One of the things I remember the most when I first visited Tokyo Disney Resort in 2002 is the various popcorn flavors they served. I was enamored with the honey popcorn that was being offered near the Pooh’s Honey Hunt attraction. I love popcorn (about as much as I love coffee and pie). In honor of National Popcorn Day, I recently strolled through Disney’s Hollywood Studios to see what flavors I could find. As it turns out, there are some unique combinations offered at Disney Parks.
Pre-packaged popcorn is developed by the Consumables team (the same team that creates those delicious treats for the show kitchen locations). The pre-packaged popcorn they offer now has evolved from the traditional cheddar, caramel or kettle popcorn I remember. Today, they offer flavors like Cookies and Cream, Chocolate Mint or Chocolate Caramel. My favorite, however, is the Chocolate Cheddar Caramel popcorn as it is a great mix of sweet and salty. I spoke with Patrice Guy, developer for Consumables, who said that flavor is a test.
“We introduce new test flavors about twice a year,” explained Patrice. “The Chocolate Cheddar Caramel popcorn is a test flavor and we are unsure if we will keep it. We monitor sales results from new test flavors, so hopefully this one will stay as it is proving to be popular with our guests.”
I’m thinking I need to beg Patrice to keep it (or perhaps I may buy the entire shipment).
Patrice also showed me a new popcorn tin that will be arriving at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. The tin contains three different kinds of popcorn – caramel, confetti and chocolate caramel. I love the colorful artwork on the tin that features all sorts of Disney characters enjoying Disney Parks (the image above shows both sides of the tin).
One of the more interesting popcorn-related finds is actually not food but will be Vinylmation. Thomas Scott, a lead Vinylmation designer, told me that the “Disney Design Group artists have re-imagined favorite Disney characters by giving them a hot, fresh look you’ve never seen before.” Apparently, this new kind of Vinylmation will “pop” into locations in late summer 2012.
With all this talk of popcorn, I’m hungry!
Comments
This stuff is all good and well but the king of popcorn HAS to be the Werther’s Caramel Kitchen’s popcorn at EPCOT, it is AMAZING!
I wish our popcorn stands were more like Tokyo’s, though. Fresh, hot flavored popcorn through the day? Brilliant! Curry popcorn? Brilliant! Black pepper popcorn? The most amazing popcorn I’ve ever tasted!! The lines for the popcorn in Tokyo Disney are nearly as long as lines for attractions. Bring on the fresh flavored popcorn wagons!! And, while we’re on the subject, why aren’t the US churros shaped like Mickey, too?
I’m not a popcorn fan, but I sure like the design of the new popcorn tins. Will they be available this weekend at Disneyland?
My favorite kind of popcorn would be “spicy popcorn” which is regular buttered popcorn with the add of “cajun” spice. 🙂
Rock on, Steven!! Chocolate cheddar caramel popcorn?!? It’s times like these when I’m sad to not live in Orlando or Anaheim! Thanks for the updates about flavor testing, too! Great to know!
@Kai – I couldn’t agree more! It’s one of my favorite destinations when I visit World Showcase. Here’s a video for those who haven’t visited the Karamell-Küche in Germany Pavilion – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2010/10/video-karamell-kuche-at-walt-disney-world/
@George – I’m glad to know I’m not alone. Great question about the Mickey Mouse shaped churros. I’d have to do some research. I know Tokyo Disney Resort does offer some unique things not found anywhere else.
@Ruth – Yes! I just checked and it looks like the tin is being sold in a few places – World of Disney, Emporium and Disney Showcase. It’s $12.95.
@Josh – Hello, new best friend. 🙂 That sounds delicious and I know what I’m having for dinner tonight.
@AJ – You’re welcome. I didn’t know about the flavor testing either until I spoke with Patrice.
Can’t wait to find out more about the Vinylmation Popcorns series. It looks like it will be an open window series (assuming that is the box next to Mickey). Can you tell us about how the Vinylmations relate to popcorn? Do they smell like popcorn? Do they have spring legs that make them “pop”? Are they holding a bag of Popcorn?
@Carla – Please stay tuned. I intend to talk about them a little later this year (as they won’t be released until summertime). The “Popcorns” style is part of a larger art program (yet the Vinylmation look pretty cool).
I can’t go to DLR without getting the Caramel Kettle Corn at DTD.
It’s only at one place closer to the DL Hotel than to DL.
I sure miss the freshly made honey popcorn that was once sold in Critter Country. We would sometimes wait 30 minutes for a box and then take it to the Rivers of America to watch Fantasmic! It needs to make a come back.
@Steven – I could go on for days about the snacks and food in Tokyo Disney! Why did I find the bacon-wrapped sushi rice on my last day? How about the chocolate-filled Duffy mochi? The hot bottles of Royal Milk Tea? So yummy!!
@ Steven , we already been to Disneyworld (Thanksgiving) , and would not come back until fall Break , maybe…in the meantime , where can I buy a Disney popcorn tin can (or the mint-chocolate popcorn , that one made my kids stomachs rumble!!!) ??
How can you buy this popcorn if you’re not in any of the parks? Are you able to order it online?
Will they be offering the tins of popcorn for sale on line?
@George – Sounds like I need to book my flight this afternoon! I’ve been pining to return to Tokyo Disney Resort since my first visit 10 years ago.
@Laura, Jennifer and Nadine – I spoke with the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Merchandise Guest Services team (1-877-560-6477 or send an email to: merchandiseguestservices@disney.go.com). Unfortunately, they are unable to sell food items due to their perishable nature. I am checking with the Disney Parks Online Store team but I’m guessing they will not be able to sell them either. I’m sorry I don’t have better news.
I picked up a sample pack from DL with 6 different flavors and love the original Chocolate Caramel Popcorn. I wish I bought a bigger bag!
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