Pop Eats serves a delicious-looking Croque Monsieur Grilled Cheese in 2026. See how this ham and béchamel sandwich measures up at the Epcot Festival of the Arts.
If you are looking for the ultimate comfort food at the 2026 Epcot International Festival of the Arts, look no further than Pop Eats Food Studios. Located on the walkway between World Showcase and the Imagination! Pavilion: this booth has long been a fan favorite for its artistic takes on childhood classics. Pop Eats! is a fan-favorite at the Epcot International Festival of the Arts, celebrated for its playful, art-inspired comfort food.
Its popularity stems from the iconic Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese, served in a whimsical Andy Warhol-style can. Of course, this year the can comes with Figment on the side. For 2026, the booth continues to draw crowds with the new Croque Monsieur-inspired Grilled Cheese featuring Black Forest ham and Gruyère. Combining nostalgia with vibrant presentation, it remains a must-visit for guests seeking savory, reliable festival classics. This year, some of the longest queues for Epcot festival food have been at Pop Eats Food Studio.
Croque Monsieur Grilled Cheese Review at Pop Eats – $6.79 plus tax
This new dish features savory Black Forest ham, nutty Gruyère cheese, and a rich, velvety béchamel sauce, all pressed between perfectly toasted bread. It replaces the bacon and pimento-cheese version from previous years, elevating the experience to a Parisian bistro level while maintaining the whimsical presentation the booth is known for. As always, it is served with a side of creamy tomato soup, served in a signature “pop art” style container that makes it one of the most photogenic snacks in the park.
The Gruyère offers a much deeper flavor profile than standard cheddar, and the addition of béchamel sauce ensures every bite is indulgent. While the classic grilled cheese remains on the menu for purists, this Croque Monsieur Grilled Cheese is the clear standout for those wanting a more “grown-up” version of a festival staple. In fact, even the bread brings good flavor to this Festival of the Arts sandwich. Additionally, the sandwich comes with a collectible can of creamy tomato soup.
Overall, most guests will find this Epcot festival item to be a win. The portion size is solid. The ham does not overwhelm the sandwich, and the sandwich does not overwhelm the ham either. In our experiences eating this dish, we consistently found the bread enhancing the other components.
Of course, you can dip the sandwich in the soup. Although we did not find as effective as with the standard grilled cheese, it does work. Still, this is a personal choice. In fairness, some guests found their tomato soup lack creaminess. However, that should not be surprise at a theme park festival.
Celebrating the 2026 Epcot International Festival of the Arts
The Epcot International Festival of the Arts is a vibrant, multi-sensory celebration that transforms the park into a living gallery through February 23, 2026. This event is unique among Epcot’s seasonal festivals because it highlights three distinct disciplines: the Visual, Performing, and Culinary Arts. Guests can wander through the park to discover stunning galleries featuring Disney-inspired original art, or even watch professional artists create masterpieces right before their eyes.
The performing arts take center stage at the America Gardens Theatre with the Disney on Broadway Concert Series, featuring iconic performers from legendary stage productions. Meanwhile, the culinary arts are showcased at various Food Studios, like Pop Eats, where every dish is plated with an emphasis on color, texture, and creative design. Interactive experiences, such as the massive Paint-by-Numbers Mural and Figment’s Brush with the Masters scavenger hunt, make this festival a hands-on adventure for families and art lovers alike. It is truly the most colorful time of year at Walt Disney World.
For more theme park dining reviews, visit MSM News every weekday at noon Eastern Time. Additionally, we sometimes post bonus theme park dining reviews. As always, eat like you mean it!
Additional Epcot Festival of the Arts Dining Reviews
- Popcorn, Popcorn Chicken and Waffles
- Mexico Pavilion Review
- Liquid Nitrogen Minnie Cake Pop
- Fictional Victuals
- Color Scheme Cake
- Figment Fantasy Cake
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