Walt Disney World is a great vacation destination that is loved by so many people. It is a fun and exciting experience with a large variety of things to see and do. There are great rides, great restaurants, character experiences, and more. One of the best things about Disney is the snacks. But what are some of the best snacks in Disney World? Luckily, we were willing to take one for the team and take on the daunting task of compiling the list and trying them out to bring you the best snacks in Disney World. Unfortunately, we were too excited to try the snack and didn’t take a picture first! Can you really blame us?!
Table of Contents
Why you should try the best snacks in Disney World
One of the newest trends in the professional world is the idea of “starting with the why.” Well, we thought we would start with the why on this one. So why snacks? Snacks are an easy way to get something to eat when on the run at Disney. Most Disney trips are packed to the gills with “must do’s” so having a quick eating option can be key.
Generally, snacks have shorter lines and are great as a “grab and go option.” They are also usually less expensive than going for a full meal. Additionally, if you have the Disney Dining Plan, you get at least two snacks a day which makes this a no-brainer. Please note that the Dining Plan is currently unavailable but will hopefully be back soon.
Most importantly though, snacks are fun! Snacks at Disney are delicious and themed to perfection. The snacks can be great for kids and the young at heart. They speak to the kid in all of us. They are just a fun way to fill your belly!
How we determined the Best Snacks in Disney World
Since there are literally hundreds of snack items available at Disney, we had to narrow them down. In order to do that, there are a few things that we took into consideration when we made this list. The items on this list fall into one or more of the following criterium.
- They taste great! Some of these items made the list based on how great they taste. Taste is of course all relative, but we tried to pick out the ones we found tasted the best.
- They look great! This is for those things that are themed to perfection or are just too pretty not to eat. Many of the snacks at Disney are as beautiful as they are delicious.
- They are a Disney staple. These are items that have withstood the test of time and that guests of the parks swear by. They are generally the things that immediately pop into mind when you think of snacks at Disney.
- They are a limited-time item. These items were chosen because they were specials that may not always be around but are worth looking for when they do become available. There is also a chance that things used in one celebration may make a return during another with a slight variation.
- They contain alcohol (for guests 21 and older.) Alcohol is not available everywhere at Disney and not every snack needs to be kid-friendly. For that reason, we wanted to throw in some items that those of us who are kids at heart can enjoy as adults.
What you need to know when planning snacks in Disney World
There are a few things you need to know before you start on your snack journey.
First, some of these items are seasonal. That means they are not available all the time.
Second, while we have attempted to list all the locations where these snacks are available, this is always subject to change. We have found many times where Disney will change the location where a snack is featured, often without notice.
Third, these items are often available in many forms. For example, many of the 50th-anniversary items are available during other times, but are decorated or themed differently. Many of the items are classic flavors that are just decorated to fit the theme of the moment.
Finally, this list is ever-evolving. The snack options at Disney are always changing and there are always new ones to try. The chefs at Disney are always aiming to outdo themselves, which means lots of updates.
And that’s it. With all the important information out of the way, we can start. Now it’s time to get the party started. So without further ado, we present the best snacks in Disney World.
Here are the Best Snacks in Disney World
Available at Multiple Locations
Plain Dole Whip (MK, AK, DS) – This one is a Disney Classic. People will wait in incredibly long lines just for a Dole Whip. We have waited as long as 30 minutes when mobile ordering just to pick up this treat with the stand-by line being even longer. For anyone who is unfamiliar, it is basically a pineapple flavored soft serve ice cream, whose flavor is not basic at all.
This frozen pineapple-flavored delicacy is one that is a must-have when you are at Disney and most Disney Fanatics swear by this treat. Make no mistake, there are other places where Dole Whip has become available, but none of them compare to the original Disney Dole Whip experience. Also worth noting, Dole Whip is also great as it provides a great refreshment on a hot day and the tropical flavor makes it even better. There is a reason this one tops most people’s lists.
Turkey leg (MK, AK, DS) – The smoked turkey leg is another Disney staple. It is a huge hunk of smoked meat reminiscent of medieval times. It has a special place among Disney snack lore. This treat however is a bit more polarizing than the other classic treats on this list. There are two distinct schools of thought when it comes to the turkey leg, and you either love them or you despise them.
There are even memes about “which snack would you get rid of and why is it the turkey leg?” That being said, we think it is best to try it and you can be the judge on which camp you want to join. One other tip, the Turkey leg is large enough that it can be used as a meal substitute in most cases if that is something you are looking for.
Popcorn (MK, AK, EPCOT, HS, DS) – The popcorn is a home run. Just about everyone loves hot, fresh buttered popcorn. And this one is one of the more affordable snack items. If you purchase one of the buckets, you can purchase the refills at a steep discount. We purchase one every trip and the kids love the popcorn. It also serves as an extremely quick option when the kids are extra “hangry.” Plus it is a great go-to option when you are watching the parade or the late-night fireworks extravaganza. Bucket availability varies from park to park, events, and seasons. This is a personal favorite!
Mickey’s Premium Ice Cream Bar (everywhere) – Can you really go wrong with rich, dark chocolate enveloping vanilla ice cream in the shape of Mickey Mouse? It is delicious and also serves as relief on those really hot Disney days. We often find ourselves grabbing one of these in the afternoon when we pause to take in a show, parade, or just a short break before our next attraction.
Mickey’s Premium Ice Cream Sandwich (everywhere) – Ice cream sandwiches are usually a fan favorite, to begin with. I mean, ice cream sandwiched between two soft chocolate cookies is pretty hard to pass up. This is a great tasting treat that will help cool you off on a hot day at Disney. Not only that, but like most things in Disney, it is in the shape of everyone’s favorite mouse, Mickey.
Olaf Lemonade Strawberry Bar (everywhere) – Unlike the dairy-based, heavier ice cream treats offered at the parks, this treat is fruity and light which makes it extra refreshing. And while this treat may not be shaped like Olaf, it is just like the package says. It is worth melting for. One additional piece of information for those with younger kids, this is a frozen lemonade treat so it is heavy on the lemon and the tartness. Our kids personally loved it, but if your kids aren’t fans of tart flavors this one may not be for them.
Churros (MK, AK, HS, EPCOT, DS) – Deep-fried dough coated in cinnamon and sugar, do I need to say more? ‘This is another very popular treat, but if you haven’t tried it, you definitely should give it a chance. They are available all over the parks and the resorts and come in a variety of styles. Many versions even include fun dipping sauces like chocolate or caramel. They also have them in a variety of shapes from straight, which is traditional, round, or even so Mickey head-shaped ones. Whichever variation you choose, you won’t be disappointed.
Mickey Pretzel (MK, AK, HS, EPCOT, TL, BB, DS) – A nice hot fresh soft pretzel is always welcome, and having it be shaped like Mickey Mouse makes it even more exciting. They are super fun and the kids love them. They are made fresh throughout the day so they are always warm and always soft. Plus, they are handheld, so they make for a great on-the-go snack or to eat while watching the parade.
Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes (various locations) – This seasonal treat is a popular one for anyone who loves pumpkin spice and loves cupcakes. These are a fall favorite that features a pumpkin cake with cinnamon cream cheese frosting and chocolate Mickey ears. It is basically taking a bite out of fall and that makes this one worth grabbing.
Mickey Rice Krispie Treats (various Locations) – Rice Krispie treats are a classic. But in Disney, they are extra magical. They come in the shape of Mickey’s head and with all sorts of toppings. There are no limits to the options available. From chocolate-dipped to sprinkles and so many more, these are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Cupcakes in general – Disney is known for having cupcakes everywhere. Most of them are themed for movies or for certain special events that are going on in Disney World. They are beautiful and delicious. Not only that but they are extremely portable. It’s a great dessert to have on the move.
Funnel Cake (MK, EPCOT, HS, Boardwalk) – Funnel Cake is a favorite at fairs, parks, ball games, and the like. There is a level of inconsistency that exists in the quality of some of those funnel cakes, however, the Disney funnel cake does not fall prey to that. It is thick and delicious and cooked to perfection. They offer it in a variety of forms with a variety of toppings that range from traditional powdered sugar to ice cream to fruit and much more. No matter the variety you pick, it is definitely a winner.
Magic Kingdom
Cheshire Cat Tail at Cheshire Café – This one is another one where you really can’t go wrong. Flaky pastry filled with chocolate and drizzled with icing is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. The frosting is in the iconic Cheshire Cat purple which means it’s not just tasty, it’s fun.
Spring Rolls at Spring Roll Snack Cart – The spring rolls featured here are not your average spring roll. The main featured spring roll is a cheeseburger spring roll and then they have a second choice that is a rotating option. Some of those options have been pepperoni pizza, buffalo chicken, a 50th-anniversary spring roll, and more. We have had the famous cheeseburger spring roll and it is delicious! They are also a great handheld snack so it is great to eat on the run.
Warm Cinnamon Rolls at Gaston’s Tavern – Cinnamon roll does not do these fantastic treats justice. They are massive and served warm and delicious. Covered with mouth-watering icing they are a must-have snack item. These can be used as a snack or as a breakfast replacement. If you do take the snack route, these are shareable. However, they are so tasty that you may not want to share!
The Grey Stuff Cupcake/Master’s Cupcake at Gaston’s Tavern and Be Our Guest – Any fan of Beauty and the Beast knows Lumiere’s classic advice of “Try the Grey Stuff, it’s delicious.” Well, we are here to tell you that he isn’t lying. These cupcakes are chocolate-based with delicious cookies and cream frosting, the “grey stuff.” Whether this movie is one of your favorites or not, the cupcake tastes great. So make sure you give this one a try and see if you agree with the singing candlestick.
Raspberry swirl Dole Whip cup at Aloha Isle – As I said earlier, Dole Whip is a park favorite. Guests are willing to wait in lines for hours to obtain it and that is part of why it makes the list in a variety of forms. The other reason is that every version of the classic treat is unique and worth mentioning in its own right. This version of Dole Whip is a classic pineapple dole whip swirled with a delicious raspberry Dole Whip. The contrasts of flavors make it delicious, maybe even more than the original. Whether you decide you prefer the original or this one, we can all agree that it’s a nice “twist” on the old classic.
Raspberry Swirl Float Dole Whip at Aloha Isle – This is an additional variation of the previous item. The same swirl of pineapple and raspberry Dole Whip is served as a float on pineapple juice. A fun and refreshing option to mix things up. And if you are a big fan of pineapple juice, this one is definitely the best choice for you.
Rainbow Cupcake at Main Street Confectionery – This one is more about looks than anything. Of course, the cupcake is delicious like most cupcakes at Disney are. That being said, this cupcake is a rainbow icing delight. It is worth picking up when you stop in here, to say the least.
Jumbo Mickey Chocolate Chip Cookie at Main Street Confectionery – The most popular cookie in the world is the Chocolate Chip Cookie. How could one possibly improve on that? Try making it huge, shaping it like Mickey Mouse, and dip half of it in chocolate. Well, Disney did exactly that. This seven-inch cookie is a masterpiece for almost any sweet tooth or chocolate fanatic. The spectacle of this very large sweet treat almost makes it worth buying on its own. That being said, you may want to make sure you grab some milk to complete the package when you eat this tasty treat.
The Wild Ride at Friar’s Nook – Not far from where the famed “Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride” attraction used to live is Friar’s Nook, home to a drink that shares a name with the once-popular ride. The Wild Ride is a frozen drink that is a layering of sour cherry, blue raspberry, and sour apple topped with whipped cream and a black licorice wheel. It is a fun time for kids or the young at heart. Either way, this drink sure is one wild ride.
Tots and Cheese Sauce at Friar’s Nook – This savory snack is one of the best because of its simplicity. Melty cheese sauce smothering crispy tater tots is a combination that is made in heaven. It really is one of those things you can’t go wrong with. Additionally, Disney is known to have a higher standard of consistency in their food so that means it should be almost the same every time you order it. In this case that is great news because that means your tots will always be crisp and your cheese will always be the right amount of melty.
Animal Kingdom
Colossal Mickey Cinnamon Roll at Kusafiri Bakery, Tuma Tuma, or Starbucks – While this descriptor is often a euphemism, colossal really is an accurate description for this snack item. This massive cinnamon roll is delicious and it’s the shape of Mickey Mouse. You really can’t go wrong. Served warm with decadent ooey-gooey frosting, this cinnamon roll is one you shouldn’t miss out on. If you are rope-dropping the park it makes a great breakfast substitute or you can grab it as a mid-morning (or late afternoon) snack. Whatever you decide to do, it won’t disappoint.
Pineapple Dole Whip Coconut Rum float at Tuma Tuma – Here’s an adult spin on a fan favorite. This is a Dole Whip float but with coconut rum added to the juice. This boozy treat is sweet and delicious and makes for a fun treat for the over 21 members of your group.
Simba Sunset (dole whip with fruit-flavored syrups) at Tuma Tuma – This is another twist on a classic. Traditional Dole Whip but topped with fruit-flavored syrups. While it may not seem like this is a groundbreaking experience, it is fun and definitely delicious. It is also nice for those of us who have had our fair share of traditional dole whip and want to mix it up.
Maleficent Dragon Cupcake at Restaurantosaurus – This yummy cupcake is an artistic masterpiece. It is beautifully designed to catch your eye. This one however is also unique in its flavor. It is a purple velvet cake, with a blood orange curd topped with a vanilla frosting, crispy pearls, and white chocolate flames. It is quite a sight to see.
Tiger Tail Chocolate Twist at the Isle of Java – The Tiger Tail Chocolate Twist is virtually a theme change on the Cheshire Cat tail available in Magic Kingdom. There is one small difference. While the Cheshire Cat tail is drizzled with frosting, the tiger tail features frosting and chocolate. That said, the chocolate treat with the rich flaky dough is still just as amazing. However, if you are on a time or budget crunch, you could just choose one of these 2 options and skip the other.
Macaw Specialty Beverage at the Isle of Java – This fun frozen drink combines Minute Maid Frozen Lemonade, Fanta Frozen Cherry, and Fanta Frozen Blue Raspberry. Just about everyone likes a good slushy every so often. If that sounds like you, then Disney has you covered with this fun slushy drink. The blue, red, and yellow combine in a way that mimics the patterns of a Macaw parrot.
Not only is it delicious, it also fits the wild jungle theme of Animal Kingdom to a tee. And since it is frozen, it is extra refreshing on a steamy Florida day. It is a great option for the kids or for the adults in the group that haven’t completely grown up. Also for the adults, this drink is offered in an adult version known as the “Party Parrot.” This is the same frozen drink about but with Parrot Bay Rum added to the mix.
Birthday Blueberry Muffin at Tuma Tuma – This fun breakfast treat is a part of the 50th Celebration. While it is pretty much a regular blueberry muffin in terms of taste, the design is where the fun is at. This muffin has a healthy dose of sprinkles. Not just on top, but laced throughout the inside of the muffin. It is a fun and unique adaptation of an original classic and eating it fits the celebration theme completely.
50th Anniversary Celebration Milkshake at Restaurantosaurus – This 50th Anniversary snack is a classic vanilla milkshake with strawberry syrup. The glass is rimmed with butterscotch and fruity cereal bits and the entire thing is topped with whipped cream and a sugar cookie. The milkshake itself is pretty standard, but the addition of the fruity cereal adds a unique kick that makes the whole thing pop.
50th Anniversary Celebration Cupcake at Restaurantosaurus – Another treat for the 50th, this cupcake is a lemon cake with a lemon chiffon filling that is topped with vanilla frosting and celebration sprinkles, a splatter-coated chocolate Mickey, and a gold-dusted 50th-anniversary medallion. Not only does it taste good, but it is also a thing of beauty. After you get it you won’t know if you should take its picture or eat it. I’m here to tell you though, that the answer is both!
EPCOT
Croissant Doughnut (Cronut) at Taste Track – What’s better than a croissant or a doughnut? How about a croissant-doughnut or “Cronut?” This snack is a deliciously layered buttery treat deep-fried and topped with icing. It is the perfect marriage of sweet and savory and is a great option for those looking for something a little unique.
Baklava at Tangierine Cafe – Baklava is a traditional treat found in many countries made of filo, nuts, and either sweetened syrup or honey. This layered treat is a delicious little dessert or snack. At the Tangierine Cafe, they offer this delicacy in cashew, pistachio, walnut, and on some occasions, a chocolate honey variety. If you like baklava or would like to try it, this is a great option for you.
Hollywood Studios
Outpost Mix Popcorn at Kat Saka’s Kettle – Found in the outer regions of space at the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, is a brightly colored and somewhat strange treat, Outpost Mix Popcorn. This sweet and spicy snack is not exactly everyone’s cup of tea, but it is a fun one to try out. The purple and red option is a combo of cinnamon and what tastes like sugary cereal. There is also a “Blue Grain” option on the menu. This one comes as a blueish-green and like regular popcorn has been colored. It is a fun alternative if you don’t want to be adventurous with the flavors.
Lunch Box Tarts at Woody’s Lunch box – The Lunch Box Tarts at Woody’s Lunch Box are a delicious staple in Hollywood Studios. They are a delicious stuffed pastry, covered in frosting and decorated, and come in a variety of flavor options. While some are more basic like the lemon blueberry or the raspberry, they also have more exotic options. One of those is the chocolate hazelnut stuffed pastry topped with maple fondant and candied bacon. No matter which flavor you choose, they are fun, well decorated, and delicious.
Disney Springs
Dark Chocolate Sundae – Midnight Reverie at Ghirardelli – Most people are familiar with Ghirardelli chocolate. Founded in the 1800s in San Francisco, it is now famous around the world. This is no different in Disney. You can enjoy an ice cream sundae like those served in Ghirardelli Square. That said, if you are a chocolate lover, the midnight reverie is for you. This sundae is chocolate ice cream and deep dark chocolate fudge, chocolate chips, and a Ghirardelli intense Dark Chocolate Square. This sundae is truly a chocoholics dream.
Slider Trio at The Polite Pig – While some may consider this more of a meal, we included it in the snacks as it is an appetizer that will give you a taste of the three most famous items at The Polite Pig. This trio features the southern pork, the low and slow brisket, and the fried chicken sandwich. Each one is juicy and delicious. Trying to pick one would be impossible, and that is why a trio is a perfect option.
Original Chocolate Chip Cookie at Gideon’s Bakehouse – I know what you might be thinking, “A cookie is a cookie.” This seems to be generally true until you meet one of the cookies from Gideon’s Bakehouse in Disney Springs. These cookies are delicious and chocolatey and so good that people will wait in line for hours to get them. As a warning, get there before they open so you can be in line when the doors first open as there is always a wait for this amazing snack.
Resorts
Glass Slipper Cupcake at Pop Century – What could be better than a cupcake? How about a beautifully decorated cupcake decked out and themed to Walt Disney’s Classic Cinderella? This cupcake features a white chocolate sparkling glass slipper nestled on top of a sweet vanilla frosting edged with sugar crystals. It’s almost as pretty as Cinderella herself. But don’t be fooled by the appearance, this cupcake isn’t all show without substance. While it may be a classic vanilla cake, it is filled with a tangy lemon curd that offsets the sweetness and makes for a deliciously well-balanced treat.
Mermaid Cupcake (vanilla base with pineapple filling) at Art of Animation – This tropically flavored cupcake is one that definitely will take you under the sea. The vanilla-based cupcake is filled with pineapple filling and topped with a coconut-infused frosting. But the tropical taste isn’t the only exciting part. The decorations include a white chocolate mermaid tail, candy pearls, and lots of edible glitter.
Cookies and Cream Sundae Cupcake at Art of Animation – Here is another time that design and flavor are married to make a fun and tasty treat. This moist chocolate cake is topped with cookies and cream buttercream. This is topped with rainbow sprinkles and cute little chocolate “ears” that make the treat all the more Disney.
Carrot Cake Whoopie Pie at Art of Animation – For anyone not familiar, a whoopie pie is two soft chocolate cake cookies sandwiched with either buttercream or marshmallow filling. This version is similar, but with two soft carrot cake cookies and the filling is a cream cheese frosting. This is basically a portable piece of carrot cake. If you are a fan of carrot cake, you will enjoy this Disney snack.
Chocolate Lovers Kitchen sink at Beaches and Cream (Beach Club Resort) – The kitchen sink is a sight to behold. This is 8 scoops of ice cream topped with every topping in the place (brownies included) and a whole can of whipped cream. Yes, a whole can. The version we are covering is the chocolate lover’s version. That means the 8 flavors of ice cream are replaced with chocolate variations. It’s delicious. Just a side note, Disney does recommend that this serves at least 4 people.
Our personal favorites of the favorites
While we think this list is all the best snacks in Disney World, these are the ones that we just can’t live without when we take a trip to Disney. They have become family traditions that are a big part of every one of our trips. These items are our personal favorites of the best snacks in Disney World.
Mickey’s Premium ice cream bar – This decadent ice cream bar is without equal. We have eaten our fair share of vanilla ice cream bars covered in dark chocolate and while many are good, none truly stand up to the Mickey Bar. The chocolate is rich and thick. The ice cream is creamy. It’s an overall winner in our book.
Raspberry Swirl Dole Whip Cup – While we like the regular Dole Whip, the combination of the pineapple and Raspberry truly is second to none. The two flavors are a nice contrast and really make for a must-have treat.
Cupcakes in general – Sorry not sorry. We love cupcakes. We love them in just about every iteration and variety. We love the different designs. We love the different flavors. We just adore everything about them.
Popcorn – This one is a staple for us. Not only is it a lifesaver when the kids are hungry but fresh, warm buttery popcorn is great to eat just about anywhere and anytime. The other great thing about the popcorn is that it is a great mobile snack and is easy to handle as you race through the park to get to your next Genie plus or to catch that next show. We always get a souvenir bucket so that means we grab those discounted refills almost every chance we get. Sometimes even on the way out of the park to serve as a snack in the hotel room.
Dark Chocolate Sundae – Midnight Reverie – We are chocolate lovers, so this ice cream sundae is clearly going to be a winner for us. The classic version is good but the Dark Chocolate option is by far one of the best variations available. If you like chocolate, it will quickly become one of your favorites too.
Our Final Thoughts
Obviously, there are lots of snacks. That is why we made this list to narrow down some of the bests. Even after narrowing it down, it is almost impossible to try them all in one trip! That doesn’t mean you can’t try though.
Writing this post was a labor of love and we truly hope you enjoyed reading through this. We worked hard to pair down all of the options to try and give you the best snacks in Disney World. We know that there are some items that we probably missed or were omitted from the list that may be some of your favorites. That’s why this is just a guide, but the rest is up to you. Take our suggestions or go out and try your own thing. Ultimately no matter what you do, you will not go wrong with snacks at Disney. So get out there and get snacking.
Check out our other Disney post about our Disney regrets!
