Disneyland turkey legs are one of the most popular snack items at the resort joining the ranks of the famous Mickey pretzels and icecream bars, popcorn, churros, and more.
Many things originated at the Happiest Place on Earth, including the famed Disney churro and even more famous Dorito. However, the Disney Turkey Leg traces its origins all the way to Orlando at Disneyland’s sibling park. Clearly, the Disney Turkey Leg deserves some love.
Let’s go over everything about the Disney Turkey Leg, what makes it so famous, and every place you can find it at Disneyland Resort!
Turkey legs are a favorite snack at theme parks, carnivals, fairs, and festivals. Their large size and succulent meat make them a satisfying meal. But where can you find turkey legs when there’s no state fair or amusement park nearby?
Luckily, there are many places to buy ready-to-eat turkey legs beyond special events. Grocery stores, online retailers, restaurants, and butcher shops sell turkey legs year-round. With so many options, you can enjoy smoked, roasted, grilled, or fried turkey legs anytime.
Grocery Stores and Online Retailers
Grocery stores are a convenient place to buy turkey legs to prepare at home Many major supermarket chains sell fresh or frozen turkey drumsticks in the poultry section
For fresh turkey legs look for brands like Butterball. Fresh drumsticks are sold individually so you can buy two to make a pair. They are convenient to roast or grill yourself.
Frozen turkey legs can also be found at most grocers. Brands like Shady Brook Farms, Foster Farms, and Plainville offer flash frozen drumsticks for easy weeknight dinners. Let them thaw in the refrigerator before roasting or braising.
If your local supermarket doesn’t stock turkey legs, check online retailers like Instacart or Amazon Fresh. They deliver groceries, including poultry, from major stores Search for “turkey legs” to see selections near you
Online meat delivery services like Omaha Steaks, Porter Road, and D’Artagnan also ship fresh turkey legs nationwide. Order a pair of large drums for a special meal at home.
Specialty Meat Shops and Butcher Counters
Local butcher shops and meat markets offer excellent quality turkey legs from trusted providers. Shop at specialty stores to find extra meaty, premium drumsticks.
Many butchers receive fresh turkeys regularly and can cut legs to order. Ask for legs from pasture-raised or organic birds for the best texture and flavor.
Full-service meat counters at upscale grocers like Whole Foods, Wegmans, and Fresh Market also carry superior turkey legs from top producers. Choose free-range, all-natural drumsticks for special occasions.
For extra flavor, ask the butcher to brine or season turkey legs before purchase. Some shops even smoke legs in-house for finger-licking goodness ready to enjoy.
BBQ Restaurants and Food Trucks
Restaurants and food trucks are fantastic options when a craving for turkey legs strikes. Many barbecue joints flame grill or smoke seasoned drumsticks just like carnivals.
Check menus at local BBQ restaurants and rib houses to see if they offer smoked turkey legs. Casual dining chains like Famous Dave’s and Dickey’s Barbecue Pit serve them as well. Order turkey legs as appetizers or entrees.
BBQ food trucks also roast turkey legs on their mobile smokers. Look for trucks parked at events, fairs, and community gatherings. Grab a seriously smoky leg fast without the festival prices.
Theme Parks and Entertainment Venues
Amusement parks, zoos, stadiums, and concert venues are famous for their jumbo roasted turkey legs. Grab legs bigger than your head from vendors throughout these destinations.
Disney World and Disneyland lead the theme park turkey leg scene with drumsticks smoked in-house daily. Six Flags, SeaWorld, and Busch Gardens also roast plump legs to satisfy all appetites.
Zoos like San Diego Zoo, Columbus Zoo, and Denver Zoo sell turkey legs in large and small sizes. Watch the animals while eating a classic zoo snack.
Sports stadiums and music festivals grill spicy, cider-glazed, and cajun turkey legs to fuel crowds. Try legs from major venues or traveling food concessions.
Fairs and Carnivals
State fairs, county fairs, and local carnivals serve the roasted turkey legs that made them famous. Mark turkey legs on your must-eat list at any upcoming fair.
The Minnesota State Fair sells over 100,000 turkey legs annually! Stand in long lines for their signature smoked drumsticks with bold seasoning blends.
County fairs also grill tender, juicy turkey legs using local flavors. Don’t miss out on these limited-time specialties.
Traveling carnivals like California Carnival Company and Wade Shows roast drumsticks daily when setting up in towns across the country. Grab a leg and stroll the midway.
Renaissance Festivals
Step back in time and enjoy turkey legs at Renaissance festivals and medieval faires. These weekend events offer traditional takes on classic turkey legs.
The Maryland Renaissance Festival is renowned for its savory smoked turkey legs with creative rubs like apple sage. Or try the Texas Renaissance Festival’s wild-boar roasted drumsticks for authentic medieval flavor.
Local Ren faires grill legs over open flame and serve drumstick platters with bread for rounding out your meal. Pull legs off the bone at rowdy feast halls.
How to Choose the Best Turkey Legs
To find the tastiest turkey legs for any occasion:
-
Opt for large, thick drumsticks over skinny ones for more juicy meat.
-
Look for golden brown skin without dry patches or burns.
-
Raw legs should appear fresh, not slimy. Frozen legs should show no ice crystals or frost.
-
Finished legs should feel moist with rendered, supple fat under the skin.
-
Avoid legs sitting in their own grease puddles or broth when pre-cooked.
-
Seek out turkey legs with visible smoke rings for optimal smoked flavor.
-
Judge doneness by checking meat temperature with a thermometer if possible.
With so many places to buy flavorful turkey legs these days, you can re-create a bit of fair or theme park magic in your own kitchen. Try legs from new sources and flavors to discover a new favorite. Just don’t forget the wet wipes!
Hot Foods near Central Plaza ($199)
Not to far from the Partners Statue and just outside the Royal Theatre, Hot Foods near Central Plaza is 1 of 3 spots guests can purchase a Disney Turkey Leg.
So why not visit one of your favorite Disney princesses before grabbing a Disney Turkey Leg? In addition to a Disney Turkey Leg, guests can purchase Buffalo Chicken Dip, 2 types of corn on the cob, the famous Dill Pickle, several types of Frito-Lay snacks, and an assortment of Coca-Cola beverages. Hot Foods near Central Plaza is open from 11:00am to 11:00pm. This means that if you need that salty, meaty snack fix late at night, this is certainly 1 place to get it!
Similar to Poultry Palace, Hot Foods near Central Plaza does not offer any Disney Vacation Club or Magic Key discounts nor does it offer mobile order.
The Disney Turkey Leg: From the Renaissance Fair to Frontierland
Before its popularity in the Disney parks, the turkey leg was a staple food of renaissance fairs in the 1960s and 1970s.
However, after coming across this massive snack at a renaissance fair in 1989, Jarrett decided to pitch the idea of bringing this famous “ren fair” snack to Walt Disney World. After originally pitching his idea of selling oversized turkey legs, Jarrett said he was “nearly laughed out of a meeting.” Yet, the team decided to gamble on the idea – and the gamble paid off.
The infamous salty snack was originally only sold in Frontierland, but quickly spread to other Walt Disney World locations – and eventually other Disney theme parks including Disneyland in California and even Disneyland Paris!
Smoked Turkey Legs Recipe
FAQ
Can I buy just turkey legs?
Fresh turkey legs are usually packaged ready to cook, but some include the thigh while others only the drumstick. Depending on your meal plan, you can select accordingly. The skin should be mostly cream-colored with hints of yellow that indicate fat beneath the skin.
Do supermarkets sell turkey legs?
Sainsbury’s Fresh British Turkey Drumstick 800g-1.2kg | Sainsbury’s.
Does Whole Foods sell turkey legs?
Whole Foods, behind the butcher/meat counter: they have both the leg/thighs, and also breasts.
Where can I get turkey drumsticks from?
- Sobeys. Foodland. Co-op Stores.
- Metro. IGA. Super C.
- Food Basics. Freshco. Foodland. Metro.
Where can I buy turkey legs & Chicken online?
Get Wholesale Turkey Legs and Chicken Online at Farmer’s Fresh Meat! Watch family and friends flock to the table as you serve our delicious Jumbo Fresh Turkey Drumsticks Case (30lb). Sometimes referred to as “turkey legs,” each case contains 13-15 hearty drumsticks and weighs about 1.8-2lbs each.
What is a whole turkey leg?
Whole turkey legs are made up of the thigh and drumstick, but many people use “turkey leg” to refer to just the drumstick. Drumsticks should be readily available in the meat section of your local grocery store. Though whole legs are harder to come by, you may be able to find them at a butcher.
Where can I find turkey legs near me?
Here are some places where you can find turkey legs near you: 1. **Grocery stores:** Most grocery stores carry a selection of fresh or frozen turkey legs. Check your local grocery store, such as Walmart, Safeway, or Kroger, and head to the meat or poultry section to find a packet of turkey legs. 2.
Why should you buy turkey legs online?
Online shopping lets you browse turkey legs and compare selections across retailers in one place. Search filters and tags make it easy to find antibiotic-free, organic, kosher, halal, or other specialty turkey legs. Build an entire meal by adding sides, seasonings, and other items to your virtual cart.
Does Walmart sell turkey legs?
Yes, Walmart typically carries turkey legs in their meat section. Check the fresh or frozen poultry area of your local Walmart store. **2. Are turkey legs available at Whole Foods?** Yes, Whole Foods usually offers a selection of turkey legs. Visit the meat or poultry department of your nearest Whole Foods store. **3.
How much does a pound of turkey legs cost?
For fresh, high-quality turkey legs available year-round, check the poultry section at your local supermarket Brands like Honeysuckle White offer package sizes ranging from individual turkey legs to larger family packs You can expect to pay around $1.67 per pound.