How Disney has used food to elevate its theme parks

Thrill-seekers of all ages are excited to return to theme parks, but gravity-defying rides and immersive attractions aren’t the only things they have an appetite for.

In the last two decades, food and beverage offerings have become an increasingly important part of the amusements business. And the Walt Disney Co. is the one that’s led the charge in delivering innovative and delicious meals, snacks and drinks to parkgoers.

For decades, Disney has pushed the boundaries of food and beverage innovation, developing unique park favorites like Mickey Mouse-shaped ice cream bars and pretzels as well as Dole Whips and themed candied apples and cookies.

“Rides and attractions are the number one, then food and beverage are really neck and neck with why people go to the parks,” Dennis Speigel, president of International Theme Parks Services, said. “It’s just a fact. And what parks have seized on in the last 20 years is building their new attractions around areas that offer food and beverage.”

Disney has taken this a step further with its new Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser experience. Unlike its themed lands like Pandora, Galaxy’s Edge and Avenger’s Campus, the Halcyon is a two-day immersive experience. Guests aren’t strolling in for a bite or a drink, they are living a Star Wars story for 48 hours.

That means chef Brian Piasecki and his team had to create an all-inclusive program of food that would be delivered to guests over the course of two days.

Onboard the Halcyon, Disney is showcasing some of its more ambitious and delectable food and beverage creations.

Piasecki worked to create dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner that were accessible to guests, but also upscale. The lunch buffets, for example, feature familiar dishes, such as grilled cheese and tomato soup, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and salads, but with a distinctly Star Wars spin.

The food trays, which are used for the breakfast and lunch buffets, are uniquely shaped with three rectangular depressions so that dishes can slide into place snugly and not move when being carried into the Crown of Corellia Dining Room, the main eating hall onboard the Halcyon. They have a distinct sci-fi aesthetic, but are also incredibly functional, especially for those who want to try a little bit of everything.

“It’s so important to the experience and it’s something that is really under the microscope now in our industry,” Speigel said. “Everybody is looking at ways to improve and that’s quality, service, style, plating, everything. I think that’s going to be with us forever now.”