We’re starting the day with waffles, waffles, and MORE waffles at the Roaring Fork!
Oh, and did I mention they’re MICKEY WAFFLES?
Now, we’re no strangers to Roaring Fork, the Counter Service restaurant at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Typically, though, we’re taking a look at their bakery case, which is known for adding some terrific cupcakes to the Disney Cupcake realm. Through the years, those have included the Carrot Cake Cupcake, the Chocolate Caramel Cupcake, and the S’mores Cupcake. And the Magic Cookie Bar, while not a cupcake, is certainly no slouch of a dessert.
But Roaring Fork has another claim to fame, thanks to a selection of Mickey Waffles available throughout the morning. And though they aren’t technically desserts like their bakery case counterparts (Captain Obvious says “You’re welcome” for pointing that out ;-D), each of the three selections offer, in their own ways, a decadent start to your day at Disney World.
So get ready to step in with me and say “Good morning!” to the Roaring Fork!
Atmosphere
The Roaring Fork naturally echoes the rustic Pacific Northwest vibe of its home, Wilderness Lodge.
Roaring Fork sign
The decor is so in keeping with the rest of the Lodge that the most surprising thing about Roaring Fork is not so much the ambience, but the size. Just a couple of ordering counters, refrigerators, and a place to refill your Rapid Fill Mugs make up the whole of the place.
Ordering area at Roaring Fork
Indoor seating is likewise limited to just a small batch of wooden tables (you’ll also find some two-seaters lining the hallway to add a few more spots).
Roaring Fork indoor seating
There is also seating outside, though, which is especially enjoyable even on a warm morning thanks to large umbrellas offering shade to each table. Plus, it gives you a chance to check out some of the downright gorgeous scenery and landscaping at the Lodge.
Wilderness Lodge
Wilderness Lodge
As you can tell, it was pretty much another idyllic morning at Wildeness Lodge. And as it turned out, I’m not the only one who was around to appreciate it 😉 .
Deer!
Seriously. Right in the heart of Disney World. These guys love Fort Wilderness, too! (Who can blame ‘em?)
Still, if you do encounter any forest friends on your visit, remember this…
Do Not Feed the Animals reminder on outdoor tables at Wilderness Lodge
Which is fine, because you’re not going to want to share any of what you’re about to see, anyway…
Eats
Waffles aren’t the only breakfast option at Roaring Fork, where you’ll also find the staple Bounty Platter and grab-and-go pastries, among other choices. But they sure are the star, given their own entire menu sign. The simple presentation of the word “Waffles” across the top doesn’t speak to anything especially unusual, until you notice your three options: Bananas Foster Waffles, Strawberry Waffles, and a batch custom-made for Chocolate Lovers.
Waffle Menu
Adult portions are served with a side of bacon, while kids receive bacon and applesauce.
Let’s start with the Strawberry Waffles.
Strawberry Waffles
Of course, the base of each adult-sized entree are three — THREE!!! — of these classics: Mickey Waffles (the kids’ orders receive two)! Lightly-browned and crispy on the outside, soft on the inside…
Mickey Waffle!
… all hot off one of these babies!
Mickey Waffle Maker
Honestly, no matter which Resort I happen to be visiting, I always love spotting the Mickey Waffle Maker; just a sure sign that I’m starting my day at Disney World!
The Strawberry Waffles are very much a what-you-see-is-what-you-get kind of dish: a generous amount of fresh strawberries coupled with a big ol’ dollop of super-hearty whipped cream. No glaze to speak of, just a bit of juice from the berries and that lovely whipped cream.
Cream and Strawberries
You can, by the way, grab small tubs of syrup inside at the condiments counter. But the beauty of this one lies in its simplicity, so I like to stick with it as-is.
That same fresh cream tops our next choice: the Chocolate Lovers Waffles. Along with the cream, a whole bunch of semi-sweet chocolate chips are sprinkled all over more-than-a-drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Chocolate Lovers Waffles
With little to cut the sweet here (aside from the bacon on the plate), you definitely need to fall under the Chocolate Lovers category for which this dish is named. If you do… well, then this has the makings of a magical morning for you, indeed!
While chocolate topped with more chocolate may seem like it must be the most decadent option, we still have one more to go: the Bananas Foster Waffles.
Bananas Foster Waffles
Warm bananas and sauce are the Mickey waffle toppers. And did I mention that the sauce flavor is BUTTERED RUM?!
Admittedly, this one is the least photogenic, with the sauce covering the majority of Mickey’s cute mug. But the buttery caramel flavor of the sauce makes it worth it (Sorry, Mickey!). And the rich consistency offers the option most closely akin to syrup (albeit thicker) for those who prefer something poured over their waffles. I’d definitely say this is a step up from syrup, though… ‘cuz buttered rum and all.
Strawberry Waffles and Bananas Foster Waffles
Having had my share (and then some) of Mickey Waffles, it was off to catch the boat from the Lodge to start a day at Magic Kingdom!
Overall
When it comes to Magic Kingdom Resort Counter Service options, I can think of few things that rival the specialty waffles at Roaring Fork for a breakfast stop (aside from a helping of Tonga Toast at the Polynesian’s Captain Cook’s, perhaps). And with transportation options to and from Magic Kingdom by boat or bus, you may find it well worth making time in your AM park touring to pay a visit to Wilderness Lodge. So, which kind would you grab for your own Mickey Waffle Feast? I’d love to know!
Which batch of Specialty Waffles is calling your name? Please let us know with a comment!
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So, the whipped cream on the strawberry waffles. Is it waxy or creamy? I had some on a sundae and it was like a big glob of waxy stuff. I had to scoop it off and throw it away.
The strawberry waffles at roaring foarks are my absolute favorite!! We love staying at the Wilderness Lodge.
Where can u get the Mickey waffle maker from
DebC — It’s creamy 😀
Is the banana variety very strong with rum flavor? I’d like a buttery caramel, but not too much rum. The others look good, too. I’d like to go and have breakfast and visit the resort.
We have stayed at Wilderness Lodge on our last two trips, and love Roaring Fork, but one word of warning on the chocolate waffles for people with food allergies. My daughter, A, is severely allergic to tree nuts and ordered the chocolate waffles after we spoke to the manager and were assured there was no issue with nuts or cross-contamination. We specifically asked what brand of chocolate they used, and the manager told us they used Nestle chips (which are not peanut-safe but are tree nut-safe). An hour after breakfast, A was coughing and breaking out in hives (not a major reaction, thankfully, but scary). We spoke to a different manager at Roaring Forks later that day and were advised that they use bulk Ghiradelli chocolate (which doesn’t contain nuts but is made in a facility that processes tree nuts). Ultimately, my daughter was fine but the entire episode was an eye-opener for us given how amazing Disney normally is in handling allergies.
Marir — While not exactly the same, you can find similar Mini Mickey Waffle Irons on Amazon.
The Villas at the Wilderness Lodge is our home resort, and over the years, the freshest Mickey waffles have always been those at Roaring Fork. Made to order, they are worth the often 5 to 10-minute wait for them. In addition to the toppings and the syrup, you can also grab small containers of peanut butter which is almost a must for this Mickey waffle fan. My only knock is that there isn’t a specialty coffee shop anywhere on property as the regular coffee is watery and mediocre.
Patrick — Have you had the chance to try the Territory Lounge for morning coffee yet?
Try Kona Island at the Poly for morning coffee. The best in all of WDW!