- Mar 13, 2024
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Want to try some of Disney World’s most iconic foods? There are still a few that have been around since opening day!
Disney World Popcorn
Yep, that’s right, we’re talking about foods that have been around since the opening day of their respective theme park, restaurant, or hotel. These are some serious staples and they’ve become fan favorites over the years. Let’s dig in!
First up, we’re heading to Disney’s Contemporary Resort to discuss the Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli, which has been around since California Grill opened. The dish is made with organic mixed mushroom ragoût, tomato-fennel broth, and California Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and it’s a favorite among visitors to the restaurant.
Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli
It’s rich and cheesy and a delightful start to your meal. California Grill serves dinner as a 3-course prix fixe, so if you want to try this, you’ll need to choose it as your appetizer from the “market inspirations” menu. And yes, it has been on the menu since California Grill first opened in 1995, though it did get a little mix-up in 2025.
Next we’re heading over to Hollywood Studios to dine at The Hollywood Brown Derby. This restaurant opened with the park on May 1st, 1989, and there are two menu items that have been there ever since. The first is “Our Famous Cobb Salad,” made with spit-roasted turkey, bacon, egg, tomatoes, blue cheese, avocado, and classic dressing. You can order it topped with chicken or shrimp as well.
Cobb Salad
The other item on the menu that has been around since the beginning is the Grapefruit Cake for $14. It’s made with vanilla sponge cake, grapefruit syrup, and cream cheese icing. The two of these eats together is a killer combo!
Grapefruit Cake from Hollywood Brown Derby
What’s particularly iconic about the Cobb Salad and Grapefruit Cake is that they’re both inspired by menu items from the original Brown Derby restaurant in actual Hollywood. A legacy!
Did you know there’s a beer that was made exclusively for Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park when it opened?! The Safari Amber has been around since 1998, and to this day, it’s still available at several spots around the park.
Safari Amber on Draft at Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Sanaa at Kidani Village
These days, you can find it at Dawa Bar, Flame Tree Barbecue, Harambe Market, Pizzafari, Thirsty River Bar, Yak & Yeti Local Foods, Yak & Yeti Quality Beverages, and Yak & Yeti Restaurant. It’s a Red Lager with toasted notes of Caramel, Malt, and Hops, and it’s brewed in St. Louis, MO.
At EPCOT, an opening day restaurant is Rose & Crown Dining Room in the UK Pavilion. And one UK classic has been on the menu since the restaurant first opened in 1982 — fish & chips!
Fish and Chips at Rose & Crown
You can order fish & chips a few different places in the UK Pavilion. You’ll also find them in the Rose & Crown Pub and at the Yorkshire County Fish Shop. They’re one of EPCOT’s most beloved meals, and they’ve stood the test of time!
Finally, we’ve got to mention the classics. Ever since Magic Kingdom first opened at Disney World in 1971 and started this whole journey, you’ve been able to purchase two popular items around the parks — popcorn and Coca-Cola beverages!
Coca-Cola Bottle
You’ll still find these things around all four theme parks at various snack stands, and Coca-Cola fountain beverages are served inside restaurants as well. It wouldn’t be Disney World without popcorn and a crispy Coke!
If you’re looking for the best snacks and dining spots in Disney World, we’ve got you covered! We’ve been reporting on Disney food for over 15 years.
Which of these treats is your favorite? Tell us in the comments!
Disney World Popcorn
Yep, that’s right, we’re talking about foods that have been around since the opening day of their respective theme park, restaurant, or hotel. These are some serious staples and they’ve become fan favorites over the years. Let’s dig in!
Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli at California Grill
First up, we’re heading to Disney’s Contemporary Resort to discuss the Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli, which has been around since California Grill opened. The dish is made with organic mixed mushroom ragoût, tomato-fennel broth, and California Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and it’s a favorite among visitors to the restaurant.
Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli
It’s rich and cheesy and a delightful start to your meal. California Grill serves dinner as a 3-course prix fixe, so if you want to try this, you’ll need to choose it as your appetizer from the “market inspirations” menu. And yes, it has been on the menu since California Grill first opened in 1995, though it did get a little mix-up in 2025.
Cobb Salad and Grapefruit Cake at The Hollywood Brown Derby
Next we’re heading over to Hollywood Studios to dine at The Hollywood Brown Derby. This restaurant opened with the park on May 1st, 1989, and there are two menu items that have been there ever since. The first is “Our Famous Cobb Salad,” made with spit-roasted turkey, bacon, egg, tomatoes, blue cheese, avocado, and classic dressing. You can order it topped with chicken or shrimp as well.
Cobb Salad
The other item on the menu that has been around since the beginning is the Grapefruit Cake for $14. It’s made with vanilla sponge cake, grapefruit syrup, and cream cheese icing. The two of these eats together is a killer combo!
Grapefruit Cake from Hollywood Brown Derby
What’s particularly iconic about the Cobb Salad and Grapefruit Cake is that they’re both inspired by menu items from the original Brown Derby restaurant in actual Hollywood. A legacy!
Safari Amber Beer in Animal Kingdom
Did you know there’s a beer that was made exclusively for Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park when it opened?! The Safari Amber has been around since 1998, and to this day, it’s still available at several spots around the park.
Safari Amber on Draft at Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Sanaa at Kidani Village
These days, you can find it at Dawa Bar, Flame Tree Barbecue, Harambe Market, Pizzafari, Thirsty River Bar, Yak & Yeti Local Foods, Yak & Yeti Quality Beverages, and Yak & Yeti Restaurant. It’s a Red Lager with toasted notes of Caramel, Malt, and Hops, and it’s brewed in St. Louis, MO.
Fish & Chips at Rose & Crown Dining Room
At EPCOT, an opening day restaurant is Rose & Crown Dining Room in the UK Pavilion. And one UK classic has been on the menu since the restaurant first opened in 1982 — fish & chips!
Fish and Chips at Rose & Crown
You can order fish & chips a few different places in the UK Pavilion. You’ll also find them in the Rose & Crown Pub and at the Yorkshire County Fish Shop. They’re one of EPCOT’s most beloved meals, and they’ve stood the test of time!
Popcorn and Coca-Cola Beverages at Snack Carts
Finally, we’ve got to mention the classics. Ever since Magic Kingdom first opened at Disney World in 1971 and started this whole journey, you’ve been able to purchase two popular items around the parks — popcorn and Coca-Cola beverages!
Coca-Cola Bottle
You’ll still find these things around all four theme parks at various snack stands, and Coca-Cola fountain beverages are served inside restaurants as well. It wouldn’t be Disney World without popcorn and a crispy Coke!
If you’re looking for the best snacks and dining spots in Disney World, we’ve got you covered! We’ve been reporting on Disney food for over 15 years.
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Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
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Which of these treats is your favorite? Tell us in the comments!
