Again within the heyday of my youth, I might have cupcakes for breakfast at Walt Disney World. I at all times justified this to Sarah by saying it was “for analysis” and that there was plenty of reader curiosity in cupcakes. There’s in all probability no scarcity of father jokes in our previous journey stories about energy not relying on trip or cupcakes being the breakfast of rope drop champions.
That that I’m older, wiser, and extra subtle, I don’t eat cupcakes for breakfast. Largely as a result of, for my part, Walt Disney World’s cupcake sport peaked a decade in the past and has actually fallen off since. Quick-forward to in the present day, and when Sarah is round, we do grocery supply. I’ll eat plain greek yogurt, carrots, and different nutrient-dense well being meals. (Similar sort of stuff we predominantly eat at dwelling, for those who’ve ever questioned why I seem in form regardless of posts like this.)
When she isn’t round, I’ll nonetheless eat a few of that wholesome stuff, however complement with leftovers I take dwelling from bakeries within the parks. For analysis. Suffice to say, I’ve been doing an in depth investigation on Karamell-Küche and Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie over the past a number of years. (Outcomes are inconclusive and nonetheless within the exploratory section, so additional testing is required–deliberate publish date is at present 2029. Guess Disney building progress is quicker than one thing!) Anyway, there’s lastly a brand new possibility like this in Magic Kingdom providing an extremely decadent “meal” with the potential for leftovers and a take-home breakfast…
This meal is discovered deep in New Fantasyland (at over 10 years previous, is it simply common Fantasyland now?) at Gaston’s Tavern. For me, the story of Gaston’s Tavern is basically considered one of squandered potential. It’s undersized relative to demand, with a fraction of the seating it truly wants. That is doubly true now that Be Our Visitor Restaurant is desk service all day, and Gaston’s Tavern is the de facto counter service restaurant in not-so-New Fantasyland.
However, I’ve at all times held a sure fondness for Gaston’s Tavern. The themed design is impeccable, giving the venue a quaint village really feel, and the small print all through the tavern are enjoyable and cheeky. All the pieces from the lighting to the unfinished sport of darts between Gaston and LeFou to Gaston’s prize heads on the partitions simply works.
The result’s a wonderfully executed theme, and a venue the place it’s enjoyable to linger and benefit from the ambiance. Gaston’s Tavern is cozy and intimate, an antidote to the numerous cavernous counter service eating places with massive rooms that Disney has accomplished in recent times. The issue is that this intimacy is completed by way of undersized seating areas, versus Imagineers working their magic to interrupt up house and make an even bigger venue really feel smaller.
Imagineering bought it proper virtually a decade later with Gaston’s Tavern at Tokyo Disneyland, which completely threads the needle on measurement, scale, and ambiance. Oh and the menu has unbelievable responsible pleasures. (Japan additionally bought the a lot better Beast’s Fortress, a full-size model full with among the finest rides on the planet inside.)
However I digress. The explanation we’re right here in the present day is as a result of Gaston’s Tavern has expanded its menu, and now (arguably) qualifies as an precise counter service restaurant as a substitute of meager snack spot. Let’s have a look…
Let’s begin with the savory merchandise: Ham and Gruyère Tart made with a crispy croissant dough topped with ham and gruyere and served with a bag of chips. This dish at present prices $9.49.
It might not seem like a lot, however this Ham and Gruyère Tart is principally a fancified flatbread. Much like what’s served across the bend at Pinocchio Village Haus, however much less substantial and a lot better. Fairly unexpectedly, it’s considered one of my new favourite savory gadgets in Magic Kingdom.
The place this tart excels is the crust. It’s smooth, buttery, flaky, and delicate. It’s paying homage to one thing from the France pavilion at EPCOT versus Magic Kingdom. Principally the antithesis of the bargain-basement crusts of the flatbreads Pinocchio serves up. Very becoming for a Magnificence and the Beast impressed restaurant.
The melted gruyère on high is creamy and tacky, and the right topping to the pastry crust. The ham is ok–undoubtedly not high quality on par with the cheese and crust, nevertheless it provides a much-needed savoriness to the dish, giving it a bit extra dimension. My greatest grievance is that it’s pretty gentle–such is the character of that delicate pastry crust–and never significantly filling for the worth.
It’s additionally disappointing to have the Ham and Gruyère Tart served with a daily ole bag of chips. The dish itself strikes me as extra gourmand, whereas pairing it with off-the-shelf chips is a inconsiderate contact. I’d truthfully relatively pay extra for house-made chips or much less for no facet in any respect. Nonetheless a dish I’d advocate, simply not the most effective bang for buck (additionally in all probability not shareable until as a smaller snack).
Subsequent up is the tried and true Gray Stuff Cupcake, which is a Chocolate Cupcake topped with “The Gray Stuff” and crispy pearls for $5.99.
The Gray Stuff principally tastes like cookies & cream, however that’s an oversimplification. Though I feel cupcakes have been dumbed-down and simplified through the years at Walt Disney World, that is one exception to that rule. There are perhaps 3 cupcakes I’d often advocate within the parks & resorts, and the Gray Stuff Cupcake is considered one of them.
The standard is excessive, the flavour is unbelievable–it’s only a well-rounded, albeit easy dessert. There’s additionally one thing to be mentioned for consuming an iconic providing from the film Magnificence and the Beast. If you happen to haven’t had the Gray Stuff Cupcake earlier than, or solely a unique of the Gray Stuff, I’d advocate giving this a strive.
Turning to an much more iconic breakfast-dessert, there’s the Heat Cinnamon Roll for $6.99.
I nonetheless keep in mind the one-two punch again in 2012 when Starbucks was introduced as taking up the Principal Road Bakery and Disney revealed the menu for Gaston’s Tavern, and that the large cinnamon rolls can be shifting again there to New Fantasyland. Followers completely misplaced their minds. It was just like the OG ‘Ohana Noodlegate, but when the noodles had been moved to Kona Cafe as a substitute of retired solely.
Our perspective was that followers had been overreacting to the cinnamon roll relocation. That it was ‘piling on’ about Starbucks coupled with disappointment that Gaston’s Tavern wasn’t larger and extra bold. What distinction did it make if the cinnamon rolls had been served within the entrance or again of the park? Because it seems, a massive distinction. Truthfully, nice name from the haters–they had been appropriate.
Ordering a cinnamon roll from Gaston’s Tavern is a raffle. You can have a freshly-made one that’s gloriously gooey and smooth, or one which’s been sitting beneath a warmth lamp for hours, is hardened and tastes stale.
I get why Walt Disney World followers love the Heat Cinnamon Roll, however it is advisable to watch out when ordering them later within the day after they’re extra more likely to have been slow-cooked to hardness beneath the warmth lamp for hours. The one we bought on this specific day was a couple of 7/10 on the freshness scale, which is nice by Gaston’s requirements. I’ve had worse.
Past that, I don’t suppose a lot of a evaluate is critical right here. You’ve in all probability had cinnamon rolls earlier than, and at their finest, this can be a bigger and extra indulgent model of these. Personally, I don’t suppose the Gaston’s Tavern is any higher than the sort I could make myself from the freezer at Dealer Joe’s, however they’re addictively good…after they’re good. Not beneficial, until tasting the enduring snacks is a must-do, during which case, it is advisable to get to Gaston’s within the morning.
Saving the most effective for final, there’s the Crème Brûlée Croissant, which consists of crispy croissant dough full of vanilla bean custard for $5.49.
This pet is unbelievable. It’s one other indulgent dessert, with caramelization on high that’s candy and barely charred earlier than giving approach to a pastry that’s the proper steadiness of doughy and fluffy, smooth and dense.
That’s all topped off by the vanilla bean custard inside. It’s an excellent mess that’s finest eaten sitting down, with a knife and fork. Don’t attempt to eat this whereas on the transfer, until you need a mess throughout your fingers, shirt, and so forth.
In a nutshell, the Crème Brûlée Croissant is every little thing the Heat Cinnamon Roll ought to be. That is candy and sugary to the purpose that you simply’ll really feel it in your enamel, nevertheless it’s not one-note.
There’s simply sufficient selection within the flavors and textures to present it nuance, making it each addictively good and a dessert that’s distinct–it makes me crave one thing at Magic Kingdom, not one thing right here or from the Dealer Joe’s freezer aisle.
I break up this Crème Brûlée Croissant with two buddies, and would advocate doing likewise–I may additionally see consuming half within the park and taking the opposite half again to the lodge for breakfast the subsequent day.
In the end, the expanded menu at Gaston’s Tavern has two gadgets we love, one other that’s excellent, and one that may be excellent beneath the proper circumstances. In terms of Magic Kingdom, the worst meals park at Walt Disney World, every little thing is graded on a curve and this combo makes Gaston’s Tavern beneficial with reservations.
The principle reservation is that we (nonetheless) can’t advocate Gaston’s Tavern in your fundamental meals at Magic Kingdom. As you may in all probability collect for your self, this isn’t going to be an acceptable lunch or dinner until you’re actually in trip mode and subsisting solely on candy treats. Through which case, my youthful self ideas his hat to you. Get pleasure from it when you can.
Gaston’s Tavern stays a glorified snack spot, however one that also has the potential for greatness as a fully-fledged counter service restaurant–all it could take is bringing again that wonderful pork shank! However as a breakfast after a satisfying rope drop run, or as a ‘complement’ to wholesome and nutrient-dense meals (by way of grocery supply), or as a fourth meal? There’s one thing to be mentioned for the present menu at Gaston’s Tavern, and it’s again on my “record” of locations to eat often whereas in Magic Kingdom. (Editor’s notice: the royal “we” is used all through this submit, when in actual fact, that is the writer’s opinion alone.)
Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Study inns on our Walt Disney World Resorts Opinions web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Opinions. To save cash on tickets or decide which kind to purchase, learn our Ideas for Saving Cash on Walt Disney World Tickets submit. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys submit takes a singular take a look at intelligent gadgets to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Journey Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, the most effective place to begin is our Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information for every little thing it is advisable to know!
Your Ideas
Have any favourite menu merchandise at Gaston’s Tavern? Have you ever tried the recently-added menu gadgets? Would you eat right here if the wonderful pork shank made its return? Do you agree or disagree with our evaluate of Gaston’s Tavern? Any questions we may also help you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even once you disagree with us–is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!
Again within the heyday of my youth, I might have cupcakes for breakfast at Walt Disney World. I at all times justified this to Sarah by saying it was “for analysis” and that there was plenty of reader curiosity in cupcakes. There’s in all probability no scarcity of father jokes in our previous journey stories about energy not relying on trip or cupcakes being the breakfast of rope drop champions.
That that I’m older, wiser, and extra subtle, I don’t eat cupcakes for breakfast. Largely as a result of, for my part, Walt Disney World’s cupcake sport peaked a decade in the past and has actually fallen off since. Quick-forward to in the present day, and when Sarah is round, we do grocery supply. I’ll eat plain greek yogurt, carrots, and different nutrient-dense well being meals. (Similar sort of stuff we predominantly eat at dwelling, for those who’ve ever questioned why I seem in form regardless of posts like this.)
When she isn’t round, I’ll nonetheless eat a few of that wholesome stuff, however complement with leftovers I take dwelling from bakeries within the parks. For analysis. Suffice to say, I’ve been doing an in depth investigation on Karamell-Küche and Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie over the past a number of years. (Outcomes are inconclusive and nonetheless within the exploratory section, so additional testing is required–deliberate publish date is at present 2029. Guess Disney building progress is quicker than one thing!) Anyway, there’s lastly a brand new possibility like this in Magic Kingdom providing an extremely decadent “meal” with the potential for leftovers and a take-home breakfast…
This meal is discovered deep in New Fantasyland (at over 10 years previous, is it simply common Fantasyland now?) at Gaston’s Tavern. For me, the story of Gaston’s Tavern is basically considered one of squandered potential. It’s undersized relative to demand, with a fraction of the seating it truly wants. That is doubly true now that Be Our Visitor Restaurant is desk service all day, and Gaston’s Tavern is the de facto counter service restaurant in not-so-New Fantasyland.
However, I’ve at all times held a sure fondness for Gaston’s Tavern. The themed design is impeccable, giving the venue a quaint village really feel, and the small print all through the tavern are enjoyable and cheeky. All the pieces from the lighting to the unfinished sport of darts between Gaston and LeFou to Gaston’s prize heads on the partitions simply works.
The result’s a wonderfully executed theme, and a venue the place it’s enjoyable to linger and benefit from the ambiance. Gaston’s Tavern is cozy and intimate, an antidote to the numerous cavernous counter service eating places with massive rooms that Disney has accomplished in recent times. The issue is that this intimacy is completed by way of undersized seating areas, versus Imagineers working their magic to interrupt up house and make an even bigger venue really feel smaller.
Imagineering bought it proper virtually a decade later with Gaston’s Tavern at Tokyo Disneyland, which completely threads the needle on measurement, scale, and ambiance. Oh and the menu has unbelievable responsible pleasures. (Japan additionally bought the a lot better Beast’s Fortress, a full-size model full with among the finest rides on the planet inside.)
However I digress. The explanation we’re right here in the present day is as a result of Gaston’s Tavern has expanded its menu, and now (arguably) qualifies as an precise counter service restaurant as a substitute of meager snack spot. Let’s have a look…
Let’s begin with the savory merchandise: Ham and Gruyère Tart made with a crispy croissant dough topped with ham and gruyere and served with a bag of chips. This dish at present prices $9.49.
It might not seem like a lot, however this Ham and Gruyère Tart is principally a fancified flatbread. Much like what’s served across the bend at Pinocchio Village Haus, however much less substantial and a lot better. Fairly unexpectedly, it’s considered one of my new favourite savory gadgets in Magic Kingdom.
The place this tart excels is the crust. It’s smooth, buttery, flaky, and delicate. It’s paying homage to one thing from the France pavilion at EPCOT versus Magic Kingdom. Principally the antithesis of the bargain-basement crusts of the flatbreads Pinocchio serves up. Very becoming for a Magnificence and the Beast impressed restaurant.
The melted gruyère on high is creamy and tacky, and the right topping to the pastry crust. The ham is ok–undoubtedly not high quality on par with the cheese and crust, nevertheless it provides a much-needed savoriness to the dish, giving it a bit extra dimension. My greatest grievance is that it’s pretty gentle–such is the character of that delicate pastry crust–and never significantly filling for the worth.
It’s additionally disappointing to have the Ham and Gruyère Tart served with a daily ole bag of chips. The dish itself strikes me as extra gourmand, whereas pairing it with off-the-shelf chips is a inconsiderate contact. I’d truthfully relatively pay extra for house-made chips or much less for no facet in any respect. Nonetheless a dish I’d advocate, simply not the most effective bang for buck (additionally in all probability not shareable until as a smaller snack).
Subsequent up is the tried and true Gray Stuff Cupcake, which is a Chocolate Cupcake topped with “The Gray Stuff” and crispy pearls for $5.99.
The Gray Stuff principally tastes like cookies & cream, however that’s an oversimplification. Though I feel cupcakes have been dumbed-down and simplified through the years at Walt Disney World, that is one exception to that rule. There are perhaps 3 cupcakes I’d often advocate within the parks & resorts, and the Gray Stuff Cupcake is considered one of them.
The standard is excessive, the flavour is unbelievable–it’s only a well-rounded, albeit easy dessert. There’s additionally one thing to be mentioned for consuming an iconic providing from the film Magnificence and the Beast. If you happen to haven’t had the Gray Stuff Cupcake earlier than, or solely a unique of the Gray Stuff, I’d advocate giving this a strive.
Turning to an much more iconic breakfast-dessert, there’s the Heat Cinnamon Roll for $6.99.
I nonetheless keep in mind the one-two punch again in 2012 when Starbucks was introduced as taking up the Principal Road Bakery and Disney revealed the menu for Gaston’s Tavern, and that the large cinnamon rolls can be shifting again there to New Fantasyland. Followers completely misplaced their minds. It was just like the OG ‘Ohana Noodlegate, but when the noodles had been moved to Kona Cafe as a substitute of retired solely.
Our perspective was that followers had been overreacting to the cinnamon roll relocation. That it was ‘piling on’ about Starbucks coupled with disappointment that Gaston’s Tavern wasn’t larger and extra bold. What distinction did it make if the cinnamon rolls had been served within the entrance or again of the park? Because it seems, a massive distinction. Truthfully, nice name from the haters–they had been appropriate.
Ordering a cinnamon roll from Gaston’s Tavern is a raffle. You can have a freshly-made one that’s gloriously gooey and smooth, or one which’s been sitting beneath a warmth lamp for hours, is hardened and tastes stale.
I get why Walt Disney World followers love the Heat Cinnamon Roll, however it is advisable to watch out when ordering them later within the day after they’re extra more likely to have been slow-cooked to hardness beneath the warmth lamp for hours. The one we bought on this specific day was a couple of 7/10 on the freshness scale, which is nice by Gaston’s requirements. I’ve had worse.
Past that, I don’t suppose a lot of a evaluate is critical right here. You’ve in all probability had cinnamon rolls earlier than, and at their finest, this can be a bigger and extra indulgent model of these. Personally, I don’t suppose the Gaston’s Tavern is any higher than the sort I could make myself from the freezer at Dealer Joe’s, however they’re addictively good…after they’re good. Not beneficial, until tasting the enduring snacks is a must-do, during which case, it is advisable to get to Gaston’s within the morning.
Saving the most effective for final, there’s the Crème Brûlée Croissant, which consists of crispy croissant dough full of vanilla bean custard for $5.49.
This pet is unbelievable. It’s one other indulgent dessert, with caramelization on high that’s candy and barely charred earlier than giving approach to a pastry that’s the proper steadiness of doughy and fluffy, smooth and dense.
That’s all topped off by the vanilla bean custard inside. It’s an excellent mess that’s finest eaten sitting down, with a knife and fork. Don’t attempt to eat this whereas on the transfer, until you need a mess throughout your fingers, shirt, and so forth.
In a nutshell, the Crème Brûlée Croissant is every little thing the Heat Cinnamon Roll ought to be. That is candy and sugary to the purpose that you simply’ll really feel it in your enamel, nevertheless it’s not one-note.
There’s simply sufficient selection within the flavors and textures to present it nuance, making it each addictively good and a dessert that’s distinct–it makes me crave one thing at Magic Kingdom, not one thing right here or from the Dealer Joe’s freezer aisle.
I break up this Crème Brûlée Croissant with two buddies, and would advocate doing likewise–I may additionally see consuming half within the park and taking the opposite half again to the lodge for breakfast the subsequent day.
In the end, the expanded menu at Gaston’s Tavern has two gadgets we love, one other that’s excellent, and one that may be excellent beneath the proper circumstances. In terms of Magic Kingdom, the worst meals park at Walt Disney World, every little thing is graded on a curve and this combo makes Gaston’s Tavern beneficial with reservations.
The principle reservation is that we (nonetheless) can’t advocate Gaston’s Tavern in your fundamental meals at Magic Kingdom. As you may in all probability collect for your self, this isn’t going to be an acceptable lunch or dinner until you’re actually in trip mode and subsisting solely on candy treats. Through which case, my youthful self ideas his hat to you. Get pleasure from it when you can.
Gaston’s Tavern stays a glorified snack spot, however one that also has the potential for greatness as a fully-fledged counter service restaurant–all it could take is bringing again that wonderful pork shank! However as a breakfast after a satisfying rope drop run, or as a ‘complement’ to wholesome and nutrient-dense meals (by way of grocery supply), or as a fourth meal? There’s one thing to be mentioned for the present menu at Gaston’s Tavern, and it’s again on my “record” of locations to eat often whereas in Magic Kingdom. (Editor’s notice: the royal “we” is used all through this submit, when in actual fact, that is the writer’s opinion alone.)
Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Study inns on our Walt Disney World Resorts Opinions web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Opinions. To save cash on tickets or decide which kind to purchase, learn our Ideas for Saving Cash on Walt Disney World Tickets submit. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys submit takes a singular take a look at intelligent gadgets to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Journey Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, the most effective place to begin is our Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information for every little thing it is advisable to know!
Your Ideas
Have any favourite menu merchandise at Gaston’s Tavern? Have you ever tried the recently-added menu gadgets? Would you eat right here if the wonderful pork shank made its return? Do you agree or disagree with our evaluate of Gaston’s Tavern? Any questions we may also help you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even once you disagree with us–is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!
Again within the heyday of my youth, I might have cupcakes for breakfast at Walt Disney World. I at all times justified this to Sarah by saying it was “for analysis” and that there was plenty of reader curiosity in cupcakes. There’s in all probability no scarcity of father jokes in our previous journey stories about energy not relying on trip or cupcakes being the breakfast of rope drop champions.
That that I’m older, wiser, and extra subtle, I don’t eat cupcakes for breakfast. Largely as a result of, for my part, Walt Disney World’s cupcake sport peaked a decade in the past and has actually fallen off since. Quick-forward to in the present day, and when Sarah is round, we do grocery supply. I’ll eat plain greek yogurt, carrots, and different nutrient-dense well being meals. (Similar sort of stuff we predominantly eat at dwelling, for those who’ve ever questioned why I seem in form regardless of posts like this.)
When she isn’t round, I’ll nonetheless eat a few of that wholesome stuff, however complement with leftovers I take dwelling from bakeries within the parks. For analysis. Suffice to say, I’ve been doing an in depth investigation on Karamell-Küche and Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie over the past a number of years. (Outcomes are inconclusive and nonetheless within the exploratory section, so additional testing is required–deliberate publish date is at present 2029. Guess Disney building progress is quicker than one thing!) Anyway, there’s lastly a brand new possibility like this in Magic Kingdom providing an extremely decadent “meal” with the potential for leftovers and a take-home breakfast…
This meal is discovered deep in New Fantasyland (at over 10 years previous, is it simply common Fantasyland now?) at Gaston’s Tavern. For me, the story of Gaston’s Tavern is basically considered one of squandered potential. It’s undersized relative to demand, with a fraction of the seating it truly wants. That is doubly true now that Be Our Visitor Restaurant is desk service all day, and Gaston’s Tavern is the de facto counter service restaurant in not-so-New Fantasyland.
However, I’ve at all times held a sure fondness for Gaston’s Tavern. The themed design is impeccable, giving the venue a quaint village really feel, and the small print all through the tavern are enjoyable and cheeky. All the pieces from the lighting to the unfinished sport of darts between Gaston and LeFou to Gaston’s prize heads on the partitions simply works.
The result’s a wonderfully executed theme, and a venue the place it’s enjoyable to linger and benefit from the ambiance. Gaston’s Tavern is cozy and intimate, an antidote to the numerous cavernous counter service eating places with massive rooms that Disney has accomplished in recent times. The issue is that this intimacy is completed by way of undersized seating areas, versus Imagineers working their magic to interrupt up house and make an even bigger venue really feel smaller.
Imagineering bought it proper virtually a decade later with Gaston’s Tavern at Tokyo Disneyland, which completely threads the needle on measurement, scale, and ambiance. Oh and the menu has unbelievable responsible pleasures. (Japan additionally bought the a lot better Beast’s Fortress, a full-size model full with among the finest rides on the planet inside.)
However I digress. The explanation we’re right here in the present day is as a result of Gaston’s Tavern has expanded its menu, and now (arguably) qualifies as an precise counter service restaurant as a substitute of meager snack spot. Let’s have a look…
Let’s begin with the savory merchandise: Ham and Gruyère Tart made with a crispy croissant dough topped with ham and gruyere and served with a bag of chips. This dish at present prices $9.49.
It might not seem like a lot, however this Ham and Gruyère Tart is principally a fancified flatbread. Much like what’s served across the bend at Pinocchio Village Haus, however much less substantial and a lot better. Fairly unexpectedly, it’s considered one of my new favourite savory gadgets in Magic Kingdom.
The place this tart excels is the crust. It’s smooth, buttery, flaky, and delicate. It’s paying homage to one thing from the France pavilion at EPCOT versus Magic Kingdom. Principally the antithesis of the bargain-basement crusts of the flatbreads Pinocchio serves up. Very becoming for a Magnificence and the Beast impressed restaurant.
The melted gruyère on high is creamy and tacky, and the right topping to the pastry crust. The ham is ok–undoubtedly not high quality on par with the cheese and crust, nevertheless it provides a much-needed savoriness to the dish, giving it a bit extra dimension. My greatest grievance is that it’s pretty gentle–such is the character of that delicate pastry crust–and never significantly filling for the worth.
It’s additionally disappointing to have the Ham and Gruyère Tart served with a daily ole bag of chips. The dish itself strikes me as extra gourmand, whereas pairing it with off-the-shelf chips is a inconsiderate contact. I’d truthfully relatively pay extra for house-made chips or much less for no facet in any respect. Nonetheless a dish I’d advocate, simply not the most effective bang for buck (additionally in all probability not shareable until as a smaller snack).
Subsequent up is the tried and true Gray Stuff Cupcake, which is a Chocolate Cupcake topped with “The Gray Stuff” and crispy pearls for $5.99.
The Gray Stuff principally tastes like cookies & cream, however that’s an oversimplification. Though I feel cupcakes have been dumbed-down and simplified through the years at Walt Disney World, that is one exception to that rule. There are perhaps 3 cupcakes I’d often advocate within the parks & resorts, and the Gray Stuff Cupcake is considered one of them.
The standard is excessive, the flavour is unbelievable–it’s only a well-rounded, albeit easy dessert. There’s additionally one thing to be mentioned for consuming an iconic providing from the film Magnificence and the Beast. If you happen to haven’t had the Gray Stuff Cupcake earlier than, or solely a unique of the Gray Stuff, I’d advocate giving this a strive.
Turning to an much more iconic breakfast-dessert, there’s the Heat Cinnamon Roll for $6.99.
I nonetheless keep in mind the one-two punch again in 2012 when Starbucks was introduced as taking up the Principal Road Bakery and Disney revealed the menu for Gaston’s Tavern, and that the large cinnamon rolls can be shifting again there to New Fantasyland. Followers completely misplaced their minds. It was just like the OG ‘Ohana Noodlegate, but when the noodles had been moved to Kona Cafe as a substitute of retired solely.
Our perspective was that followers had been overreacting to the cinnamon roll relocation. That it was ‘piling on’ about Starbucks coupled with disappointment that Gaston’s Tavern wasn’t larger and extra bold. What distinction did it make if the cinnamon rolls had been served within the entrance or again of the park? Because it seems, a massive distinction. Truthfully, nice name from the haters–they had been appropriate.
Ordering a cinnamon roll from Gaston’s Tavern is a raffle. You can have a freshly-made one that’s gloriously gooey and smooth, or one which’s been sitting beneath a warmth lamp for hours, is hardened and tastes stale.
I get why Walt Disney World followers love the Heat Cinnamon Roll, however it is advisable to watch out when ordering them later within the day after they’re extra more likely to have been slow-cooked to hardness beneath the warmth lamp for hours. The one we bought on this specific day was a couple of 7/10 on the freshness scale, which is nice by Gaston’s requirements. I’ve had worse.
Past that, I don’t suppose a lot of a evaluate is critical right here. You’ve in all probability had cinnamon rolls earlier than, and at their finest, this can be a bigger and extra indulgent model of these. Personally, I don’t suppose the Gaston’s Tavern is any higher than the sort I could make myself from the freezer at Dealer Joe’s, however they’re addictively good…after they’re good. Not beneficial, until tasting the enduring snacks is a must-do, during which case, it is advisable to get to Gaston’s within the morning.
Saving the most effective for final, there’s the Crème Brûlée Croissant, which consists of crispy croissant dough full of vanilla bean custard for $5.49.
This pet is unbelievable. It’s one other indulgent dessert, with caramelization on high that’s candy and barely charred earlier than giving approach to a pastry that’s the proper steadiness of doughy and fluffy, smooth and dense.
That’s all topped off by the vanilla bean custard inside. It’s an excellent mess that’s finest eaten sitting down, with a knife and fork. Don’t attempt to eat this whereas on the transfer, until you need a mess throughout your fingers, shirt, and so forth.
In a nutshell, the Crème Brûlée Croissant is every little thing the Heat Cinnamon Roll ought to be. That is candy and sugary to the purpose that you simply’ll really feel it in your enamel, nevertheless it’s not one-note.
There’s simply sufficient selection within the flavors and textures to present it nuance, making it each addictively good and a dessert that’s distinct–it makes me crave one thing at Magic Kingdom, not one thing right here or from the Dealer Joe’s freezer aisle.
I break up this Crème Brûlée Croissant with two buddies, and would advocate doing likewise–I may additionally see consuming half within the park and taking the opposite half again to the lodge for breakfast the subsequent day.
In the end, the expanded menu at Gaston’s Tavern has two gadgets we love, one other that’s excellent, and one that may be excellent beneath the proper circumstances. In terms of Magic Kingdom, the worst meals park at Walt Disney World, every little thing is graded on a curve and this combo makes Gaston’s Tavern beneficial with reservations.
The principle reservation is that we (nonetheless) can’t advocate Gaston’s Tavern in your fundamental meals at Magic Kingdom. As you may in all probability collect for your self, this isn’t going to be an acceptable lunch or dinner until you’re actually in trip mode and subsisting solely on candy treats. Through which case, my youthful self ideas his hat to you. Get pleasure from it when you can.
Gaston’s Tavern stays a glorified snack spot, however one that also has the potential for greatness as a fully-fledged counter service restaurant–all it could take is bringing again that wonderful pork shank! However as a breakfast after a satisfying rope drop run, or as a ‘complement’ to wholesome and nutrient-dense meals (by way of grocery supply), or as a fourth meal? There’s one thing to be mentioned for the present menu at Gaston’s Tavern, and it’s again on my “record” of locations to eat often whereas in Magic Kingdom. (Editor’s notice: the royal “we” is used all through this submit, when in actual fact, that is the writer’s opinion alone.)
Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Study inns on our Walt Disney World Resorts Opinions web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Opinions. To save cash on tickets or decide which kind to purchase, learn our Ideas for Saving Cash on Walt Disney World Tickets submit. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys submit takes a singular take a look at intelligent gadgets to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Journey Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, the most effective place to begin is our Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information for every little thing it is advisable to know!
Your Ideas
Have any favourite menu merchandise at Gaston’s Tavern? Have you ever tried the recently-added menu gadgets? Would you eat right here if the wonderful pork shank made its return? Do you agree or disagree with our evaluate of Gaston’s Tavern? Any questions we may also help you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even once you disagree with us–is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!
Again within the heyday of my youth, I might have cupcakes for breakfast at Walt Disney World. I at all times justified this to Sarah by saying it was “for analysis” and that there was plenty of reader curiosity in cupcakes. There’s in all probability no scarcity of father jokes in our previous journey stories about energy not relying on trip or cupcakes being the breakfast of rope drop champions.
That that I’m older, wiser, and extra subtle, I don’t eat cupcakes for breakfast. Largely as a result of, for my part, Walt Disney World’s cupcake sport peaked a decade in the past and has actually fallen off since. Quick-forward to in the present day, and when Sarah is round, we do grocery supply. I’ll eat plain greek yogurt, carrots, and different nutrient-dense well being meals. (Similar sort of stuff we predominantly eat at dwelling, for those who’ve ever questioned why I seem in form regardless of posts like this.)
When she isn’t round, I’ll nonetheless eat a few of that wholesome stuff, however complement with leftovers I take dwelling from bakeries within the parks. For analysis. Suffice to say, I’ve been doing an in depth investigation on Karamell-Küche and Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie over the past a number of years. (Outcomes are inconclusive and nonetheless within the exploratory section, so additional testing is required–deliberate publish date is at present 2029. Guess Disney building progress is quicker than one thing!) Anyway, there’s lastly a brand new possibility like this in Magic Kingdom providing an extremely decadent “meal” with the potential for leftovers and a take-home breakfast…
This meal is discovered deep in New Fantasyland (at over 10 years previous, is it simply common Fantasyland now?) at Gaston’s Tavern. For me, the story of Gaston’s Tavern is basically considered one of squandered potential. It’s undersized relative to demand, with a fraction of the seating it truly wants. That is doubly true now that Be Our Visitor Restaurant is desk service all day, and Gaston’s Tavern is the de facto counter service restaurant in not-so-New Fantasyland.
However, I’ve at all times held a sure fondness for Gaston’s Tavern. The themed design is impeccable, giving the venue a quaint village really feel, and the small print all through the tavern are enjoyable and cheeky. All the pieces from the lighting to the unfinished sport of darts between Gaston and LeFou to Gaston’s prize heads on the partitions simply works.
The result’s a wonderfully executed theme, and a venue the place it’s enjoyable to linger and benefit from the ambiance. Gaston’s Tavern is cozy and intimate, an antidote to the numerous cavernous counter service eating places with massive rooms that Disney has accomplished in recent times. The issue is that this intimacy is completed by way of undersized seating areas, versus Imagineers working their magic to interrupt up house and make an even bigger venue really feel smaller.
Imagineering bought it proper virtually a decade later with Gaston’s Tavern at Tokyo Disneyland, which completely threads the needle on measurement, scale, and ambiance. Oh and the menu has unbelievable responsible pleasures. (Japan additionally bought the a lot better Beast’s Fortress, a full-size model full with among the finest rides on the planet inside.)
However I digress. The explanation we’re right here in the present day is as a result of Gaston’s Tavern has expanded its menu, and now (arguably) qualifies as an precise counter service restaurant as a substitute of meager snack spot. Let’s have a look…
Let’s begin with the savory merchandise: Ham and Gruyère Tart made with a crispy croissant dough topped with ham and gruyere and served with a bag of chips. This dish at present prices $9.49.
It might not seem like a lot, however this Ham and Gruyère Tart is principally a fancified flatbread. Much like what’s served across the bend at Pinocchio Village Haus, however much less substantial and a lot better. Fairly unexpectedly, it’s considered one of my new favourite savory gadgets in Magic Kingdom.
The place this tart excels is the crust. It’s smooth, buttery, flaky, and delicate. It’s paying homage to one thing from the France pavilion at EPCOT versus Magic Kingdom. Principally the antithesis of the bargain-basement crusts of the flatbreads Pinocchio serves up. Very becoming for a Magnificence and the Beast impressed restaurant.
The melted gruyère on high is creamy and tacky, and the right topping to the pastry crust. The ham is ok–undoubtedly not high quality on par with the cheese and crust, nevertheless it provides a much-needed savoriness to the dish, giving it a bit extra dimension. My greatest grievance is that it’s pretty gentle–such is the character of that delicate pastry crust–and never significantly filling for the worth.
It’s additionally disappointing to have the Ham and Gruyère Tart served with a daily ole bag of chips. The dish itself strikes me as extra gourmand, whereas pairing it with off-the-shelf chips is a inconsiderate contact. I’d truthfully relatively pay extra for house-made chips or much less for no facet in any respect. Nonetheless a dish I’d advocate, simply not the most effective bang for buck (additionally in all probability not shareable until as a smaller snack).
Subsequent up is the tried and true Gray Stuff Cupcake, which is a Chocolate Cupcake topped with “The Gray Stuff” and crispy pearls for $5.99.
The Gray Stuff principally tastes like cookies & cream, however that’s an oversimplification. Though I feel cupcakes have been dumbed-down and simplified through the years at Walt Disney World, that is one exception to that rule. There are perhaps 3 cupcakes I’d often advocate within the parks & resorts, and the Gray Stuff Cupcake is considered one of them.
The standard is excessive, the flavour is unbelievable–it’s only a well-rounded, albeit easy dessert. There’s additionally one thing to be mentioned for consuming an iconic providing from the film Magnificence and the Beast. If you happen to haven’t had the Gray Stuff Cupcake earlier than, or solely a unique of the Gray Stuff, I’d advocate giving this a strive.
Turning to an much more iconic breakfast-dessert, there’s the Heat Cinnamon Roll for $6.99.
I nonetheless keep in mind the one-two punch again in 2012 when Starbucks was introduced as taking up the Principal Road Bakery and Disney revealed the menu for Gaston’s Tavern, and that the large cinnamon rolls can be shifting again there to New Fantasyland. Followers completely misplaced their minds. It was just like the OG ‘Ohana Noodlegate, but when the noodles had been moved to Kona Cafe as a substitute of retired solely.
Our perspective was that followers had been overreacting to the cinnamon roll relocation. That it was ‘piling on’ about Starbucks coupled with disappointment that Gaston’s Tavern wasn’t larger and extra bold. What distinction did it make if the cinnamon rolls had been served within the entrance or again of the park? Because it seems, a massive distinction. Truthfully, nice name from the haters–they had been appropriate.
Ordering a cinnamon roll from Gaston’s Tavern is a raffle. You can have a freshly-made one that’s gloriously gooey and smooth, or one which’s been sitting beneath a warmth lamp for hours, is hardened and tastes stale.
I get why Walt Disney World followers love the Heat Cinnamon Roll, however it is advisable to watch out when ordering them later within the day after they’re extra more likely to have been slow-cooked to hardness beneath the warmth lamp for hours. The one we bought on this specific day was a couple of 7/10 on the freshness scale, which is nice by Gaston’s requirements. I’ve had worse.
Past that, I don’t suppose a lot of a evaluate is critical right here. You’ve in all probability had cinnamon rolls earlier than, and at their finest, this can be a bigger and extra indulgent model of these. Personally, I don’t suppose the Gaston’s Tavern is any higher than the sort I could make myself from the freezer at Dealer Joe’s, however they’re addictively good…after they’re good. Not beneficial, until tasting the enduring snacks is a must-do, during which case, it is advisable to get to Gaston’s within the morning.
Saving the most effective for final, there’s the Crème Brûlée Croissant, which consists of crispy croissant dough full of vanilla bean custard for $5.49.
This pet is unbelievable. It’s one other indulgent dessert, with caramelization on high that’s candy and barely charred earlier than giving approach to a pastry that’s the proper steadiness of doughy and fluffy, smooth and dense.
That’s all topped off by the vanilla bean custard inside. It’s an excellent mess that’s finest eaten sitting down, with a knife and fork. Don’t attempt to eat this whereas on the transfer, until you need a mess throughout your fingers, shirt, and so forth.
In a nutshell, the Crème Brûlée Croissant is every little thing the Heat Cinnamon Roll ought to be. That is candy and sugary to the purpose that you simply’ll really feel it in your enamel, nevertheless it’s not one-note.
There’s simply sufficient selection within the flavors and textures to present it nuance, making it each addictively good and a dessert that’s distinct–it makes me crave one thing at Magic Kingdom, not one thing right here or from the Dealer Joe’s freezer aisle.
I break up this Crème Brûlée Croissant with two buddies, and would advocate doing likewise–I may additionally see consuming half within the park and taking the opposite half again to the lodge for breakfast the subsequent day.
In the end, the expanded menu at Gaston’s Tavern has two gadgets we love, one other that’s excellent, and one that may be excellent beneath the proper circumstances. In terms of Magic Kingdom, the worst meals park at Walt Disney World, every little thing is graded on a curve and this combo makes Gaston’s Tavern beneficial with reservations.
The principle reservation is that we (nonetheless) can’t advocate Gaston’s Tavern in your fundamental meals at Magic Kingdom. As you may in all probability collect for your self, this isn’t going to be an acceptable lunch or dinner until you’re actually in trip mode and subsisting solely on candy treats. Through which case, my youthful self ideas his hat to you. Get pleasure from it when you can.
Gaston’s Tavern stays a glorified snack spot, however one that also has the potential for greatness as a fully-fledged counter service restaurant–all it could take is bringing again that wonderful pork shank! However as a breakfast after a satisfying rope drop run, or as a ‘complement’ to wholesome and nutrient-dense meals (by way of grocery supply), or as a fourth meal? There’s one thing to be mentioned for the present menu at Gaston’s Tavern, and it’s again on my “record” of locations to eat often whereas in Magic Kingdom. (Editor’s notice: the royal “we” is used all through this submit, when in actual fact, that is the writer’s opinion alone.)
Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Study inns on our Walt Disney World Resorts Opinions web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Opinions. To save cash on tickets or decide which kind to purchase, learn our Ideas for Saving Cash on Walt Disney World Tickets submit. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys submit takes a singular take a look at intelligent gadgets to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Journey Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, the most effective place to begin is our Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information for every little thing it is advisable to know!
Your Ideas
Have any favourite menu merchandise at Gaston’s Tavern? Have you ever tried the recently-added menu gadgets? Would you eat right here if the wonderful pork shank made its return? Do you agree or disagree with our evaluate of Gaston’s Tavern? Any questions we may also help you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even once you disagree with us–is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!
