If you’ve ever found yourself daydreaming about the scent of a long-lost snack or the ambiance of a shuttered EPCOT pavilion, your kitchen is about to become a time machine.
Theme park journalists Carly Caramanna (host of the Attractions podcast) and Julie Tremaine (author of The Disney Villains Cookbook) have officially pulled back the curtain on their latest project: The Unofficial Disney Parks Retro Cookbook.
Published by HarperCollins/HarperCelebrate, the book is slated for release on October 13, 2026. Despite being months away, the buzz is already deafening—the title has already claimed the #1 spot on several Amazon best-seller lists, including Snacks, Theme Parks, and Tourist Destinations.
What’s on the Menu?
This isn’t just a collection of recipes; it’s a deep dive into the culinary archives of Disney history. With over 60 recipes, the book spans the “Golden Age” of Disneyland to the experimental flavors of modern-day Walt Disney World.
Whether you are looking for opening-day classics or cult favorites that vanished too soon, here is a sneak peek at what you can recreate:
- The Vintage Classics: Revisit the Red Wagon Inn (closed 1964) with their sophisticated Lamb Chops and Mint Jelly.
- The Origin Stories: Try the Taco Salad in a Ta-Cup from Casa de Fritos—the legendary spot where Doritos were actually invented.
- The “Eisner Era” Gems: Finally master the Handwich, or bake the cult-favorite Carrot Cake Cookie from the Writer’s Stop (back when Hollywood Studios was still MGM!).
- Recent Departures: For those still mourning the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, the famous Iced Felucian Blue Shrimp Cocktail is included, alongside favorites from Steakhouse 55 and Restaurant Marrakesh.
- The Liquid History: Sip on the original Kungaloosh from Pleasure Island’s Adventurers Club or try Walt Disney’s personal favorite, the Scotch Mist.
More Than Just a Recipe Book
Caramanna and Tremaine aren’t just foodies; they are historians. Each dish is paired with “untold Disney history,” providing context on why these flavors mattered and the stories of the restaurants that served them.
From the monorail cocktails of the Monorail Club Car to the mid-century charm of the Disneyland Hotel, the book serves as a passport back to the eras of park-hopping we thought were gone forever.
“The Unofficial Disney Parks Retro Cookbook is a passport back to the golden days of park hopping, nostalgia-filled summer vacations, and the taste of real adventure.”
Mark Your Calendars
With the first look at the cover and interior imagery now live, the countdown to October 13, 2026, is officially on. Whether you’re a lifelong Disney historian or a casual fan who just really misses a good goat cheese dip, this release promises to bring the “nostalgic heart” of the parks straight to your dining room table.
Here are pre-order links:
Clint Gamache is the owner of ThrillGeek. He started ThrillGeek to share his love of theme/amusement parks and pop culture with the world. You can find him at Halloween Horror Nights. Also, be sure to follow him on Twitter/X, Instagram @iamcg83