Cruising for Cuisine: A Guide to the Best Food Trucks at Disney Springs
Disney Springs, a shopper’s paradise and foodie haven, offers a delightful mix of restaurants that are both sitdown-style and counter service. Tucked in amidst the bustling crowds, a unique culinary experience awaits: the Disney Food Trucks. Both vibrant in their colorful exteriors and menus, each dishes up a full range of flavors, providing a casual and tasty alternative to sit-down dining.
Truth? I’m a complete Disneyphile, especially when it comes to Walt Disney World. I adore everything about it and when I’m not visiting, I’m planning my next visit. As for Disney Springs, many folks call it the “Fifth Gate” because there’s so much to offer visitors. With free parking, if you want to try delicious dishes while on Disney World property (and don’t want to pay for a theme park ticket), this is the way to go.
Currently, three food trucks dominate the Disney Springs scene, each with a distinct personality and menu. Having written that, it could change overnight, as Disney is known for its quick turnaround times. Additionally, the menus can change at any time as well.
Beyond the Bites: The Disney Food Truck 411
The fun of the Disney Food Truck experience is its casual atmosphere. You can grab a seat at one of the adjacent tables around the trucks or walk around the shopping mecca while you eat.
Because it’s a walk-up-and-order-style format, it’s easy to try a little bit of everything if you’ve got the stomach for it. I love that if you have multiple members in your dining party, you can check out your favorite style of food and stay in the same overall area.
Add in the fact that Disney Springs Food Trucks are on the Disney Dining Plan as a Quick Service credit, it makes for a great value by not having to pay out of pocket while you’re visiting if you choose not to.
1. 4 Rivers Cantina Barbacoa Food Truck: A Smoky, Spicy Fiesta
If you’re an adventurous eater looking for bold flavors, the 4 Rivers Cantina Barbacoa Food Truck is a must-do. This truck, an extension of the popular 4 Rivers Smokehouse restaurant chain in Florida, specializes in Mexican-inspired comfort food slow-cooked to smoky perfection.
If there was a gold star on its menu, it’s the Taco Cone. A massively messy masterpiece, it features a crispy tortilla shell overflowing with your choice of protein (brisket and pulled pork are never a bad bet), creamy queso, and pico de Gallo.
You can’t go wrong with Birria, either!
If you’re not a carnivore, no worries: vegetarians can taste test the Burrito Bowl with sweet potato, beans, and rice or order a traditional cheese quesadilla from the kids’ menu.
2. Cilantro Urban Eatery Food Truck: A Latin Twist on Street Fare
Craving a taste of the Caribbean or South America? Cilantro Urban Eatery Food Truck will be up your proverbial street. Taking classic Latin American street food as a base, it elevates its menu with fresh ingredients and innovative twists.
A popular choice is the Arepa Encantada, two white corn cakes filled with cheese and, for an extra fee, chorizo.
Try the popular Sandwich Cubano with mojo-roasted pork, ham, and Swiss cheese topped with pickles on fresh Cuban bread for a heartier bite.
If you need an end bite for your sweet tooth, paletas (Latin popsicles that are delicious!), can be found on its menu as well and are ideal for a refreshing treat on a hot day.
3. GoJuice
Known for its tasty pick-me-up drinks, GoJuice offers nine different delicious smoothies and refreshers. If you want a drink with a honey kick, go for the Matcha Love or Pink Drink styles. If a thicker, heartier drink is the way to go, test out the Charlie Brown with bananas, peanut butter, and granola or the Purple Punch with cacao nibs.
But what if you want something you can eat with a spoon? No problem there. Its menu has several granola bowls filled with fresh fruit, honey, and even peanut butter and coconut milk.
Tips to Make the Most of Dining at Disney Food Trucks
Ordering from a food truck is a no-brainer way to dine, but we’re talking Disney World here. Remember that Disney Springs is always busier at dinnertime and on the weekends, but there are a few other ways to make the most of your visit.
- Plan: Disney Food Trucks operate seasonally and have limited hours. Check the Disney Springs website for current operating times before you go so your stomach isn’t disappointed.
- Be prepared for crowds: The food trucks are super popular, especially during peak season and time of day. Expect lines, particularly during lunch and dinner hours.
- Consider mobile ordering: Disney offers a mobile ordering service that allows you to skip the line and place your order directly from your phone. You’ll need to download the My Disney Experience app, create an account, and link your credit card information before you can place an order.
- Cash and Credit Cards: Both forms of payment are accepted at the Disney Food Trucks. If you have Disney Gift Cards, they can be used at the food trucks as well.
