Heavenly Hot Chocolate - Walt Disney Boards - Message Boards & Forum Discussing The Genius Of Walter Elias Disney!

StitchedTogether · #1 (**permalink**) 10-30-2009, 10:30 PM

When my friend and I went to Epcot, and stayed later into the evening we ended up buying hot chocolate to stay warm. Why is the hot chocolate at Disney so spectacular? Even the hot chocolate we had at the Christmas party was divine! How come every time I try to make it, it's all gritty and nasty?...They're hot chocolate is like, really smooth and creamy. Anyone know their secret to making it? Or the brand they used?

Come on people...I'm freezing out here.

**PolynesianMedic** · #2 (**permalink**) 10-30-2009, 10:58 PM

I wish I knew, because it is always so good!

StitchedTogether · #3 (**permalink**) 10-30-2009, 11:09 PM

I'm totally addicted!

You know even when you make hot chocolate, and you get to the bottom of the cup...and there's all this nasty powder?...Disney hot chocolate is...Not to coin a popular slogan but, good to the last drop!

IWantToGoToDisneyWorld · #4 (**permalink**) 10-30-2009, 11:21 PM

I've never had it, Colleen. And, I'm no expert. I really don't like milk, so I usually just have the instant with water. (I like everything MADE with milk, just not drinking it in any form, weird). I only made it at home using cocoa powder once, and I thought it was too much work, and tasted pretty bad.
Have you ever made yours at home with chocolate syrup, not the powder? Or just bought chocolate milk and heated it? If you go to All recipes ? complete resource for recipes and cooking tips, they have a lot of recipes for various types, and you may find one you like.

I'm sure that if you used whole milk, it would be richer. Good luck on your hot chocolate quest.

masterbret · #5 (**permalink**) 10-31-2009, 02:08 AM

i am assuming they use real chochlate. get none of the gritty taste, though never tried it

WDWfanatic · #6 (**permalink**) 10-31-2009, 06:12 AM

It is very good!!!! We had some while we were waiting for Fantasmic, but it took DH FOREVER in line because the line was soooo long on that very cold evening in February. OH if only I could duplicate it.
Christi, do you drink coffee? We make what we call a "Poor mans mocha." Hot Chocolate powder in a coffee cup, pour coffee in like regular and you can add milk or cool whip or whipped cream to cool it off if you want to. As a matter of fact, I am having it right now! In my Minnie Mouse coffee mug.

kathiewe · #7 (**permalink**) 10-31-2009, 06:20 AM

You are right Colleen it is yummy, which says a lot since I do not care for chocolate. My guess it has lots of milk.

Have you tried their hot chocolate mixes? They're pretty good and do make a pretty smooth cup of hot chocolate.

WDWfanatic · #8 (**permalink**) 10-31-2009, 06:23 AM

hmmmmm, mixes you say? I can bring some of that home with me?

kathiewe · #9 (**permalink**) 10-31-2009, 06:37 AM

Yes, just like Disney has coffee blends they have hot chocolate bends. They have small sets with different varieties or large single blend cans. I do not remember if they sell them all year of if it is a seasonal item. We were there once when they were giving samples and they were pretty good so we got them.

Of course with a feels like temp of 91, I doubt we will be drinking hot chocolate today.

WDWfanatic · #10 (**permalink**) 10-31-2009, 06:45 AM

Now that you mention it, I remember seeing it! We always get the coffee. Why have I never thought to buy some?

Jamapak · #11 (**permalink**) 10-31-2009, 08:59 AM

You can buy their chocolate at the Disney Store where the kitchen stuff and coffee is. Two things I can tell you that will make a difference in your hot chocolate is that Disney more than likely uses whole milk, which makes it taste more creamy and smooth. The second thing is the reason their's is not gritty is they make it in bulk and let it cook for a period of time before they serve it. Usually when people are home, they heat up the milk or water, throw the powder in the top and then stir and drink. Disney "cooks" theirs for a while before it get to you. The reason you don't see the sludge at the bottom of the cup is because that is at the bottom of the barrel that they cook it in. You are getting the good stuff that is on top. I used to work at a restaurant and that is a big difference in good hot chocolate and not good. Also, if you really want to make it decadent, stir in just a little whipped cream...just a tea spoon in the top of the cup. You will really like it if you do that.

kathiewe · #12 (**permalink**) 10-31-2009, 09:28 AM

Thanks for the tips Jim!!

**achray** · #13 (**permalink**) 10-31-2009, 01:08 PM

Just to further what Jim said. My oldest DD is a chef and is friends with several of the main disney creative chefs. They use a mixture of whole milk and 35% cream plus a special blend of chocolate and yes Jim is right, they let it cook for an hour before it can be served. Have tried to get the exact recipe but so far no luck. Buy the containers of it in downtown Disney then mix half whole milk and half 35% and let it simmer for about an hour. Then only take from the top. A spoonful of whip cream and a sprinkle of dark chocolate and there you go.

Jamapak · #14 (**permalink**) 10-31-2009, 06:18 PM

As a point of clarification, when I say whipped cream, I am not talking "cool whip" here. I mean the real thing.

StitchedTogether · #15 (**permalink**) 10-31-2009, 06:25 PM

Okay, as much as that sounds like the strongest lead I've gotten so far? This stuff costs 1.89 for like...a 16 ounce cup. Are you sure there isn't like...a special brand they use? Just seems like an awful lot of work...We're not talking like...fancy hot chocolate. I'm talking like...run of the mill...get it for free at the Christmas party...cheapest beverage in the park kind of hot chocolate...Really?....All that milk and mixing...and cooking for $1.89? At Disney?

IWantToGoToDisneyWorld · #16 (**permalink**) 10-31-2009, 09:19 PM

I don't know what brands you have where you live, but my sister likes Prairie Farms chocolate milk - just heat it up. - No grit possible - or try whole milk with chocolate syrup -- OR --
You were cold, tired, and thirsty, and the $1.89 hot chocolate seemed much better than it would have otherwise

**hms1016** · #17 (**permalink**) 10-31-2009, 09:28 PM

On a side note, I got a hot chocolate maker a couple years ago for Christmas. Yummy!!!!! I have to pull it out soon. I don't drink coffee or tea, so it is a good treat on a cold winter night. I actually found the maker I have on amazon and attached the link.

Amazon.com: Back to Basics CM300BR Cocoa-Latte Chrome 32-Ounce Hot-Drink Maker: Kitchen & Dining
Amazon.com: Back to Basics CM300BR Cocoa-Latte Chrome 32-Ounce Hot-Drink Maker: Kitchen & Dining