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Taking the grilled cheese sandwich to an epic level

Disney theme parks are known for having some of the most delicious food. The parks are a foodie's paradise. Even the simplest food tastes so much better there.

There's a reason for that. What may seem a simple recipe is not so simple at Disney theme parks.

Take their grilled cheese sandwich sold at Woody's Lunchbox. It's a cheesy, creamy, multi-ingredient sandwich with an addition that's so good that once you have one, you'll never want to eat a grilled cheese without it.

The type of cheeses makes a big difference. Disney uses two slices of cheddar cheese and two slices of provolone cheese on each sandwich. But it's the cream cheese spread that really sends this sandwich over the top.

The sandwich gets a smear of a mixture of softened cream cheese, heavy cream, shredded Cheddar, and a pinch of salt between the cheese slices. And instead of butter on the outside, Disney uses a garlic aioli spread made with mayo, freshly minced garlic, and salt. So, in addition to the sandwich getting an even brown color and crispy bite, it also has a punch of garlic and salt flavor.

Combine all the cheesy ingredients, savory garlic spread, and perfectly toasted white bread [actually sourdough at Disney], and you've got an "epic" grilled cheese sandwich, according to Allrecipes Senior Producer Nicole McLaughlin.

Fortunately, Disney shared its official recipe when the theme parks were temporarily closed in 2020. You can get it HERE.

The grilled cheese currently sells for $10.99 at Woody's Lunch at Hollywood Studios.

Takeaway

The Disney grilled cheese sandwich is an excellent example of how to take a common food and elevate it to the point where it becomes a signature, premium-priced item that the venue is known for.

Renaissance Festivals, with their giant turkey drumsticks, are another good example. People attend the festival for the drumstick. Turkey legs are routinely framed as part of the "Renaissance Festival experience," with commentary like, "Did you really go to the Ren Fest if you didn't have a turkey leg?" In fact, Renaissance Festival discount tickets sold in stores now include admission and a turkey drumstick.

Creating an elevated, signature common food that people will love and want to return to enjoy next year will not only become part of your brand but also drive repeat attendance and per capita food and beverage sales.

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