Jaleo's Chicken Croquettes: The One Dish to Order at Disney Springs
Published September 6, 2026 · Updated September 30, 2026
Disney Springs has no shortage of incredible dining, but Jaleo by José Andrés stands out for its sprawling, authentic Spanish tapas menu. For a casual planner, the sheer number of options can look intimidating. But there is one staple you should absolutely circle before you arrive: the Croquetas de Pollo.
What Are the Croquetas de Pollo?
These aren’t your standard theme park chicken tenders. These traditional Spanish fritters are made with shredded chicken and a rich, creamy béchamel sauce, breaded and fried to a crisp. The inside is almost meltingly soft, contrasting heavily with the crunchy exterior.
As a signature José Andrés touch, they are famously served nestled inside a clear, custom-designed tasting shoe. It’s a whimsical presentation that makes for a great photo, but the flavor is what actually delivers.
Are They Worth Ordering?
The short answer is yes—this is one of the most reliable, crowd-pleasing tapas on the menu. Here is how it breaks down for your group:
- For adventurous eaters: It’s a classic, expertly executed Spanish staple that anchors a more adventurous meal of paella and imported jamón ibérico.
- For picky eaters and kids: If you have children who usually default to chicken nuggets, this is the ultimate “safe” transition food. It feels familiar enough for them to enjoy, but elevated enough that adults will want to steal a bite.
The trade-off is the tapas pricing model. Like most items at Jaleo, the portion is designed for sharing (usually around four pieces per order). If you have a large party, you will likely need to double up, which can add up quickly.
The Smart Move for a Disney Springs Night
Jaleo is a massive restaurant, which means it is often easier to snag an Advance Dining Reservation here than at highly competitive neighbors like Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’. If you do find yourself locked out of your preferred time, just set a dining Drop Watch in SupaPark, and we will ping you the second a table opens up, so you can grab it in My Disney Experience.
Because tapas are designed to be paced out, Jaleo is the perfect anchor for a long evening. If you want to stretch your Disney day without burning an extra park ticket, plan a later dinner here. Disney Springs stays open late—venues like The Edison, Paradiso 37, and Splitsville often keep the lights on until 1:00 AM or 2:00 AM on weekends. Starting your night with a round of croquetas and sangria is the perfect way to kick off a late-night Walt Disney World marathon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Croquetas de Pollo at Jaleo?
They are traditional Spanish fritters filled with chicken and creamy béchamel, fried crispy on the outside and served in a unique presentation.
Is Jaleo a good restaurant for kids?
Yes, the tapas style allows families to order small plates to share, and items like the chicken croquettes or patatas bravas are very approachable for picky eaters.
Do I need a reservation for Jaleo at Disney Springs?
While it is often easier to book than some other Disney Springs restaurants, an Advance Dining Reservation is highly recommended to guarantee your table.
Can SupaPark help me get a table at Jaleo?
Yes, if Jaleo is fully booked, you can set a Drop Watch in SupaPark, and the service will instantly alert you if a cancellation opens up.
Go deeper — the full guides: The Insider’s Guide to EPCOT’s Regal Eagle Smokehouse: What to Eat, Skip, and Share · The Insider’s Menu and Booking Guide to California Grill · The Insider Guide to Vegetarian Dining in EPCOT’s World Showcase
SupaPark tracks live wait times and crowd forecasts, and pings you the second a hard-to-get reservation opens or a ride goes walk-on — free to start at supapark.com.
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