Travel Agent's Guide: Ranking Some Disney World Sweet Treats & Where to Find Them

On my recent escape to the magic of Disney World, I made a point to try some new snacks and revisit some favorites. This isn't meant to be a comprehensive review of all the options available, especially since my Florida visit was only 48 hours long. There are countless more treats to discover, and I'll be bringing you more reviews in the coming months. Here's a look at the sweet snacks I enjoyed this spring at Walt Disney World.

Hand-Scooped Ice Cream

Hollywood Scoops in Disney’s Hollywood Studios

So much of the ice cream available in Disney World is soft serve, and although I enjoy it, I grew up in New England where hand-scooped ice cream reigns supreme. Additionally, the Florida heat seems to make soft serve melt faster than a Slinky Dog Dash ride ends. On this particular day, I was looking for a snack to bring into "Beauty and the Beast - Live on Stage," and ice cream seemed like the perfect thing.

The list of flavors at this location is somewhat limited, while they do offer some decadent sundaes like the Minnie Kitchen Sink Sundae (limited time) and the Mickey Brownie Sundae, as well as a traditional Ice Cream Sundae with hot fudge, whipped cream, and a cherry. I decided to go with a simple scoop of ice cream in a cup. My choices were Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry, Cookies ’n Cream, Orange Sherbet, Fat-Free No-Sugar Added Vanilla, or Mint Chocolate Chip, which was my choice.

The line was relatively short at 1:35 pm, and I received my frosty treat within 5 minutes. I have to say, it was some pretty good ice cream. It had a great consistency, a balance between creamy and chewy, if you know what I mean. The kind of ice cream where you go in for a spoonful and it pulls away almost like taffy for a second, that's the good stuff in my opinion. The mint flavor was prominent without making me feel like I had eaten a tube of toothpaste, and there were plenty of big milk chocolate chips. I have no complaints about this treat, except to say that having wet wipes on hand is helpful.

Overall Grade: B+

Jack-Jack’s Num Num Cookie

Market in Disney’s Hollywood Studios

This spot is a popular one as you exit Toy Story Land, and that's exactly what I was doing on this day. I had just finished my last ride of the day (Toy Story Mania) and wanted to bring something sweet back to my resort to enjoy later. Two years ago, I remembered sharing one of these cookies with my family and being so delighted! The line was four or five people deep when I joined around 4:10 pm. It moved rather slowly, with several families ahead of me ordering multiple refreshments, including alcoholic drinks that, judging by the parents' expressions, seemed well-deserved.

This snack location offers a variety of options, including assorted chips, nachos with cheese, bananas, churros, fountain beverages, a non-alcoholic pineapple-coconut slushy, a few beer options, a Sunshine Margarita, a Classic Piana Colada, and of course, the beloved Jack Jack's Num Num cookie. Those were the options available in spring of 2024, although I know they change occasionally. I grabbed my cookie and placed it inside one of the plastic bags I always have in my park bag. (If you're looking for a list of pack bag essentials, check out my blog post here.) After a quick ride in a gondola, which was briefly sidetracked by a stop at the Joffrey's Coffee right outside of the Skyliner location at Caribbean Beach Resort, I was back in my room.

I have to say that I was unfortunately a bit disappointed with the snack I got. Although it was served warm and appeared to have all the elements of the treat I had remembered, it didn't quite hit the same way in terms of consistency. This cookie is THICK, and one might imagine, and in my case desire, a softer, gooey center. This wasn't the case here, with the entire cookie, from the outside edge to the middle, being baked throughout and almost a bit dry. The flavor was there, but the consistency was a miss for me, and I ended up throwing away a little more than half of it. Now, I realize I may have just gotten a cookie from a less than perfect batch or perhaps on an off day. Overall, I would try this location and cookie again, but I would go in with lower expectations and hope to be pleasantly surprised.

Overall Grade: C

Cinnamon Roll

Gaston’s Tavern in Magic Kingdom

As many of you know, breakfast options in the Magic Kingdom are limited. While I've seen an increase in selections over the past year, it still surprises me considering it's the most popular park in Disney World. Personally I’d rather not eat a huge breakfast while at the parks for many reasons. Firstly, I’m a rope drop person and I don’t want to waste time eating when I can be walking onto rides. Secondly, the idea of a heavy breakfast on a warm day immediately preceding a ride on Big Thunder Mountain sounds like it could be most unpleasant. Finally, my usual breakfast is coffee and a protein shake, so I don't typically eat much anyway. But a mid-morning treat is a must-do for me in Magic Kingdom!

On my last visit, the line at Gaston's was freakishly long, and my family wasn't interested in waiting. But on this perfect day (seriously, guys, this was the most magical morning I've ever had at Magic Kingdom - more tips and tricks coming soon!), there was no line! I walked in at 9:15 and by 9:20, I was sitting at my own table (yes, I scored a table all to myself!) with a cinnamon roll almost as big as my head. This my friends, did not disappoint! If you are a cinnamon roll connoisseur I want to mention that the texture here is not like the ones you get from the grocery store and bake up on Sunday mornings. These cinnamon rolls are light and fluffy with a nice cinnamon forward flavor and a sweetness that is front and center without being stomach ache inducing. I did not opt for extra icing but you can absolutely ask the cast member nicely for more when you place your order. Although I hadn’t enjoyed this treat for several years, it was just as delightful as I had remembered and I would gladly order it again. As this was a solo trip, I only ate a small portion of it, and I would highly recommend sharing it with at least one other person.

Overall Grade: A

Coconut Cup

Aloha Isles in Magic Kingdom

Aloha Isles is most known as the spot to grab the coveted Pineapple Dole Whip that so many Disney park goers adore. I’ve had this quintessential treat many times and it never disappoints. However, Molly from Mammoth Club, who has never steered me wrong, has been raving about the Coconut Cup for years. So it was on my list of must dos for this trip. As I mentioned I was only in Orlando for 48 hours so this particular morning (have I told you how perfect it was) was dedicated to the Magic Kingdom. I tell you this because there was no line when I approached Aloha Isles at 10:45 am! My plan was to grab my cup of frosty sweetness and then catch the next Tiki Room show.

Honestly, I'm struggling to put into words how perfect the Coconut Cup was. This cold, creamy coconut swirl was absolutely incredible. The coconut flavor came through right away, but unlike some other coconut-flavored treats that taste like an overly artificial coconut candle mixed with sunscreen, this was just a delightful, refreshing, and simple tropical bomb of a dessert. If you like coconut or even if you just like it a little bit, I highly recommend trying this next time you're in Adventureland! And, if you can manage to eat it earlier in the day like I did, you can enjoy the bonus of skipping a potentially 30-minute plus wait. I know I'm not alone in wishing for the return of mobile ordering at Aloha Isles. Final thoughts this treat are that I do in fact prefer it over the classic Pineapple version.

Overall Grade: A

Macaron Lime Raspberry

Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie in the France Pavilion of EPCOT

Epcot has to be the best place for food among the Disney World Parks. Each one of the represented countries offers at least one restaurant and a few kiosks to chose from, not to mention the pop-up food stands during any of the festivals that Epcot does so well. With all of these choices, it is incredibly difficult to make a selection. Les Halles was a place I just hadn’t gotten to yet so after my spin on Remi’s Ratatouille Adventure I headed right over. This quick service restaurant is known for its delicious baked goods and sandwiches as well as the ability to purchase an entire Baguette for $3.95 (a surprisingly affordable Disney snack). Unfortunately it is also known for its long lines. But, today I was alone, soaking up the French ambiance and not bothered by a long wait. I jumped into line at about 5:10 and had procured my dinner by 5:30.

I have to say that the experience was lovely. When you get to the front of the line a cast member pairs you up with another cast member that is working behind the counter. You can then ask questions and order whatever you’d like. Regrettably, I can’t remember the name of the cast member that prepared my food but she was lovely and so accommodating when I asked if I could have a bag to take my food back to my resort. (I did however remember her name just long enough for me to give her a cast complement through the Disney Experience app.) After the ride back to my resort on the Skyliner I popped on the TV and sat down with my french cuisine. Now, I did order a sandwich which I failed to capture a picture of, but this post is about sweet treats, so let’s ignore that for the time being. When I tell you that the Macaron Lime Raspberry is a life changing experience, I whole heartedly mean it! In fact, I'm glad I didn't eat this while still in Epcot, I might have wandered the park, a raving fangirl of this macaron, with out stretched hands, offering bites to anyone who'd listen. This treat is a true explosion of flavor! First there is the most delicate texture with just a bit of crunch, then a tidal wave of freshly picked raspberry rolls over your tastebuds followed by a final thunderbolt of tangy lime. After a few bites I was full but I did take a few more because it was just that enjoyable. If you've had too much chocolate during your Disney trip and crave something sweet yet refreshing, this macaron is a must-try!

Overall Grade: A+

What are your favorite Disney World snacks? Do you agree or disagree with my reviews? What would be your #1 “Can’t Miss” selection?

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