Despite the vast variations of chili recipes out there, one constant that forever rings true is that people tend to really love their chili. It’s one of those hearty American comforts that have withstood the test of time and continue to garner status as contested classics. Walt Disney himself was an adamant chili fan, and his family even had their very own chili recipe to boot.
What has come to be known affectionately as “Walt’s Favorite Chili” has even been recreated throughout various Disney theme park and Disney Resort locations the world over. It goes without saying that when you convert a small-batch original creation into one for a grander audience, there are bound to be a few minor tweaks in carrying it all out. But for the most part, Walt’s Chili retains authenticity and remains a creative concoction, whichever Disney destination you flock to in order to indulge in it.
Whether it’s Walt’s Favorite Chili you’re craving, or one of the other original house specialty twists featured at a beloved Disney dining venue, the culinary scene at Walt Disney World Resort in particular is a great place to grab some chili. While there are so many options to choose from, including constantly changing specials, here are eight exceptional examples you can always count on as your go-to for chilling out with a delicious helping of chili.
Related: Top Places for a Chili Crawl in Disney World Right Now
8. Casey’s Corner
Anyone who has spent a decent amount of time at Magic Kingdom Park has at least heard of Casey’s Corner. Themed for the classic baseball poem Casey at the Bat, this is one of the best-known go-to locations for quick-service convenience eats. While they are renowned for their many hot dog delights, it’s also worth mentioning that they serve up quite a couple of other options here as well.
And among their vast offerings, one who comes seeking out a warm fixing of chili, in particular, will not go away disappointed. You can enjoy a serving of their house-made specialty take on Walt’s Favorite Chili for under $5, no less. What’s more, their chili is featured in several other ways, including being served up as a topping for their own Chili-Cheese Hot Dog specialties and their Chili-Cheese French Fries side.
Related: Eight Great Guest Favorite Quick-Service Restaurants at Magic Kingdom Park
7. Woody’s Lunch Box
Since opening to the public back in 2018, Woody’s Lunch Box has become the newest Hollywood Studios go-to for quick comfort food selections with a twist. Both yesterday’s child, as well as the children of today, can thoroughly enjoy the various ‘vittles’ here. And one of their most contested hits is their specialty “Totchos” entrée feature.
These come as potato barrels coated in their house specialty beef and bean chili, with shredded cheese, signature queso, diced tomatoes, and corn chips. A garnishment of sour cream with sprinkled green onions sets off the presentation. But in getting back to chili, notice how it plays a pretty big role in making Totchos what it is essentially.
It’s also worth mentioning that there is a plant-based version of Totchos served up here as well, which includes both a vegan chili and a dairy-free cheese component. In short, this really means that Woody’s Lunch Box has both traditional and vegan versions of chili on hand, complete with the works.
Related: 7 Things You’ll Love about Woody’s Lunch Box in Disney’s Toy Story Land
6. Beaches & Cream Soda Shop
This “beachy keen” table-service establishment over at Disney’s Beach Club Resort has many notable attributes to its name. While dishing up that delectable Kitchen Sink Sundae is very high on the list, they’re also widely recognized for their classic Americana-style eats. And what can be more American than a hearty bowl of chili? Their presentation jazzes things up a bit, with shredded cheese and green onions topping things off. In fact, they actually have both vegan and traditional renditions of this favored soup of sorts.
Beaches & Cream also serves up a unique Chili and Cheese Tots side, which comes as a compilation of their house-made potato tots with chili, sour cream, cheese, and green onion. A plant-based alternative to this same item can also be scrounged up as well.
Related: 10 Decadent Reasons Why We Love Disney World’s Beaches and Cream Soda Shop
5. Beach Club Marketplace
Don’t leave Disney’s Beach Club Resort just yet, because here’s another option for where to get chili. Again, both plant-based as well as traditional variations can be had at this quick-service spot. Their chili also contributes to several other specialties they dish up here, including their Foot-Long All-Beef Chili-Cheese Hot Dog and their Beef Chili-Topped Baked Macaroni & Cheese.
4. The Fountain
While technically not considered an official Walt Disney World Resort, The Walt Disney World Dolphin, along with her sister the Walt Disney World Swan, is just about as Disney as you can get and both are, for all intents and purposes, honorary Disney accommodations. In fact, they’re even wedged right in the middle of Disney Resort property, making them pretty popular destinations both for lodging as well as dining within.
And for someone seeking out exceptional chili, the recommendation here is none other than The Fountain Restaurant. Located on the Dolphin side of things, this casual American diner setup offers a pretty profuse menu of classic comforts done up with a modern spin. And one classic offering that never goes out of style is of course their house specialty Chili with Cheese.
Dining Guests have the option to choose to have their chili served up either in a bowl or a smaller cup. There’s also an excellent chili-infused side starter to consider. It comes in the form of Chili Cheese Fries.
Related: Dining Guide – Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort
3. City Works Eatery & Pour House
The scene at Disney Springs isn’t without its own chili hotspots as well. And one of the most notable versions of this very versatile victual is the presentation divvied out at City Works Eatery & Pour House. Here they do up traditional American fare with all the works, so would you expect anything less from their featured 1871 Chili?
Here you have a combination of Angus steak, milk stout, pork, chipotle peppers, sour cream, red onion, and an accompanying cornbread muffin. Guests may choose to have this filling fixture served up in either a cup or a bowl.
Related: Celebrate Oktoberfest with a Limited Time Menu at City Works Eatery & Pour House in Disney Springs
2. Rosie’s All-American Café
As far as quick-service venues go, Rosie’s All-American Café pretty much rules the roost in the lineup of Hollywood Studios favorites that comprise Sunset Ranch Market. You wouldn’t expect a counter-service setup to have such intricate eats, but Rosie’s certainly exceeds all expectations. And again, they too have all the diehard chili-lovers covered in their offering of a side of house chili. They also feature the same marvelous concoction as the crowning glory of their Chili-Cheese All-Beef Foot-Long Hot Dogs.
Related: An Overview of Dining Options At Hollywood Studios
1. The Plaza Restaurant
Coming full circle back to the scene on Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom Park, there is a sit-down alternative venue to Casey’s where Guests can get their fill of chili. It’s at that elegant-yet-classical favorite on the other side of the street: The Plaza Restaurant. And what’s best about their chili is that it is entirely plant-based, with pinto beans, a cashew cream taking the place of traditional sour cream, and a lime wedge garnishment.
In keeping with the plant-based chili trend, there is another interesting item on the menu worthy of a standing ovation; it’s their Chili-Impossible Burger. This featured eat, which is popular among vegans and non-vegans alike, comes as a chili-topped Impossible brand patty burger with grilled mushrooms, lettuce, and tomato.
Related: Walt’s Chili and Beans Recipe from Carnation Café at Disneyland Park
Plenty of other palatable chili options with a twist can be found at several other Disney Park locations and within nearby Disney Springs. These include venues that are better known for delivering specifically chili dog specialties, chili-cheese fries, and other renditions.
While such venues do not advertise methods for doling out chili in its conventional cup or bowl format, it goes without saying that they have the means to do so, and it never hurts to ask such establishments directly if they’d be willing to honor your request for conventional chili in a bowl or cup.
There are also locations that have been changing features that aren’t necessarily on the permanent menu. In such instances, you may just luck out if the soup of the day happens to be a chili concoction. In short, it’s always best to stay current with a location’s menu features and the changing features each one presents. But come what may, rest assured that at any given time you can chill out with chili at Disney World.