Introduction: For Science. And Cookies.
Some people plan a Disney day around rides.
Some plan around Lightning Lanes.
And some of us plan around snacks.
On this particular day, I gathered five travel agents, all self-proclaimed cookie experts, and proposed a very serious, very scientific challenge: we would taste and rank five festival cookies across Disney World.
No credentials.
No fancy palate training.
Just strong opinions, good humor, and a willingness to commit to the bit.
The rules were simple:
- Taste
- Texture
- Appearance
- Overall Yum Factor
Each cookie was scored out of four oranges, because branding matters and stars felt boring. Here’s how it all shook out — from hard pass to best of the day.
#5: Hot Cocoa Lunchbox Tart (Woody’s Lunch Box)
Final Score: 1 / 4 Oranges
This one hurt. Because the potential was there.
Category Breakdown
Taste: Meh →
Flat and forgettable.
Texture: Too dry →
Dry. Near cardboard equivalent. Immediate thirst emergency.
Appearance: Bake-off worthy →
Looks fantastic. Truly doing the most visually.
Overall Yum Factor: Would pass →
No need to ever order again. Seasonally ready to retire.
Judge’s Notes
A classic case of looks deceiving. Gorgeous presentation, but the eating experience begs for a gallon of water. Admire it. Photograph it. Move on.
Also note that this one is seasonal – so be on the look out for a new one to hit the menu when the seasons change.
#4: Carrot Cake Cookie (Trolley Stop Starbucks)
Final Score: 2 / 4 Oranges
This cookie showed up quietly and left quietly.
Category Breakdown
Taste: Good →
Pleasant flavor and enjoyable, but not a showstopper.
Texture: Just okay →
Acceptable bite that didn’t quite hit “memorable.”
Appearance: Plain Jane →
Very understated. Nothing visually exciting.Overall Yum Factor: Would pass →
Fine in the moment, but not calling your name later.
Cookie Pairing: Enjoy the Carrot Cake Cookie alongside a Starbucks drink to balance things out.
Need to know where to find coffee at Hollywood Studios – I’ve got you!
Judge’s Notes
A solid cookie with decent flavor and acceptable texture, but it doesn’t stand out visually or leave a lasting craving. Nice enough to try, not compelling enough to chase.
#3: Wookie Cookie (Backlot Express)
Final Score: 3 / 4 Oranges
This one surprised us — in a good way.
Category Breakdown
Taste: Good →
Very sweet filling does the heavy lifting. The cookie itself is mild, but together it works.
Texture: Perfect bite →
Soft with crumbly edges, yet sturdy enough to hold and bite.
Appearance: Bake-off worthy →
Super cute, simply decorated, and fully themed. Exactly what you want from a novelty cookie.
Overall Yum Factor: Would eat again →
Named favorite of the day by more than one judge, even with a few caveats.
Judge’s Notes
A strong visual and textural standout with real favorite-of-the-day energy. Slightly less filling would push it even higher, but this one absolutely earns its place.
Cookie Pairing: The Wookie Cookie with a stop at Baseline Tap House for a drink break. The beer flight is my fave – but they have some great cocktails too. Don’t sleep on the charcuterie.
#2: Raspberry Lunchbox Tart (Woody’s Lunch Box)
Final Score: 4 / 4 Oranges
Reliable. Balanced. Quietly excellent.
Category Breakdown
Taste: Good →
Sweet, nostalgic, and satisfying without going overboard.
Texture: Perfect bite →
Consistent, balanced, and exactly what you want from a tart.
Appearance: Bake-off worthy →
Polished, eye-catching, and very photo-ready.Overall Yum Factor: Would eat again →
Zero hesitation. This is a repeat order.
Judge’s Notes
A strong all-around performer with no weak spots. Not flashy — just really, really good.
#1: Jack-Jack Num Num Cookie (The Marketplace, Toy Story Land Entrance)
Final Score: 4 / 4 Oranges
No drama here. This one earned it.
Category Breakdown
Taste: Good →
Big flavor that delivers exactly what you expect.
Texture: Perfect bite →
The ideal mix of crunchy edges and soft center.
Appearance: Cute →
Fun, recognizable, and instantly appealing.
Overall Yum Factor: Would eat again →
Strong repeat-order energy. Possibly needs guarding.
Judge’s Notes
This cookie hits on every level. A crowd-pleaser with zero weaknesses and very real “hide these from everyone” potential.
Fun Fact: This special treat can also be found on the West Coast at California Adventure Pixar Pier.
Five cookies is a lot of sugar. Even for professionals.
If you’re tackling snacks like this, pace yourself:
Or break up all the sweet with a salty snack from Hollywood Studios.
Final Thoughts: Would We Do This Again? Immediately.
Was this challenge silly? Absolutely.
Was it rigorous? Debatable.
Was it fun? Without question.
Days like this are some of my favorites — good snacks, good people, and a reminder that travel should include joy, laughter, and the occasional cookie-based competition.
And yes, my fellow travel friends are always good sports when I say,
“Trust me… this will be fun.”
(It usually involves food.)
Ready for your own Hollywood Studios Cookie Challenge?
Download the graphic and be sure to share and tag me!
