The Best Disneyland Foods To Try

Between the fireworks, the incredible food, and the nostalgia, it doesn’t get any better than a trip to Disneyland. Dole Whip has always been my favorite Disney treat, thanks to childhood memories of eating the frozen pineapple concoction outside of the beloved Enchanted Tiki Room. But I’m always open to trying other sweet and salty Disneyland food. 

The Cajun food at Blue Bayou Restaurant and Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen; the Carthay signature fried biscuits (stuffed with white cheddar, bacon, and jalapeño and served with apricot-honey butter) at Carthay Circle Restaurant; the Mickey Mouse waffles at character breakfasts and Carnation Café; and the mini donuts (covered in cinnamon sugar and served with raspberry and chocolate dipping sauces) at the Lamplight Lounge all hold very distinct memories for me that enhance each of their unique flavors. And though it is hard to go wrong with meals in the park (prices aside), there is something about the best food at Disneyland that speaks to its overall sense of wonder.

So, we have compiled a list of must-try eats—with a few can’t-miss drinks thrown in for good measure—that are sure to make your visit to Disneyland a little more magical. 

1. Dole Whip

You already knew Dole Whip would be the top pick! If you hadn't yet heard about it, Dole Whip is the famous pineapple soft-serve and it's super delicious and refreshing. It's offered at two locations inside my favorite land: Adventureland. The longtime Tiki Juice Bar and the new Tropical Hideaway are two Disneyland restaurants that both provide versions of this sweet treat. 

Head outside the Tiki Room to find the Tiki Juice Bar, where the classic Dole Whip and the pineapple juice–laced Dole Whip floats are served with a side of singing and crooning. Alternatively, the Tropical Hideaway is one of the best Disneyland restaurants and offers a more extensive menu featuring bulgogi beef bao, sweet lumpia, and a pineapple-and-raspberry-swirl dessert that is perfect for the ‘gram.

2. Churros

Disneyland churros happen to be one of the most popular items throughout all of the Disney parks. If you’ve never had a Disney churro before, opt for the classic cinnamon sugar churro, but if you’re not a newbie, you might want to look into the seasonal flavors.

The holidays are also the perfect time to try new flavors of churros and other Disney food. During Halloween, the best places to eat at Disney World were offering special treats for ghouls and boys, such as the vanilla sugar Bride Churro at the churro cart in New Orleans Square, and search for the dark and milk chocolate Groom Churro in Critter Country.

3. Mickey Ice-Cream Bar

Though there is much debate when it comes to Mickey-shaped frozen treats, the Mickey Mouse ice cream bars reign supreme when it comes to sweet Disneyland food in our eyes. The Nestlé Mickey's Ice-Cream Bar is a total classic, and we love it because it combines the familiar flavors of childhood with the novel shape of a Mickey head—it doesn’t get much better than that. Pick one up at Clarabelle’s in Mickey’s Toontown before standing in line for the Matterhorn Bobsleds or It’s a Small World.

4. Mickey Pretzel

Who doesn’t love a freshly baked, perfectly salted pretzel? Along with being a mouthwatering snack, the Mickey pretzel is available throughout Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park, so it’s easy to find one when the craving strikes. Hit up one of the pretzel carts near Pacific Wharf, Star Tours, or Big Thunder Mountain Railroad before heading to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. 

5. Chieftain Chicken Skewer

With a prime location across from the Disney Jungle Cruise in Adventureland, Bengal Barbecue is one of the best places to eat at Disneyland and dishes up my favorite savory snack: the Chieftain chicken skewer. While the chicken provides enough protein to keep me full during my multi-mile park explorations, it’s really the Polynesian sauce that makes this dish a winner. The lines have gotten crazier lately with the introduction of mobile orders, so do yourself a favor and whip out your phone to order your Disney food ahead. 

6. Shrimp Po’ Boy Sandwich

This hearty selection is perfect for sharing when you need to avoid the mid-afternoon grumpies. Offered inside the French Market Restaurant in New Orleans Square, the mondo sando is well worth the price; battered shrimp mix with lettuce, tomatoes, and a citrus-caper mayo inside an Italian sandwich roll. Served alongside house-made seasoned chips, the dish makes for a filling, quick bite when you’re not in the mood for a full-on Disneyland dining experience.

7. New Orleans Mint Julep

Dealing with the Anaheim heat is no joke, making dehydration and fatigue common occurrences. Take a minute to relax on the Disneyland Railroad and grab a drink from the Mint Julep Bar. The namesake mint-and-lime-infused beverage is refreshing and sure to add a bit more pep to your step.

8. Mickey Beignets

The destination for the best Disneyland food—the New Orleans Square—is also home to the sweet Mickey Beignets. The little Mickey-shaped pillows of heaven are dusted with powdered sugar and can be bought with a range of dipping sauces, providing a sugary delight. Definite must-eats among the best Disneyland foods, these sweet treats are favorites for a reason.

Alternatively, if you want to do Disneyland for cheap or don’t have enough patience to stand in line, make this Disney food at home using recipes from California bloggers.

9. Flo’s Classic Shake

Flo’s V8 Café is perhaps the cutest eatery in Disney California Adventure Park—that’s right, I said it. The picture-perfect diner provides the perfect backdrop for sipping on Flo’s Classic Shake. Order the strawberry shake with “road gravel”, and sit back as the Radiator Springs Racers rush by.

10. Pixar Pier Frosty Parfait

If you have a Disney Park Hopper, make sure to head over to Disney California Adventure to try the Pixar Pier Frosty Parfait from the Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats. The non-dairy mixture of lemon sof serve and blue raspberry swirl is as photogenic as it is delicious. 

If lemon isn’t your favorite flavor, go for the It's Chocolate and Vanilla Swirl in a cone—but be prepared to eat it before the hot Southern California sun melts it. (Pro tip: Go before the warmest parts of the day to avoid standing in a super long line.)

Looking for even more treats around Disneyland? Try their seasonal offerings throughout Halloween and the holiday season.