Have you ever wondered how Disney designs and creates the food and drinks you enjoy in the theme parks?

We now know. Disney just gave us rare access backstage to what's called the "Flavor Lab."

Driving past security and pulling up to a super industrial-looking building, it's hard to imagine that things like Dole Whip or Mickey Ice Cream Bars are born here.

"This is where everything happens," Food & Beverage Concept Development Director Jean-Marie Clement said.

The motto back in here is "Eat, Drink, Create." This facility, which opened in December, is about 10 times bigger than the old lab. Imagineers spent three years designing and constructing it. The Flavor Lab is the hub for Disney parks worldwide.

Inside the kitchen, chefs create foods that are inspired by whatever attraction or theme it's immersed in. That means that the chefs work closely with Imagineers.

"They tell us about the storyline; they tell us about what's coming," Clement said.

Take the new Ganachery Chocolate Shop at Disney Springs, for instance. Pastry Chef Stefan Riemer looks out for a taster's reaction.

"I always like to watch someone eating it," he smiled. "When you close your eyes, you actually can pick up the aromas much better."

So this Valentine's Day, your sweetie might pick up unexpected flavor notes like passion fruit, raspberry, cinnamon from Sri Lanka, mangos, slight bitterness, or even curry.

Up next for the Flavor Lab is to complete the hookup of big plasma TV screens above the "lobby" kitchen. Soon, chefs from Lake Buena Vista can give live cooking demonstrations with Disney chefs from, say, the Paris and Shanghai parks.

"But," Clement said, wistfully, "the only thing they won't be able to get is the smell.

We'll wait for Smell-o-vision to hit the shelves.

Take a tour inside the Flavor Lab Friday and Saturday on News 13 and Bay News 9.