Are they misunderstood by the masses? Or are they actually as disgusting as some people claim? Believe it or not, there are quite a few people out there who love turkey legs, and to this day, they’re still known as one of Disney’s most iconic snacks. But before you buy one…there are some things I need you to know!
Disney’s giant turkey legs are one of the most iconic snacks across Disney theme parks. These jumbo-sized legs look straight out of a fairytale, seemingly too large to be real. Naturally, guests have wondered – what are these mysterious turkey legs really made of?
Rumors have circulated for years that the giant turkey legs sold at Disney parks aren’t actually made of turkey at all The most popular myth suggests they are made of emu meat,
However Disney has confirmed that despite the speculation, the turkey legs sold in their parks are made of real turkey meat. Not emu ostrich, or any other bird. Plain old turkey.
Still, questions remain around Disney’s famous oversized drumsticks. Keep reading to uncover the truth behind the ingredients origin popularity and other secrets behind Disney’s iconic snack.
A Turkey Leg History Lesson
To understand Disney’s turkey legs, you need a bit of background on the history of turkey legs at theme parks and festivals.
Giant turkey legs have long been a popular food trend at Renaissance fairs and medieval festivals across the country. They fit the time period and provide a substantial, meaty snack for fairgoers.
Disney decided to bring this festival trend into their parks in the late 1980s. The first turkey leg cart opened in Frontierland in Magic Kingdom, selling smoked turkey drumsticks for around $5.
They were an instant hit, with guests loving the unique, substantial snack. The craze spread to other Disney parks and led to a surge in turkey leg demand.
Why Are Disney’s Turkey Legs So Large?
A single Disney turkey leg weighs around 1.5 pounds. Compared to the standard 1.25 pound turkey leg portion, that’s a decent increase. But it’s not as giant as the legs appear.
Disney’s turkey legs look especially enormous due to the way they are cooked. The legs are smoked and cured in a brine solution before cooking. This adds water weight and plumps the legs up substantially.
The optical illusion makes the legs look even bigger than their actual weight. Still, at around 1.5 pounds, they provide a hearty snack for even the hungriest park-goers.
What’s Up With the Ham Flavor?
If you’ve ever tasted a Disney turkey leg, you may have noticed something strange. The meat tastes more like ham than poultry. What gives?
The ham-like flavor comes from the curing and smoking process used to cook the legs. Turkey legs are submerged in a wet brine solution similar to what is used to cure ham or corned beef.
The brine imparts a smoky, salty, ham-like flavor. It also preserves the turkey meat and locks in moisture, resulting in a juicy interior beneath the crispy smoked exterior.
Why Are Disney Turkey Legs So Popular?
There are several reasons giant turkey legs have reached icon status at Disney parks:
-
They’re novel – You can’t find an enormous smoked turkey leg just anywhere. The unique size and presentation creates intrigue.
-
They’re photogenic – The legs really do look straight out of a medieval feast. They make for fun photos and social media shares.
-
They’re hearty – A 1.5 lb turkey leg provides a substantial amount of protein. No more midday hunger pangs.
-
They’re tasty – The smoky, salty, juicy meat is hard to resist.
-
They’re nostalgic – For those who visited Disney parks as a kid, the turkey leg brings back childhood memories.
By The Numbers: How Many Turkey Legs Are Sold Annually
It’s estimated that over 2 million turkey legs are sold across Disney parks in North America each year. That’s over 6,500 legs per day!
At around $12.50 per leg, the giant turkey legs bring in big profits. They remain one of the most popular snacks across Disneyland and Disney World.
Crazy Turkey Leg Merchandise
At the peak of turkey leg mania, Disney went all out with turkey leg merchandise. For a while, you could buy turkey leg themed:
- T-Shirts
- Boxer shorts
- Air fresheners
- Rice Krispie treats
The craze has dialed back, but shows just how popular this salty, smoked snack really is.
Nutrition Facts – Worth the Splurge?
With no nutritional information provided, many Disney guests wonder: are the giant turkey legs secretly diet-busters?
While they aren’t the healthiest park snack, a little turkey leg indulgence in moderation won’t break the calorie bank.
According to estimates, a Disney turkey leg clocks in around:
- 720 calories
- 36 grams fat
- 84 grams protein
So while they aren’t as lean as a grilled chicken breast, a turkey leg provides a hefty serving of protein with fewer calories than a cheeseburger and fries. Enjoying a full leg will provide energy to walk around the park all day.
Copycat Recipes Let You DIY
You can find countless copycat recipes online from Disney fans desperate to recreate the magic at home. Most copycat recipes start by brining the legs overnight in a saltwater solution with spices like garlic, peppercorns, bay leaves and juniper berries.
The brined legs then get rubbed with spices and smoked low and slow on a grill or smoker until tender and browned. While homemade versions may not match Disney’s exact secret recipe, they come pretty close.
Are Disney Turkey Legs Worth The Hype?
With the consumer curiosity, urban legends and sheer number of turkey legs consumed each year, it’s clear Disney’s giant turkey legs are more than just a snack – they’re an icon.
While the rumors of unusual ingredients are false, the secrets behind the flavor, preparation and mass appeal are fascinating. The numbers speak for themselves.
Yes, they are indulgent. Yes, they are salty. But the turkey legs offer a truly unique Disney dining experience. For many, no Disney trip is complete without this medieval-inspired treat.
So rest assured that whether you’re a first-timer or lifelong fan, you can enjoy Disney’s giant turkey legs knowing they are made with real smoked turkey meat. No emu, ostrich or other mystery bird meats here. Just sweet, savory, nostalgic, Instagram-worthy deliciousness.
No, They’re NOT Made of Emu
One of the most prevailing rumors about Disney World snacks is that turkey legs are made of emu meat. How else would they be that large?! Well, we’re prepared to shut this one DOWN. It’s simply not true.
Disney World’s turkey legs are massive because they come from tom turkey meat. Disney’s not lying to you about the ingredients (that would be illegal with the FDA and all), so you can rest assured that you’re actually eating turkey.
Bring Your Own Tupperware
When I worked at one of the stands where you could buy turkey legs, I got asked ALL THE TIME if I had plastic bags for storing leftovers. People tend to underestimate the sheer size of this snack and they assume that Disney is prepared with ways for them to wrap it up and take it to go.
Alas, that’s not how snack stands work you guys. If you really would like a plastic bag for storing the remainder of your turkey leg, you can head to a gift shop and ask for one there. Otherwise, you’re on your own! If you’re planning on eating part of a turkey leg on your next visit, it might be wise to bring your own Ziplocs or Tupperware — although, that would have to be a pretty big box to store this hefty snack.
Top 10 UNTOLD TRUTHS of Disney’s Giant Turkey Legs
FAQ
Are the turkey legs at Disney real turkey?
Is Disney turkey leg healthy?
Why are Disney turkey legs pink?
Is smoked turkey leg healthy?