Journey into WDW

Over the weekend, I spent a lot of time in Magic Kingdom, specifically over in Gaston’s Tavern. More than anything I forgot how much I liked the food there and needed to share this news with the world!

Gaston’s Tavern is located in “New Fantasyland”, an extension that opened in December of 2012, to include attractions like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Under the Sea with the Little Mermaid, and Be Our Guest restaurant. However in the back corner right next to the hidden bathrooms, is the counter service of Gaston’s Tavern.

Gaston’s Tavern is themed after Beauty and the Beast, as our villain’s hang out. It is decorated with animal taxidermy, fake of course, along with Gaston’s favorite chair which makes for a fantastic photo op. While the location is smaller compared to quick services like Cosmic Rays, it does provider for better seating than it’s similar counter service counterparts, such as The Friars Nook, to include both indoor and outdoor, which can help you on those hot summer days. The only words of advice would be to divide and conquer since the seating inside is limited and may fill up fast.

Originally this location found popularity for the Gigantic Cinnamon Roll and for LeFou’s Brew, but it almost seems at this point that no one truly makes the trek to the back corner. Disney realized this and decided to switch the menu a bit, adding some new additions while also keeping true with what Gaston’s Tavern is known for.

I will be rating each menu item along with giving a brief description to help you decide if making your way to this corner of the park is worth your time. The menu is broken up into beverages, including the infamous Lefou’s brew and your usual Coca Cola fountain drink options, Quick Bites, for a lighter but shareable option, and Entrees, which will come with a side of chips.

LeFou’s Brew-

According to the description on the menu, this is frozen apple juice with a hint of toasted marshmallow and topped with a passion fruit mango foam. The drink is described as sweet and refreshing and the foam adds a tangy flavor that compliments the frozen apple juice. The drink is great both for those colder winter months, along with the hot summer days to help with any sweet tooth hankerings without worrying about a melty sticky mess that can happen with some other treats at Disney World (I’m looking at you dole whip). This is a treat that can be enjoyed by those of all ages. A fun drink to brighten up your park day.

The Grey Stuff Cupcake-

On the menu this is described as a chocolate cupcake topped with “The Grey Stuff” and crispy pearls. Even though there is no description, I would describe “The Grey Stuff” as a cookies and cream mousse, that is swirled on top of the cupcake. Now this cupcake is not the best dessert that I have had on Disney property, however I would gladly eat a tub of “The Grey Stuff” if I could. I enjoy that since it is a mousse it truly does not sit in your stomach like the other sugary icings offered on top of other cupcakes on the resort. The cupcake was also surprisingly moist. The chocolate flavor compliments “The Grey Stuff” immensely. Creating a fabulous bite, if you can manage to get a bite together, which is difficult due to the height of the topping compared to the depth of the cupcake, this is definitely a treat that you need to enjoy sitting down. I would say that this cupcake is great for all ages. It was a great way to add to a fun treat so that you can skip the expensive dinner at “Be Our Guest”, because it is not worth it.

Warm Cinnamon Roll-

This cinnamon roll is originally what Gaston’s Tavern was known for when it first opened. Now this is definitely a shareable treat for it’s size, but I am not sure if you would exactly want to as it can quickly turn into a sticky frosting filled mess. As someone who is not a big fan of cinnamon rolls this is a bit daunting, however according to some friends of mine they really enjoyed it. It was surprisingly hot and fresh, when generally treats like this taste like it has been sitting under the heat lamp for a little too long. However the one complaint I’ve heard from most people who’ve tried it is the fact that they do not give enough icing with it. In years past, you used to be able to order extra icing, however sadly they have done away that. But ask and maybe a cast member can do you a solid and give you extra frosting. If you’re a fan of cinnamon rolls this may be the one for you. However, there are other great things on the menu that I would recommend before the cinnamon roll.

Creme Brulé Croissant-

This is described as a “crispy croissant dough filled with vanilla bean custard.” When you first look at the treat, you would not think much of it, as it’s fairly plain looking. It is a rectangle croissant with a sugar glaze on top, which does crack like a traditional Creme Brulé. Full disclosure the glaze makes it very sticky. I attempted to cut this in half and had a very difficult time. I would recommend sharing this with those you may not mind lady and the tramping it with, unless you want to make a mess. The croissant aspect of the treat was fabulously flaky and added a nice crunch to the soft treat, but it was the custard that was the true star of the show. The vanilla bean custard created this soft but sweet flavor that contrasted the crunch. Much like “The Grey Stuff”, I would consume mass amounts of that custard if given the opportunity. It can be a little too sweet for some individuals, but between my friend and myself, we happily consumed this sweet treat and would happily share it again. The crunch and the possible mess may make this difficult for some smaller guests or those with smaller hands. I highly recommend this to anyone with trying to quell their sugar addiction.

Ham and Gruyere Tart-

This is the one and only savory meal offered on the menu served with a side of lays potato chips (only plain chips for some reason). The tart is made with a croissant dough and topped with ham and gruyere. At first, I considered this just another puffy pizza wannabe, and we all know that Disney puffy pizza is not going to be anyone’s first choice, except for maybe a very picky eater. However, there is something different about this tart. They use a croissant dough instead regular dough, which I really like (it’s the same croissant from the Creme Brulé Croissant). The flaky crust gives the tart a nice crunch that a lot of Disney pizzas are missing on property. The croissant flavor improves this from a simple snack to a delicious meal. The ham is fresh, and even those who may not enjoy ham, would find this treat absolutely delicious. If there was one meal that you were hoping for at Disney that is not chicken tenders and french fries in Magic Kingdom, I would recommend stopping here for the tart, or even for a mid-day snack shared by a few people.

Overall, the food at this counter service is delicious and gives you the opportunity for a fun new treat and a simple park staple. Everyone can find something on this menu and even the pickiest of eaters can find something here. Next time you find yourself coming off of the The Voyage of the Little Mermaid before lunch time, I’d recommend working your way back to Gaston’s Tavern and even just trying a simple quick bite, you won’t regret it!

What other food is slept on at the parks? Comment your food sleeper hits below.