When visiting Disney World, you have a lot of choices when it comes to food. The question then becomes: should you try something new, or will you repeat a past favorite? I love trying new menu items; however, I definitely have favorites that always make my list. Today, I want to tell you about an order of nachos that is so good, I have literally resort hopped via a series of Disney buses to acquire them.
El Mercado de Coronado
Before I give you all of the delicious details about these dream-worthy nachos, let’s talk about where you can find them. El Mercado de Coronado is the quick service dining location at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. Although the resort is classified as a Moderate Resort, El Mercado operates similar to the food court-style locations at Disney Value Resorts. This format has multiple food stations serving up different cuisine types. The layout of these quick services is perfect for a “let’s split up, gang” approach. Each member of your party can grab food from whichever station they prefer, and you can meet together at the registers to pay for your meals.
The MouseHouseNews.net team considers El Mercado one of the most unique quick service restaurants on property due to the number of menu items you’ll only find at Coronado Springs Resort. In addition to standard items like burgers, pizza, and chicken strips, you’ll also find a Build-Your-Own-Bowl station and Tex-Mex favorites. This is where those nachos can be found…
Market Nachos
On first glance, the Market Nachos may not seem extraordinary. The menu describes them as corn tortilla chips with ground beef, cheese sauce, Pico de Gallo, and sour cream. This description does them a bit of a disservice by not listing all of the toppings. The nachos also include lettuce and shredded cheese.
Although you order the Market Nachos at the station that also assembles the customizable bowls, the nachos themselves aren’t customizable. Simply tell the Cast Member you would like an order of the nachos, and they will assemble the standard recipe for you. All of the toppings I previously mentioned are piled on high (except for the sour cream, which we’ll discuss momentarily).
The one aspect of the Market Nachos you can somewhat customize is the amount of sour cream and Pico de Gallo you want. While Pico is included as a topping on the assembled nachos, you can always add more. Just stop by the refrigerated case next to the assembly station. There, you will find packets of sour cream and cups of Pico de Gallo. You can grab as many as you need to make your nachos your own. Personally, I like a lot. In fairness to me, there are a significant amount of chips that need coverage! You can also buy a side of guacamole (currently $5), if you’re so inclined. Personally, although I love guacamole, there’s plenty going on in these nachos without it. You do you though!
Price vs Portion Size
Now, let’s talk portion size. At a current price of $14, you may be saying, “wow, those are some expensive nachos”. Technically you’re right. However, the portion size and generous amount of toppings totally justifies the price. I wasn’t exaggerating when I said the toppings are piled on high (you’ll want to grab a fork, just in case). These nachos definitely eat like a meal. They are also extremely shareable! My teammate and I have split an order of these nachos as a full meal on numerous occasions. They’re well worth it.
Who Would Enjoy El Mercado’s Market Nachos
You may enjoy these nachos if:
- You’re a fan of Tex-Mex
- You love queso
- You want a filling, shareable entree
- You want something more unique than standard burgers, chicken strips, and sandwiches
Final Thoughts About El Mercado
El Mercado is unique among quick service locations. There are a couple of other things you should know before you head to Coronado Springs. First, this location does not offer mobile ordering. Since the MouseHouseNews.net team strongly advocates using mobile order when available, the lack of that capability here is a disadvantage. You can still view the menu and pricing on your My Disney Experience app, but that is the extent of it. You’ll still have to wait in line at a food station, order, and pay when you get there. It’s not the end of the world, but you’ll definitely want to allow some time.
The lack of mobile ordering capability is certainly a negative, but that doesn’t discount the many positives about this location. For example, when you think about Dole Whip®, Coronado Springs is probably not the first place that comes to mind. However, El Mercado is one of the unexpected places you can find Dole Whip® in Disney World. Flavors rotate seasonally, but I highly recommend Dole Whip® Pomegranate if you can catch it!
Finally, no matter which menu items you grab from El Mercado, I encourage you to take your food outdoors (weather permitting, of course). Coronado Springs has one of the most gorgeous outdoor settings in Disney World, and there’s nothing like dining with a waterfront view of Lago Dorado. For more Disney World reviews, tips, and fun, stay tuned to MouseHouseNews.net. We’ll see you real soon!
