Fasten Your Seat Belt

Consider this your all-access pass to the best eats from your favorite theme parks. Hope you like roller coasters, because you're in for a ride!

It's that moment when you take a bite of a just-out-of-the-fryer churro dusted in cinnamon sugar. Or when someone hands you a juicy turkey leg the size of your face. Or that first sip of Butterbeer that makes you want to jump on a broomstick and grab the golden Snitch. This is the magic of theme park food.

Whether you're going to Disney World, Universal Studios Hollywood, or even Dollywood, visiting a theme park is all about the fantasy. This is apparent in all of the thrilling rides, of course, but that imagination is also embedded into everything you eat. "Disney is known for its transportive storytelling," writes Matt Kirouac in his exploration of the theme park's obsession with blue food. "[And] nothing exemplifies this multi-sensory ethos like Disney food."

Ready to be fully enchanted? The Allrecipes team tapped a few of the best theme park journalists and recipe developers to help us unveil the sorcery behind some of the most popular theme park foods. Deanne Revel talked to the head pastry chef of Disney's top-secret Flavor Lab to learn more about how our favorite treats come to be. Carly Caramanna shares the evolution of the Magic Kingdom Spring Roll Cart. And Molly Adams made a copycat version of Churro Toffee that you should probably fill your freezer with immediately.

Grab your bejeweled set of Mickey ears, and don't forget your sunblock. When it comes to our spotlight on theme park food, there's not a long line in sight.

— Ariel Knutson, Senior Editorial Director

Homemade DOLE whip? You bet! This recipe from Allrecipes user, Corinne, will hit the spot. Follow that up with a recipe for turkey legs (yes really). They're "just like the smoked turkey legs you get at the fair or theme park," explains Allrecipes community member, Tony B. And don't forget about the copycat Cheeseburger Egg Rolls from Amy Williams Hopkins—they'll transport you straight to the Magic Kingdom Spring Roll Cart.

This Disney Breakfast Is So Iconic, Even Elvis Was a Fan

When you think about the food from Walt Disney World, you might think of popcorn or churros. But what about breakfast? Megan Harrington shines the light on Tonga Toast, a dish that is likely "the longest-standing menu item in all of Disney World."

Meet the Disney World Cookie Entrepreneur Commanding Lines Longer Than Any Ride

On any given day in Walt Disney World, visitors can expect lines that last up to five hours—not for a ride, though, but for cookies. Matt Kirouac talked to Steve Lewis, the entrepreneur behind the uber-popular Gideon’s Bakehouse, to learn more about the magic behind his famous treats.

Milk, Shrimp, and Cupcakes: Inside Disney's Obsession with Blue Food

If you've been to Disney World in the last decade, chances are you noticed the influx of blue food. Blame it on Disney World's 50th Anniversary in 2021, Frozen, Avatar, or Star Wars—just don't write it off as unintentional. "As polarizing as 'blue food' may seem, and despite some head-scratching menu misfires over the years, it's a tint that can weave together a story and transport guests into fantasy," writes Matt Kirouac.

The Story Behind the Cult Food Phenomenon That Is Disney Popcorn 

Popcorn may be a simple snack at movie theaters and sports events, but at Disney Resorts, it’s a cult-favorite item that fans will line up for hours to purchase. From custom flavors to collectible buckets, Deanne Revel reports on the world of Disney popcorn.

The 5 Most Popular Snacks at Universal Orlando, According to a Chef Who Helps Make Them

Terri Peters talked to Jens Dahlmann, the vice president executive chef of operations at Universal Orlando Resort, to get the scoop on the most popular snacks amongst theme park guests. Butterbeer obviously made the list.

Behind the Curtain at Disney World’s Top-Secret Flavor Lab

Walt Disney World Resort’s Flavor Lab is where chefs create all of the incredible foods that guests love. Deanne Revel talked to head pastry chef Stefan Riemer, who shared how it all comes together behind closed kitchen doors.

Flowers Grown from Fish Poop and Mickey-Shaped Cucumbers: The Magic of Disney World’s Very Own Farm

Deanne Revel gives us a behind-the-seeds look at the futuristic farm attraction hidden in plain sight at EPCOT.

You might only be able to get Tonga Toast at a couple of select locations around Disney World, but when you're in your own kitchen, you're in charge. Go ahead and make this Tonga Toast-inspired recipe from Allrecipes user Sherbg for breakfast. Wash it down with some homemade Butterbeer from Allrecipes community member anne123184. And keep the sweets rolling with this recipe for copycat Churro Toffee from Molly Adams.

Meet the Muggle Behind the Most Popular Treats at Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Universal Orlando Resort’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter is filled with creative and delicious foods that help set the scene for guests. Deanne Revel talked to executive chef Robert Martinez Jr., who shares some of the secrets behind all that culinary magic—including Butterbeer.

How Creamy, Dreamy DOLE Whip Became a Disney Staple 

Since its debut in 1984, DOLE Whip has become an iconic snack at Disney. Lisa A. Beach got the inside scoop on this fan-favorite staple. "Over the years, the DOLE Whip frenzy sparked official new flavors and variations as well as copycat recipes and DIY mashups," she writes.

Disney World's Most Sought-After Dining Location Is an Unassuming Cart

Cheeseburger Spring Roll, anyone? Carly Caramanna reports on how the Magic Kingdom Spring Roll Cart began and why it remains so popular.

Fans Say Disney “Must Use Some Type of Magic” on This Iconic Park Snack

Since 1989, legions of fans have made the trek to Disney to get their hands on those picture-worthy massive turkey legs. Terri Peters reports on how the turkey legs are made and why this hearty snack is so beloved by park-goers.

Disney Uses Bees to Recycle Their Holiday Gingerbread Houses—Here's How

If you've ever been to Disney during November or December chances are you've seen (or at least heard of) the life-size gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. But what happens to that 14-foot structure after Santa has come and gone? Megan duBois shares how Disney uses bees (!) to recycle this holiday spectacle.

The ride has come to an end! But before you get off, try this weeknight-friendly version of Disney's beloved Ronto Wrap from Molly Adams. Make Dollywood's irresistible cinnamon bread. And don't leave the park (er, page) before bookmarking this Monte Cristo Sandwich from Allrecipes user carolyn overton.

Read the original article on All Recipes.