at the front of the line, not because we thought she wouldn’t like it, but because we hadn’t really thought about it.  I told her that your feet dangle and made sure to put her flip-flops in the bin under the seats so that they didn’t accidentally fall off during the ride. She loved the elephants in the safari scene– they’re her favorite animal!

Pretending to put her toes in the water– she had on a huge smile through the whole ride!  For kids (under about 5 feet tall) there’s a loop that you put the seatbelt through so that they can’t slide out of the seat.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – Magic Kingdom – 40″ or taller

This ride, her mama’s favorite, was one that she was a bit apprehensive about.  We didn’t need to tell her anything about the ride because she’s seen the train zooming around Big Thunder Mountain on plenty of occasions.  She said she wanted to ride and was all smiles as we waited in line, but as soon as we were on and the lap bar was pulled down, she got scared.  I honestly thought that she was going to spend the whole ride with her face burried in me, but she stayed brave and looked forward.

And LOVED it!!  Even though she said Mine Train was her favorite, the squeals of delight from her on Big Thunder Mountain are something that I’ll never forget.

Splash Mountain – Magic Kingdom – 40″ or taller

After riding Big Thunder (and loving it), she was completely against the idea of going on Splash Mountain because the drop was “too big”.  With some bribery (and telling her she didn’t have a choice!) she boarded our log and we were off.  She and I sat in the back row so that we didn’t get quite as wet as the kids in the front row– didn’t work, we all got pretty wet!  Every ten seconds she would ask me “is that the big drop??” and I would assure her that we still had awhile and to look around and enjoy the ride.  By the time we got to the top, she was as close as possible to me as she could be without sitting on my lap and she looked petrified.  By the time we got to the bottom of the drop, she was soaked and laughing hysterically and has told me every day that the “big drop ride” is her absolute favorite and has asked when we can go ride it again.

Kali River Rapids – Animal Kingdom – 38″ or taller

Grandma and Grandpa were kind enough to take all of the grandkids on Kali River Rapids while the parents stayed dry (or would have if it wasn’t Animal Kingdom in June!) and took pictures.  The height requirement on this one is also 38 inches but it was Ellie’s first time being tall enough to ride.  She hid behind Grandma (and Grandma’s poncho!), not because she was afraid but in an effort to stay dry!

In fact, she (and the other kids) loved it so much that Grandma and Grandpa took all the grandkids TWICE in a row!

All smiles!  Kids between 38-42″ are given a special wristband at the entrance to the ride and then have to sit in a special seat with a safety bar that they can hold onto.  Not every raft has the modified seats but those that do have two seats with the safety bar allowing you to ride with two 38-42″ kiddos.

Happy faces from everyone on Kali River Rapids!

Surprisingly, no one got very wet on Kali River Rapids- or as wet as they’ve gotten in the past.  At the very end of the ride, we used the water guns to shoot their raft and get them all a bit wetter.

Big Thunder Mountain AGAIN – Magic Kingdom – 40″ or taller

Since Big Thunder Mountain is one of our family’s favorite rides, we went on it many times during our week at Walt Disney World.  Ellie even branched out and rode it with one of her big brothers– and that same smile!

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train AGAIN – Magic Kingdom – 40″ or taller

Ellie asked to go on Seven Dwarfs Mine Train every time we walked past it, so luckily, we had FastPasses for multiple days and we didn’t have to wait in the 120-minute line.  She really liked sitting in the front row and we often requested it!

Such a happy girl!  I’m so glad that after all of the waiting for her to be tall enough, she loves the rides and we can ride together as a family.  Now we need to wait for the 44″ mark so that she can go on Space Mountain, Expedition Everest, and Flight of Passage!  One of my favorite things about Disney Parks, and one of the reasons that we keep coming back, is that there is always something new to experience.

Things to Remember about Disney World Height Requirements

  • Height requirements are in place for the safety of your child and other guests– not to negatively impact your trip or make your kiddo miss out on something fun.
  • If your child is close to the cut-off they may get measured at the ride entrance and again just before boarding.  We didn’t have any issues with making the cut-off at the ride entrance and being denied at boarding on this trip, but we have had that problem in the past.  If that happens, PLEASE don’t take it out on the Cast Member– they are probably a college student and do not want to be held personally liable if your child gets hurt on a ride because they were not quite tall enough.  If you feel that the call was made in error, ask for a supervisor.
  • Practice how to stand up straight and not move around with your kids.  The goal is for them to bump their head on the measuring guide (or clearly be taller than it).  Some kids crouch down thinking they need to be below the guide and then they end up with an inaccurate measurement and miss out on riding.  Last year Ellie was literally the width of a piece of paper too short for Mine Train– they really do have to bump their head on the guide.
  • If they’re still not tall enough, utilize the Rider Switch option so that the rest of the family still gets to ride.  In this case, the whole family goes up to the Cast Member at the ride entrance, then Parent 1 and the big kids (or just the parent!) can go on the ride while Parent 2 waits with the ones that are not tall enough.  When Parent 1 is done, Parent 2 can proceed to the FastPass entrance (with up to 2 additional guests– and they can be the kids that just rode with Parent 1) and enjoy the ride while Parent 1 waits with the little one(s).  This way, both parents (or adults) get to ride and sometimes the other kids get to go twice!
  • Even if your kiddo isn’t tall enough to ride EVERYTHING in the parks, there is still plenty to do!  And it gives you a great excuse to plan another trip for when they are taller!!

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