Summer is officially here and the parks are getting warm and crowded. My favorite way to beat the heat is to take advantage of some of the cool offerings at the parks, Downtown Disney, and at some of the resorts. Here are my top ten treats and where to find them.
10. Everyone has seen the Mickey premium ice cream bar. This vanilla ice cream ice cream bar is shaped like Mickey Mouse and covered in chocolate. What makes it great is that is on a stick , and quite portable. It is also very easy to locate. Look for the numerous ice cream carts located through out the parks. It also is usually available in the ice cream freezers in the resorts.
9. The dole whip. This treat has been one of my favorites for years. What it is is a blend of pineapple and soft-serve vanilla ice cream. You can find it at the Tropical Isle in Adventureland, as well as Captain Hook’s at the Polynesian. ( Please make a note that Captain Hook’s is currently under refurbishment, and no where else is it available at the Polynesian until it reopens.)
8. Peanut Butter and Jelly Shake at 50’s Prime Time Cafe. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are good, but this shake takes them to a whole other level. This milkshake blends a classic shake with chunks of peanut butter and layers of jelly. It is a staple at 50’s and a great excuse to order one at the bar if you are not dinning there.
7. Fruit Smoothies. For those who want a healthy alternative, or have sensitivity to dairy, these are a great alternative. They are found at most dinning restaurants and some quick service locations throughout the resort. It is important that you let the person know of any allergies so that they can make yours accordingly. My personal favorite is the Wildberry option at the Art of Animation’s Landscape of Flavor Food Court.
6. Kitchen Sink at Beaches and Cream. This monster is not for the faint of heart. It contains 8 scoops of ice cream, layers of every topping they have, and an entire can of whipped cream ( a whole can?????) served in a mini kitchen sink. It is great for groups as it can fill you up quite quickly. Again, let your server know of any allergies, as they will do their best to accommodate.
5. Plaza Ice Cream Parlor. This is a great place to get ice cream before the parade and fireworks. My favorite is their sundaes, but they also serve ice cream and milkshakes. Don’t forget to try the Mickey Kitchen Sink!
4. Lemonade. Nothing is better than sitting in the shade sipping some delicious lemonade. There are many locations that have it, but my personal favorite is the frozen type at Prince Eric’s in the New Fantasy Land.
3. Shaved ice. This is my favorite treat when visiting the water parks, but some quick service locations also carry it. It is a great way to beat the heat and experiment with different flavor combinations. My personal favorite is cherry.
2. Everything Ghirardelli. If you have a sweet tooth, this is the place for you. Besides being world famous for their chocolates, they also have their fair share of ice cream treats. From sundaes to milkshakes, they have you covered. It is located in Downtown Disney, and is a great place to stop at when in the area. It can get very crowded, so a to- go order might be in order. My go to treat here? The Quake Shake! It is a milkshake infused with a chocolate bar and your choice of a mix in. For me, its the peanut butter that puts me over the edge.
1. For the adults who want an adult beverage, the frozen margaritas at La Cava del Tequila ( or if you are in a hurry, the Margarita Stand in Mexic0). My personal favorite is the Fiesta Flavor. Its sweet and thirst quenching. It also is a great way to chill after walking all around Epcot.
No Matter the heat, these treats are a sure way of cooling down.
