Did someone say Disney World AND ice cream? Disney World always has such fun and "Instagram-worthy" food and drink that are almost too good to eat (almost ... ). Don't even get me started on just the desserts alone. What better way to beat the Florida heat than a deliciously cool treat. That's right — it's ice cream time!
There are so many frogtastic locations throughout the resort to grab an ice cream treat. We're talking cones, cups, sundaes, milkshakes, sandwiches (oh my!). From the classic Mickey premium bar and the iconic Dole Whip to everything in the Kitchen Sink, Disney puts a fun spin on this classic dessert.
With so many spots to grab a cone, you can't really go wrong at Disney World. While it was hard to narrow down our favorites, there are some locations and treats that you can only find at Disney. Without further ado, read on for our favorite Disney World ice cream!
Our Favorite Ice Cream at Disney World
Aloha Isle — Magic Kingdom
We can't seem to leave Magic Kingdom without treating ourselves to some Dole Whip! This classic pineapple treat has become synonymous with Disney Parks. Located in Adventureland, Aloha Isle offers soft-serve and floats with a variety of different flavor combinations, such as pineapple, raspberry, lime and vanilla. Lily and I always like to get the swirl cup as the vanilla helps contrast with the strong pineapple flavor. And the vanilla swirl is only offered at Walt Disney World (sorry Disneyland)!
We highly recommend mobile ordering here as there are three mobile order stations to just one regular station. Don't froget lots of napkins. The Dole Whip melting factor should not be underestimated!
Dole Whip can also be found at Disney's Polynesian Resort and Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, as well as specialty variations at the new Swirls on the Water at Disney Springs.
Various Carts Throughout the Resort
Another Disney Parks staple is the Mickey bar! I don't know why, but any food that is Mickey-shaped is suddenly more exciting. Both the Mickey Premium Bar and Mickey Ice Cream Sandwich are offered throughout the resort. Each Mickey-shaped, the premium bar on a stick is a perfect way to celebrate a Disney World trip. I myself am Team Sandwich and prefer the softer ice cream sandwich. Our family is split on their favorites, but don't worry — carts offer both. Everyone can grab their favorite treat at once!
The ice cream carts can be found at all four theme parks, both water parks and Disney Springs. If you're opting for the Mickey premium bar, don't forget to give it a minute or two to unfreeze before tearing it open. We've experienced enough tongues stuck to the frozen bar to learn our lesson (and pass it on)!
For some extra pizzazz, enjoy the hand-dipped Mickey premium bar with sprinkles! This specialty version is only found at Animal Kingdom, located at Drinkwallah in Asia.
The Plaza Ice Cream Parlor — Magic Kingdom
Located at the end of Main Street U.S.A., this classic parlor is the perfect location for hand-scooped ice cream. Our favorite is the Brownie Sundae, and it never fails to amaze us at how much ice cream we get! The dish consists of a warm brownie with hot fudge, two scoops of ice cream, whipped cream and cherry (plus two chocolate circles to make Mickey ears).
Another popular treat is the Plaza Ice Cream Sundae, which is ice cream, hot fudge, whipped cream and a cherry served in a waffle bowl. For an additional cost, you can get your sundaes in a souvenir bowl.
You can get single- or double-scooped ice cream here, but for only $1.50 more, you can get these full sundaes with all of the toppings, so we recommend going all in.
There are seasonal sundaes, such as a Halloween exclusive Pumpkin Gelato creation, and artisanal shakes to choose from as well!
Storybook Treats — Magic Kingdom
Though you could easily walk by this small walk-up window, Storybook Treats in Fantasyland always has some delicious options and fun seasonal offerings. My ultimate favorite at this location is the Rapunzel Sundae, which consists of shortcake with wild berry soft serve and lemon Dole Whip, topped with berry compote and sugar flowers. It's such a fun and tasty treat! It's also a quick alternative to Dole Whip if not wanting to trek over to Adventureland.
Other options include seasonal cones such as the Aurora cone or non-themed cones and sundaes. This location often offers the most "Instagramable" treats that are very picturesque.
Beaches & Cream — Disney's Beach Club Resort
We couldn't have a top ice cream list without mentioning the popular Beaches & Cream Soda Shop, located at Disney's Beach Club Resort. This retro soda shop offers American classics and then a boatload of cold desserts. See if your family is up to the task of the famous Kitchen Sink — eight scoops of ice cream loaded with hot fudge, brownies, peanut butter and every topping available. That's quite the bucket list item!
Reservations are necessary for the popular sit-down section, but there's also a to-go window for select favorites.
Ghirardelli — Disney Springs
Located between World of Disney and the Marketplace Co-Op is the popular Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop. Choose from sundaes, shakes, cones, hot cocoa, treats and coffee. Though on the pricier side, these are high-quality desserts that will leave you very satisfied. Our favorite, of course, is the Magical Sundae topped with chocolate-dipped waffle "ears" (once again, I'm good for anything Mickey-themed). Head next door to purchase a variety of Ghirardelli chocolate squares.
Salt & Straw — Disney Springs
Also at Disney Springs, make your way to Salt & Straw for fun, adventurous flavors! Year-round flavors include Honey Lavender, Hazelnut Cookies and Cream, Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons and The Salty Donut Guava + Cheese. Some of the seasonal flavors we've seen recently include Apple Cider Donut and Apple & Cheddar Cinnamon Rolls. Yep, both actual ice cream flavors! Salt & Straw is located on the West Side of Disney Springs.
L'Artisan des Glaces — EPCOT
Hidden away in the France Pavilion, enjoy handcrafted ice cream and sorbet treats at L'Artisan des Glaces. This location offers high-quality ice cream and sorbet in a variety of flavors. We tried the Croque Glacé, which is one scoop and sauce of your choice pressed into a warm brioche sandwich. If you're new to this cultural delicacy, know that the bread flavor is very prominent. Give the treat a minute or two to melt and for the brioche to soak it up.
Adult frogs can grab an Ice Cream Martini, with two scoops, a shot of Grand Marnier, whipped cream and vodka or rum. Yum!
Anandapur Ice Cream Truck — Disney's Animal Kingdom
Located in Asia, this colorful location takes "ice cream truck" to a whole new level! With vibrant colors and paintings, the truck creates the perfect backdrop for a cold treat. Enjoy a waffle cone, float or even the Yeti Sundae.
Hollywood Scoops — Disney's Hollywood Studios
At the end of Sunset Boulevard right before Tower of Terror is Hollywood Scoops. Cool off with sundaes, Mickey brownie sundaes, specialty shakes or just a classic cup or cone. Choose from a variety of flavors and enjoy some extra magic with chocolate Mickey "ears" atop most dishes. While a smaller menu, its location provides a perfect option for a cold treat.
Bonus option: While in Hollywood Studios, we would be remiss if we didn't give a shoutout to Gertie. Gertie is the large dinosaur that has been sitting at the edge of Echo Lake since the park's opening in 1989. Did you know they actually serve ice cream from there? Though only open seasonally, we find this a fun, central location to grab some treats in the park. Thanks, Gertie!
What is your favorite ice cream at Walt Disney World? Let us know in the comments below! If you're planning your next visit to Walt Disney World, grab your discount tickets through Undercover Tourist, an authorized ticket seller for over 25 years.
Related: Our Top Spots for Cheap Food at Disney World
Related: How to Survive Walt Disney World with Picky Eaters
Hoppy planning!
