Note: As of 7.22.2012, the Crispy Fried Shrimp Basket is once again being served with french fries instead of tostones. Thanks to reader Billie Jean for the heads up!
Today, it’s time to talk about another delicious snack available at that culinary gateway to World Showcase — Epcot’s Refreshment Port!
I told you in the not-so-distant past about my favorite new treat there that’s worthy of the calories, the Spicy Chicken and Cheddar Poppers. (I know, they’re frozen, probably bought in bulk from Sysco or something, but they’re wonderful!)
Well, in the name of research (and with a new, shrimp-loving friend to join me), I decided once more to forego a sit-down meal during a recent visit to Epcot in order to sample a few more items on the Refreshment Port Menu (hidden gem of fried-ness that it is).
Menu - click image for larger version. See overall section for info on menu changes.
After looking over the menu (and NOT succumbing to the temptation of more spicy chicken cheddar poppers…because I’m strong like that), we decided to try the Crispy Fried Shrimp with French Fries and Cajun Tartar Sauce.
Just as before at this location, we had to wait for a bit to get our food. But since we were surrounded by British teens having the time of their lives (cheerleading competition, maybe?), at least we made some new friends while we waited.
While I didn’t eat too much of this, I did have a taste. The shrimp were piping hot when they emerged, fried perfectly with a good, crunchy breading. The dip reminded me of a tangy remoulade (but I’m not a connoisseur).
Crispy Fried Shrimp, French Fries, Cajun Tartar Sauce
And I couldn’t resist trying the Bacardi Frozen Mojito. I’m not usually so much a fan of mojitos (although the frozen rock coconut mojito at the 2011 Food and Wine Festival Caribbean Booth was excellent), but this actually pretty good.
While it was a little sweeter than I would like (a common problem with Disney frozen drinks, but maybe that’s just me) it still had a little tartness with the nice background of rum, and just a hint of mint. “Refreshing” is a good word for this.
Frozen Bacardi Mojito
Overall, if you’re looking for a grab-and-go, shareable snack in Epcot, the Refreshment Port is a very good stopover. It may also come in handy to know about this spot as we anticipate the closing of the Boulangerie Patisserie for expansion soon.
One important thing to note: as I mentioned above, the Refreshment Port menu tends to change often. I think we’ve been through about 6 menu tweaks and two major changes in the past year or two.
As of May 2012, the Crispy Shrimp is now being served with a side of tostones and a mayo-ketchup. We can only assume this has been done to inch back toward a Latin flair for the menu (previously, the menu has been very Latin-influenced).
Have you visited Epcot’s Refreshment Port lately? What would you like to try from the menu? Leave a comment and let us know!
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I need to stop reading DFB in the morning, hours before I get off work and can go to WDW. You make me hungry throughout the day! 😛
Thanks also for the reminder about the Spicy Chicken Poppers. I kept meaning to try them, but the previous incarnation of the refreshment port (that being a pseudo-McDonalds) keeps tainting my impression of it when I pass by. Gotta keep this article in mind next time I’m in World Showcase.
Something I hardly ever get to say about Disney food is that this item seems like a good deal. Quite a few shrimp (I prefer batter dipped to breaded) and what appear to be good looking home cut fries. Even a switch to tostones is good. I didn’t see a price on the monitor but who can resist the nice combination.
Paul — Oh how I love those spicy chicken cheddar poppers!! I need to find a good air conditioned spot to go eat them on my next visit…
Alan — Well, hear hear! I really do think it’s a decent deal. Cheaper than many counter-service meals.
I LOVE those frozen mojitos….last time I had one, it had a pretty nice kick to it.
Oh AJ, that looks very tempting to me. I love deep fried foods, but try to stay away from them unless they’re very well made. They need to be crunchy and not greasy or else they don’t get along with my stomach….:( Those Shrimp and chicken dishes look very, very well made. 🙂 I would definitely be glad to try them on my next trip.
Well I didn’t have the shrimp tonight, but I did try those poppers. Oh my god those were good. Exactly the right temperature, cheese was nice and gooey, large enough so that the six they serve are big enough for a full meal. Great, great find, AJ!
This is (one of many reasons) why I love this blog. It’s those hidden delights at the less glamorous locations that would’ve never crossed my mind! Those chicken poppers sound awesome, and shrimp would be a nice change to my pork-beef-pork dining habits at WDW!
Becca — Thank you!!
Paul — yay!! So glad you enjoyed them! 🙂
Essie — They’re worth it! 🙂
I love this site. We just got back from a trip to Disney and I have to say that the shrimp come with fries once again. I’m a fan of tostones and was looking forward to getting the shrimp but wasn’t up to fries. Hopefully they bring back the tostones.