The History of EPCOT’s Defunct Kitchen Kabaret, Food Rocks

The Kitchen Kabaret Experience

EPCOT Center opened Oct. 1, 1982, as Walt Disney World’s second theme park. The grand opening pulled in massive crowds as park officials said attendance was greater than expected.

Available on EPCOT’s opening day was The Land Pavilion presented by Kraft. The expansive pavilion was the largest of the park’s opening-day attractions. It showcased noteworthy uses of land for agriculture by way of the spirit of progress, technology, and natural resources.

The Land Pavilion, with its standout conservatory-like architecture, offered a few experiences for guests. These were the Listen to the Land boat ride, two restaurants, a film presentation, and Kitchen Kabaret.

The entrance area for Kitchen Kabaret, on the bottom floor of the pavilion, was stylized like a theater lobby. It was decorated with food-themed posters and subtle food frills in the molding. Past this room, the attraction had a holding area just outside the theater. The pseudo-outdoor room gave a calming nighttime feel in a town square. The bright lights of the theater entrance illuminated the restaurant facades and food-related storefronts in the well-themed area.

Once the doors opened, guests filed in the 225-seat theater, awaiting a 13-minute show. A smooth overture played, building excitement for the musical revue just moments away.

Kitchen Kabaret: The Show

Over the suspenseful roll of a timpani drum, an announcer said, “And now, the show that has the whole town cooking: The Kitchen Kabaret,” before introducing the show’s hostess.

A single spotlight shined on a lone animatronic off to the side—the hostess of Kitchen Kabaret, Bonnie Appetite. Draped over a stack of cookbooks, Bonnie Appetite started the show on a woeful yet relatable note with a case of the mealtime blues. She set up the show ahead, educating the audience on the basic ingredients that can make up a balanced meal.

The theater went dark as the curtains of the main stage opened. A spotlight revealed a classic 1940s-style kitchen, a look the designers called “cartoon deco.”

Jamming at center stage was an eccentric band of condiments called the Krackpots, resembling products by Kraft. They got the show going and brightened up the mood with their percussive groove. Bonnie Appetite, now with a snappy outfit, joined back in singing,

Thank you folks for coming to my kitchen,
as I sing the praise of good nutrition.

The Dixieland number concluded as the Krackpots lowered under the stage. Enchanting chords washed over the theater as Bonnie Appetite introduced the next act.

From here on, the acts of Kitchen Kabaret were based around the four basic food groups as outlined by the USDA back then: dairy, protein, fruit and vegetables, as well as bread and cereals.

Mr. Dairy Goods and his Stars of the Milky Way

First up were Mr. Dairy Goods and his Stars of the Milky Way—representing dairy. The refrigerator crept open with a cold mist pouring out. A group of talented dairy goods made their way into the spotlight with a crisp number.

The suave Mr. Dairy Goods—a carton of milk—sang in a classic, silky smooth voice while gripping a vintage microphone of the era. Behind him were Miss Cheese, Miss Yogurt, and Miss Ice Cream—who were all light spoofs of old Hollywood stars. They sang about the sweet delights of dairy before retreating back into the frosty fridge.

The ballad tapered off, and an upbeat horn section piped in. Bonnie Appetite introduced the next act: The Cereal Sisters.

The Cereal Sisters

The Cereal Sisters were a trio of singers parodying The Andrews Sisters and their hit song, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy. Mairzy Oats, Rennie Rice, and Connie Corn were up in the cupboard harmonizing the poppy melody. They were accompanied by a trumpet-playing slice of bread, who eventually popped out of the toaster. The Cereal Sisters sang about him being the “toast of the town.”

The Boogie Woogie Bakery Boy slid into the toaster with a ripping trumpet solo, and the cabinet door closed on The Cereal Sisters at the end of their number.

In a bouncy mood after the song, Bonnie Appetite chimed in that she’ll, “Get together with the Toast of the Town for a jam session.” She was swiftly interrupted by a pair of wise-cracking characters.

Hamm and Eggz

Hamm and Eggz were a comedic duo who gave a little comedy relief to the show. Instead of singing a full song, they quipped through an act about protein with slides projected near the kitchen window to visualize their routine. Hamm was more of the straight man of the performance, and Eggz grinned through a dozen or so one-liners; every time he made a joke, his bow-tie proudly wiggled.

Once Hamm had enough of Eggz’s antics, they lowered into the steamy stovetop, just in time for the next song to start.

Veggie Veggie Fruit Fruit

This calypso number needed no introduction by Bonnie Appetite—the music calmly swelled in. A choir of fruits and vegetables joined in the samba, singing, “Veggie fruit fruit, veggie veggie fruit fruit.” Behind the bowls of fresh produce, a twinkling night sky was seen through the window, now with the blinds open.

Bonnie Appetite in a lovely tone sang over the relaxing rhythm.

I simply have to tell you
that my friends who are singing
are delectable.
Meals are divine
as long as you can dine
with fruit and vegetables.

The band of vegetables carried the beat as Bonnie Appetite handed off the song to the two groups, The Colander Combo and the Fiesta Fruit. The produce took it away with a verse about the importance of fruits and vegetables. The broccoli lifted their glasses with an emphatic “Cha-cha-chá.”

Bonnie Appetite hopped back into the tune with a new wardrobe, now glamorously descending from the rafters on a crescent moon. Fiberoptic fireworks sparkled and popped in the distance the as delightful song came to a close.

It was a clear display of composer Buddy Baker’s brilliance, with the perfect ambiance to match the calm, catchy spirit of the tune.

Finale

Bonnie Appetite segued into a new melody, thanking the audience for joining the show.

We’d like to thank you all
for listening to us.
We hope you understand
good nutrition’s a must.

The animatronics from the whole show returned for a group finale. In the same order as their first appearance, the different food groups added to the song with their own flair.

Bonnie Appetite put the finishing touches on the message.

Now you’ve heard my friends,
they won’t lead you astray.
When you balance up their act,
mealtime blues will go away.

The blinds on the window raised to reveal a vibrant sunrise. All the food, now with the Krackpots joining in, sang in unison for the grand finale. The show ended on a high note with dazzling lights and spectacular tones, emphasizing the importance of eating healthfully.

With that, Kitchen Kabaret came to an end.

Reception

Kitchen Kabaret was a tasteful show guests found charming. The show’s clever writing, nice touches, and subtle effects added up for an appetizing attraction. Kitchen Kabaret dished out a warm and inviting flavor with a nice balance of being amusing, entertaining, and educational.

It was a satisfying show with a witty self-awareness that wasn’t over-the-top. The contained seasoning was perfect for anyone interested in a signature Disney Audio-Animatronic show or those who just wanted a few minutes off their feet in the air-conditioning.

Kitchen Kabaret was popular enough for Disney to sell merchandise at The Land Pavilion in a gift shop called Broccoli & Co.

As the years went on and EPCOT Center changed a bit, The Land Pavilion would inevitably need a refresh. However, Kraft, the original sponsor of the pavilion, wouldn’t be around to make those changes—and neither would a fan-favorite.