China Disney Food Challenge!!

Disneyland Shanghai Food Challenge: A Detailed Summary

Key Concepts:

• Disneyland Shanghai: The sixth and final Disneyland park visited in a series exploring Disney theme park food globally.
• WeChat: A ubiquitous Chinese multi-purpose messaging, social media, and mobile payment app.
• Wagyu Beef: Highly marbled Japanese beef known for its quality and price.
• Sichuan Cuisine: A style of Chinese cooking originating from Sichuan province, known for its bold, spicy flavors.
• Takoyaki: Japanese octopus balls, a popular street food.
• Stinky Tofu: Fermented tofu with a strong odor, a popular snack in East Asia.
• Cultural Differences: The unique culinary and social aspects of Disneyland Shanghai compared to other Disney parks.

Initial Impressions & Waffle Adventure

The video begins with the presenter’s arrival at Disneyland Shanghai, highlighting the park’s unique blend of English and Chinese signage. The first food stop is Waffle and Ice Cream, where a character unfamiliar to the presenter, Lena Bell (a fox), is prominently featured. A “Disney Label” waffle with mango pomelo flavored ice cream costs $9.56 – significantly more than anticipated. The ice cream is described as having hints of mango and pomelo, but being more icy than creamy, with a dominant sugary flavor. The waffle itself is fluffy and crispy, prompting a desire for traditional American toppings like butter and maple syrup. The presenter notes the unusual presence of QR codes for pre-ordering via WeChat, a crucial app for daily life in China. A playful observation is made about the potential illusion of Lena Bell, referencing “The Matrix.”

Timothy’s Treats & The Hot Dog Conspiracy

The second location, Timothy’s Treats (named after a relatively obscure Disney character), offers American and Japanese-inspired hot dogs. The presenter orders both the American cheese hot dog ($9.84) and the black pepper Wagyu beef hot dog. The American cheese hot dog is described as having a soft bun, ketchup, and mustard, but lacking the expected cheese element. The Wagyu beef hot dog, more expensive, features corn and mayonnaise, and sparks a “conspiracy theory” – the presenter suspects both hot dogs use the same base sausage, with the Wagyu element being merely a topping. He points out the prevalence of QR code ordering via WeChat and the park’s efficient pre-order system. The presenter also notes the long wait times to enter the park despite the relatively empty food stalls, attributing this to the widespread use of mobile ordering.

Toy Story Treats: Sichuan Spicy Chicken & Surveillance

Moving to the Toy Story section, the presenter tries the Sichuan spicy chicken with potato chips ($13.36). He’s curious if the dish maintains authentic Sichuan flavors or is toned down for Western palates. He notes the presence of a surveillance camera in the kitchen, a common sight in China, and comments on the cleanliness of the food preparation area. The chicken is described as having a crispy texture and a unique combination of flavors, including a Mexican-inspired element with fried nuts and chilies. It’s deemed “fun” and “different,” something not found at other Disney parks.

Meat Waffle Madness & Adult Strollers

A mini waffle topped with Wagyu beef sauce is the next indulgence. The presenter describes the park as incredibly crowded, with himself becoming an attraction for onlookers. The waffle is crunchy and slightly sweet, paired with a savory meat sauce and a parsley-butter topping. Despite the unusual combination, he enjoys the dish, comparing it to a Chinese sloppy joe. He also observes the surprising number of adults using strollers within the park.

Black Bean Curd & Egg Tart Exploration

The next stop features black bean curd (stinky tofu) and egg tarts. The black bean curd, known as “stinky tofu,” is described as pungent and having a strong funk. While not particularly enjoyable, the presenter acknowledges its cultural significance. The egg tart, however, is a standout, praised for its flaky crust and delicious egg custard filling.

The Grand Feast: Entire Chicken & Tangled Tree Tavern

The final substantial meal is at Tangled Tree Tavern, featuring a massive platter with half a chicken and porketta, costing $56. The presenter also orders two bottles of water, bringing the total to $424. The chicken is described as rotisserie-cooked to perfection, with tender, juicy meat and crispy skin. The platter also includes corn, beans, and a variety of meats and vegetables. He notes the high quality of the chicken and the unique addition of sweet Chinese sausage in the stuffing. He declares it a “10 out of 10” dish.

Winnie the Pooh Sandwich & Takoyaki Finale

The penultimate food item is a Winnie the Pooh-shaped beef and mushroom sandwich ($10.55). The presenter acknowledges the controversial ban of Winnie the Pooh in China due to its association with political criticism, noting its surprising presence in the park. The sandwich is described as having a cute shape but a tendency for the filling to sink to the bottom. The final dish is Takoyaki (octopus balls) from Driftwood Derwins Snacking Kraken ($7.73). The presenter initially misidentifies the ingredient as squid, but is corrected. He describes the inside as having a mashed potato-like texture and praises the smoky, grilled flavor of the octopus.

Final Tally & Park Ranking

The presenter successfully spent $128 on theme park food, setting a new record among the six Disney parks visited. He highlights the unique aspects of Disneyland Shanghai, including the lack of diet cokes and iced coffees, the prevalence of smoking, and the use of adult strollers. He ultimately ranks Disneyland Shanghai as the best Disney park overall, citing its massive size, creative food offerings, and unique cultural experiences.

Notable Quotes:

• “It’s like this hot dog went out its whole life searching for cheese, but really the cheese was always on the inside.”
• “That’s pretty smelly. It certainly has some funk to it.” (Regarding the stinky tofu)
• “This park is so packed that I have become one of the attractions.”
• “Entire chickens stuffed with Chinese sausage, delicious Japanese Wagyu put on everything. Really, when it came to the creativity here, there were no limitations.”
• “I might need a couple more days to sus it out, but for now I am saying definitively this one Disney out of all six is the best.”