Disney World Snack Credits at Epcot

Walt Disney World's Quick Service, Regular, and Deluxe Dining Plans all include a number of snack credits. The hardest item to define, the snack credit can be used all over property, but the rules seem to vary. Items tend to be any single serve item priced under $4.00, but there are many exceptions to this "rule". The best rule of thumb is to always keep an eye out for the DDP logo and make your choices from there. For the purposes of this article, let's examine what Epcot has to offer.

Beginning in the front of the park where progress and education compete with thrills, there are several excellent places to find delicious snacks. Located close to the fountain is the Fountainview Café where you can use your snack credits for hand dipped ice cream in cups, waffle cones, floats and shakes. Head towards The Land and stop for a snack at Sunshine Seasons while you wait for your Soarin' fastpass time to arrive. Here you can choose among a large selection of pastries and desserts. In my family, we can't pass up the opportunity to enjoy a tart key lime pie with light and airy meringue and a strawberry shortcake with thick layers of real whipped cream and fresh strawberries. Other choices include chocolate croissants, Asian chocolate cake, brownies, cookies and fresh fruit. Throughout the front of the park, you can also find popcorn and beverage carts at frequent stops.

World Showcase, however, is the hub of unique snack options. The Boulangerie Patisserie in France holds a beautiful selection of pastries ranging from towering cream puffs to dark chocolate mousse. Chocolate éclairs, napoleons, fruit tarts, apple turnovers, filled and plain croissants and iced lattes are all among your choices. Outside the Patisserie, you can treat yourself to a crepe.

In Germany, selections include soft pretzels, apple strudel and black forest cake. Japan features its refreshing Kaki Gori, a sweet snowcone in melon, strawberry and orange flavors. Norway's Kringla Bakeri og Café is another treasure filled with options. The rich custard filled school bread, almond encrusted sweet pretzels, strawberry rice creams and applesauce and whipped cream "veiled maidens" are featured snacks. Lefse, Viking cookies and strawberry preserve topped waffles are also available.

Beverages and traditional snacks are also found throughout the World Showcase. Check for the Dining Plan logo on every menu to see what else is available for purchase. Morocco, Mexico, China and more may offer up new items each year as the Dining Plan fluxes and grows.

The Food and Wine Festival in October and November is truly the time when Epcot shines for snack credits. A series of kiosks throughout World Showcase offers up delicacies from Ireland, Turkey, Greece, Australia and more. Each food item is marked with a snack credit logo, freeing up your cash to purchase the amazing wine samples at the kiosks.

Epcot offers standard American cuisine and authentic ethnic dishes and everything in between. So stop, take a few moments for a break, and enjoy the delicious and unique snack choices you can find there!