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Delicious Disney: Walt Disney World: Recipes & Stories from The Most Magical Place on Earth
Walt Disney World honors its fiftieth anniversary with " The World's Most Magical Celebration," an incredible 18-month event that begins October 1, 2021. As part of the festivities, Delicious Walt Disney World is a holistic look at the Florida resort's culinary past, present, and future―all organically woven around diverse recipes from the Disney Chefs and fit for home chefs of varying skill levels.
After the success of Disneyland, Walt Disney wanted to build something more elaborate and with more room. Ultimately, it was Walt's brother and business partner, Roy O. Disney, who brought forth his sibling's dream―and made it a reality―when the Magic Kingdom opened in 1971. More than fifty years later, we still celebrate Walt's dream, Roy's vision and commitment, plus the dedication of those who serve up a world of magic. And all of it is deliciously Disney.
Filled with a heartfelt narrative and behind-the-scenes anecdotes, mouth-watering food photos, gorgeous Walt Disney Imagineering concept artwork, nostalgic restaurant menus and ephemera, and a little Disney magic, this cookbook-meets-culinary-history coffee table book enchants with more than sixty recipes. Including an assortment of appetizers, main courses, sides, desserts, and even joyful libations, these dishes come from fine-dining and quick-service establishments across the resort. Each has been tested by home chefs to help you bring your cherished vacation memories to life . . . and inspire new ones for years to come.
Here’s just a sampling of what awaits
Searching for ways to celebrate the Walt Disney World Resort? Explore more books from Disney Editions :
After the success of Disneyland, Walt Disney wanted to build something more elaborate and with more room. Ultimately, it was Walt's brother and business partner, Roy O. Disney, who brought forth his sibling's dream―and made it a reality―when the Magic Kingdom opened in 1971. More than fifty years later, we still celebrate Walt's dream, Roy's vision and commitment, plus the dedication of those who serve up a world of magic. And all of it is deliciously Disney.
Filled with a heartfelt narrative and behind-the-scenes anecdotes, mouth-watering food photos, gorgeous Walt Disney Imagineering concept artwork, nostalgic restaurant menus and ephemera, and a little Disney magic, this cookbook-meets-culinary-history coffee table book enchants with more than sixty recipes. Including an assortment of appetizers, main courses, sides, desserts, and even joyful libations, these dishes come from fine-dining and quick-service establishments across the resort. Each has been tested by home chefs to help you bring your cherished vacation memories to life . . . and inspire new ones for years to come.
Here’s just a sampling of what awaits
Searching for ways to celebrate the Walt Disney World Resort? Explore more books from Disney Editions :
320 pages, Hardcover
Published April 19, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 5, 2024
I wish it was more then a rental from the library. I loved seeing the stories that talked about where the recipes were from and how they came about. This would be as great a coffee table book as one to use for the recipes. Most of them were straight forward and easy enough.
February 1, 2023
4.5 Stars / 0 Steam Fans
This cookbook is a die-hard Disney person's dream cookbook! So much Disney history and facts are included in this thick engaging cookbook. Definitely putting it on my list of cookbooks to own.
Video review available in Week 5: Jan 29 – Feb 4, 2023, weekly book reviews on Steph's Romance Book Talk (https://www.youtube.com/@stephsromanc...)
This cookbook is a die-hard Disney person's dream cookbook! So much Disney history and facts are included in this thick engaging cookbook. Definitely putting it on my list of cookbooks to own.
Video review available in Week 5: Jan 29 – Feb 4, 2023, weekly book reviews on Steph's Romance Book Talk (https://www.youtube.com/@stephsromanc...)
August 9, 2022
I've never been to Disney World, but this book looked like it's got some recipes I'd like to try some day. One of the ones I'd like to try first: the Grey Stuff!
December 31, 2021
I bought this for my husband for Christmas, and I am so glad I did. We love Disney, and it is fun to read about different attractions, and see some familiar recipes. I do wish they had a few more recipes listed, but overall it is enjoyable for a Disney fan.
May 29, 2026
Delicious Disney: Walt Disney World: Recipes & Stories from The Most Magical Place on Earth by Pam Brandon, Marcy Carriker Smothers, and The Disney Chefs (2021)
319-page Kindle Ebook story pages 12-289
Genre: Cookbook, Food & Drink, Travel, History
Rating as a movie: PG
Featuring: Full-Color Photos, Disney World, Table of Contents, Introduction, Movie References, Recipes From Yesteryear, Stories, Restaurants, Original Concept Art, Vintage Menus, Brochures, and Maps; Never Left the Menu, Theming Food, Accommodations and Sustainability - Gluten-free and Plant Based Dishes, Cocktails and Mocktails, Desserts, Acknowledgements, Index, Sources, Image Credits,
My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🏰🍨🌯🥗🍝🍦🧁🍹
My thoughts: 🔖Page 157 of 319 CHAPTER FIVE TIARAS AND CROWNS Fine and Fancy Dining - I was not expecting this book to feature recipes from defunct restaurants; that was amazing. I haven't come across any recipes that I would make, but I'm in love with all of the photos, especially of the restaurants and vintage items. The stories are fantastic! I'm going to have to read more of these books. I'm only stopping to watch the Survivor Finale; otherwise, this would be a single-session read. (I did stop to share newly discovered information.)
So I have never heard of a handwich, and I knew Shades of Green was the Disney Inn, but I had no idea that it had two other names before that and didn't even start off as a resort. I did find a few interesting recipes that I would be willing to make, but mostly I enjoy the stories about the restaurants, and the photos of the dining rooms were even better than the food photos. Loved it.
Recommend to others: Yes. This book didn't make me want to book a trip; it made me feel like I was on one.
Memorable Quotes: The EMPRESS LILLY RIVERBOAT, moored on the shores of what is now Disney Springs, was named for Walt’s wife, Lillian, who was affectionately known as Lilly. On May 1, 1977, Lilly attended the dedication of the three-restaurant attraction with five of her and Walt’s grandchildren. At the time, the vessel’s Empress Room was the most elegant dining experience at Walt Disney World. It closed on April 22, 1995, and now is the home to Paddlefish.
THE GOLF RESORT opened in 1971 as a clubhouse for two Walt Disney World championship courses with fine dining in the Magnolia Room. When hotel rooms were added in 1973, the Magnolia Room became the Trophy Room, and it continued serving this popular dish in a peach partly nestled in a champagne coupe. The treat got an update in 1986 when The Golf Resort became The Disney Inn; they began serving the dessert in a fried tortilla shell in the Garden Gallery restaurant. (The U.S. Department of Defense purchased the resort in 1996, after changing the name to Shades of Green in 1994.)
KING STEFAN’S BANQUET HALL was the crown jewel for dining on Opening Day in the Magic Kingdom, where guests ascended a circular staircase and entered a medieval culinary fantasy inside Cinderella Castle. And though King Stefan has no connection to Cinderella (he’s Aurora’s father in Sleeping Beauty), his name lent an air of elegance to the fanfare. The name changed to Cinderella’s Royal Table in 1997, though servers still wear medieval garb. Look for the Disney family crest by the fireplace: it’s the one with three red lions on a field of white.
With one of the world’s largest saltwater aquariums—5.7 million gallons—as a stunning backdrop, the CORAL REEF RESTAURANT in The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilion serves a seafoodcentric menu. But don’t worry: none of the tank’s sea creatures are on the menu!
Beyond the resort, the Disney Harvest Program collects unserved prepared meals at Walt Disney World for Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, supporting more than forty local nonprofit agencies feeding the hungry—hundreds of thousands of meals each year. Twice monthly, the culinary team coordinates meals for residents at the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida, providing more than nine thousand meals to coalition residents, children, and their families every year.
319-page Kindle Ebook story pages 12-289
Genre: Cookbook, Food & Drink, Travel, History
Rating as a movie: PG
Featuring: Full-Color Photos, Disney World, Table of Contents, Introduction, Movie References, Recipes From Yesteryear, Stories, Restaurants, Original Concept Art, Vintage Menus, Brochures, and Maps; Never Left the Menu, Theming Food, Accommodations and Sustainability - Gluten-free and Plant Based Dishes, Cocktails and Mocktails, Desserts, Acknowledgements, Index, Sources, Image Credits,
My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🏰🍨🌯🥗🍝🍦🧁🍹
My thoughts: 🔖Page 157 of 319 CHAPTER FIVE TIARAS AND CROWNS Fine and Fancy Dining - I was not expecting this book to feature recipes from defunct restaurants; that was amazing. I haven't come across any recipes that I would make, but I'm in love with all of the photos, especially of the restaurants and vintage items. The stories are fantastic! I'm going to have to read more of these books. I'm only stopping to watch the Survivor Finale; otherwise, this would be a single-session read. (I did stop to share newly discovered information.)
So I have never heard of a handwich, and I knew Shades of Green was the Disney Inn, but I had no idea that it had two other names before that and didn't even start off as a resort. I did find a few interesting recipes that I would be willing to make, but mostly I enjoy the stories about the restaurants, and the photos of the dining rooms were even better than the food photos. Loved it.
Recommend to others: Yes. This book didn't make me want to book a trip; it made me feel like I was on one.
Memorable Quotes: The EMPRESS LILLY RIVERBOAT, moored on the shores of what is now Disney Springs, was named for Walt’s wife, Lillian, who was affectionately known as Lilly. On May 1, 1977, Lilly attended the dedication of the three-restaurant attraction with five of her and Walt’s grandchildren. At the time, the vessel’s Empress Room was the most elegant dining experience at Walt Disney World. It closed on April 22, 1995, and now is the home to Paddlefish.
THE GOLF RESORT opened in 1971 as a clubhouse for two Walt Disney World championship courses with fine dining in the Magnolia Room. When hotel rooms were added in 1973, the Magnolia Room became the Trophy Room, and it continued serving this popular dish in a peach partly nestled in a champagne coupe. The treat got an update in 1986 when The Golf Resort became The Disney Inn; they began serving the dessert in a fried tortilla shell in the Garden Gallery restaurant. (The U.S. Department of Defense purchased the resort in 1996, after changing the name to Shades of Green in 1994.)
KING STEFAN’S BANQUET HALL was the crown jewel for dining on Opening Day in the Magic Kingdom, where guests ascended a circular staircase and entered a medieval culinary fantasy inside Cinderella Castle. And though King Stefan has no connection to Cinderella (he’s Aurora’s father in Sleeping Beauty), his name lent an air of elegance to the fanfare. The name changed to Cinderella’s Royal Table in 1997, though servers still wear medieval garb. Look for the Disney family crest by the fireplace: it’s the one with three red lions on a field of white.
With one of the world’s largest saltwater aquariums—5.7 million gallons—as a stunning backdrop, the CORAL REEF RESTAURANT in The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilion serves a seafoodcentric menu. But don’t worry: none of the tank’s sea creatures are on the menu!
Beyond the resort, the Disney Harvest Program collects unserved prepared meals at Walt Disney World for Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, supporting more than forty local nonprofit agencies feeding the hungry—hundreds of thousands of meals each year. Twice monthly, the culinary team coordinates meals for residents at the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida, providing more than nine thousand meals to coalition residents, children, and their families every year.
May 19, 2022
Fun mix of history, concept art, pictures, and recipes.
November 3, 2022
If you're a Disney fan, you'll enjoy this book. If you're new to "Disney" and are looking for more detailed information about Disney World, you may want to choose a different book. However, if you are familiar with the parks, this book will bring back many memories and even encourage you to build new ones in places you haven't visited. A smattering of recipes, park history and beautiful photos make this a great book for any Disney lover.
October 20, 2021
I love the beauty of this book! There are a lot of good recipes and even recipes for vegans and gluten free people! However, there are a LOT of pictures in here and it takes up over half the book. I like the idea but I wish there were more recipes and less talking. Other than that, it's an amazing book
January 11, 2023
As far as restaurant history goes, this book knocks it out of the park. There’s original sketches, insider information, and personal anecdotes are a great add! But as far cookbooks go, I was a bit disappointed in this one.
First, why is there a photo of cupcakes on the cover that’s not included in the recipes? Flipping through, I’m seeing that’s in their 50th celebration ad section at the back but was bummed to see that they didn’t include the recipe. Additionally, I found at least three other recipes that did not include photos of the finished dish. For all the photos and illustrations sprinkled throughout this book, this oversight surprised me.
Second, I wasn’t a fan of the ingredients list being split on multiple pages. For planning recipes, I find it easier to have them all categorized on one page instead of multiple pages.
Third, where are all the seasonings? I could be wrong, but most recipes seemed too light on seasonings. For instance, in Tonga Toast, there’s no vanilla? And for the Shrimp with Tomato-Feta Compote, it doesn’t say what type of white wine to use. And for Breakfast Lasagna, it isn’t until the 5th page into the recipe that it states to use 3-4 waffles and 8 (4-inch) pancakes. I’d love the recipes used for each component included at the beginning of each recipe to get ready in the prep phase, but they aren’t.
And lastly, if you’re looking for a specific category in the index, best of luck! You’ll find them alphabetical by category but beyond that, you’ll need to know the exact name or be searching a list of up to 30 recipes. Not the best organization I’ve seen for finding specific recipes, especially when you’re hankering for a 50th celebration cupcake featured on the cover.
It’s because of the above that I can’t give this cookbook the rating I was truly hoping for. It’s Disney after all! But all in all, I’d have to give this book a 3.5 star rating for a great easy beginner cookbook with a ton of great history tidbits, but for the more serious cook, there surely has to be better Disney cookbooks out there. If so, I’d love to hear about them in the comments. Thanks 😊
First, why is there a photo of cupcakes on the cover that’s not included in the recipes? Flipping through, I’m seeing that’s in their 50th celebration ad section at the back but was bummed to see that they didn’t include the recipe. Additionally, I found at least three other recipes that did not include photos of the finished dish. For all the photos and illustrations sprinkled throughout this book, this oversight surprised me.
Second, I wasn’t a fan of the ingredients list being split on multiple pages. For planning recipes, I find it easier to have them all categorized on one page instead of multiple pages.
Third, where are all the seasonings? I could be wrong, but most recipes seemed too light on seasonings. For instance, in Tonga Toast, there’s no vanilla? And for the Shrimp with Tomato-Feta Compote, it doesn’t say what type of white wine to use. And for Breakfast Lasagna, it isn’t until the 5th page into the recipe that it states to use 3-4 waffles and 8 (4-inch) pancakes. I’d love the recipes used for each component included at the beginning of each recipe to get ready in the prep phase, but they aren’t.
And lastly, if you’re looking for a specific category in the index, best of luck! You’ll find them alphabetical by category but beyond that, you’ll need to know the exact name or be searching a list of up to 30 recipes. Not the best organization I’ve seen for finding specific recipes, especially when you’re hankering for a 50th celebration cupcake featured on the cover.
It’s because of the above that I can’t give this cookbook the rating I was truly hoping for. It’s Disney after all! But all in all, I’d have to give this book a 3.5 star rating for a great easy beginner cookbook with a ton of great history tidbits, but for the more serious cook, there surely has to be better Disney cookbooks out there. If so, I’d love to hear about them in the comments. Thanks 😊
February 6, 2022
(3.5 stars according to the CAWPILE system)
I picked this 50th anniversary-specific Disney World cookbook up at Disney World, so it's as much a souvenir of a moment in time for me personally as it is a collection of recipes specific to the theme park. That said, I was slightly disappointed in it- I expected more (current) recipes from the Flavor Lab, things unusual and highly unique to the theme park that I could re-create at home. And there were some of those, but a lot of simple recipes (like a PB&J milkshake) and recipes from the resorts (which aren't a touchstone for me).
Adjusting my expectations in that regard would've given me more enjoyment. But to give it the credit it deserves: this book seems well researched, with a lot of info about Walt Disney, early Disney theme park and resort food, and fantastic photos of the interior of different restaurants in the resorts and theme parks, as well as scans of historic memorabilia like menus and pics of Walt on the sit of Disney World before construction began. As a look back on the general crowd-pleaser food of the iconic theme park, it's well presented and the recipes look very approachable. I've picked out a handful to try, and I hope to someday get my grubby little hands on Disney World's more bizarre and unique fun themed food (honestly, if you released a cookbook of the recipes from Animal Kingdom and Galaxy's Edge, and maybe had some insider info on the amazing food designers and chefs of Disney, I'd be very, very happy).
I picked this 50th anniversary-specific Disney World cookbook up at Disney World, so it's as much a souvenir of a moment in time for me personally as it is a collection of recipes specific to the theme park. That said, I was slightly disappointed in it- I expected more (current) recipes from the Flavor Lab, things unusual and highly unique to the theme park that I could re-create at home. And there were some of those, but a lot of simple recipes (like a PB&J milkshake) and recipes from the resorts (which aren't a touchstone for me).
Adjusting my expectations in that regard would've given me more enjoyment. But to give it the credit it deserves: this book seems well researched, with a lot of info about Walt Disney, early Disney theme park and resort food, and fantastic photos of the interior of different restaurants in the resorts and theme parks, as well as scans of historic memorabilia like menus and pics of Walt on the sit of Disney World before construction began. As a look back on the general crowd-pleaser food of the iconic theme park, it's well presented and the recipes look very approachable. I've picked out a handful to try, and I hope to someday get my grubby little hands on Disney World's more bizarre and unique fun themed food (honestly, if you released a cookbook of the recipes from Animal Kingdom and Galaxy's Edge, and maybe had some insider info on the amazing food designers and chefs of Disney, I'd be very, very happy).
February 23, 2023
This is Such a beautiful book, which oozes Walt Disney World from every page. Feels like being there!!! As a cookbook, the recipes are really good: what's not to like about Breakfast lasagne?! Lots are aimed at vegetarians and every dish is beautifully photographed. But the joy in this book are the photos of the restaurants and the original artwork/ concept. They have also included Star Wars land and the book features the 50th birthday of the resort too: including those grey cupcakes, which now I know what's in them, are far more appealing!!! This would make an excellent Christmas or birthday present for Disney fans, as it's got photos of the resort on nearly every page. I think this is now my favourite cookbook and there is so much to read, not just the recipes, but about the parks and the restaurants too. Especially good if you can't afford to eat table service (like me) when you are there and have to stick to quick service. Now at least I can see what the expensive places look like and make the food myself at home.
February 4, 2024
I know a cookbook isn’t really something you read cover to cover, but this one was! It’s filled with Disney history as related to food in the parks as well as concept art for the food establishments. There are 22 recipes I’d like to try to make. The downsides for me are 1) too many fried foods (I don’t fry food at home) and 2) it seems like there are a lot of iconic Disney foods that are missing in here. A lot of Disney resort recipes rather than Disney park recipes. Regardless, I’m excited that it’s actually an official Disney recipe book rather than an unofficial one, which is what I’ve been working from thus far.
May 31, 2026
Disney does make some beautiful books. A nice, thick volume, printed on high quality paper, with glossy photography -- but in my opinion, it's more of a coffee table book than a cookbook, as far as how it appealed to me personally. I think my favorite aspect of the book is all the "ephemera" that was added in. It is pure eye candy to a Disneyphile to see original concept art, old attraction posters and menus, and to read about the food history of WDW. There are multiple books in this series and I plan to browse each of them, if nothing more than to see which recipes they chose to feature and what interesting trivia I can discover.
July 31, 2023
This is a beautiful book...not just a cookbook, but a history of the restaurants that have existed in the Walt Disney World park for its first 50 years (1971-2021) and some of the amazing chefs and themed food creations. More sit down fancy meal recipes than the walk-around treats people might usually associate with Disney theme parks, with just a few gluten free and vegan recipes included toward the end. A visual feast!
November 28, 2022
This is a beautiful book that contains the rich history of some Disney restaurants that no longer exist. The book contains a variety of recipes, some of which I'd like to try, and many that are VERY complex and I will most likely not make but I truly enjoyed the presentation and am glad to own this!
March 20, 2022
Fun cookbook that has some history of Disney World. Could have been filled with more recipes, felt a lot of the book was just an ad for the parks. Will go back in the future to make a couple of the recipes.
April 20, 2022
A fun look at Walt Disney Word through food. This is jam-packed with fun stories, history, pictures, and artwork. A great keepsake. Many of the recipes can be easily replicated in even the causal cook’s kitchen.
March 11, 2025
This was a very cute cookbook! I really liked the large diversity of recipes that the book offered along with the concept art of certain areas of Disney like recipes and resorts. Unfortunately, there weren't a whole lot of recipes that I did save due to my food allergies and preferences.
August 9, 2022
I loved reading some of the old menus that were included in the book.
August 20, 2022
The recipes looked pretty complicated and not all that appetizing. I thought the drawings and concept art and information was pretty cool though. I didn't end up making anything from it.
September 9, 2022
A really wonderful book filled with fun history and trivia and accessible recipes.
December 19, 2022
The recipes were nice but what I really liked was all the historical and behind the scenes pictures and information.
January 4, 2023
What a fantastic book! The recipes all look yummy and I love the illustrations! I can't wait to try some of these recipes!
July 8, 2023
I would have liked more themed recipes. The stories to go with the recipes and some of the history of Disney was really cool to learn.
August 24, 2023
An excellent combination of WDW history and recipes. Loved it!
January 3, 2024
This was one of my fave Christmas gifts! I love it when a cookbook contains stories so it's easy to read cover to cover. Disney history plus Disney recipes. YaY!
October 13, 2024
Not just a great cookbook with entrees, desserts and drinks, but also has great historical facts, pictures, and concept art from Walt Disney World! Great for any Disney fan.
February 27, 2023
This cookbook is perfect for any Disney lover! It has some fun recipes, but it also includes some amazing history of Walt Disney World! It is also beautiful! Highly recommend!
December 6, 2022
This book is full of recipes that are served at Walt Disney World. A fun book for those who love Disney.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews