Could it be? The return of the Monte Cristo to Disney World?!

Bar Riva

While we have seen renditions of this so-much-MORE-than-fried-ham-and-cheese sandwich done in the past at Disney World (namely at Woody’s Lunchbox and Columbia Harbour House), it has always ended up disappearing from their menus without a trace! But (FINALLY!) we think we’ve found a keeper in WDW, and it might just rival the infamous offering over in Disneyland… .

We were SO excited to see the Monte Cristo on the menu over at Bar Riva in Disney’s Riviera Resort! But, the real question is — how does it compare to the Monte Cristo at Disneyland’s Blue Bayou and Cafe Orleans?

Bar Riva’s Monte Cristo

The Monte Cristo at Bar Riva is made with ham, turkey, gruyere, and strawberry preserves on a brioche roll — that has all been deep fried of course! Does it sound familiar? That’s because it’s actually almost IDENTICAL to Disneyland’s offering! In fact, our server at Bar Riva told us the only difference is that the sauce on the Disney World version is strawberry instead of blackberry.

(FYI — here’s a shot of Disneyland’s beloved Monte so you can see any differences.)

Disneyland’s Famous Monte Cristo

There are a few things worth noting, though, before you dive in thinking this is the same sammie that you remember fondly from Disneyland.

For one, Bar Riva‘s Monte Cristo comes with the sauce already ON the sandwich, whereas in Disneyland the sauce comes on the side.

Also, since it is pre-made, our server told us you cannot get it without the meat as a cheese-only option, which is something delicioussssssly offered at Cafe Orleans.

Bar Riva’s Monte Cristo

Now, I am indubitably psyched to get an East Coast equivalent to one of the cult-favorite eats over at Disneyland! BUT — knowing that the strawberry sauce already comes ON the sandwich, and that you can’t modify it to be vegetarian, is kind of a bummer. And means we’re definitely still giving the monte cristo medal to Disneyland!

That said, if you don’t have plans to get over to the West Coast anytime soon, then Bar Riva needs to be on your radar for goodies like this! If you’re looking to get your hands on this NEW Monte Cristo, you can pick it up at Disney’s Riviera Resort for $12.49!

Oh, and note that this sandwich is exclusive to Bar Riva. There’s nowhere else in Disney World — or at Riviera — that will serve it at present.

Follow along as we come at you LIVE from the opening of Disney’s Riviera Resort!

Would you try the new Monte Cristo at Bar Riva? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!