Tips on finding the best Disneyland Dining..& my faves!

After spending years in the Los Angeles area researching, I have found the 13 best Disneyland foods that you need to try on your Disneyland vacation!  From Bao to Boozy Drinks, I have something for everyone. This summer, I focused all of my energy (and stomach) to find you the 13 BEST treats to try in Disneyland.  This post contains commissioned affiliate links.  By reading beyond this point, you are agreeing to their use, and my updated privacy policy found here.

This post has been updated as LOTS of dining changes post pandemic!

I found the purple wall, and yes my pin says Honorary Citizen of Disneyland! Yay!

The 13 Best Disneyland Foods to Try Right Now

Why listen to me?

1. Dole Whip Float
2. Fresh Mango with Tajin
3.  Disney Pickle
4. Chia Parfait
5. Rainbow Unicorn Memory Refresher
6. Ghirardelli’s Sundae
7. Jack Jack’s Num Num Cookies
8. Bao
9. Raspberry Rose Mickey Macaron
10. Loaded Whip
11. The Outer Rim
12. Caramel Apple
13. Honorable Mention

 Why take my advice? Average people don’t travel to a theme park for the snacks.  I do. It is fair to say that I have spent a lot of my life trying Disney snacks, and they have really improved over the last few years.  Remember, you can always ask a cast member which are their favorite table service restaurants, and counter service restaurants in the happiest place.  Especially the ones in plaid! Food allergy, and dietary restrictions pro tip...use the app and look at the menus.  They have great information about what is safe for you to eat. 

  My grandfather was an original stockholder when Disneyland California opened, and I have a picture of my infant father in front of the Matterhorn mountain!  That said, I have spent my formative years (and many birthdays) in Disneyland.

1. Dole Whip Float

This Dole Whip Float is pineapple deliciousness.

This may be my ultimate Disneyland treat, and one I must have on every visit.  It is pure Dole Pineapple juice, with the delicious Dole whip floating in the center.  The best news for allergies is that they are vegan and gluten free.  You can find Dole Whips at the Enchanted Tiki Room (and I recommend using the mobile ordering for fast service) or at the new Tropical Hideaway, right next to the Jungle Cruise.

2. Fresh Mango with Tajin

Mango with Tajin.  If you know, you know.

An odd ball for folks who haven't tried it before, but you must try it!  Ripe mango, topped with a sprinkling of slightly citrusy, slightly spicy tajin is a park staple for us.  

It may sound different, but you must try it.  Along with pickles, you can find these in snack stands all over the park.  They have added tajin to lots of desserts in the park, so keep your eyes peeled.

3. Disney Pickles

Pick up an epic Disneyland pickle at most snack stands around the park.

Speaking of the pickles...When I was a kid, they used to come out of a big barrel on Main Street.  Not anymore, but they are still delicious.  I'm not sure what it is about these fresh dill pickles, or pickling cucumbers in general, but they are a can't miss for me.  

4.  Chia Parfait at the GCH Craftsman Grill

I don't even like parfaits.  At all.  I tell you the next time we are at Disneyland, we will be headed to get this parfait, especially since there are so few breakfast choices at California Adventure.  Now that I am dairy free, it is so nice to be able to eat something delicious.  For those of you that eat everything, this is also a great option for great quick service choices like seasonal doughnuts, smoked salmon breakfast bagel, breakfast burritos, and huevos rancheros flatbread!   The Disneyland dining on the app can be challenging, especially if you are looking for a sit-down restaurant, but if you want to reduce your wait time in line in a quiet place go to the GCH Grill!  I also found this to be a good value for families with young kids wanting a kids meal. 

5.  Rainbow Unicorn Memory Refresher

I needed a memory refresher after two days in the parks.

Honestly, this one is not my favorite.  My kids are over the moon for this multi-flavor slush treat, with nerds on the top.  What kid wouldn’t want this rainbow covered miracle?  

If you are a fruit slush, or nerd fan, this is for you!  You  can find this, and a variety of fun sweet treats, at Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff at California Adventure!

6.  Girardelli’s Sundae

The classic sundae at Disneyland, complete with caramel, and Mickey ears!

Just around the corner from Radiator Springs Racers, in cars land, is the Ghirardelli Ice Cream store.  It’s worth going for the free samples alone!  Walking in, you will be delighted by the amazing smells.  

We always go for the classic hot fudge sundae, and split it.  There are plenty of vegan, and vegetarian offerings too!

7. Jack Jack’s Num Num Cookies

After smelling the cookies on the Incredicoaster, we were blown away by its gooey warmth.

With the reopening of Pixar Pier, Disneyland added a cookie stand right next to the Incredicoaster.  In fact, when you ride it, the smell of cookies hits you right at the end.  Then, the line exits right to Jack Jack’s Num Num Cookies.  Marketing at its finest!

 I highly recommend the original chocolate chip version.  It comes to you warm, ooey-gooey, and there is plenty for everyone to share.

Here is a guide to all of the character dining in Disneyland.  Don't forget those dining reservations!

8. Bao

They serve, and cook, the bao from these huge steaming pans.  It is really cool,

New to Disneyland is the Tropical Hideaway, tucked by the Bengal Barbecue (and Tropical Imports) , and it has some fun new menu items.  Bao (which comes veggie, beef, or chicken) is a filled dumpling.  I really love dim sum, and was very excited to try them!  

I have to say after trying them all that the bulgogi beef flavor was my favorite.  I highly recommend them.

9. Raspberry Rose Mickey Macaron

It it has Mickey ears, I have to try it once.  They also have great specialty coffee at the Jolly Holiday without the crazy Starbucks lines.

If a dessert is Mickey Mouse shaped, I pretty much have to try it.  Located at the Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe (across from the Plaza Inn), this sweet treat is every macaron lovers dream. The cookie is delicate, and the raspberry-perfection.

10.  Loaded Whip

The Loaded Whip.  It is an orange pineapple swirl-YUM!

Disneyland Resort is doing something that Walt Disney World has known for awhile.  Make other Dole Whips and they will come (thought they have yet to make them alcoholic).  I tried the loaded whip at the Tropical Hideaway, and was impressed.  

It is an orange-pineapple swirl whip, with fruit, and crystalized hibiscus.  Mine also had coconut on the top. It was different, and I liked it.  

11.  The Outer Rim

I promised you a fun boozy treat, well here it is...

Oga’s Cantina, in Galaxy’s Edge, is the first place to sell alcohol in Disneyland Park.  There are several places at California Adventure to imbibe, but this is the only spot in Disneyland.  It is pricey, and does not have many food options.  

That said, it is fun!  The Outer Rim was the perfect concoction for me to enjoy while my family rode splash mountain.  With tequila, lime juice, and fruit puree, I found it refreshing and delicious.

My next favorite adult beverage is in California Adventure at Pym Tasting Lab. Pro tip:  use the Disneyland app (to avoid the long lines) and mobile order the X-periment.  It is tequila and mango with these awesome mango boba beads.  It is sweet, and just the tiniest bit spicy.  I LOVE IT!  The tasting lab is conveniently next to the Pym test kitchen where you can refill your water bottles. 

12. Caramel Apple

It's a little cracked, but we brought it home to share with Grandma.  

We always get at least one apple to take with us, so that we can have some Disney magic after we leave.  There are a ton of flavors and options, but our favorite is a caramel apple, dipped in chocolate. There are several places in Disneyland, and California Adventure to get them, but we favor the Candy Palace, and Candy Kitchen on Main Street.

13. Honorable Mention

The food is so good at Disneyland, and with your park ticket, you are able to access so many taste treats.  Worth mentioning are the mickey beignets at the Mint Julep Bar, the Monte Cristo sandwich and garlic fries at Cafe Orleans (in New Orleans square), the bread bowl soups on the boardwalk (at the Pacific Wharf Cafe) in California Adventure (tomato is my favorite but my husband favors the chowder), and fried chicken at the Carnation Cafe.  I also really love the chili in a sourdough bread bowl at the refreshment corner on Main Street.  It is perfect for a cool day!

  

Are you planning a makeover at the Bippity Boppity Boutique?  If so, you need to read my post here about what to expect, pricing, and the options!

Every day they are adding new menu items, and I can’t wait to try some more things!  What are your favorite Disneyland treats and snacks?

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