Satisfying Your Hunger: The Cost of Turkey Legs at Disneyland

Turkey legs have become an iconic snack at Disneyland, These jumbo legs are a favorite treat for visitors looking to satisfy their hunger during a long day at the parks, But how much do these meaty legs cost? Let’s take a closer look at the price of turkey legs at Disneyland

A Brief History

While turkey legs have been a Renaissance fair staple since the 1960s, they didn’t make their Disney debut until the late 1980s at Walt Disney World. Snack vendor Dave Jarrett brought the idea over from his local Renaissance fair, and the salty, finger-food snack quickly caught on. The oversized turkey legs soon spread across Disney parks, becoming a favorite hearty snack.

Where To Buy Turkey Legs at Disneyland

You can find turkey legs at several quick-service kiosks throughout Disneyland

• Poultry Palace in Pixar Pier at Disney’s California Adventure
• Edelweiss Snacks in Fantasyland
• Ship to Shore Marketplace in Frontierland
• Hot Foods near Central Plaza in the hub between lands

Most locations serve turkey legs from park opening through close. Poultry Palace has the latest hours, staying open until park closing at 10 or 11pm.

Cost of a Turkey Leg at Disneyland

The standard price for a turkey leg across all Disneyland locations is $11.99 plus tax. With California sales tax, expect to pay around $13 total.

This price has slowly risen over the years but has stayed steady at $11.99 for the past several years. Given the large portion, it’s not a bad value for feeding hungry families.

Turkey legs were around $6 when first introduced in the 1980s. The price had reached $10.99 by 2015 before the most recent increases.

Value Comparison

How does the turkey leg price compare to other Disneyland dining options in terms of value?

• More affordable than meals – A whole turkey leg costs less than most quick service combo meals which are $15-$20.

• Similar to snacks – Turkey legs are priced comparably to other high-protein snacks like corn dogs or chicken strips meals, also around $13.

• Better value than snacks – For portion size, turkey legs offer more food pound-for-pound than typical snacks like popcorn buckets or pretzels.

• Less than character meals – At $40-$60 per person, character dining costs 2-3 times more than a turkey leg.

So while not exactly cheap, turkey legs offer a satisfyingly large serving compared to other in-park dining choices. The price nets out to around $1 per ounce of food.

Nutrition Information

With a full leg weighing around 1.5 pounds, a Disneyland turkey leg packs a hefty nutritional punch:

• 700-1,000 calories – Estimates range from 700 to over 1,000 calories per leg. Enough for a full meal!

• 25-30 grams protein – You get a day’s worth of protein in every turkey leg. Great for rebuilding muscle after walking the parks all day.

• 36 grams fat – Mostly from the skin, so remove it to cut down on saturated fat. Still a significant source.

• 800-1200 mg sodium – All that salt and curing makes these very high in sodium content.

So while tasty, turkey legs are clearly an occasional indulgence food given their calorie and fat load. Share one between multiple people for a lighter snack.

Getting the Best Value

To maximize your turkey leg value, here are some tips:

• Share with others – At up to 1,000 calories each, turkey legs can easily feed 2-3 people. Great for families.

• Buy at off times – Prices don’t fluctuate, but wait for short lines at snack stands before noon and during parades.

• Use Disney dining plans – For those on the Disney Dining Plan, a turkey leg counts as a quick service credit.

• Weigh costs vs. convenience – Yes, bringing food into parks is cheaper, but is it worth carrying and storing all day vs. grabbing a turkey leg on the go?

• Consider kids’ meals – The kids’ turkey drumstick meal adds apple slices, carrot sticks, and milk for just $2 more.

Are Turkey Legs Worth It?

At the end of the day, are Disneyland turkey legs worth the price tag? It depends on your priorities:

Pros

• Large, shareable portion size
• Unique Disney snack experience
• Provides lasting energy
• Doesn’t require a time-consuming sit-down meal

Cons

• Expensive for a snack item
• High in fat, sodium, and calories
• Can be messy to eat
• Long snack stand lines at peak times

For many Disneyland visitors, part of the theme park fun is enjoying unique foods like oversized turkey legs. If you want a hearty meal while walking around the parks and don’t mind the indulgence, turkey legs are a delicious option. But they may not be worth it if watching calories or budget.

One thing is for sure – turkey legs have cemented their status as a classic Disneyland snack. So if you are looking to satisfaction your hunger during your Disneyland trip, expect to shell out around $13 for this meaty icon.