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Review: Specialty Waffles at Roaring Fork in Disney’s Wilderness Lodge


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We’re starting the day with waffles, waffles, and MORE waffles at the Roaring Fork!

Oh, and did I mention they’re MICKEY WAFFLES?

Now, we’re no strangers to Roaring Fork, the Counter Service restaurant at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Typically, though, we’re taking a look at their bakery case, which is known for adding some terrific cupcakes to the Disney Cupcake realm. Through the years, those have included the Carrot Cake Cupcake, the Chocolate Caramel Cupcake, and the S’mores Cupcake. And the Magic Cookie Bar, while not a cupcake, is certainly no slouch of a dessert.

But Roaring Fork has another claim to fame, thanks to a selection of Mickey Waffles available throughout the morning. And though they aren’t technically desserts like their bakery case counterparts (Captain Obvious says “You’re welcome” for pointing that out ;-D), each of the three selections offer, in their own ways, a decadent start to your day at Disney World.

So get ready to step in with me and say “Good morning!” to the Roaring Fork!

Atmosphere

The Roaring Fork naturally echoes the rustic Pacific Northwest vibe of its home, Wilderness Lodge.

Raoring Fork sign

Roaring Fork sign

The decor is so in keeping with the rest of the Lodge that the most surprising thing about Roaring Fork is not so much the ambience, but the size. Just a couple of ordering counters, refrigerators, and a place to refill your Rapid Fill Mugs make up the whole of the place.

Ordering area at Roaring Fork

Ordering area at Roaring Fork

Indoor seating is likewise limited to just a small batch of wooden tables (you’ll also find some two-seaters lining the hallway to add a few more spots).

Roaring Fork indoor seating

Roaring Fork indoor seating

There is also seating outside, though, which is especially enjoyable even on a warm morning thanks to large umbrellas offering shade to each table. Plus, it gives you a chance to check out some of the downright gorgeous scenery and landscaping at the Lodge.

Wilderness Lodge

Wilderness Lodge

Wilderness Lodge

Wilderness Lodge

As you can tell, it was pretty much another idyllic morning at Wildeness Lodge. And as it turned out, I’m not the only one who was around to appreciate it ;) .

Deer!

Deer!

Seriously. Right in the heart of Disney World. These guys love Fort Wilderness, too! (Who can blame ‘em?)

Still, if you do encounter any forest friends on your visit, remember this…

Do Not Feed the Animals reminder

Do Not Feed the Animals reminder on outdoor tables at Wilderness Lodge

Which is fine, because you’re not going to want to share any of what you’re about to see, anyway…

Eats

Waffles aren’t the only breakfast option at Roaring Fork, where you’ll also find the staple Bounty Platter and grab-and-go pastries, among other choices. But they sure are the star, given their own entire menu sign. The simple presentation of the word “Waffles” across the top doesn’t speak to anything especially unusual, until you notice your three options: Bananas Foster Waffles, Strawberry Waffles, and a batch custom-made for Chocolate Lovers.

Waffle Menu

Waffle Menu

Adult portions are served with a side of bacon, while kids receive bacon and applesauce.

Let’s start with the Strawberry Waffles.

Strawberry Waffles

Strawberry Waffles

Of course, the base of each adult-sized entree are three — THREE!!! — of these classics: Mickey Waffles (the kids’ orders receive two)! Lightly-browned and crispy on the outside, soft on the inside…

Mickey Waffle!

Mickey Waffle!

… all hot off one of these babies!

Mickey Waffle Maker

Mickey Waffle Maker

Honestly, no matter which Resort I happen to be visiting, I always love spotting the Mickey Waffle Maker; just a sure sign that I’m starting my day at Disney World!

The Strawberry Waffles are very much a what-you-see-is-what-you-get kind of dish: a generous amount of fresh strawberries coupled with a big ol’ dollop of super-hearty whipped cream. No glaze to speak of, just a bit of juice from the berries and that lovely whipped cream.

Cream and Strawberries

Cream and Strawberries

You can, by the way, grab small tubs of syrup inside at the condiments counter. But the beauty of this one lies in its simplicity, so I like to stick with it as-is.

That same fresh cream tops our next choice: the Chocolate Lovers Waffles. Along with the cream, a whole bunch of semi-sweet chocolate chips are sprinkled all over more-than-a-drizzle of chocolate sauce.

Chocolate Lovers Waffles

Chocolate Lovers Waffles

With little to cut the sweet here (aside from the bacon on the plate), you definitely need to fall under the Chocolate Lovers category for which this dish is named. If you do… well, then this has the makings of a magical morning for you, indeed!

While chocolate topped with more chocolate may seem like it must be the most decadent option, we still have one more to go: the Bananas Foster Waffles.

Bananas Foster Waffles

Bananas Foster Waffles

Warm bananas and sauce are the Mickey waffle toppers. And did I mention that the sauce flavor is BUTTERED RUM?!

Admittedly, this one is the least photogenic, with the sauce covering the majority of Mickey’s cute mug. But the buttery caramel flavor of the sauce makes it worth it (Sorry, Mickey!). And the rich consistency offers the option most closely akin to syrup (albeit thicker) for those who prefer something poured over their waffles. I’d definitely say this is a step up from syrup, though… ‘cuz buttered rum and all

Strawberry Waffles and Bananas Foster Waffles

Strawberry Waffles and Bananas Foster Waffles

Having had my share (and then some) of Mickey Waffles, it was off to catch the boat from the Lodge to start a day at Magic Kingdom!

Overall

When it comes to Magic Kingdom Resort Counter Service options, I can think of few things that rival the specialty waffles at Roaring Fork for a breakfast stop (aside from a helping of Tonga Toast at the Polynesian’s Captain Cook’s, perhaps). And with transportation options to and from Magic Kingdom by boat or bus, you may find it well worth making time in your AM park touring to pay a visit to Wilderness Lodge. So, which kind would you grab for your own Mickey Waffle Feast? I’d love to know!

Which batch of Specialty Waffles is calling your name? Please let us know with a comment!

Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and:


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