Wanna level up your Disney World snack game? I sure hope so, because helping you do that is our ACTUAL JOB here at the DFB. And the way we’re doing that today is by sharing a SECRET or two…
… with “Secret Menus,” that is! Here, we’ve put together an ULTIMATE guide to some of the coolest — and downright best — Secret Menus items in the parks, resorts, and at Disney Springs so you don’t miss a thing. So, get ready, because we’re spilling some secret tea…
Everyone loves a good secret, especially when it involves hush-hush Strawberry Soup and cool cocktails on the DL. So let’s dive right in by uncovering some of the best secret menu items in Disney World, and how to find them!
Just keep in mind that secret menu items can change frequently so you may not always be able to find these tasty bites and cocktails, but you’ll likely find others if you start asking around! (And if you do, PLEASE share your secret find with us!)
Magic Kingdom Secrets
Jungle Navigation Co., Ltd. Skipper Canteen
Of the many MANY things that we love about the Jungle Cruise-themed restaurant in Magic Kingdom, Skipper Canteen, we gotta say that the periodic secret menu items are top of the list!
The restaurant is well-known for dropping secret items at random, and you might be surprised by how often you can discover off-menu treats! Seriously, all you gotta do is ask your Skipper server when you’re seated about any off-menu items, and you might luck out! (TBH there have been visits our Skipper has just handed us a printed “secret” menu when we sat down like it was no biggie, so the level of secrecy is questionable 😉 !)
In the past, our curiosity has been rewarded with secret Pork Satay Skewers, Kungaloosh beer, and Pao de Queijo (which is a Brazilian cheese bread that’s similar to the dish served at EPCOT Food & Wine Festival), and THREE different cocktails, including what is known as the Cerulean Blue Sangria.
Find our review of these Skipper SECRETS here!
See What Certain Lounges Are Hiding From You…
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto
Speaking of Jungle Cruise-themed restaurants in Disney World, the Skippers sometimes have a few more secret menu items tucked up their sleeve over at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort!
We originally discovered three secret sips at the outdoor location — Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace (though you are usually able to order them inside too).
So, what can you order when you’ve ordered the HippopotoMai-Tai so many times that you finally think it’s time to switch things up? Well, our favorite secret cocktail of the bunch is the Grunts Grog which is made with Gin, Lemon Juice, Bitters, and Orgeat Syrup.
Prefer something a bit sweeter, well look no further than the Moana-inspired, Heart of Polynesia with Coruba, Bacardi, Blue Curaçao, Cream of Banana, Orange, and Pineapple…
…or give the refreshing Shipwrecked on D Rock, with Maker’s Mark, Lemon Juice, Mint, and Agave a try! All of these drinks will cost you somewhere between $11 to $15 which is on the lower end of the price range for the tiki bar.
Similar to Skipper Canteen, Trader Sam’s is a place known for whimsy and hidden secrets, making it a spot that you should prioritize asking your server for some off-menu intel!
See our FULL Review of the SECRET Menu Items at Trader Sam’s HERE!
Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar
Another bar that has a few secret sippers up its sleeve is Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar at Disney Springs!
Considering this Indiana Jones-themed bar is all about adventure and exotic flavors (and themed holiday decorations when it’s time to get festive), it’s no wonder that they embrace the playful nature of discovering secret menu items!
And boy, do they embrace it! We’ve previously discovered FOUR secret boozy drinks, including the chili-infused Lucky Lindy with Byejoe Dragon Fire Jameson, hibiscus, lime juice, pineapple, and white cranberry juice…
…the Bully Mammoth, a boozy mandarin vodka-spiked version of the Teddy Tea with green tea, mint, and tangerine…
…the Starry Night Mojito, which is your classic mojito made with Starr African Rum…
…and the Oxygen Tank, a watermelon and lemonade combo spiked with watermelon vodka (which weirdly tastes EXACTLY like cotton candy?!).
If all that wasn’t enough, Jock Lindsay’s has also had secret FRIES in the past, marinated in malt vinegar and served with garlic ranch! So, while ordering up the GIANT (and shareable) Air Pirate’s Pretzel is a must according to us, there’s clearly a whole lot more to discover at this Disney Springs spot!
You can find our reviews of the Lucky Lindy, the Bully Mammoth, the Starry Night Mojito, and the Oxygen Tank here!
Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’
There’s another Disney Springs spot to visit if you’re still thirsty for something secret — Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’. We already LOVE this spot for its famous fried chicken and biscuits, but we also have to introduce you to the…grey cocktails?
You read that right. Like the Grey Stuff Cupcake, the Gray Nissan cocktail is indeed delicious, despite its weird color!
It’s a secret menu cocktail that is a half-and-half mix of the restaurant’s Blue Hooch and Strawberry Lemonade Moonshine. These two drinks are poured into the same cup, stirred together, and, though it may look murky, it tastes AMAZING!
Here’s how to get it — since it’s not on the menu, you’ll have to ask for a combination of the two drinks. It’s the perfect cocktail for moonshine-lovers who enjoy tart drinks with a bit of sweetness, plus, if you choose to order it in one of Homecomin’s giant sippers (which costs $23), you can bring your cup back for refills (because you’re probably going to want more) for $15!
Check out our review of this Secret Menu Sip here!
Belle Vue Lounge
The cool kids know about The Shadow at Belle Vue Lounge. This dessert cocktail is a decadent mixture of Chambord, Godiva Chocolate Liqueur, Vanilla Vodka, and heavy cream.
This drink used to be featured on the lounge’s menu a long time ago; but, alas, that time has passed. Thankfully, you can still order it… IF you know to ask for it!
Plus, it’s FUN to order. I mean, it just sounds cool, right? Like, “Gimme The Shadow, will ya?” It’s like something you’d hear on one of those old-timey shows playing on the vintage radios from the 1930s and 40s they have at Belle Vue!
Find this BoardWalk classic cocktail (and more) here!
Restaurantosaurus Lounge
It helps to have a secret menu insider. Sure, you can always just ask your server or bartender about off-menu items, but it’s especially convenient when you build up familiarity as a regular so that your trusty Cast Member can steer you in the right direction — like our pal Jimmy at Restaurantosaurus Lounge in Disney’s Animal Kingdom!
Here you can find a whole host of cocktails and beers, but it’s also low-key a HOT SPOT for secret menu items!
In the past, he’s tipped us off to cocktails like the Raspberry Fizz (which is made with Bacardi Raspberry, Sprite, and cranberry juice and garnished with a strawberry)…
…and the Cretaceous Cooler (which has Parrot Bay Coconut Rum, Blue Curacao, Midori, and Pineapple Juice).
So, the next time you’re at Restaurantosaurus Lounge, be sure and ask for any of these drinks by name, or simply ask what else is new that’s not on the menu. Chances are you’ll find something tasty!
Find our review of the secret menu item that’s now on the menu right here!
EPCOT Has a Trick Up Its Sleeve…
Rose & Crown Pub
How is this for British hospitality? The fine folks at Rose & Crown Pub in the United Kingdom pavilion have a Secret Menu item for our plant-based friends. And though the name may imply that it’s seasonal, we’ve enjoyed the Christmas Pudding at various times of year!
This cheery cup is full of a chocolate pudding that, in texture, resembles more of a mousse with strong hints of coffee. So, I guess you could say that more secrets here are that it’s not actually pudding, nor is it only served at Christmas … but who cares when a dessert is this indulgent and tasty?
Click here to find our full review of this “Christmas” in a cup!
Refreshment Outpost
Bring out your spyglass, because there is some sleuthing to do for this one… VERY occasionally, at the Refreshment Outpost (tucked between the China and Germany pavilions in EPCOT), you may spy with your little eye a sign for the Frozen Brown Elephant. This frozen mix of Coca-Cola with milk and creamy Amarula Liqueur used to be on the regular menu, but currently comes and goes… UNLESS…
… you just so happen to spy a bottle of Amarula Liqueur in the area where they’re mixing the drinks. Since Frozen Coke is a menu staple here, if you see the Amarula Liqueur, they can likely whip up a Frozen Brown Elephant even if the sign isn’t posted!
Discover why we love the Frozen Brown Elephant here!
La Cava del Tequila
La Cava del Tequila is, without a doubt, one of our favorite watering holes in the World. We’re not alone in this, of course, and the proof is in the picture…
Look, we know… it can be hard to entertain the kiddos in a long line for something they actually WANT to do. Forget asking them to chill with you in line at a place like La Cava del Tequila that only serves drinks for adults. Or… DOES IT?
Enter the Virgin Colada! It features, of course, those same famous pineapple and coconut flavors of a traditional Pina Colada, sans booze, so guests that aren’t of age can enjoy a nice refreshing beverage at La Cava, too. And let’s face it. They owe you one after you stood in line with them for 45 minutes and dodged spit from a camel to ride Magic Carpets of Aladdin… AGAIN.
If you like (non-alcoholic) Pina Coladas, click here!
Animal Kingdom’s Hush-Hush Items
Yak & Yeti Restaurant
Like Expedition Everest whose queue is LOADED with fun yeti-themed secrets, the similarly named Yak & Yeti Restaurant in Animal Kingdom follows suit with TONS of unique secret menu items!
The Asian-inspired restaurant routinely stacks its regular offerings with off-the-menu options as well, and you never know what you might find!
In the past, we’ve lucked out with Bang Bang Calamari and Hibachi Steak & Shrimp!
Yak & Yeti’s Quick Service restaurant is next to this location, but to order the secret menu items you’ll need to sit down at the full-service Yak & Yeti Restaurant. And, if these secret menu items aren’t available at the time, don’t be afraid to ask your server about what else is off the menu!
Nomad Lounge — With a TIP for Scoring Secret Items at Other Lounges
Now, this particular example may not currently be available as a Secret Menu item (in fact, since our original discovery, it’s been spotted on the regular menu), but it DOES give us the chance to provide you with a great tip! If you’re visiting a lounge that is connected to a Table Service restaurant, you may be able to snag some items from the restaurant as a Secret Menu item!
Case in point: At Nomad Lounge, our kind server directed us to the Lobster Mac and Cheese that is served at the connected Tiffins!
Ditto on another visit, when our server filled us in on the Sweet Corn Soup!
The moral of the story is: it never hurts to ask… and your search may just result in Seafood Mac! (This is why I don’t write morals, but you get my point.)
Check out how we learned about the Lobster Mac and Cheese here!
We’re Letting the Cat (And Cookies. And CAKES!) Out of the Bag
When (not IF, but WHEN) you stop by Gideon’s Bakehouse to pick up one (or more!) of one of their famous fully-loaded, nearly half-pound COOKIES, be sure you’re in the know about any Secret Slices of CAKE they may be serving, while you’re at it!
Here’s how it’s done: Follow Gideon’s Bakehouse on Instagram or Facebook, or sign up for their newsletter! These outlets are where they will share the unique promoted password for the extremely limited secret slices, when available.
(Oh, and of course, we’ll keep you in the loop here on the DFB on Gideon’s Monthly Flavors, too!)
More Hidden Gems
Grand Floridian Cafe
We love the Grand Floridian Cafe for a lot of reasons, but it’s clever — and delicious — secret menu items are what keep us coming back for more!
The Strawberry Soup is a summertime fav that can usually only be found at the neighboring restaurant, 1900 Park Fare. But, since that restaurant remains closed, you may just be able to find the famous soup over here at Grand Floridian Cafe — just ask your server!
This one is served cold, and it’s actually a lot better than you might expect, so don’t be afraid to try it out for yourself!
Click here to see more about the Strawberry Soup!
Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe
Another fun and hidden way to discover menu secrets is through Mobile Order in Disney World.
While it’s not too common, we’ve discovered some specialty items over the years that AREN’T available on the main menu just by simply scrolling through Mobile Order options in the parks and resorts.
For instance, back in 2018, we noticed that Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe in Magic Kingdom had an entire section dedicated to Secret Menu items through Mobile Order, including the tasty (but expensive) Pork Belly Burger, topped with smoked gouda, sriracha aïoli, and pork rinds!
We’ve found similar Mobile Order secrets at D-Luxe Burger in Disney Springs too, but it has become a little less common to find hidden gems on the menu now that Mobile Order has become so popular.
Dole Whip
Disney World’s Dole Whip is perhaps the most iconic secret menu snack! Sure, you can always get the classic Pineapple Dole Whip from Aloha Isle in Magic Kingdom, but always be on the lookout for other flavorful options elsewhere!
Like when Disney casually announced a new “secret”* Minnie Dole Whip Watermelon Cup at Marketplace Snacks in Disney Springs in the summer of 2021… .
Watermelon Dole Whip was something we’d been DYING to try, and Disney delivered with a treat that was as adorable as it was tasty, made with strawberry white chocolate crunch pearls, pineapple mousse, that pink watermelon Dole Whip, and chocolate Minnie ears!
Even though this particular flavor might not be around currently, you never know what Dole Whip treasures you can find in the parks, at the resorts, and at Disney Springs. So, if you’re big fans of the refreshing creamy treat like us, be sure to ask around before you go straight for the classic Dole Whip!
*Did you notice those quotes around the word “secret”? Well, since the preceding words were “Disney casually announced,” a secret menu item, that means it’s maaaaaaaybe a little less secret than others you see on this list… but when it comes to DOLE Whip, WE’LL TAKE IT!
Check Out 10 Dole Whip Flavor Combos You Need to Try in Disney World HERE!
One More SECRET…
Did you know that you can take the bite-sized Churros (with chocolate sauce) from Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe and grab a cup of Coconut Dole Whip just across the way at Aloha Isle and you’ve got yourself a Coconut Dole Whip Churro Sundae!
Oh, wait… what’s that you say? The Churro Bites at Pecos Bill’s aren’t a secret? And neither is the Coconut Dole Whip? Why, you’re right! My bad! It looks like we’ve given you a SNACK HACK instead of a Secret Menu item! And guess what? We’ve got lots of THOSE for you, too!
Learn HOW TO HACK IT with our DFB Snack Hacks HERE!
And if YOU’VE got a Disney food secret you’re itching to spill, reach out to us with a comment here or over on our Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter!
Lissa says
Look in the allergy-friendly menus too. We found several items there that weren’t on the main menu at Beaches and Cream, like the patty melt, and a turkey sandwich.