Delish editors handpick every product we feature. We may earn commission from the links on this page.
Disneys jumbo turkey legs are one of the parks most popular concessions — right up there with Mickey-shaped pretzels and apple juice “brews” from Gastons Tavern. And as such, theres a lot of speculation … like how much they weigh and what kind of bird theyre actually made from. We got down to the meat of the matter, and discovered nine crazy facts about the gigantic snack.
At theme parks, state fairs, and festivals across America, turkey legs have gained a cult-like following. These indulgent, meaty snacks are far larger than the typical roasted turkey leg you’d have on Thanksgiving. But what’s the reason behind their mammoth size? As a turkey leg enthusiast, I set out to uncover the secrets behind these iconic carnival treats.
A Little History
While turkey legs were not actually eaten during medieval times they became popular fare at Renaissance fairs starting in the 1960s. The giant turkey leg made its debut at Disneyland and Walt Disney World in the late 1980s. Originally sold from just one Frontierland food cart they quickly became a fan favorite.
Other theme parks and festivals soon joined in, and the jumbo turkey leg grew into a snack icon across the country. Annual sales at Disney’s parks alone top 2 million legs! Images of turkey legs now appear on Disney merchandise, touting their iconic status.
Why So Big?
There are two main reasons turkey legs at theme parks are way bigger than those on a whole roast turkey
-
They come from male turkeys. The legs are from tom turkeys, which are much larger than hens. Toms average over 40 pounds while hens are only 16 pounds. This allows for a 1.5 pound turkey leg.
-
Selective breeding enhances size. Turkey suppliers specially breed the legs to be bigger than commercial birds. They select the biggest meatiest legs possible, nearly doubling the typical roasted turkey leg.
Questionable Contents
The giant turkey leg’s contents have come under scrutiny over the years:
-
It’s 100% turkey meat – not emu, ostrich, or other meats as rumored. The cured flavor makes some think it’s ham.
-
Salt content is high – turkey legs are cured in a salt solution giving a ham-like flavor. One leg has over 5,000 mg of sodium.
-
High in fat and calories – estimated over 720 calories and 36 grams of fat due to curing and the large amount of meat.
While indulgent, turkey legs remain beloved by many theme park goers.
Behind the Scenes Secrets
After uncovering their history and science, I discovered insider info on Disney’s famous turkey legs:
-
Cast members say legs must weigh at least 1.5 pounds to meet Disney’s size standards. Legs not heavy enough are rejected.
-
Over 2 million turkey legs are sold yearly at Disney’s Orlando and Anaheim parks.
-
Selective breeding allows suppliers to source turkeys with the biggest, meatiest legs for Disney’s signature snack.
-
Turkey legs used to cost just $9.49 but have risen in price over the years to $12.50 currently.
-
Images of turkey legs appear on playful Disney merchandise like t-shirts, boxers, and even air fresheners!
-
Disney does not publish nutrition data but experts estimate 720 calories and 36 grams of fat per leg.
Why I Love Them
As a frequent turkey leg buyer, here’s why I’m a fan:
-
Portable – easy to carry around the park unlike ribs or other messy meat snacks.
-
Meaty – each juicy bite packs tons of smoked turkey meat. Far more satisfying than a plain roasted leg.
-
Flavorful – the cured, ham-like taste is bold and addicting.
-
Nostalgic – brings me back to childhood trips and carnival memories.
-
Shareable – each leg is so big, it can easily be split 2-3 ways.
-
Instagrammable – the visually striking, almost comical size makes a great foodie photo.
Yes, turkey legs deserve the hype! Their origins, giant proportions, and nostalgia make them a one-of-a-kind carnival treat.
The Untold Truth Behind Giant Theme Park Turkey Legs
From their Renaissance fair origins to Disney making them famous, I uncovered what makes theme park turkey legs so shockingly large and irresistible. Thanks to selective breeding and coming from male turkeys, they’re far bigger than the typical Thanksgiving bird. These secrets and insider info explain the turkey leg’s mammoth size and enduring popularity.
A turkey leg tips the scales at …
1.5 pounds! The Thanksgiving rule of thumb is 1.25 pounds of turkey per person (accounting for the weight of bones), so while Disneys turkey legs look hulking, the serving of meat isnt too oversized.
The price has increased over the years.
Once upon a time, they were only $9.49 … then $11.79 … and now $12.50.
Top 10 UNTOLD TRUTHS of Disney’s Giant Turkey Legs
FAQ
Is a turkey leg really a pig leg?
- A turkey leg is made up of the thigh and drumstick of a turkey.
- Ham is made from the butt of a pig, and sometimes includes part of the thigh.
- Turkey legs and ham are cured using similar methods, which is why they taste similar.
- Turkey legs at fairs and Disney Parks are sometimes brined in a solution that includes sodium nitrate, a preservative that cures the meat and gives it a ham-like flavor.
- Food labeling and advertising regulations in many countries, including the US, prohibit selling pork as turkey.
What is the average size of a turkey leg?
Average weight 1.75 lbs.
What is a giant turkey leg?
It’s a relic from the ’80s. The giant turkey leg — a shticky concession Renaissance fairs have served for years — popped up in Disney World for the first time in the late ’80s. It was originally only sold at one food cart, near Big Al’s in Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland. A turkey leg tips the scales at 1.5 pounds!
Why are turkey legs so big at theme parks?
There are two main reasons turkey legs at theme parks are substantially larger than those on a whole roast turkey 1. They come from male turkeys. The legs are from tom turkeys, or male turkeys, which are much larger than hens Toms can reach over 40 pounds, while hens average 16 pounds This allows for a turkey leg to weigh around 1.5 pounds. 2.
Are turkey legs a real thing?
Whether you love it or hate it, there’s no denying the untold truth of the turkey leg: it’s a culinary phenomenon with a surprisingly rich history. Disney’s giant turkey legs come from male turkeys, known as toms. Toms are much larger than female turkeys (hens).
Where do Disney turkey legs come from?
Now let’s tackle WHERE these giant leg’s come from. Disney Turkey Legs are tom turkeys, which is WHY they are so big. From everything I can find about the supplier, these big turkeys come from Uncle John’s. Now here is the MOST important part of all of this, the part that actually resolves ANY question to if the legs are in fact turkey.
How much does a turkey leg weigh?
That’s if they can handle the turkey leg’s massive size. Disney’s turkey legs weigh in (on average) at a mind-boggling 1 ½ pounds.
Why are turkey legs so popular?
The turkey leg’s popularity has even inspired entire restaurants dedicated to this novelty. Turkey Leg Paradise in Dallas and Turkey Leg Hut in Houston offer giant smoked turkey legs alongside other unique dishes, drawing long lines and attracting celebrity attention.