Going through my photo archive while putting together the last couple articles on the farewell of MuppetVision 3D at Walt Disney World has brought back a flood of memories—some I didn’t realize I've not looked at in years.

One that jumped out was from 2014, the year Muppets Most Wanted hit theaters. Disneyland leaned into the promotion with fun touches—like banners near the Downtown Disney AMC Theater and a surprise appearance by Constantine (the evil Kermit lookalike) in the MuppetVision 3D pre-show. Even the candy shops joined in the fun. That’s where I found it: the Kermit the Frog candy apple.

Now, if you’re familiar with Disney’s classic Mickey-shaped candy apples—green Granny Smiths dipped in caramel, then given marshmallow ears and themed designs—then imagine that same silhouette, but transformed into Kermit. A green candy coating. Two marshmallows covered in white chocolate and topped with icing to become Kermit's eyes. A simple curved smile drawn on to complete the face.

When I saw it in the window of the Disneyland candy shop, I had to photograph it. I’d only tried a Disney candy apple once before—delicious, but incredibly sweet and sticky—and I wasn’t planning to indulge that day. But I thought, “I’ll grab one next week. It’ll be a fun treat to take home.”

Only… the next week came, and the Kermit candy apples were gone. Nowhere in Disneyland. Nowhere in Downtown Disney. Just gone.

I missed my chance.

If I hadn’t taken that photo the week before, I’d have nothing to show for it. The treat would’ve become a phantom memory—one of those “did I dream that?” moments we all occasionally get from theme parks. But thankfully, I did take the photo, and while I didn’t get to taste the Kermit candy apple, I can still enjoy it visually—and share it with others.

That’s why I always recommend photographing the treats. Not just because they're fun or colorful or social media-worthy (though they are), but because they’re part of the experience—and sometimes, the only evidence that something even happened.

Character-themed snacks are handcrafted in the parks every day, often for limited times or tied to seasonal events. Olaf from Frozen, Jack Skellington, Mike Wazowski, even Groot—they’ve all been turned into creative candy designs that appear briefly and disappear without warning. If you’re there, you’re lucky. If you take a photo, you’re wise.

And it’s not just apples. The culinary teams across the Disney parks put serious artistry into all kinds of edible creations—especially during the holidays. The gingerbread displays in the resort hotel lobbies are jaw-dropping. The Haunted Mansion Holiday gingerbread house in the ballroom scene changes every year and has become an anticipated event all on its own.

All of it is temporary. Edible. Fleeting. Which makes it some of the most rewarding subject matter for theme park photography.

A few quick photos can preserve a treat forever. It lets you revisit the moment, relive the magic, and share it with others—even long after the last bite. In my case, that Kermit candy apple never got tasted, but it did get remembered.

So next time you find yourself staring at a snack that’s almost too cute to eat—pause. Take a couple of shots. Make a memory first. Then dig in.

And if you want more tips like this—fun, fast, and focused on helping you instantly take better photos at theme parks using just your phone—download my free guide at FairyTalePhotoAcademy.com. 📸✨

Because the treats don’t last… but your photos can.