Walking along the path at Disney Springs it’s not hard to be lured into the smells of rich chocolate and delicious candy. If you have followed your nose, you’ve likely found yourself inside Disney’s Candy Cauldron, which has been casting its spell on Walt Disney World guests since 1997.
With its dark, dungeon-inspired theming and dramatic show kitchen, the shop pays tribute to one of Disney’s most iconic villains — the Evil Queen from Walt Disney’s first animated feature film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. But beyond the cobblestone styled walls lies something even more enchanting: generations of craftsmanship, storytelling, and one of Walt Disney World’s most beloved treats — the candy apple.
The Lore of the Disney Candy Apple
Candy and caramel apples have been part of Walt Disney World’s culinary story since the early 1970s. Guests began biting into these delicious confections along Main Street, U.S.A., and they quickly became a guest favorite — not just for their sweet crunch, but for the magic of watching them being made. Over time, cast members began turning these apples into edible works of art, incorporating beloved Disney characters and holiday themes.
Among the most iconic creations is the Evil Queen Apple which was introduced in the mid-2000s as a Halloween seasonal treat. Designed to resemble the cursed fruit from Snow White, the apple features a glossy red candy shell with a signature green “drip,” echoing the film’s infamous scene. It remains one of the most sought-after specialty items each fall. And if an apple is not your thing, you may also enjoy the shop’s Evil Queen cake pop – another fan-favorite.
Today, guests can watch these candy apple treats come to life through the windows of Disney’s Candy Cauldron, where cast members dip, swirl, and decorate apples in real time.
A Family Story Behind the Glass
Behind that glass, cast members don’t just make candy — they make memories. Joanne, who has been with Walt Disney World for over 30 years, has spent much of her career at Disney’s Candy Cauldron. She started at the front counter but soon became fascinated by the artistry happening in the kitchen.
“I like interacting with our guests,” Joanne said. “It’s exciting when people watch us making candy apples. The key to making perfect candy apples: it takes a lot of practice. That’s what I tell new cast members.”
Over the years, Joanne became a master of candy apple making. With her skill of decorating, she also became a mentor, training dozens of new cast members over the years. One of those new cast members? Her son – Pedro, who joined the team in 2010 as a seasonal hire while still in high school.
“She’s the reason I started here and this location was the beginning of my Disney journey,” Pedro said. “She was a great teacher, and definitely somebody who made sure I got that trade done right, because she’s very particular with making sure that everything that our guests buy is done to perfection.”
Under his mom’s guidance, Pedro learned the fine details of candy craftsmanship — and the deeper lessons of guest service, teamwork, and creativity. That foundation led him to a career in Disney leadership roles, including one in 2019 during the grand opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Their story is one of many within the Cauldron’s history: generations of cast members passing on candy apple skills, stories, and the magic of making something by hand.
“I will say some of my best interactions with guests have been in that kitchen. Anywhere from seeing a little kid ‘ooh’ and ‘ah’ while you’re making candy apples, to adults watching the entire process and saying they want the one you’re making,” Pedro explained.
Every Apple, a Work of Art
From classic caramel-covered apples to seasonal designs like Olaf, Jack Skellington, and, of course, the Evil Queen’s poison apple, Disney’s Candy Cauldron continues to evolve while keeping Disney tradition at its core. Disney’s Candy Cauldron remains a must-visit destination at Disney Springs.
Whether you’re looking for a seasonal specialty, crisped rice treats, bags of freshly spun cotton candy, or an apple dipped in mouthwatering chocolate, there’s something unforgettable waiting behind the glass.
