Disney World is always changing with rides getting reimagined, hotels getting refreshed, and even the smallest details evolving over time.

But lately, we’ve noticed a very specific change happening across restaurants and snack stands, and honestly? We’re obsessed with it. Disney World has quietly started a new food trend: taking one wildly popular, familiar item and remixing it into multiple versions across the parks and resorts. Instead of introducing totally brand-new snacks that guests might skip, Disney is leaning into foods people already love… and then making them impossible to ignore. Think of it like a food scavenger hunt, and we want more.

Turning “Basic” Into a Must-Try

Let’s start with one of the best examples: chicken tenders. Yes, chicken tenders. Once upon a time, they were the “safe” menu choice that was reliable, but not exciting. Now? Disney has proven they’re anything but boring. Starting in 2025, Disney World added 9 different flavors of chicken tenders all over Disney World.

Across the parks, we’ve seen chicken tenders show up with bold seasonings, crunchy coatings, house-made sauces, and even unexpected flavor profiles that feel way more “snack-worthy” than standard chicken tenders from a theme park. Some versions are clearly designed for adventurous eaters, while others still hit that classic comfort-food note.

Our favorites? Over in Magic Kingdom to try the Seaside Chicken Strips at Columbia Harbour House for $12.99. These are topped with a seasoned aioli, crushed pretzels, and crispy garlic, and y’all, don’t knock pretzels and chicken tenders together. You can taste all of the spices in the aioli without it being spicy, and the crispy pretzels add a beautiful crunch and a punch of salt. We loved the salt and how the crispy garlic added a deeper depth of flavor without making each bite overwhelmingly garlicy.

The Buffalo Chicken Strips at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe for $12.99. This is coated in buffalo sauce and topped with ranch seasoning. The sauce wasn’t too spicy; instead, it came at the end of each bite as a kick, allowing you to taste the sauce without your tongue burning off. There wasn’t a ton of ranch seasoning on top to cool it down, so we could have used more or had a side of ranch, but these had great classic flavor, and you’ll have those traditional orange fingers at the end.

Read All Of Our Chicken Tender Reviews Here

Mickey Bars, But Make It a Challenge

Another classic getting the remix treatment: Mickey Premier Ice Cream Bars. Instead of just one iconic Mickey bar, Disney has expanded the lineup with different coatings, textures, and flavors. You can go classic or something with a twist. Guests start comparing notes, ranking favorites, and (let’s be honest) planning which one to try next. That’s the fun of this trend: it turns food into an experience, not just a pit stop.

A few of the most interesting ones: Over at the Anandapur Ice Cream Truck at Animal Kingdom, to pick up the hand-dipped Mickey Premium Bar with Freeze Dried Skittles for $7.99. They’re crunchy like an M&M would be, but they’ve got the fruity tartness you expect from Skittles. It’s a LOT of sweetness, but the lemon and orange Skittles help to break some of that up. We liked this more than we thought we would — especially the crunch!

Then over to Fort Wilderness Resort to check out the Hand-dipped Mickey’s Premium Ice Cream Bar with Chopped Peanut Butter Cups for $7.99 at Trail’s End. This one is easily our favorite new addition to the Mickey Ice Cream bar family! The peanut butter also added another layer of creaminess to this treat, enhancing it even more than we ever thought possible. If you’re a fan of peanut butter and chocolate, this is 100% a must-grab.

Read Our Full Reviews Here

Loaded Fries Are Everywhere (And We’re Not Mad)

If you’ve noticed loaded fries popping up all over Disney World, you’re not imagining it. Disney has taken simple fries and transformed them with toppings like specialty sauces, proteins, cheeses, and seasonings that feel specific to each location. Some are snack-sized, and some are practically meals.

Our favorites are the Buffalo Fries at Rosie’s All-American Cafe at Disney’s Hollywood Studios for $6.99. These are ranch seasoned french fries drizzled with buffalo-ranch sauce and blue cheese dressing. We also can’t talk about loaded fries without talking about the Pulled Pork Fries at Flame Tree Barbecue in Animal Kingdom. These are fries topped with pulled pork and cheddar sauce for $8.99.

Croissants: Same Pastry, Totally Different Vibes

Even croissants are getting the Disney treatment. Instead of a single standard version, we’re seeing croissants used as the base for sweet and fully loaded creations across different locations. One might feel like a classic bakery item, while another turns into a full-on sandwich or indulgent dessert. It’s familiar enough that guests feel comfortable ordering it, but different enough that it feels special every time.

For a few favorites, we love the Creme Brulee Croissant at Gaston’s Tavern for $6.49. Over at the Contempo Cafe at Disney’s Contemporary, there is a heavenly Cookie Croissant for $6.49. Both of these are great sweet treats to share with someone or enjoy solo!

Why This Trend Works

What makes this trend so smart is that it hits every kind of Disney guest:

• First-timers feel safe ordering something recognizable
• Frequent visitors get a reason to try “just one more version.”
• Foodies can rank, compare, and hunt down favorites

Instead of overwhelming menus with totally new items, Disney is building excitement around foods guests already know and love. By diversifying popular food items across multiple locations, Disney has created a trend that feels fun, approachable, and surprisingly addictive. These are all found at quick-service restaurants and snack stands, making them easy to grab and go while enjoying a great snack. Whether it’s chicken tenders, Mickey ice cream, loaded fries, or croissants, these familiar favorites now come with built-in variety, and we’re absolutely here for it.

With Disney World constantly adding new foods and getting rid of some, our DFB team is in the parks to bring you the latest news. For more dining reviews, park updates, and more, follow DisneyFoodBlog.

The Top 10 Disney World Snacks for 2026

What snack would you love to see Disney diversify next? Tell us in the comments below!