Well, it’s bound to happen once in a while… not every day can be perfectly bright and sunny in the Magic Kingdom.
Though colder days are primarily behind us for this year, sometimes it can get downright chilly, and there is potential to catch a rainy afternoon any time of year.
It’s time to escape to the indoors! Fortunately some of the best spots to get out of the rain are also some of the best food stops in the Park! Today we’re waiting out the rain in Columbia Harbour House, where the warm woods and tucked away sections and corners lend a cozy feel to lunch or snack time.
Upstairs seating in Columbia Harbour House
Additionally, the upstairs seating options offer some great vantage points for watching all the people in their rain ponchos.
Rainy day at the Magic Kingdom
We’re warming up with a couple of hot dishes: the Vegetarian Chili and Seasonal Cobbler. Let’s start with the Chili!
The Vegetarian Chili has long been a stand-out at Columbia Harbour House, offering a meatless option as well as warmth on a cold day (though, really, it’s just a tasty option any day). I topped mine with the oyster crackers available at the Harbour House. You can also sprinkle these in a bowl of their New England Clam Chowder.
Oyster Crackers
Vegetarian Chili Close-up
This tasty chili is so chock-full of veggies that I’m not even certain I found every ingredient in it! I can verify the presence of mushrooms, corn, black olives, black beans, kidney beans, diced carrot and green chilies. Those chilies, along with a hearty dose of chili powder and spices, round out the flavor really well.
Bite full of veggies
And though the dish is — obviously — meatless, it’s surprisingly hearty and filling. (By the way, I’ve heard the Chili pairs very nicely with a Baked Potato from Liberty Square Market, either as a side or poured on top of the potato for a fuller meal.) I typically go with the Batter Fish Basket when visiting the Harbour House, but I have to say that the Vegetarian Chili is absolutely on my list of top picks; and at $4.79 you can’t beat it for a filling, tasty option.
You’ll notice the option for “Seasonal Cobbler” on the dessert menu year-round. Maybe it’s because I associate Cobbler with all things autumn, but it strikes me as another terrific cool or rainy day option. On my visit, the selection was Blueberry Cobbler. I’ve also noticed Apple and Peach on previous visits.
Seasonal Blueberry Cobbler
The base and top of the Blueberry Cobbler is a sweetly spiced bread crust, dusted lightly with sugar, and topped with a vanilla sauce. However, it’s not a make-your-teeth-ache kind of sweet. The flavors are more subtle until you dig through the top layer (which offers a thicker crust on the top to give variety to the textures).
Bite of Blueberry Cobbler
Once you’re passed that, the blueberries lend a tart flavor, which balances nicely with the creamy vanilla sauce.
Pile o’ blueberries
I will always prefer an apple cobbler over a berry, but the cobblers here in general are a great option and contribute to the overall feeling of comfort in Columbia Harbour House. I find it to be a really nice change of pace from the Carrot or Chocolate Cake dessert options that you find at Quick-Service restaurants across Magic Kingdom. Both of those options are available at Columbia Harbour House as well, but I’d definitely recommend going for the Cobbler if the selected fruit strikes your fancy.
Thanks to these dishes, and some healthier and unique options overall, Columbia Harbour House remains a truly pleasant spot to experience some varied foods… as well as to escape from inclement weather!
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What’s your favorite rainy day stop in the Parks? Please let us know with a comment!
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One of my favorite places to eat in WDW, and it looks great! I guess that I might have to try something new the next time we are there!
That pic of the cobbler reminded me of chicken fried steak…weird i know but both sound like good options!
Always enjoy the Harbour House. I’ve had the chili and it was very tasty. Great on a cold day.
I love the vegetarian chili! I get that every time I visit CHH, I get a side of the couscous and have a delicious filling meal.
I’m not a vegetarian, but I’ve been ordering their chili for years. Guest relations actually let me order it for lunch during the Keys to the Kingdom tour 🙂
I tried the cobbler on my last visit. So yummy!!!
Hey AJ, just to let you know the cobbler has been replaced with Apple Cobbler along with the new offerings of lobster mac’n’cheese and chicken pot pie
Josh — Thanks! Sounds yum!