re: Hidden Food Gems at Disney

Make sure you have the app and you can search and make reservations on the fly. Mousedining and Touring Plans have features to set searches for table service dining notifications. A lot opens up 24 hours out. I'll try to limit this to quick service and snacks or at least no reservation spots.

EPCOT is easy because Food and Wine is going on. Plan to scope out the menus ahead and you'll find stuff you want to try because there's so much. I liked everything at the France, Spain, and Swanky Saucy Swine. Noodle Exchange and Mexico are also a good bets. If needing more specifics I can look back at menus but that's just off topnof head.

We also liked Regal Eagle at EPCOT.

At Hollywood Studios we really like Docking Bay 7 (most is good but surprisingly the chicken salad stood out the most to us, but it's changed a bit since we last had it). Ronto Roasters and their wraps are a usual must do for me. I've only had lunch/dinner one I've heard breakfast one is good too. There used to be a popcorn place in galaxy edge market area with a mix of sweet and heat popcorn that I enjoyed. Otherwise, HS is pretty underwhelming for quick food. Backlot Express is only but we prefer ABC Commissary (newer menu since covid and its better than it used to be). Avoid Pizza Rizzo. Baeline taphouse is good and my wife loves the pretzel. This may be a good park for classic snacks like the mickey pretzel with cheese and a Mickkey bar, given the lack of options here and better options at other parks.

At Aninal Kingdom we like Tusker House, where you're going. I think Yaknand Yeti is totally fine but I'd first shoot for Nomad Lounge and ask to sit outside. It may be our favorite spot in the parks. There's a pretty good huge cinnamon roll as you're walking into Africa (i forget the place). Santuli (sp?) Canteen might be the best park quick service.

Magic Kingdom. Pecos Bill's and Columbia Harbor Housr are the best quick service spots so just choose based on what menu is more attractive to you. At Colimbia Harbor House go upstairs. Casey's Corner is also good. A classic hot dog near the castle and main street hits right.

Dole Whip is overrated and the stuff at sunshine tree terrace is underrated. Try the citrus swirl (frozen orange juice and vanilla soft serve). I like the i lava you float too. Also in Adventureland, eggrollsnare good, they're either cheeseburger, pizza, or Buffalo chicken, but they are stupidly expensive for what they are so skip if you want to see money.

The turkey leg is classic but a sodium nightmare. It's worth at least trying to get off bucket list. The cinnamon roll and Lefou's brew at Gaston's tavern are personal favorites. I also like the cream cheese pretzel at Lunching Pad. The Chestire Cat Tail is a favorite or my kids.

Resort Lounges are usually a good bet. Tambu Lounge at Polyneisan is great for Tiki Drinks and some off menu Ohana bites. At Poly, Trader Sam's is a fun experience and kids are allowed in before some time cutoff then it's adults only. At Grand FLoridian, Enchanted Rose is great for drinks and bites. Geyser Point at Wilderness Lounge is an outdoor covered bar and restaurant with a fantastic view on Bay Lake. There's a walk up list you can join on the app.

Resort quick service, the best are Primo Piatto at Riviera, Captain Cooks at Polynesians, Contemporary Cafe at Contemporary, and the place at Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Disney Springs is another beast and most quick service is food. Jock Lindsey's Hanger Bar (Indiana Jones) is my favorite. Polite Pig is good barbeque. People swear by Gideon's Bakehouse but we've never been because of the line. Chicken Guy, Daily Poutine, and Morimoto Asian Street Food are also good quick service.

Typing all that out reminds me how much money I've spent just on Disney food in the last three years and particularly the last year. And that is before table service dining. Yikes!

ETA: condensing to hidden gems I'd say Noodle Exchange and Swanky Saucy Swine booths at EPCOT, Kingla Bakery at EPCOT, Nomad Lounge at Animal Kingdom, Geyser Point at Wilderness Lodge, Sunshine Tree Terrace snacks at Magic Kingdom, and Jock Lindsey's Hanger Bar at Disney Springs.

Quick service items and snacks that I always enjoy:

Magic Kingdom:
Casey's Corner hot dogs

Animal Kingdom:
Yak and Yeti (near Everest) has egg rolls, orange chicken,and fried rice
Satuli Canteen is good for grilled/healthy options.

Epcot:
Macaron ice cream sandwiches in France

Hollywood studios:
The brisket grilled cheese at Toy Story Land are good and the homemade poptarts there are fantastic. (my only real must try)
For quick and easy meals we usually do Backlot Express or Fairfax fare for hot dogs, chicken tenders, or burgers.

Check out @disneyfoodblog on instagram. She usually posts all the new must trys.

Ohana at the Polynesian
Flame tree BBQ

If you want to venture to downtown Orlando, Ceviche