Welcome DFB reader and author Wendy with a review of the NEW Macaroni and Cheese Burger. Venture to Epcot’s Electric Umbrella in Future World for a bite of comfort food! Learn About: Electric Umbrella

Okay, I confess… I’ve passed by Electric Umbrella in Epcot’s Future World on my way to grab some fish & chips at the United Kingdom Pavilion’s Yorkshire County Fish Shop in World Showcase many, many times.

But I heard a rumor about something new on the menu that piqued my interest and made it a must-visit.

Burgers? Mac and Cheese? What’s not to love? We had to try it!

This futuristic counter service restaurant is much-maligned, but we’ve actually had a few good experiences here in recent visits. And I was really looking forward to what might happen on this stop in.

Upon receiving my order, I chose this great table between the cheerful – and, yes, electric — umbrellas…

… and the window facing the fountains. This is a great spot when it’s 9 bajillion degrees outside but you still want to watch the fountains dance.

After getting situated, it was time to dig in!

Allow me to introduce you to… The Macaroni & Cheese Burger.

Another confession: I came to this item with a bias. I’m a HUGE fan of the Macaroni & Cheese and Truffle Oil Hot Dog Dog found at Fairfax Fare, so if Mac & Cheese scored a home run on a hot dog, than why not on a burger?

What else tops this burger aside from Mac & Cheese? BACON! And (wait for it…) MORE CHEESE!

That’s right… someone had the idea to top Macaroni and Cheese with a slice of Cheddar Cheese. I’d like to shake the hand of whoever made that decision. That was a bold move.

You may be wondering, “How big is this thing?” Let’s face it – it’s composed of what typically serves as two entrees (burger and mac & cheese) and a side item (bacon) in between 2 pieces of bread (‘cuz, you know… why not?).

When considering how to convey the size to help you plan your eating strategy accordingly, I realized I had someone with me who might be able to help: our friend, Sonny Eclipse from Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café!

As you can see, the Macaroni and Cheese Burger is one Sonny Eclipse VinylMation high! A terrific portion while also being totally manageable!

Perhaps it’s unfair to compare apples to oranges… or hamburgers to hot dogs. But I did notice that, unlike the Mac & Cheese and Truffle Oil Dog, the Mac & Cheese on this burger is baked.

The “baked” aspect, however, is where we get the good news/bad news factor.

The fact that it’s baked really helps the burger stay together. I was amazed that I could cut it in half for sharing, eat my entire half, and have it remain completely intact.

Unfortunately, the baking seemed to strip the mac & cheese of some of its gooey-goodness and flavor. It actually struck me as bland, which was the last thing I expected.

The bacon and cheddar suddenly became necessary ingredients as opposed to over-indulgences on an already well-loaded burger. They brought some needed punch to the flavor.

Thankfully, there was NO skimping on the bacon… it had a great texture and there was plenty in every bite!

Overall

I can’t say that this “must-try” item turned into a “must-try again.” That said, I believe I will visit Electric Umbrella again in the future.

While I went in for the Macaroni and Cheese Burger, I found myself tempted by some of the other items on the menu, like the Vegetarian Flatbread and my tried-and-wonderfully-true Chicken Breast Nuggets. (Seriously, WHY can’t I ever get enough of those?!).

Add to that, it’s a great place to steal a little more time in Future World, which I tend to neglect in favor of World Showcase. And maybe I’m missing out on something there. After all, you really can’t beat this view…

So, once again, Electric Umbrella temps us even though it’s easy to pass by this long-time Epcot counter-service spot.

Does your family stop by Electric Umbrella during a day at Epcot? What’s your favorite item to order? Let us know in the comments below!