Today, we’re grabbing lunch from a pop up seasonal spot in Epcot! And this one involves Grilled Cheese!!
You know these kiosks…often you’ll find them closed (and sometimes not even there!) if you’re lucky enough to visit during less busy times of the year.
Epcot!
But since we’re smack dab in the middle of Spring Break, we’re seeing lots of extra food around the Parks to help feed the hungry crowds and minimize wait times at regular Counter Service and Table Service Locations.
Thanks to readers Daniel Wanderman and Megan McQuillan for letting me know recently that we needed to get over to Epcot’s Taste Track to check out an incredible menu of Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwiches. I can’t wait to show you these!
Atmosphere
If you’re looking for Taste Track, hang a right as you’re facing Test Track, and head back toward Future World. If the kiosk is serving, this is where you’ll find it.
Taste Track
You won’t find much in the way of seating — as in tables and chairs — but there are the same highboy tables that you see scattered around World Showcase, especially during the Flower and Garden and Food and Wine Festivals.
Tables Near Taste Track
More Tables
There are also some benches shaded by umbrellas situated a short walk away. And there are a few low planters with walls that conveniently double as both benches and tables.
For a landmark to get your bearings, Cool Wash is directly behind you if you’re facing the Taste Track kiosk.
Cool Wash, Across from the Taste Track Kiosk
Everything on the menu sounded pretty fantastic and we were excited to sample a range of things. Let’s check out what we chose.
Eats
For such a small booth, there’s a surprisingly diverse menu offered here!
With three different Gourmet Grilled Cheese Selections, plus Soup and Salad options, this could be a stop for the whole family. There are also some fantastic Craft Beer Selections. Because Grilled Cheese and Beer.
Taste Track Menu — Click to Enlarge
I thought the Kids’ Meal option of Grilled Cheese on Goldfish Honey Wheat Bread was fun, too. I tried to snap a pic from the family behind me; alas, they must have been hungry because they snatched it too quick. 🙂
When it came down to it, my friend and I decided to sample all three of the “grown up” options. We began with the Fontina and Tomato Basil Grilled Cheese Sandwich. This one combines Fontina Cheese, Sliced Tomato, and Fresh Basil with a Balsamic Glaze, and it comes together on Sourdough Bread.
Fontina and Tomato Basil Grilled Cheese Sandwich
The very first thing I did was to take the sandwich apart (it wasn’t cheese-glued together as you would expect) and remove nearly all of the basil. Don’t get me wrong; I love basil. But there was a huge sprig on my sandwich — stem and all — and it would have been knock-me-down overpowering. Still, the sammie looked a little anemic, so I didn’t expect much from this one.
Fontina and Tomato Basil Grilled Cheese Sandwich — Cross Section
I was wrong! It was way better than I expected. I’m sorry that I didn’t get the inside shot of it, but the flavors of melted Fontina (a DFB favorite!) against the bright Tomatoes, fragrant Basil, and rich Balsamic Glaze came together beautifully. After I divested the sandwich of $2 worth of Basil, it was delish.
But even so, it was good that I started with that one, because the best was definitely yet to come.
Next, my friend and I checked out the Canadian Cheddar and Apple Grilled Cheese. This one is prepared on Cinnamon Raisin Bread.
Canadian Cheddar and Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwich
The Sandwich was certainly the most visually interesting, with the swirls of Cinnamon and the Raisins peeking out of the bread.
Canadian Cheddar and Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwich — Up Close
I opened it up and saw that it was as advertised — it was all there. Apple Butter on both sides, White Cheddar, and Sliced Apples. I was a little dubious about the raw Apple, but it turned out I didn’t need to be. The crunchy texture against the other rich components was amazing. More than the others, this is the one I couldn’t stop eating.
Canadian Cheddar and Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwich — Inside
The sandwiches here are offered with a side of either Tomato Basil Soup or a Salad. To be honest, I didn’t expect much flavor from the Salad, but I thought it was a great option, as it would lighten up an otherwise rich offering.
I was right about the lightening, but not about it being a boring option. Turns out that the Salad has all of the same ingredients as the Grilled Chicken Salad offered as an entree (well, except the Chicken). In addition to chopped Romaine, there’s also shredded Cheddar, Golden Raisins, Candied Pecans, and sliced Granny Smith Apples.
Side Salad with Grilled Cheese Sandwich
The dressing is a very light White Balsamic Dijon Vinaigrette. And the whole thing is perfectly tossed and all kinds of interesting. I was so glad that we got two so I didn’t have to share!
Another Look at the Side Salad
But the third sandwich. Well. See for yourself.
Doesn’t look like much, eh? But it so is. Because hiding between those golden layers of Sourdough is a combination of Gruyere, Applewood Smoked Bacon, and Caramelized Onions. FTW.
Gruyere and Applewood Smoked Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich
We opted for a side of Tomato Basil Soup with this one.
Gruyere and Applewood Smoked Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Side of Tomato Basil Soup
Again — and this was the case with all three Sammies — the bread was perfectly, perfectly grilled. I’m partial to Sourdough for grilled cheese anyway, so I couldn’t have been more pleased.
Gruyere and Applewood Smoked Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich — Up Close
Until I opened this one up for a look inside. And then I was. We all know that Caramelized Onions and Gruyere are a match made in heaven (hellooooo, French Onion Soup). But toss smokey Bacon in there and…well. There are just no words to tell you how spot-on perfect this was.
From a trailer! In the middle of Epcot!!
Gruyere and Applewood Smoked Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich — Inside
The cup of Tomato Basil was teeny tiny, but it actually proved to be perfect for dipping bites of the sandwich.
Side of Tomato Basil Soup
The flavor was creamy and rich, and every bit as good as other Tomato Basil Soups I’ve sampled around the World. I haven’t had a bad one yet.
Tomato Basil Soup — Up Close
It’s interesting to note that you can also get just the soup if you aren’t into Grilled Cheese. Bahahahahaha! I know! Not into grilled cheese. As if. 😀
Overall
So, I’ve pretty much gushed my way through this post. Therefore, you probably won’t be surprised by my next statement. Go there. And get this.
I know, I know. There’s soooooo much fantastic food to experience at Walt Disney World. But I would actually swap a counter service meal for a trip back to Taste Track. These sandwiches were so much better than I expected them to be, and they’ve inspired me to get creative with Grilled Cheese Sammies at home!
If you’re looking for something a little bit different for lunch or a light dinner, I definitely recommend that you hit this spot up.
And do keep in mind: it’s a busy time, so it’s completely possible that these sandwiches won’t be around all the time, or even for long. But I hope for your sake that they are! Because they’re outrageously good.
Now I’d love to hear from all of you! Does a Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sammie sound like an awesome lunch or dinner option for you? Let us know by leaving a comment!
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Oh my gosh! Yum. They all look good but especially the gruyere and bacon. Heaven 🙂 . We are usually there during f&wf so might not be able to get this, but here’s hoping.
You had me at Carmelized Onions & Greyere ! I would never have even thought to look at this place. These look great! I’m putting a note in my plans for next trip – thanks 🙂
Hoping these babies are still in Epcot on May 4th!
Mmm! These just made me so hungry. It’s too bad this spot isn’t around all the time! I think I’m most curious about the cheddar and apple on cinnamon bread, but all of them look delicious!
These look absolutely delicious – I am drooling! My twins tried the Kid’s Grilled Cheese on the Goldfish Bread that you mentioned. It was super adorable but they didn’t like it – it’s basically american cheese slices melted on the bread, not grilled at all. They would have liked a grown up one better!
Melissa — SO good to know! Yes, come to think of it, the kids’ sammie I saw didn’t look grilled. Thanks for sharing your experience with us!
How would you use the dining plan to get this? Quick service or snack? Or would I just have to come out of pocket?
They look sooooo good! Any idea if we can use counter service or snack credit for these?
Great review!! I am ready for some grilled cheese, now & will be trying these next month! Mmmmm!!
Gruyere and Applewood Smoked Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich….
Want … One … NOW!!!
Do you know if the soup has dairy in it?
Grilled cheese: any time, any meal. I don’t see any of these being snack credits, but if they had even a cookie for dessert, then you would have the usual entrée-dessert-drink CS meal. Wish good grilled cheese was an option more often, as both my son and I could eat it at least once a day.
Awesome! I’m so happy whenever I see meatless savoury items added to quick service. Will be grabbing a couple of these!
Omg I hope this stand is still available in August
Jasmine — When we visited, they were made to order, so you could probably get the bacon one without meat as well!
Virginia — I can’t tell you for sure, but the consistency was creamy and rich. To be on the safe side, I would ask.
Rebecca and Jordan — Since there were no DDP symbols on the menu board, I’d have to say officially that they aren’t part of the Disney Dining Plan. However, sometimes you’ll find that items not marked as DDP-eligible are. So if this sounds appealing, I’d definitely ask. IMO, it would be worth an out of pocket expense, though. 😀
What a non-descript looking location. Those sandwiches look very well prepared. It seems like this is going to be where I stop to kick off my next snack around the world.
I don’t know, I feel like the break to cheese ratio here might be a little off, but the combos all sound amazing!!!!
Hope this is still here for my trip in May! There are so many good food options but this looks like a must-try. Would love to get the gruyere and onion without the bacon. Not sure how I feel about the cheddar and apple being on a cinnamon raisin bread. Not a huge raisin fan.
Wow, both of the regular sammies look good. I’d pass on the apple butter one; I like apple butter, but not on a sandwich. The chicken salad with the apple, cheese, pecans, etc, sounds wonderful. I’d really like to try that.
There was a similar grilled cheese at hurricane hanna’s when they first re-opened it in 2013. I think since then they’ve removed it from the menu which is super sad b/c it was slamming! It was cheddar, blue cheese, and apple butter with smoked bacon. I seriously LOVED it and was mad that I only discovered it on the last day of the trip! Why did they remove it!? At least there are some similar sammies here…
Mmm, looks yammy. I don’t know how healthy it is…
Danielle — I agree, that sounds killer! Mmmmm…blue cheese. 🙂
That sounds great!
Uh, this blog always makes my hungry and closing my eyes and wishing it was October!
It all looks so good but the Gruyere and Applewood Smoked Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich has my mouth watering.
Nine bucks for a grilled cheese sandwich you get to be at standing up in the hot sun. How Disney. 🙂
Evelynn — I know what you mean. I’m ready for another sandwich right about now. I hope they’re still serving when you visit!
Any hope of gluten Free?
Helen — There weren’t any gluten free options on the menu, but it certainly wouldn’t hurt to ask Cast Members if that’s an option.
I need about 15 of the Gruyere one, stat. It looks amazing. I’m glad to hear that they’re made to order, because my husband is also a Gruyere enthusiast, but hates onions. This way, we have an excuse to each get our own and not share haha.
Just had a grilled cheese sandwich from the food trucks at Downtown Disney a few weeks ago that looked like these. They were made to order also. My daughter got just plain grilled cheese and I swear it was like it was sent down by the hand of God. Everyone was staring at it as we walked by! The bread was toasted perfect and the cheese was melted perfect. Amazing!
Excellent review. I’d never heard of the word “sammies” before though. I learned something!
Don’t know if Thu g’s have since changed but I tried to get the grilled cheese without the onions and no luck. They said the sandwiches were brought to them.pre made and they just grilled them 🙁 the soup was amazing though.
I told my wife Susan of the review I read of this grilled cheese kiosk .Well it is as advertized .The Gruyere and bacon sandwich smacks you with that smokey taste and is absolutely yum.Do it.
Stumbled upon this kiosk last night after a ride on test track last night. It was closed so we arrived at Epcot this after noon and high tailed it to the booth. To our dismay, the booth was closed and the cast member at Coca Cola Cool Wash said that it wouldn’t open today. For such a unique offering, why hide it where few will find it? Especially when there is no where else to find these offerings at WDW. Husband was very disappointed to say the least.
Just like the above poster (dated 3/2/16)-when I was there in May (19-24) this booth was never open! We even asked a few cast members and they either had no idea or said it was “seasonal”. But they couldn’t tell us which season. haha. My mom had tried this stand in November 2015 and was very excited to go back. Hoping it is open at some point when we go in September.
We were also disappointed each time we quested for another of the yummy grilled cheese sammies. We only got to try them once and I’ve been craving them ever since.
Went to Beaches and Cream but that version paled in comparison to Taste Track. I like Toasted for several items, but nobody beats Taste Track’s griiled cheese.
Does anybody know if the operators took these recipes somewhere else in the Orlando area? I would consider this destination dining and travel a ways to find them, if so.
Thanks for any info you might have.