What started as a tiny popcorn shop in Orlando has become a Disney Parks favorite. On National Popcorn Day, weโre spotlighting Popcorn Junkie, the family-run business now serving up gourmet popcorn across Walt Disney World Resortโand even at sea!
From Local Shop to Disney Sensation
Neal and Minetta Crosier opened Popcorn Junkie in 2016. Just two years later, Disney leaders tasted their treats and knew guests would love them. By 2018, the Crosiers were supplying popcorn across the resort. They teamed up with Disney Chefs to invent new flavors that delighted guests park-wide.
Today, youโll find Popcorn Junkieโs creations everywhere from Main Street, U.S.A. to Star Wars: Galaxyโs Edge Their newest hit? Strawberry Crunch Popcorn, available for a limited time at the Confectionery Kernel Kitchen inside Main Street Confectionery.
A Recipe for Small Business Success
Popcorn Junkieโs Disney partnership fueled incredible growth. The Crosiers went from two to nine employees, expanded their flavor lineup, and boosted revenue by an astounding 200% since opening.
โI never dreamed Popcorn Junkie would grow this fast,โ said Neal Crosier. โItโs almost hard to believe.โ
A Statewide Impact
Popcorn Junkie is just one of over 2,500 small businesses Disney partners with in Florida. According to Oxford Economics, Walt Disney World generated $40 billion in economic impact in fiscal year 2022. For every on-site Disney job, 1.7 more are created across the state.
Without this economic activity, Floridaโs unemployment would jump from 3% to 5.4%โa shift from one of the lowest to one of the highest rates in the nation.
Stop and Snack at Disney Parks
Planning your next trip to Walt Disney World? Donโt miss the sweet and savory flavors of Popcorn Junkie. And to learn more about Disneyโs impact in Florida, check out DisneyFlorida.com.
Whether youโre a first-time snacker or a popcorn connoisseur, Popcorn Junkie proves that big dreamsโand bold flavorsโcan come from small beginnings.
