The rides, the characters, the atmosphere – all of these factor into making Disneyland the Happiest Place On Earth. While you are running around from ride to ride, dashing between parks, waiting in line, and trying to track down the elusive Peter Pan, how do you keep your energy up? There is only one way to make your day even more magical. FOOD!

I have heard it over and over again: the park food is overpriced. Well, yes. Some of it is. Sure, you could just recreate a Dole Whip in the comfort of you own home, maybe save a dollar or two doing so. But nothing beats the feeling of walking through Adventureland, eating a Dole Whip and taking in the exotic sights and sounds. The same goes for the following dishes. If you have some extra time and money, be sure to try these ten magical snacks, meals, and beverages.

1. Monte Cristo Sandwich at Cafe Orleans

Think of the best sandwich you've ever had. Now imagine that sandwich ONE MILLION TIMES BETTER. That is what is in store for you when you order a Monte Cristo sandwich over in Princess Tiana's territory. This fried sandwich combines meat, cheese and powdered sugar in an out-of-the-bayou combination that is sure to knock your socks off. (Tip: Dip it in the jam. Just do it. I promise you, no regrets.)

2. Mozzarella Sticks at the Stage Door Cafe

One of Frontierland's greatest hidden secrets are the mozzarella sticks right around the corner from The Golden Horseshoe – and these little beauties aren't even on the menu! That's right. To get your hands on some of these, you'll have to specially ask for them. A side of marinara sauce will be provided, but feel free to ask for ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ!

3. Corn Chowder Soup at River Belle Terrace

I had the opportunity to try this amazingly delicious, creamy soup at a special Cast Member preview of the new Fantasmic! show. I was hesitant to get a sample of it at first, because "corn chowder" does not sound like the most appetizing of things – at least to me it didn't. However, this soup is ahhhh-mazing! You can only get it during the Fantasmic! dinner, so book your reservation now!

4. French Toast at the Storyteller's Cafe

Forget everything you thought you knew about french toast. The breathtaking breakfast offered at the Grand Californian's Storyteller's Cafe will wipe away any breakfast woes you previously had. The meal I attended here was a special character breakfast, and also a buffet. I helped myself to at least ten servings of the Chef's french toast, despite the attempted thievery by the cute critters who call Storyteller's home, like Meeko from Pocahontas.

5. Walt's Chili at the Carnation Cafe

Chili was one of Walt Disney's favorite foods, and I can see why! The chili prepared at the Carnation Cafe is a pure delight. I think the fact that it is called Walt's Chili makes it even more appealing! Although it is only a starter, I found it was filling. Of course there was still enough room for a creamy chocolate malt afterwards. Walt would be proud. :)

6. Pomme Frites at Cafe Orleans

You are at Cafe Orleans, ready to order your Monte Cristo, but something else on the menu catches your eye. Pomme frites. Whaaaat? THESE GARLIC-Y, CHEESY, AMAZING FRIES ARE SENT STRAIGHT FROM HEAVEN, I TELL YOU! And the sauce?? The sauce....I do not even know what the sauce is but I'm pretty sure I could eat it plain. All I can really say is if you go your entire trip without trying these fries, you've done something wrong.

7. Mint Julep at the Mint Julep Bar

Uh-oh, the line for Haunted Mansion is an hour! And your phone is starting to die, so Heads Up is not an option. How are you going to stay occupied while you wait to board your doom buggy? Well, if you like mint, then this is the perfect refreshing drink to keep you entertained while you wait in line. I probably bought 100 of these babies during my time as a cast member. It's a great fizzy drink for a hot day, too!

8. Classic corn-dog from the Little Red Wagon

This cart sits to the right of The Plaza Inn, and serves the finest hand-dipped dogs around! Talk about the perfect pick-me-up. I have no clue how they make these corn-dogs taste the way they do, but the crispiness level is absolutely perfect. If you add just enough ketchup (or mustard)...it's pure magic!

9. Tesoro Island Chicken at The Blue Bayou

My best friend and I decided to splurge and eat at The Blue Bayou around Christmas last year, and boy oh boy did we FREAK OUT OVER THE DELICIOUSNESS OF THE FOOD. We each ordered gumbo, which was amazing, and split the Tesoro Island Chicken (because it was the least expensive). This chicken was absolutely incredible, but the potatoes on the side were, and still are, the best potatoes I have ever tasted. I highly recommend this dish if you are looking to experience the Bayou on the cheaper side!

10. Turkey Dip at Flo's V8 Cafe

We head over to California Adventure for this last dish. I had never eaten lunch at Flo's before, and was very pleased with this recommendation from a cast member there. The turkey dip melted in my mouth, and the Radiator pasta was something I still dream about to this day. This was one of the best lunches I had in DCA, by far! Thanks, Flo!

If you are what you eat, then I only wanna eat the good stuff. - Remy