Disneyland Turkey Leg – Where to Find, Price, Fascinating Facts

Disneyland turkey legs are one of the most popular snack items at the resort joining the ranks of the famous Mickey pretzels and icecream bars, popcorn, churros, and more. 

Many things originated at the Happiest Place on Earth, including the famed Disney churro and even more famous Dorito. However, the Disney Turkey Leg traces its origins all the way to Orlando at Disneyland’s sibling park. Clearly, the Disney Turkey Leg deserves some love.

Let’s go over everything about the Disney Turkey Leg, what makes it so famous, and every place you can find it at Disneyland Resort!

History of the Turkey Leg… at Walt Disney World!

It’s funny – the Turkey Leg at Walt Disney World can stir up an argument among guests who frequent the Florida Disney parks, but at Disneyland, it seems to be a whole different story.

At Walt Disney World, some absolutely adore them, while others despise them. Yet at Disneyland, you’re far more likely to see plenty of guests biting off this massive piece of meat wherever you are in the theme parks. Regardless, there’s no doubt that the famed (or infamous depending on where you are) turkey leg is a Disneyland staple food item and true park icon.

Actually, this park icon is SO big that it can easily feed two people.

But did you know that this snack doesn’t have its origins in Disneyland?

If Disneyland in California originated the famed Disney churro, Walt Disney World originated the infamous Disney turkey leg.

Believe it or not, the turkey leg made its debut in Magic Kingdom near Country Bear Jamboree in 1989 thanks to a man by the name of Dave Jarrett. Originally an employee at Cap’n Jack’s in the Walt Disney World Village (widely known as Disney Springs today), Jarrett eventually worked his way through the ranks of Walt Disney World.

He eventually became a convention manager at Magic Kingdom.

The Disney Turkey Leg: From the Renaissance Fair to Frontierland

Before its popularity in the Disney parks, the turkey leg was a staple food of renaissance fairs in the 1960s and 1970s.

However, after coming across this massive snack at a renaissance fair in 1989, Jarrett decided to pitch the idea of bringing this famous “ren fair” snack to Walt Disney World. After originally pitching his idea of selling oversized turkey legs, Jarrett said he was “nearly laughed out of a meeting.” Yet, the team decided to gamble on the idea – and the gamble paid off.

The infamous salty snack was originally only sold in Frontierland, but quickly spread to other Walt Disney World locations – and eventually other Disney theme parks including Disneyland in California and even Disneyland Paris!

Disneyland Turkey Leg Fun Facts

With its salty flavor, seemingly endless amounts of meat to chew on, and even more oil to run down your hand, the Disney Turkey Leg has been and still remains one of the most popular snack foods at a Disney theme park.

However, there have been many rumors about the Disney Turkey Leg circulating among Disneyland park goers. Is the Disney Turkey Leg actually made with turkey meat? How in the world is the Disney Turkey Leg so huge, and why is it so pink on the inside?

Let’s squash some Disney Turkey leg rumors and give some fun facts.

Disney Turkeys are in Fact Turkey!

First, these massive chunks of meat actually do come from real turkeys – tom tom turkeys to be exact.

These turkeys, which can weigh around 50 pounds, are much bigger than the hen turkeys we typically see on the dinner table during Thanksgiving. To squash the rumor that Disneyland Turkey Legs were actually made from emu (or duck!), you have to consider a few things. Not only is the typical emu leg 8 times the size of a typical turkey leg.

It’s also illegal to pass off one type of meet as another type!

Disney Turkeys are NOT Ham

What about that ham taste? And the pink-ish meat?

Both of those characteristics come from the sodium nitrite curing solution. Before smoking them, Cast Members inject this curing solution into their turkey legs. This is what gives them their signature pink color that looks and tastes almost like ham.

Still think it tastes like ham?

Although it’s Turkey, it’s not Exactly Healthy

Both the Disneyland Turkey Leg and your typical Thanksgiving Day ham are cured in a salt solution, so don’t be surprised that they taste similar!

Besides, anything injected with brine and then hickory smoked tends to have a similar taste. Additionally, with the meat, skin, and bone combined, did you know that the Disneyland Turkey Leg comes in at a massive 1.5 pounds? Given how much meat is on there, it’s estimated that one of these babies can have upwards of 700 calories and 36 grams of fat. To be fair though, there’s a solid chance you’ll walk enough at Disneyland to burn off that many calories.

Enough of the facts – let’s go over where you can find the turkey leg at Disneyland.

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Poultry Palace ($12.99)

Located in Pixar Pier in front of Jessie’s Critter Carousel and Toy Story Midway Mania!, this is the only spot in California Adventure where you can purchase a Disney Turkey Leg.

However, because of the availability of alcohol at California Adventure, guests can also purchase beer at this quick-service kiosk, which pairs well with such a salty snack. Poultry Palace also sells the popular Chicken Drumstick Box, corn on the cob, a chimichanga, and assorted Coca-Cola beverages. Poultry Palace is open from 10:00am to 10:00pm.

Finally, Poultry Palace does not offer any Disney Vacation Club or Magic Key discounts and does not offer mobile order.

Hot Foods near Central Plaza ($12.99)

Not to far from the Partners Statue and just outside the Royal Theatre, Hot Foods near Central Plaza is 1 of 3 spots guests can purchase a Disney Turkey Leg.

So why not visit one of your favorite Disney princesses before grabbing a Disney Turkey Leg? In addition to a Disney Turkey Leg, guests can purchase Buffalo Chicken Dip, 2 types of corn on the cob, the famous Dill Pickle, several types of Frito-Lay snacks, and an assortment of Coca-Cola beverages. Hot Foods near Central Plaza is open from 11:00am to 11:00pm. This means that if you need that salty, meaty snack fix late at night, this is certainly 1 place to get it!

Similar to Poultry Palace, Hot Foods near Central Plaza does not offer any Disney Vacation Club or Magic Key discounts nor does it offer mobile order.

Ship to Shore Marketplace ($12.99)

Located across from Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and right next to the port for the Sailing Ship Columbia and Mark Twain Riverboat, Ship to Shore Marketplace is the second spot guests can purchase a Disney Turkey Leg.

If you’re looking for a Disney Turkey Leg right at opening time, this place is it. Along with the Disney Turkey Leg, Ship to Shore Marketplace offers 2 types of corn on the cob, the famous Dill Pickle, a chimichanga, an assortment of chips, assorted Coca-Cola beverages, hot cocoa, coffee, and the ever-popular breakfast chimichanga. For those looking for a healthier option, they can also find an assortment of fruits and Mini Baybel snack cheese packs here. Breakfast (along with the breakfast chimichanga) is served from 8:00am to 11:00am while lunch is served from 11:00am-11:00pm.

Similarly, Ship to Shore Marketplace does not offer any Disney Vacation Club or Magic Key discounts nor does it offer mobile order.

Edelweiss Snacks ($12.99)

Located across from Le Petite Chalet Gifts under the Disneyland Monorail as it passes through Fantasyland, Edelweiss Snacks is the final spot guests can purchase a Disney Turkey Leg.

Rejoice all you dining planners, mobile order fans, and D-Introverted guests who like to get their food in peace, because mobile order is offered here! Along with the Disney Turkey Leg, guests can order a Bratwurst with Sauerkraut, Cheesy Garlic Pretzel Bread, several sides of sauces and dressings, a Frozen Slush, and assorted Coca-Cola beverages. Guests can purchase their Disney Turkey Leg at Edelweiss Snacks from 11:30am to 9:00pm. Just make sure not to purchase and eat your Turkey Leg right before hopping on Matterhorn Bobsleds.

While mobile order is offered at Edelweiss Snacks, it does not offer any Disney Vacation Club or Magic Key discounts.

Final Thoughts on the Disney Turkey Leg

In the end, there’s very little doubt that the Disney Turkey Leg is a massive fan favorite at Disneyland.

Anyone looking for a salty, meaty, filling snack (or… meal), this is the ticket. And if you want my opinion, while I do love the way it tastes, I wouldn’t go out of my way to get myself a Disney Turkey Leg at my next visit unless I’m really craving a salty meal. Regardless, eating a Disney Turkey Leg has become such a memorable experience for Disney park goers. In fact, over 1.5 million turkeys are consumed at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World every year. The Disney Turkey leg is so popular that Disney even created merchandise based on this popular snack!

Now how about you: are you a Disney Turkey Leg fan?

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