Are the Giant Turkey Legs at Disney Parks Really Made from Turkey?

The giant turkey legs sold at Disney theme parks are one of the most iconic snacks available. These turkey legs can be found at carts throughout the Disney parks, with popular locations including Frontierland in Magic Kingdom and Troubadour Tavern in Disney California Adventure. But there has been a long-standing myth that the giant turkey legs sold at Disney parks are not actually made from real turkey. Is this urban legend true or false? Let’s examine the facts.

A Closer Look at the Origin and History

The giant turkey legs first appeared at Disney parks in the late 1980s. They were initially only sold from one cart near Big Al’s in Frontierland at Magic Kingdom. Over time they grew in popularity and expanded to more locations throughout the Disney parks.

Disney World and Disneyland now sell over 2 million turkey legs across their parks each year, The price has also increased from the original $949 to the current $1250 per turkey leg, They have become so popular that Disney even sells merchandise featuring turkey legs,

Why Do People Think They’re Not Real Turkey?

There are two main reasons why myths emerged that the turkey legs were made from meat other than turkey:

Taste – The turkey legs are smoked, which gives them a more ham-like flavor compared to a roasted turkey flavor. The smoking process chemically changes the taste and color of the meat.

Size – The turkey legs weigh approximately 1.5 pounds each, which is larger than typical turkey legs served at home. This made some guests speculate they came from larger birds like emu or ostrich.

Evidence That Turkey Legs Are Real Turkey

Despite the myths, there is plenty of evidence that the giant turkey legs sold at Disney parks are made from real turkey:

• Supplier – Disney confirmed their supplier for the turkey legs is Uncle John’s Pride. This company is a provider of real turkey products.

• Regulations – The USDA and FDA have strict regulations against false or misleading food labeling. Selling any meat falsely advertised as turkey would violate these federal regulations.

• Source of Size – The large size of the Disney turkey legs comes from using meat from male turkeys (toms), which are naturally bigger than female turkeys (hens).

• Disney Confirmation – Disney spokespeople have officially confirmed several times that the turkey legs sold in their parks are 100% real smoked turkey and not any other type of meat.

Why Are the Turkey Legs So Popular?

There are several reasons why the giant turkey legs have become a fan favorite snack at Disney parks:

• Novelty – They are unique and unlike anything most guests eat in their everyday lives.

• Size – The large size makes them a filling meal perfect for sharing.

• Flavor – The smoked turkey flavor is bold and appealing.

• Portability – They can be carried around the parks easily while walking between lands and rides.

• Value – At $12.50 they are relatively affordable compared to other meal options at Disney.

• Nostalgia – For long-time Disney guests, biting into a giant turkey leg brings back fond memories of past Disney trips.

So while the myth of the turkey legs being something other than real turkey has persisted over the years, all evidence points to the giant snacks being exactly what Disney claims. Regardless of the type of meat, this savory treat will continue satisfying hungry guests strolling through the Disney theme parks for years to come.