Long ago, before we carried massively powerful, supercomputers in our pockets or purses. Or perhaps in the case of a select group – bras – the world was a more disconnected place. As a result, some folks lived their lives without straying past the next village or two. The idea of seeing another country or continent was a fairytale for some. And so, European explorers set out in massive ships in search of the exotic goods of the world. They brought back treasures that were sometimes stolen and some that they bartered fairly for. They also brought back ideas, traditions and customs from the many places they visited.
The history of the churro
But one enterprising explorer – an epicurean genius whose name is lost to time – went to Ming dynasty China and brought the churro back to Portugal. There should be parades for the guy who went to China and brought back the churro. He should be sainted for starting the culinary miracle created when he merged culinary techniques from Southern China with Spanish and Portuguese sensibilities.
What’s that you say? Could the origin of the churro be only a theory? While that may be true, let’s not get bogged down in the fact that we have no real idea where the churro came from. This is a celebration of crunchy, doughy, cinnamon and sugary goodness. Let’s not let facts – or the complete and utter lack of them – get in the way of a good story. So let’s fast forward a few hundred years.
Today, the churro is a staple of Latin American cuisine. For those in the know, churro stands are essentially an embassy for Heaven itself, little stands manned by angels. There are many ways we divide America specifically, by politics, race and culture. And also by those who have access to churro stands and those who do not.
Do they sell churros at Disney World?
Thankfully, the culinary Imagineers at Walt Disney World have recognized the place of the churro in the great theme park food pyramid. In other words, at the very top. So yes, you will be relieved to know that Disney World does sell churros. Which makes sense. After all, can a place be the Happiest Place on Earth if it does not have churros? Reader, it cannot. Of course, as in all things, Disney is not in business simply to be an acolyte in churro worship. Of course, Disney enjoys a dollar as much as any company on Earth. And churros represent a relatively low cost-to-scrumptiousness ratio.
Here’s what you need to make a churro:
- Water
- Butter
- Salt
- Flour
- Eggs
- Hot cooking oil
- Sugar
- Cinnamon
And a little star-shaped thing to push the dough through. That’s it. Sure back when Vasco da Gama was sailing around – things like sugar and salt and cinnamon were valuable commodities. But today? You can buy pallets of the stuff at Costco and get change back from a 20-dollar bill. After that, you just need a little cart to sell them. And you need someone to run the cart. It’s a license to print money.
Side note: I have it on good authority that theme parks’ most profitable item is cotton candy. The return on investment on that stuff is insane. It may be a great snack, but it’s also a massive moneymaker.
Where can you get your churro fix in the Magic Kingdom?
Disney – wisely, I suppose – plays it coy with its churros. You can’t just get the sweet treat anywhere. At the time of this writing, there are at least four tried and true locations in Magic Kingdom where you can score a churro. I’m honestly surprised Disney doesn’t have churro carts selling the reportedly 15-inch-long delicious snacks on every corner on Main Street. The treats also come in bite sizes, by the way, but more on that later. Indeed, you have to seek your favorite snacks out. You have to WANT a churro to score one in the park. It’s not just a whim.
Frontierland
The first spot is the Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Café, open for lunch and dinner in Frontierland. You can also get the EARridesence Nugget Churros with a chocolate dipping sauce. These churro bites are practical if you don’t want to risk losing your churro in a tragic breaking accident while walking around the park.
If you’re looking for a more traditional churro experience, there’s the Frontierland Churro Cart. The cart supplies churros with a side of chocolate sauce. The quick-service cart also sells the popular Mickey Pretzel with cheese sauce. Frontierland Churro Cart is located just across the border from Liberty Square.
Tomorrowland
Because the Happiest Place on Earth requires balance, across the park in Tomorrowland, two places sell churros. The Cool Ship stand sells a regular full-size churro – with a chocolate dipper. However, I find it inexplicable that the only other things the stand sells are assorted sodas, water and Monster Energy Drinks. I know when I want a crispy, doughy delight, the thing I want most in the world with it is a tall glass of Monster Energy drink.
Disney fans know that the Walt Disney Company likes nothing better than to keep its specialty culinary items close to each other for supply chain purposes so you can also get a churro at the nearby The Lunching Pad. The Lunching Pad has a wider variety of snacks and drinks so it is generally the better option if your crew wants more than a churro.
I’m a little surprised you can’t get churros in Fantasyland. It seems like a perfect item for the Cheshire Café kiosk near the Mad Tea Party ride. It would go well with the Cheshire Cat Tail, a different sweet snack featuring a colorful pastry covered with pink and purple frosting and chocolate flavor filling. If it’s your first Disney Trip, make it a point to try these too.
How much does a churro cost at Disney World?
At the time of this writing, churros at Disney World mostly range between $6-$7. But prices may vary by location and season.
Can you find churros at other Disney properties?
Of course, the Magic Kingdom isn’t the only place in Walt Disney World you can get Disney World’s churros. The popular snacks are available in the other parks, at Disney Springs and various other Disney properties in Lake Buena Vista. So, if you want a churro, you’ll be able to find one and you won’t have to sail halfway around the world to find it.
Are the churros at Disney World good?
It should be noted some disparage the Disney World churro as inferior. They say the best churros are at Disneyland. I can offer no opinion there, never having sampled the Disneyland version. In fairness, the Southeast United States isn’t exactly the land of authentic churros. Therefore, it’s possible that I am a Churro Pilgrim lost in a vast, dry wilderness of inferior churros and that any churro, to me, is a good churro. I do not require famous churros. I suggest, like anything else, decide for yourself … at least until I can get to California for the first time and try one myself.
Have you tried a churro at Disney World? What did you think? Let us know in the comments.
