3. Funnel Cake

I wouldn’t be a good example of a Southerner if I didn’t love funnel cake, and Walt Disney World makes a stellar example of this American classic. Fittingly, you can find this irresistible diet-shattering pastry at Epcot’s America Pavilion, Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Square, and Hollywood Studios’ Oasis Canteen. Options may include chocolate, fruit, and ice cream toppings, depending on the location.

There is no denying the funnel cake’s worthiness. It’s delicious, and reasonably-priced for the size of it. But it’s that size that poses a challenge. The bigger-than-the-plate “cake” is often so well-topped that you run the risk of overflowing sugar and chocolate. Before you step away from the kiosk, grab lots of napkins. Obviously, this one is not so open to mobility. You’ll want to find a table or at least a ledge as quickly as possible… and quite possibly a member of your party to share with. Funnel cakes are rather heavy by nature, and this one is no different. Many guests may not be up for continuing an all-day park mission after devouring one of these on their own. Shared by two, the funnel cake is a great snack that won’t leave you groaning your way through the rest of your day. If you just want a nibble to quiet your sweet tooth, but prefer to keep it lighter and more convenient to carry, consider cinnamon-glazed almonds or pecans, available at multiple outdoor snack carts throughout Disney property. These come in a handy, paper-cone sleeve that allows for sporadic nibbles throughout the day. It easily folds back over to stay fresh, accessible, and easy to store all day long.

4. Candied Apples

Magic Kingdom’s Main Street Bakery is one of many locations offering amazingly clever, Disney-original candied apples. They are absolute works of food art, and they’re another item that’s priced quite fairly for its size. You never know what characters or themes will appear on the freshly made delectable selections, and its these whimsically fun representations that make them instantly appealing - especially to the youngest guests.

As pretty as they are to look at, the candied apples are outrageously sticky treats, and due to their size, many children don’t have the stomach to finish them. Though their developing teeth will appreciate this, some may not appreciate the waste. It may very well be one of those things that children famously desire by looks alone, and then lose interest in it once it’s paid for. Most of the locations that sell candied apples also offer other sweet treats that are equally appealing to the eye, but also more realistic to the normal appetite. Consider one of the countless varieties of cupcakes or cookies! If candied fruit was the initial goal, chocolate-covered strawberries are a more convenient, lighter, and less tooth-threatening option.

5. The Beverly

Epcot’s Club Cool is one of my favorite spots at Epcot. This understated “attraction” offers complimentary beverage samples from around the world. Spoiler alert for those who have yet to experience Club Cool, but if you’ve been you are well-aware that you want to avoid the Beverly. The Beverly is a very bitter, carbonated soda made by Coca-Cola, and distributed in Italy.

The Beverly is a legendary tool that informed Epcot guests like to use as an initation-style rite of passage to push on new visitors. If this is news to you, keep an eye out next time you visit Club Cool. There always seems to be some prankster aiming a camera to capture a clueless friend’s reaction to that first, taste bud torturing sip. Don’t become a victim of this candid camera-styled trickery. Next time you’re at Club Cool, avoid the Beverly. Everything else at Club Cool is safe  and enjoyable, but I for one firmly believe that the Beverly was put there purely for the reaction photo opportunity.

The selection of snacks available at Walt Disney World is about as diversified as the attractions. There’s something for everyone, and some things that truly are for everyone. It’s all worth trying once. After all, you might be shamed mercilessly if you reveal that you’ve never experienced that turkey leg or Mickey Bar. But sometimes, the experience is enough. Sometimes you really have been there, done that, and even bought the t-shirt. Why not expand your horizons and change it up next time around?