Never Skip Leg Day! – Where to Find Delicious Turkey Legs at Walt Disney World (And How To Make Them At Home!)
As you probably know, Disney snacks are serious business to those who spend any time in Disney parks. From the classic Mickey-shaped pretzels to a refreshing Dole Whip (get the recipe), park-goers love to snack! And why shouldn’t they? Disney theme parks have some of the most iconic and delicious food options available. One of the most popular snacks you’ll find is a true classic – the giant turkey legs.
You’ve seen them all around the park: Giant. Juicy. Wrapped in tin foil. (And often favored by Disney dads in mouse ears!) In this article, we’re going to give you a complete guide to finding this meaty snack in the parks, some information about what makes them so popular, and our own special twist on a recipe you can try at home!
Exploring One of Disney World’s Most Popular Snacks
1 – Turkey Legs are VERY Popular
Surprised? You shouldn’t be. They consistently rank among the top Disney snacks for theme park guests. They sell almost two million turkey legs yearly throughout Disney parks.
2 – Turkey Legs Debuted in the Parks During the 1980s
Serving giant turkey legs has origins in medieval times – but not in the way you might think. They originally started popping up at medieval fairs and Renaissance festivals as quick, hand-held food items that could be eaten on the go.
In the 1980s, The Magic Kingdom introduced them at a food cart in Frontierland. They debuted right outside of Big Al’s Coonskin Caps, to be exact! They quickly proved to be popular with guests and spread to Disneyland properties as well. Today, you’ll find some variations of turkey legs at many US theme parks.
3 – Contrary to Popular Belief, They are REAL Turkey Legs
You may have heard the rumor (spread in part by actor Zachary Levi in a Conan interview) that the bird served at Disney parks isn’t turkey but emu. That’s just not true!
It turns out that the turkey legs you find in the parks are usually from male turkeys, which explains why they look so much bigger than their Thanksgiving drumstick counterparts (as those are usually female turkeys).
4 – These Turkeys are Massive!
As we said, these legs come from male turkeys, which are larger than females. How big, you might ask? Well, these turkey legs weigh in at a whopping 1.5 pounds each! That’s a lot of meat!
5 – You Can Get Turkey Leg Merch
That’s right! Remember when we said Disney snacks were serious business? Well, they’ve had their own official merchandise sold at the Disney Parks. In 2010, Disney started to see the benefit of marketing their beloved snacks in a whole new way. In the past, we’ve seen everything from shirts and hats to turkey leg-scented air fresheners. Haven’t you always wanted your very own “Nice & Juicy” t-shirt? Other slogans included “It’s Leg Day” and “I’m Just Here for the Turkey Legs.”
Even stranger? Disney also sells turkey leg-shaped rice cereal treats from time to time.
Where Can You Get a Turkey Leg in the Parks?
Currently, you can find turkey legs across most Disney theme parks. We’ll break down the most likely spots you’ll find them as well as any seasonal locations on Disney property.
The Magic Kingdom
- Liberty Square Market. As the name suggests, you can find this one in the middle of Liberty Square located beside the Hall of Presidents. As a note, they only serve this snack after 11 AM – so you’ll want to make other breakfast plans.
- Tortuga Tavern. Right next to Pirates of the Caribbean, Tortuga Tavern is a pirate-themed restaurant. The turkey leg goes on and off the menu at this quick-service location. You may be lucky enough to find it on your visit. However, we recommend you check the My Disney Experience app to be sure when you visit.
- Prince Eric’s Village Market. This snack kiosk is in the heart of Fantasyland, right across from Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid. They also usually have slushies and other cold treats on the menu as well.
- Sleepy Hollow Refreshment. Another spot in Liberty Square! Serving turkey legs on a limited basis at this location (usually later in the evenings, around 7:00 p.m., if at all), Sleepy Hollow is best known for its crepes and specialty beverages. We recommend checking the mobile order option to see if turkey legs are available!
- Gaston’s Tavern. Although not listed on the menu, according to planDisney and Magical Guides, this location does offer jumbo turkey legs along with their legendarily large cinnamon rolls (they’re roughly the size of a baaarge!).
It’s worth noting that the OG Turkey Cart in Frontierland has sadly closed in recent years. We’d love to see it come back, but for now, we’re just thankful turkey legs can be found elsewhere in the Magic Kingdom!
EPCOT
- Fire & Drum Tavern. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the sole purveyor of turkey legs at EPCOT can be found at the American Adventure Pavilion. This is a uniquely American treat, after all!
Animal Kingdom & Hollywood Studios
Currently, giant turkey legs are not available at Animal Kingdom or Hollywood Studios. Turkey legs used to be sold at the Yak & Yeti Quality Beverages quick service spot in Animal Kingdom but are no longer on the menu. If you have your heart set on this snack, make sure to plan your park visit accordingly!
If turkey legs become available at these parks again, we’ll be sure to update this article and let you know!
Other Spots
- The Smokehouse at House of Blues. The only Disney Springs location where you can find smoked turkey legs is the Smokehouse. This isn’t the traditional turkey leg you’ll find in the parks. While similar, it’s seasoned with the House of Blues special spices, and it served as an entrée.
Make Your Own at Home
Can’t wait until your next Disney trip to get that fix? Don’t worry – you aren’t alone! Many of us have tried to replicate our favorite Disney snacks at home (yes, we are still perfecting that yummy Dole Whip substitute! Here’s the recipe.), and we’ve got a great Disney-inspired turkey leg recipe for you to try for yourself!
What do you think about this classic snack? Is it a must-have for your visit? Or do you skip it on your trip?
Copycat Disney Smoked Turkey Legs
Equipment
- 1 gallon zipper storage bag
- 1 Smoker
- 1 Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 2 large turkey legs, about 2 pounds
- 1 tbsp Morton coarse kosher salt
- 3 tsps dark brown sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 tsp Prague powder #1
Instructions
- Dissolve the salt, Prague powder #1, and dark brown sugar in the water and then pour into a 1 gallon zipper storage bag.
- Add the meat and then refrigerate for 24 hours, occasionally moving the turkey legs around to ensure that all of the parts of the turkey leg are covered with the curing mixture.
- Remove the meat from the curing liquid and then rinse it well to ensure that the exterior of the meat is not too salty.
- Preheat the smoker to 325 degrees F.
- Smoke the turkey legs for about 1 hour or until the thick part of the meat reaches at least 160 degrees F.
- Serve immediately.
- Enjoy!
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