Is the cheese a good addition? Check our Popcorn, Popcorn Chicken and Waffles review to see if we loved this $6.79 festival dish.
If there is one dish that perfectly encapsulates the “Inspiration” in Figment’s Inspiration Station at the Odyssey, it is the Popcorn, Popcorn Chicken and Waffles. While guests can order other food options here, this one makes the most significant statement from the Walt Disney World chefs about Festival of the Arts.
As we kick off the 2026 Epcot International Festival of the Arts, foodies are flocking to the Odyssey Pavilion to see if this eccentric combination is a culinary masterpiece or just a colorful experiment. We stopped by on opening day to give you the full breakdown of this savory standout.
What is Popcorn, Popcorn Chicken and Waffles?
Found exclusively at the Odyssey Pavilion, this dish is a playful twist on the classic chicken and waffles. Priced at $6.79, it features:
- Crispy, breaded popcorn chicken
- A fluffy bubble-style waffle
- Rainbow Popcorn (for that signature Figment crunch)
- Mini mozzarella pearls
- A generous drizzle of maple syrup
Our first thought was: How do you pull this combination off with quality ingredients while staying under seven dollars? I mean…this is a theme park after all!
The Flavor Experience
At first glance, the Popcorn, Popcorn Chicken and Waffles looks like a party in a paper cup. The rainbow popcorn adds a neon flair that makes it instantly recognizable. In fairness, the presentation could use an upgrade. Perhaps if this new food offering comes back for 2027, then that will be improved. Still, does it actually taste good?
The Crunch Factor: The popcorn chicken is exactly what you want, salty, crispy, and bite-sized. The “popcorn” element refers to both the size of the chicken and the actual rainbow popcorn garnish. While the popcorn can get a little soft if it sits in the syrup for too long, the initial crunch provides a fun texture contrast to the soft waffle. Nonetheless, many guests will find the popcorn element whimsical but not overly flavorful.
The Secret Ingredient: The real MVP of this dish is the cheese. While popcorn with chicken and waffles might sound odd, the mild, creamy texture of the mozzarella acts as a bridge between the savory chicken and the sweet maple syrup. It creates a “sweet and salty” profile that is surprisingly enjoyable.
The Gamble: We experienced this Popcorn, Popcorn Chicken and Waffles festival item several times. When it worked, the maple syrup pulled it all together. Still, what if you missed out on the maple syrup with your specially prepared Popcorn, Popcorn Chicken and Waffles? Well, we experienced that also. The popcorn starts to feel out of place hindering the entire Epcot festival item.
Review Summary
The bubble waffle serves the purpose but will not dazzle anyone. Still, it literally holds everything together. While the chicken quality works, the mozzarella pieces can fall to the bottom of the waffle. This leads guests to miss the Walt Disney World chef’s intentions. If guests get a good version of the Popcorn, Popcorn Chicken and Waffles, they will be pleased. Nonetheless, if an element fails to measure up, this Epcot festival item will taste disjointed and a bit chaotic – like Figment on an average day!
Popcorn, Popcorn Chicken and Waffles
This is easily one of the most “fun” dishes at the festival. It’s a decent portion size for the price and is a good stop if you are completing the Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine.
For more theme park-related news and information, visit MSM News. As always, eat like you mean it!
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