Some Disney enthusiasts are expressing their outrage after discovering that several beloved fries have quietly vanished from Disneyland, a change that took place last January. This has led to what many are calling the “French fry apocalypse.”
Menu items like Filmstrip fries from Award Winners and beer-battered fries from Hungry Bear Jamboree have reportedly been removed from the California theme park. Fans assert that these selections have been replaced with ordinary fries, which they believe is a move to cut costs. Andrew Bordwein, a senior writer for Disney’s blog Inside the Magic, shared with Fox News Digital that cost-cutting seems to be a significant factor. He commented, “Cost is almost certainly part of it.”
Bordwein elaborated that fewer unique food items lead to simpler kitchen operations, reduced training for staff, and less waste. He noted that this trend toward standardization is evident at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World.
A Disneyland representative mentioned that menu changes are a regular occurrence and confirmed that options like house fries, tater tots, beer-battered fries, and sweet potato fries are still available. They implied that patrons might not have realized how gradually these changes occurred, with people noticing certain fries being swapped for more basic versions at various stands.
“It feels like Disney is stripping away the personality of the park,” Bordwein remarked, indicating that this alteration contributes to an overall loss of familiarity.
Disney fans have taken to social media to voice their discontent. One user lamented, “Not a Filmstrip fry! My heart is broken,” while another added, “The Filmstrip fries were absolutely amazing.” The frustration certainly reflects a larger wave of discontent, particularly about previous menu changes at the park, including the discontinuation of fried green tomato sandwiches in 2024.
A fan recalled a previous uproar when clam chowder bread bowls were also removed, stating, “I’m very sad.” Meanwhile, the recent fry issue arises in the context of a notable price increase on numerous food and drink items at Disneyland, which has further fueled frustrations among loyal patrons.
One visitor pointedly criticized the park’s pricing policy, saying, “I’m tired of Disney raising prices on food, rides, entertainment, etc., without giving the customer any benefit.” With tickets costing around $160, and even hitting $200 on busier days, some fans feel that the overall value isn’t aligning with the costs.
Bordwein sums up a general sentiment among long-time visitors, suggesting that these shifts towards a corporate-style menu signal a departure from the unique offerings that once characterized the park. “That’s why this was so shocking,” he concluded.
