We tried five Colombian-inspired dishes at two recently reopened dining locations in Animal Kingdom. It made us wonder: Is Disney testing food for the upcoming Tropical Americas Land?
Replacing DinoLand, U.S.A., at Animal Kingdom is a land themed to the Tropical Americas called Pueblo Esperanza. It will include rides themed to Disney animals, Indiana Jones, and Encanto. The new food offerings piqued our interest particularly because the world of Encanto is inspired by Colombia. It might not be related at all, but it’s certainly food for thought.
Food Review
Terra Treats
Terra Treats is a dining kiosk in Discovery Island with various snacks and beverages. It just reopened as many restaurant changes have taken place in the park recently.
Guests used to be able to purchase pizza, but now Colombian-Style Hot Dogs are on the menu, along with bottled water and bottled sodas. The kiosk has very limited hours and is usually only open during busy lunch hours.
As you venture through the sights and sounds of Discovery Island, treat your taste buds to a savory snack or some suds!
Colombian-Style Hot Dog – $12.99
Topped with Salsa Verde, Mayonnaise-Ketchup, Pineapple Sauce, and Crushed Chips; Served with Kettle Chips
We tried the Colombian-Style hot dog, and we think this is a delicious little lunch for any and all hot dog lovers. The flavor profile is dynamic but still allows the hot dog flavor through. The crushed chips add a fun texture as well. The salsa verde is what we call “Disney heat,” so it is certainly tolerable and enjoyable without being too hot.
Hot dog haters will obviously not care for this dish, but if you want your hot dog with a Colombian kick this is the perfect marriage of Americana dog and Colombian spice.
Rating: 5 out of 7
Plant-Based Colombian-Style Hot Dog – $12.99
Topped with Salsa Verde, Mayonnaise-Ketchup, Pineapple Sauce, and Crushed Chips; Served with Kettle Chips
There is also a plant-based version of the Colombian-Style Hot Dog. It tastes very similar to the meat version, and the other flavors are able to shine through even more without the competing meat taste.
Our Disney World reporter actually preferred the plant-based hot dog over the meat-based hot dog because she was able to taste the sauce flavors more. Someone who prefers meat hot dogs may not want this.
Rating: 6 out of 7
POG Juice Limeade with Chili-Lime Seasoning – $6.29
Passion Fruit-Orange-Guava Juice, Minute Maid Limeade, and Watermelon with a Chili-Lime Rim. Alcoholic version with Tequila available for $15.50
The POG Limeade is the traditional POG Juice guests are used to receiving on Disney World property; however, the Limeade and Chili-Lime Seasoning add so much more to this beverage. The spice and juice work really well together, but be aware the Chili-Lime rim is incredibly spicy. We recommend taking a drink if you happen to catch a big lick of the rim.
This drink kicks up traditional POG Juice a few levels, and anyone who loves the traditional version will love this as well.
Rating: 7 out of 7
The Smiling Crocodile
Also located in Discovery Island, The Smiling Crocodile has more Colombian-style dishes. Guests used to be able to purchase Macaroni & Cheese and Street Tacos, but now two different varieties of Cheese Arepas are on the menu. The kiosk has very limited hours and is usually only open during busy lunch hours.
Chomp on croco-licious dishes sure to tame ferocious appetites!
Pulled Pork Cheese Arepa – $13.49
Pulled Pork, Queso Fresco, and Salsa Verde served with Plantain Chips
The Pulled Pork Cheese Arepa has a dull spice, and the pulled pork is delicious and tender. The queso and salsa are a traditional pairing that make a solid snack when combined. The plantain chips are a nice addition, but they do have a bit of a duller taste against the very flavorful Arepa.
Overall, we thought dish was light which is always good for hours spent walking around a hot theme park.
Rating: 5 out of 7
Pulled Chicken Cheese Arepa – $13.49
Pulled Chicken in Avocado Dressing, Queso Fresco, and Salsa Verde served with Plantain Chips
The Pulled Chicken Cheese Arepas also have a dull spice, and it does match well with the avocado dressing. This dish is tempered by the avocado, so it’s not as spicy as the Pulled Pork dish. The Arepa breading is nice and chewy without falling apart.
Our Disney World reporter shares that she preferred the Chicken over Pulled Pork because it has a lighter feel.
Rating: 6 out of 7
Video
Watch our video of the new Animal Kingdom food inspired by Colombia below.
Overall, we do think Terra Treats and The Smiling Crocodile are worth a stop during your busy park day at Animal Kingdom. Would you try any of these new items?
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