The Golden Horseshoe is a Disneyland classic. This place has been open since opening day in 1955. But even though it’s one of the original attractions/restaurants, I had little to no memory of this place from visits to Disneyland as a child. Sure, I was familiar with the exterior of the building. But I couldn’t remember ever eating inside or watching any of the shows.
I’d heard, though, that there were a few vegetarian offerings so I decided to finally venture in and taste it for myself on 9/7/18. The Golden Horsehoe is a quick service location that serves “American Cuisine” and the current official menu can be viewed by clicking here.
As I got to the counter, I asked the castmember what my options were as a vegetarian. She pointed me to a sign at the counter that looked like this:
I ordered the item and was also told that the Loaded Potato Skins on the menu could also be prepared with cowboy caviare on top instead of the hearty meat chili that is advertised with it. It’s not on the menu but the cast member said they usually are able to do it if guests ask. I’ll have to try this one next time.
After a few minutes I got my order and, as it happened to be show time, I quickly found a seat and watched the show while digging in to my Vegetarian Pepper Jack Mac.
Admittedly, I’m a sucker for mac and cheese. And what happens when you fry mac and cheese bites and pour more cheese on top? You just add to the deliciousness — and to the calories, I suppose (But calories don’t count at Disneyland, do they?) The dish was warm and cheesy and the only thing I could have asked for was more of it.
Below are a couple pictures from the show:
Update 9/20/2018:
I had the chance to go back and try the Loaded Potato Skins earlier this week. If you are vegetarian, make sure that it’s clear that you would like the cowboy caviar instead of the hearty meat chili! I thought I was clear but when my order arrived it was the potato skins topped with their chili and cowboy caviar. They apolgozied for the misunderstanding and quickly made a replacement.
I think the dish is definitely intended for the chili. With only the cowboy caviar the potato skins felt dry. It would probably have been better had they topped it with Pasilla Cheese Sauce and the Cowboy Caviar, similar to how the Vegetarian Pepper Jack Mac is served. Maybe my next step is to see if they’ll customize it like that!
Regardless, as served, I would say that this option is just “ok.” It felt like there was something missing.
