Find an Out-of-this-World Hot Dog at The Lunching Pad in the Magic Kingdom

There are certain quick service spots at Walt Disney World Resort that are always a good place to stop, whether it's just for an ice cold drink or a quick meal or snack. The Lunching Pad located in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom is one of those spots. The menu seems basic but if you look closely you'll find some really delicious treats.

We love stopping for a snack at The Lunching Pad!We love stopping for a snack at The Lunching Pad!

The Lunching Pad is located under the Astro Orbiter and the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover in Tomorrowland and it's a great place to stop for a quick lunch or a snack. It's also my favorite spot for a Frozen Coke (and while I'm sure you can find a good Frozen Coke at other spots on property, these are the best in my humble opinion).

The menu at The Lunching Pad is simple: you'll find hot dogs, pretzels, chips, pop (soda), and frozen beverages. But these aren't just your standard run-of-the-mill hot dogs. These are gourmet hot dogs. The choices of gourmet hot dogs might change, but recently the menu included a BLT Hot Dog, a Coney Island Hot Dog, and a Philly Cheesesteak Hot Dog.

Gourmet hot dogs from The Lunching PadGourmet hot dogs from The Lunching Pad

The BLT Hot Dog is topped with the makings of a BLT plus ranch dressing while the Coney Island dog is topped with chili, mustard, and onions. The Philly Cheesesteak Hot Dog is a meaty marathon and is topped with roast beef, mushrooms, onions, peppers, and cheese sauce.

If you're going to try a gourmet hot dog this might be the place to do it. But if you're just looking for a plain hot dog you'll also find that on the menu. The Lunching Pad is also home to the popular sweet cream cheese pretzel, which is big enough to share, and the fun Mickey Mouse-shaped soft pretzel.

You'll also find other frozen drinks in addition to my favorite Frozen Coke, including a frozen cherry drink and a frozen blue raspberry drink.

Blast-off Raspberry frozen drinkBlast-off Raspberry frozen drink

The Lunching Pad is a popular spot and since it's right in the middle of Tomorrowland's traffic flow the seating can be at a premium. The area tends to be rather congested due to the crowds headed to and from the Astro Orbiter, Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover, Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, and Carousel of Progress.

On the upside, if you can get a seat you might be lucky enough to find one in the shade provided by the overhang from the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover. And the seats are cushioned which is always a nice touch. You'll also want to note that the stroller parking for Tomorrowland is located near The Lunching Pad which just adds to the crowd level.

The Lunching Pad's seating areaThe Lunching Pad's seating area

However, don't let the traffic and crowds deter you! The Lunching Pad a great spot to find a seat and grab a quick lunch, a fun Mickey Mouse-shaped snack, or a frozen beverage.

What's your favorite menu item at The Lunching Pad? Let us know in the comments.

Many thanks to the Disney Food Blog for use of their photos.

Penny wrote on Wed, 03/04/2015 - 13:33:

Penny's picture

I like the Lunching Pad, it's generally my counter service snack place of choice in the Magic Kingdom unless I'm looking for breakfast (in which case it's Gaston's for the sticky buns!).

Never tried the hotdogs though, my eye is always firmly on the cream cheese pretzel!

Tried the Blue Raspberry slushie once, nice enough but left me with a bright blue tongue for a while - not the best of looks :P

Mitch wrote on Thu, 03/05/2015 - 01:26:

Mitch's picture

Love the chilli cheese dogs. I do wish that WDW would go back to the old smaller buns that they used to use. Great hotdogs!!

IMHO the original Mickey pretzel is superior to the cream cheese pretzel which is too sweet for my liking.

A nice frozen Coke sure hits the spot on a hot afternoon of touring in Tomorrow Land!

Kristen K. wrote on Fri, 03/06/2015 - 16:02:

Kristen K.'s picture

Mitch - I agree 100% about the buns, I'm not a fan of the big ones they've been using.

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