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Disneys jumbo turkey legs are one of the parks most popular concessions — right up there with Mickey-shaped pretzels and apple juice “brews” from Gastons Tavern. And as such, theres a lot of speculation … like how much they weigh and what kind of bird theyre actually made from. We got down to the meat of the matter, and discovered nine crazy facts about the gigantic snack.
Turkey legs are an iconic snack at Disney theme parks. These jumbo-sized, meaty treats have a cult following among Disney fans. But what exactly are these mysterious turkey legs? Where do they come from and what makes them so big and delicious? Let’s find out!
A Brief History of Disney Turkey Legs
Turkey legs first appeared at Disneyland in the late 1980s near the Big Al refreshment stand in Frontierland. They quickly became a guest favorite due to their novelty and hearty flavor. By the early 2000s, over 2 million turkey legs were being sold per year across Disney’s theme parks!
The snack grew into a true Disney icon, inspiring merchandise like turkey leg t-shirts and even appearances in rides like Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind! While some food trends come and go, the beloved turkey leg has cemented its place in Disney history.
So What Kind of Turkey Are These Legs From?
There’s a lot of speculation about the source of Disney’s jumbo turkey legs. Some myths say they come from emus or ostriches. However, Disney has confirmed that the legs do indeed come from real turkeys.
The reason they’re so large is that they come from male turkeys, also called toms. Toms grow much bigger than female turkeys so their legs are naturally quite massive. Disney specifically sources extra-large turkey legs to live up to the “jumbo” name.
How Are Disney’s Turkey Legs Prepared?
Disney’s secret recipe gives the turkey legs their signature flavor. The legs are smoked, cured in a salt solution, and then grilled for serving. The curing process makes the meat tender and infuses it with a ham-like flavor, while smoking contributes a wonderfully savory taste.
The legs typically weigh around 1.5 pounds each. While that may seem huge, it’s only slightly bigger than the average 1.25 pound turkey leg you’d have for Thanksgiving dinner. Considering the bone weight, the portion of meat isn’t outrageous.
Nutrition Information – Worth the Splurge?
With their impressive size and hearty flavor, you may assume these turkey legs are a protein powerhouse. However, they’re fairly high in calories, fat, and sodium compared to a typical turkey leg. Each jumbo turkey leg contains:
- 720 calories
- 36g of fat
- 15g saturated fat
- 5,284mg sodium
We won’t lie – these figures are pretty alarming! The turkey leg is one of the least healthy options you’ll find in the parks. Consider splitting one between 2-3 people to cut down on the fat and sodium overload. Staying hydrated and walking around the park can also help balance out the indulgence.
Pricing and Availability
The average price for a turkey leg is $12-13. Given the large size, that’s not a bad value for families and groups to share.
You can find turkey legs at most quick service spots around the parks, especially in Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland and Adventureland. Popular stops include Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn, Golden Oak Outpost, and Aloha Isle. Keep your nose open for that smoky turkey aroma!
Our Verdict on Disney’s Famous Snack
There’s no doubt about it – Disney’s jumbo turkey legs live up to the hype. Their soft, juicy meat and crave-worthy smoked flavor make them an indulgence worth trying at least once per Disney trip. While not the healthiest choice, splitting one can let you enjoy those yummy Disney vacation calories in moderation. Grab a fork, head to Frontierland, and take a bite out of Disney history!
The meat’s not exactly a health food.
Disney doesnt reveal specific nutrition information, but a 2013 New York Times article stated the jumbo turkey legs have 720 calories and 36 grams of fat. But theres a good chance youll walk enough at the park to burn that many calories.
It’s a relic from the ’80s.
The giant turkey leg — a shticky concession Renaissance fairs have served for years — popped up in Disney World for the first time in the late 80s. It was originally only sold at one food cart, near Big Als in Magic Kingdoms Frontierland.
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FAQ
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