Tasty Treat Tuesday – Baked Macaroni & Cheese
Welcome back to Tasty Treat Tuesday here at MickeyBlog.com!
We all know that Walt Disney World is known for its iconic eats – popcorn, pretzels, ice cream and even Mickey waffles. HOWEVER – did you know that the theme parks are about SO much more than those classic well-loved treats? Each week, I’m ready to show you a unique tasty treat and where to find it on your next Disney vacation!
So, come join me on this weekly journey to find your new favorites! It’s time to create a new tradition!
Tasty Treat: Baked Macaroni & Cheese
Dining Plans! Two words that are HEAVILY discussed on MickeyBlog and throughout the Disney World community. As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, I regularly receive questions about the dining plans. Are they worth it? Should I skip it? How do I use it? And … of course … how do I get it for free? Navigating the dining plan options can certainly be a challenge, but if you are super savvy (or have a super savvy agent), you can REALLY maximize its benefits!!!
Today, for Tasty Treat Tuesday, I am featuring a treat that is very much a Dining Plan “snack credit hack”. What’s that, you say? Well, no matter what 2018 Dining Plan you pick, you (and anyone else traveling with you) will receive 2 snack credits for each night of your stay at a Disney Resort! (Side note: Let’s hope that the 2019 Vacation Packages will include the same meal plan credits as prior years, right? Want to find out what’s included? 2019 Vacation Packages will be released on Tuesday June 19th … Just click on the link below and request a free quote from one of MickeyTravels’ award-winning agents so you’ll know for sure!)
Most people will redeem a popcorn, bottle of water, or perhaps a Mickey Bar using their Dining Plan snack credits. And that’s totally okay! I do that, too! HOWEVER – there are SNACKS at Disney World that are the equivalent of little tiny meals. Yes, little meals for SNACK CREDITS!!! Today, I’m featuring one of those amazing snacks that is not only good “bang for the buck”, but it tastes good, too!
What is it?
Elbow-shaped macaroni cooked and mixed with a blend of cheeses, topped with more cheese (yay) and baked until melted inside with a crisp golden top. Served classic or topped with pulled pork or shrimp and sweet chili sauce.
Why try it?
Well, macaroni and cheese can often be considered rather ordinary, but these particular baked varieties are quite good – especially for a theme park snack credit! The cheese blend has a small bite of sharp cheddar and the melted quality of the cheese makes it a perfect ooey gooey bite of pasta and cheese. The golden baked cheese crust adds a warm toasted crunch to the soft baked macaroni. For the less adventurous palate, the classic baked version will satisfy any hunger craving. But my favorite part of these Baked Macaroni & Cheese offerings are versions that include toppings.
The Baked Macaroni & Cheese with Pulled Pork is generously loaded with flaky, moist pulled pork that is lightly drizzled with a tangy barbecue sauce. A forkful of the tender protein and cheesy baked macaroni makes for a layered treat that is rich and well-balanced. It is a perfect cup of portable comfort food! For the ultimate foodie, try the Baked Macaroni & Cheese with Shrimp and Sweet Chili Sauce. Briny, sweet shrimp are drizzled with sweet chili sauce. The sweet chili and shrimp add a brightness to the heavier macaroni & cheese. With a touch of heat, sweet, and sour, this version is bolder in flavor and equally satisfying! Yes, the Baked Macaroni & Cheese with Pulled Pork and Baked Macaroni & Cheese with Shrimp and Sweet Chili Sauce is actually considered a snack credit on the dining plan! But in my book, it’s definitely more like a “snack hack!”
Where can I find it?
Baked Macaroni & Cheese can be found at Eight Spoons Cafe, a tiny kiosk directly across from Adventurer’s Outpost on Discovery Island in Animal Kingdom. Upon entering Animal Kingdom, walk through the Oasis towards the Tree of Life on Discovery Island. Take the path to your right and Eight Spoons Cafe will be located just to your left before you enter Asia!
If you are meandering through the theme park enjoying your day, you could easily overlook this spot! But this little kiosk is worth the search and a great way to redeem a snack credit for its full value! So, if you are looking to maximize your Dining Plan credits with a super hearty, filling almost meal-type snack, Eight Spoons Cafe is a great place to visit while at Animal Kingdom!
Photo credit: AllEars.net
What do you think about Baked Macaroni & Cheese from Eight Spoons Cafe? Let me know in the comments below!
I am a self-professed Disney foodie who loves planning Disney vacations! Want to try a Tasty Treat on your next Disney vacation? Contact me today for a FREE quote!
Kelli Hughes
MickeyTravels, LLC
Authorized Disney Vacation Planner – Platinum Level
1-214-458-4626 (cell)
1-855-MICKEY-9 (toll-free)
khughes@mickeytravels.com
www.mickeytravels.com
