My Top 5 WDW Sweet Treats

While we are a budget-conscious family who often takes our own snacks and treats into the Disney Parks, there are a few items that we absolutely MUST purchase and consume on each visit to the World. In most cases, we choose items that are pretty budget-friendly--even if they're not waistline-friendly.

If all is going according to our plan, this is day 3in the Parks for us. We've probably already consumed the number 1 item on this top-5 list, and possibly number 5. Yesterday, at Disney's Hollywood Studios , I'm sure I had item number 2, and we might have even hopped over to Epcot to have numbers 3 and 4. Yep, we've probably already tackled most or all of the list. But I digress... here are my top 5 favorite sweet treats to eat at Walt Disney World:

5. The Dole Whip at Aloha Isle (Magic Kingdom) or Captain Cook's (Polynesian). This one is a little polarizing in my family--not everyone enjoys pineapple. But I do, and this creamy concoction makes me happy. It's a great cool treat on a hot Florida day. It will set you back around $3.50 for a cup (they also have orange and vanilla, or you can swirl any of the three) and around $4.50 for a pineapple float.

4. School Bread from Kringla Bakeri og Cafe (Norway, Epcot). If you're not a coconut fan, you can skip this one. But if you're like me and you love a good piece of coconut cream pie, try this as a tasty alternative. You won't be disappointed. You can get this yummy pastry for around $2.50.

3. Chocolate Mousse from Boulangerie Patisserie (France, Epcot). It's so good that I almost feel guilty putting it at number 3. At one time, this probably topped my list. It hasn't changed--it's still fabulous. But one new item has caught my attention, and an old favorite tops the list. All that to say, at under $4, this is still a never-miss treat for our crew.



2. Carrot Cake Cookie from the Writer's Stop (Disney's Hollywood Studios). After reading raving reviews, I had this for the first time last year--and it did not disappoint. The cake is soft and fluffy but still sturdy enough to hold together. And the cream cheese icing is light and not so rich that it overpowers the cake. Just like Mary Poppins, it's "practically perfect in every way." Seriously. Around $3, and it's huge!

1. Mickey Ice Cream Bar, found in every Park at various carts. You really can't go wrong here. It's a classic. And who doesn't like vanilla ice cream encased in chocolate. So creamy...so yummy. At around $3.50, it has to be #1.

Favorite Desserts of Disney World

I'm a dessert person. You can keep your French fries and salty treats--I want the sugar! I thought it would be fun to highlight some of my favorite desserts--many of which are bargains--around Walt Disney World.



Topping off the list has to be the Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar, not only for its simplicity and perfection in flavor and its iconic shape, but also for its portability! Who doesn't love a simple vanilla soft serve coated in rich, creamy, crunchy chocolate, shaped like Mickey on a stick? There are several theories about these beloved treats--some have guessed that they are actually Dove bars (not so, I'm told). The truth is, I'm not sure who makes them. Signage in the parks is confusing. The ice cream carts sell a variety of different products, and there are often different brand names on the signs--I've seen Edy's, Nestle, and Haagen Dazs. But does it really matter? They are spectacular! The bars themselves have changed a few times over the years, but they always retain their deliciousness. You used to be able top buy a version of them (made by Good Humor) from ice cream trucks and at some grocery stores. But don't be fooled--these were not the real Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bars. To get one of these, you need to visit one of the Disney Parks. It will set you back a mere $3.25

Coming in a close second for me would be the Carrot Cake Cookie, sold at the Writer's Stop in Disney's Hollywood Studios. This is essentially a version of a Whoopie Pie, with carrot cake in place of the cookie and cream cheese frosting in the middle. This treat is big--too much for one person--and more "cake" than "carrot"--without the annoying raisins or nuts you sometimes find in carrot cake. (OK, I actually like the nuts, butmy daughter is allergic.) The icing is amazing--the perfect amount of rich sweetness, without overpowering the cookie. At around $3, it's another Disney food bargain. I'm salivating just thinking about it now!



Finally, rounding out my top 3 is the Chocolate Mousse served at Boulangerie Patisserie. If you're not looking for it, you could miss this little bakery in the rear of the France pavilion at Epcot, but--trust me--it is well worth going out your way to find it. Nothing on the menu is over $7, and they serve up various desserts and savory light bites (light as in small--not light on calories), including quiche, croissants, a cheese plate, and my favorite French treat, the chocolate mousse. I've actually made their recipe at home, and it's almost as good as they serve! Light and fluffy, you just can't beat it for $3.50!

My final "Honorable Mention" choice is the School Bread found in the Kringla Bakeri in Norway (Epcot). If you're not a fan of coconut, you need not apply. But if you are, you'll love this bargain pastry (around $2). The toasted coconut on top was just divine, and it gave me the flavor of coconut cream pie in the consistency of a donut or cream puff.

As you can probably guess, price plays an important role in making a treat from Disney one of my favorites. I have had other fabulous desserts on property, but these are the ones that we consistently return to--and they never disappoint. Try one on your next visit to the World!