With so much importance given to Disney characters, rides, shows, and souvenirs, food at Disneyland and Walt Disney World often ends up playing third or fourth fiddle for many visitors.
Well, not for me or my family.
We are die-hard foodies and love how Disney goes above and beyond, integrating culinary specialties from across the globe into its theme park experience. At the same time, Disney never fails to incorporate its trademark quirkiness into these delicious gastronomic delights.
Beignets are a must-have food at Disneyland and a favorite of mine. That it is available in limited places makes it all the more special.
Consequently, it is the one sweet snack I make a beeline for whenever we visit Disneyland in California.
What is a beignet?
A beignet is of French origin and is primarily a deep-fried pastry.
Some might say it is more of a fritter, but I find it lighter and less dense than one.
You may consider it a smaller version of a donut without a hole. Not surprisingly, a beignet is also known as a “French donut.”
A sweet comfort food in its native France, the beignet crossed the Atlantic with the French Catholics who settled in New Orleans.
Eventually, it became a quintessential dessert of New Orleans cuisine. Now, beignets are a revered Disney snack.
Boasting a crispy exterior and pillowy, airy inside, original beignets come laden with powdered sugar.
A beignet at Disneyland is a must for anyone with a sweet tooth. And let me assure you, one never forgets their first beignet. I sure haven’t.
How do you pronounce beignet?
Okay, I confess, I read beignet as “big net” the first time I came across the name in a menu.
The correct French pronunciation is “be-nye.”
Should you prefer a more straightforward pronunciation, try “ben-yeyz.”
What are Disney beignets made of?
Disney beignets are similar to the authentic version of this sweet delight.
They consist of a dough mix comprising flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. The beignet is then deep-fried in vegetable oil.
Once cooked and golden brown, they are sprinkled generously with powdered sugar and typically served with a dipping sauce.
Do they still serve beignets at Disneyland?
Yes!
There has been a little confusion lately regarding the availability of beignets in Disneyland because the iconic Mint Julep Bar was closed temporarily.
However, it’s time to rejoice because not only is the bar open, but so is Beignets Expressed, a specialty on-the-go eatery.
What are beignets at Disneyland?
Disneyland Beignets are the same as the classic New Orleans beignets in texture and taste.
The glazed ones tend to resemble donuts in composition.
Of course, everyone has their favorite, and the debate on where you can find the best is never-ending.
However, the one thing you won’t find elsewhere, except at Disney, are Mickey-shaped beignets.
What is the history of beignets at Disneyland?
One does not know the exact date when this New Orleans classic became a part of Disney. But visitors first got to taste beignets at Disneyland in the 1960s at Mint Julep Bar.
While initially served in their authentic rectangular form, Mickey-shaped beignets weren’t far behind.
Where to find beignets in Disneyland?
There are a few different places where you can find Disneyland beignets. Among them are popular eateries as well as on-the-go options.
Mint Julep Bar
The legendary Mint Julep Bar is where you will find Mickey-shaped beignets topped with powdered sugar in sets of 3 and 6, costing $5.59 and $8.99, respectively.
The bar in New Orleans Square is famous for its non-alcoholic mint julep and various other seasonal offerings.
Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio
Featuring a menu that focuses primarily on Cajun-Creole cuisine, it is no surprise that you will find beignets here.
Disneyland beignets at this Downtown Disney restaurant include the classic version and absolutely fantastic Bananas Foster Glazed Beignets.
The latter has banana-rum icing, caramel, vanilla bean crème anglaise, and cinnamon sugar dust. Yum!
Beignets Expressed
Also located in the Downtown District is the specialty quick-service Beignets Expressed.
Open from 9:00 AM to 10:30 PM, the eatery features attractive pink and white interiors.
More interestingly, it has a glass section allowing visitors to watch the staff make the beignets.
In case you are wondering, Beignets Expressed was previously known as Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen Express.
Here, you’ll find a variety of French donut options, including glazed beignets, perfect for when you wish to overindulge.
Tiana’s Palace
The recently opened Tiana’s Palace is a cornucopia of bright colors and much activity.
Here’s a little insider information about the restaurant. Most people rush to the next-door Mint Julep Bar to have their share of beignets in Disneyland.
However, Tiana’s Palace has a special House-filled Beignet on its menu. It comes with a lemon glaze in place of powdered sugar on top, and the filling is that of lemon ice box pie.
If you want something a little different, try this special Disneyland beignet.
Royal Street Veranda
Famous for its soup in bowls and gumbo, Royal Street Veranda was the place to find beignets in Disneyland while the Mint Julep Bar was not operating.
The restaurant no longer has beignets on the menu, but you can still ask the staff if they are serving it as an off-menu item.
By the way, I’ve heard that the Hungry Bear Restaurant was also serving beignets off-menu and “while supplies last.”
But, with a specialty beignet eatery now open in Disneyland, it might no longer be the case. I plan to find out for sure when we eat there next.
Another place that once served beignets was Cafe Orleans. Unfortunately, they too, no longer have it on the menu.
What are the different shapes of Disneyland beignets?
At Disneyland, the most common shape of beignets is the classic rectangle.
Then there is fan favorite Mickey-shaped beignet. Kids love it, and so do I.
But do you want to know a Disneyland beignet secret?
On special occasions, you just might come across other unique shapes.
I’ve been lucky to try a Yoda-shaped beignet during Star Wars Nite. And, of course, heart-shaped ones are popular around Valentine’s Day.
Where to find Mickey-shaped beignets in Disneyland?
If you visit Disneyland with kids, as we usually do, the Mickey-shaped beignets are a top priority.
Sadly, there is only one official place you can find them: Mint Julep Bar.
As a result, the eatery is usually much in demand. If you ever find it without a line, don’t think twice. Just go and get your beignets.
Where to find beignets at Walt Disney World?
You can find beignets at Scat Cat’s Club Café.
The eatery is located just behind Sassagoula Floatworks in Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort, one of the best places to stay in Disney for adults.
Which are better – beignets at Disneyland or Walt Disney World?
It’s a good thing we like Disney on the whole and can thus give our opinion on which beignets are better without feeling guilty.
The consensus in our house is that Disneyland beignets are better if authenticity is what you are after. They are lighter and airy, which also makes it harder to eat just one.
On the other hand, you can savor unique beignets at Disney World’s Port Orleans French Quarter, unavailable at Disneyland. These include the Mickey-shaped Beignet Sundae, a hit with the kids.
As for me, I love the Baton Rouge Beignets that you can embellish with either Baileys Irish Cream, Kahlúa, or RumChata. Something about it being an “adult” comfort food makes it so much more appealing. Ha!
Since Disney World and Disneyland are different, so are the beignets offered in both theme parks. But no matter where you eat this delicious French treat, your palate is in for a remarkable treat!
How much are the beignets at Disneyland?
Beignets in Disneyland are not too expensive and make an excellent snack for friends and family to share.
At Beignets Expressed, you can get Original New Orleans Beignets in sets of 4, 6, or 10, ranging in cost from $9.99 to $15.99.
Dipping Sauce comes at $2.49. Moreover, you can buy their Signature Beignet Mix at $9.99 to make this delectable dessert at home.
Glazed Beignets come in sets of 4 only. The Simply Glazed is for $13.99, while Rainbow Crunch costs $14.99.
If you cannot decide on a flavor, go with Dip, Drizzle & Sprinkle, which includes four different glazed beignets for $16.99.
Prices for beignets vary across the park depending on where you eat and the number of pieces per serving.
What are the different flavors of Disneyland beignets?
A regular beignet at Disneyland tastes somewhat like a donut, making it a favorite among everyone in the family.
However, I never let go of a chance to try the seasonal flavors you can find at different times throughout the year.
A few flavored Disneyland beignets I have had the pleasure of tasting are;
- Sour Cherry
- White Chocolate Matcha
- Butterscotch
- Pumpkin Spice
- Cookie Butter
- Maple with maple bacon dipping sauce
- Peppermint
Are beignets in Disneyland vegan?
Unfortunately, beignets in Disneyland are not vegan. The ingredients used to make a beignet at the theme park are not allergy-free or considered vegan.
Now, the case at Walt Disney World is different. At Scat Cat’s Club Cafe, they serve gluten-free and vegan beignets.
Made to order, it does take a little longer than usual to get them. On the plus side, vegan beignets at Disney World are always hot and fresh. Moreover, they are available in the classic rectangular shape only.
Also, choose the strawberry dipping sauce to accompany the beignets, as that is the only vegan option.
Are beignets served hot or cold?
Beignets are best served and enjoyed hot, fresh out of the fryer, with a crispy outside and plenty of powdered sugar coating.
Trust me! That first bite into a warm beignet is heavenly.
However, in my excitement, I have sometimes burnt my tongue. So, do be a little careful before you dig in.
Oh! And remember to keep some napkins handy because otherwise, you will get powdered sugar everywhere. I learned that the hard way the first time around.
At Disney, they make fresh beignets from late morning to late at night. So, no matter the time of day, you are guaranteed a Disneyland beignet that will satisfy all sweet cravings and simultaneously warm the cockles of your heart.