Quick Bites: Kakigori Shaved Ice

Rainbow flavored Kakigori

For months now, I've been hearing people rave about the Kakigori flavored shaved ice that you can get at the Kabuki Cafe while visiting the Japan pavilion inside Epcot. "Isn't it just a snow cone?" I'd ask people. "Oh, no, they assured me. This is so much better, you have to try it." When we mentioned it on the Mouse Chat podcast, listeners wrote in to say how good it was. It even made the list of "100 Disney Foods to Eat Before You Die" over at Chip and Company.

Thus, I thought after fourteen years of living in Florida, and hundreds of trips to Epcot, it was finally time to try this icy treat, and this weekend, I did. The verdict: It's a snow cone. Yes, the ice has a very nice consistency, and the flavored syrup (I chose cherry) was delicious, sweet, with just a hint of tartness at the end, and you certainly get a generous helping. But I can't really say I was wowed by it, and I still don't understand all the hype. Maybe I had the wrong flavor - looking at the people sitting around me enjoying their Kakigori, the favorite seems to be rainbow. Still, it did cool me off on what turned out to be a very warm day in the parks, and I'm glad to say that I've tried it.  I certainly don't hate it, and I would eat it again. But I'm not going to be making a mad dash to get it, either.

Available in strawberry, cherry, tangerine, melon or rainbow (a combination of all) flavors, this refreshing treat sells for $3.50, and you can add a topping of sweet milk, sweet strawberry or sweet cherry for just a dollar more.

What about you? Are there any Disney foods that you think are overrated? Share with us in the comments.