25+ of the Best Things to Eat and Drink at Disneyland

From Dole Whips to Mickey Beignets, discover 25+ of the Best Things to Eat and Drink at Disneyland!

Disneyland Foodie Tips

Hi friends! Well it’s about time. I have been going to Disney for YEARS covering the best food and drinks and for some reason I have only written up my Walt Disney World Foodie Faves, Eating and Drinking Around EPCOT and Disneyland Holidays and Festivals! BUT I HAVE FINALLY gotten around to writing about my fave foods at the Happiest Place on Earth — DISNEYLAND! Disneyland has amazing food and while I LOVE covering their festivals, there are a TON of amazing snacks and bites you can get YEAR ROUND! And a lot of these are MUST-HAVES for me for every Disneyland visit.

A few TIPS to get you started, before we get into my list of Disneyland Foodie Favorites…

Mobile Ordering

Do yourself a favor and if you have a hankering for a snack nearby, check Mobile Ordering on the Disneyland Mobile App! Pick an available restaurant and arrival time that suits your schedule, then make your selections. Once you’ve reviewed your details, you can purchase your order using a credit card or debit card. Once you’re at the restaurant during your chosen arrival times, just select the “I’m Here, Prepare My Order” button so the kitchen starts your order. You’ll receive a notification from the app when your food is ready to retrieve at the counter with the “Mobile Order Pick Up” sign. EASY PEASY and life changing.

Bring Food into the Park

Now when I go to the parks, I eat meals and snacks and everything in between but YES, that can get pricey! So if you’re on a budget I recommend bringing in food, snacks and a refillable water bottle to get you through the day. THEN pick out your MUST-HAVES from the park and plan around them. We typically let our kids pick out “one snack” per day to buy and I’ve heard of people picking “one restaurant” per day and then filling the rest of the day with food from outside the park or smaller snack items. For instance, my brother and his family always stay at a hotel that offers free breakfast and they FILL UP before heading into the parks. Definitely saves on food for his family of 7!

Don’t Forget AP Discounts

Along those budgeting lines, if you’re a Disneyland Annual Passholder, don’t forget to ask if there is an AP Discount! Annual Passholders receive 10-15% discounts on dining at most Disneyland restaurants. Some kiosks and spots don’t offer, but it’s always best to ask!

Ask About Secret Menu Items

I didn’t list any secret menu items below as I wanted to cover the more year-round classic Disneyland snacks, but there are many secret goodies to be had! I’ll probably cover this at some point, but until then just Google it and you’ll find a plethora of fun things to try!

The Best Things to Eat and Drink at Disneyland

Ok now for the BIG REVEAL! Here is my take on The Best Things to Eat and Drink at Disneyland!

Dole Whip from Tiki Juice Bar or The Tropical Hideaway

There is nothing at Disney that I love MORE than Dole Whip. It has and always will be my #1 and it also happens to be my middle child’s favorite Disney treat, so you know it’s something I have to get every visit. I mean the words “pineapple soft serve” just sounds right, right?

Dole Whip Float from Tiki Juice Bar or The Tropical Hideaway

Now if you’re ready to take the Dole Whip up a notch, get the Dole Whip Float: pineapple juice topped with Dole Whip pineapple soft serve! If I’m sharing my Dole Whip with family (which is rare), I do like to get the Dole Whip Float over the regular Dole Whip. But either is a delicious option!

Churros from Snack Carts

Am I the only one that feels that Churros are life? Also I have a confession, while I frequently try the specialty churros during Disneyland festivals and holidays, there is nothing I love MORE than a classic churro! The churro also happens to be my husband’s favorite Disney treat, so they’re always on our list!

Mickey-Shaped Waffle from Carnation Cafe

I loooooove starting my day off at Carnation Cafe! Comfort food at its finest. Now this one fills up fast sometimes, so be sure to snag a reservation before you go. I’m a big fan of the BIG Mickey Waffle. It’s filling and just says “Disney Day” to me.

Fried Pickles from Carnation Cafe

OMG have you had these?! If you make it in to Carnation Cafe for lunch or dinner you MUST order the Fried Pickles. Dill pickle spears dipped in parmesan and panko, these bad boys are fried golden brown and served with a tasty house sauce. They’re crispy and delicious!

Mickey Shaped Beignets from Mint Julep Bar

Everything tastes better Mickey-shaped! I love stopping by the Mint Julep Bar for a bag of Mickey Beignets! Be sure you get enough to share AND give that paper bag a good SHAKE before eating to be sure they’re coated in powdered sugar for your enjoyment!

Pommes Frites from Café Orléans

Y’all. I consider myself a French fry connoisseur after our recent trip to Paris, and this delicious snack lives up to the hype! Traditional French fried potatoes tossed with parmesan, garlic, and parsley served with Cajun spice rémoulade — YUM! I also tend to lean towards sweet treats, so this for me is a good way to break up all the sugar.

Popcorn from Popcorn Carts

I’m sure you’ve heard it before, there is no popcorn quite as good as Disneyland Popcorn! Seriously, I was never a huge popcorn fan until I had kids. This is my youngest boy’s favorite Disney treat so we always load up and I have to say I don’t hate it! In fact, I’ve grown to LOVE it, which is why it’s on my list!

Corn Dog from Little Red Wagon

You know what? I’m not even a huge corn dog fan and I will hands down eat a corn dog from Little Red Wagon any day of the week! They really are the best corn dogs on the planet! You can find it just at the end of Main Street, as you’re heading towards the Plaza Inn. There might be a line, but it moves quickly and totally worth the wait!

Ice Cream Cone from Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor

You guys I have a total weakness for Gibson Girl’s! One thing I LOVE is that they have Mobile Ordering, so a scoop (or two) of my favorite ice cream can be ready in no time. The last time we visited there was a sweet older woman walking away with a huge double scoop and she turned and looked at me with a twinkle in her eye and said, “now that’s an ice cream!” I agree sweet lady, I agree.

Mickey Pretzels from Pretzel Carts

Again, here’s the Mickey shaped effect once again! I love a Mickey Pretzel with a cup of nacho sauce OR you can find filled pretzels throughout the park as well that are just divine! He also makes the cutest picture, hello Insta!

Loaded Dole Whip from The Tropical Hideaway

Ok, you know about my love for Dole Whip…and I have to admit that upon opening I was wary of trying the Loaded Dole Whip at Tropical Hideaway, but I’m so glad I did! It starts with (what I think is the most delicious Dole Whip combo) Orange-Pineapple Swirl Whip and topped with exotic fruit, crystallized hibiscus and Pocky. It’s a perfectly delicious, balanced treat that I think you should try at least once!

Sweet Lumpia from The Tropical Hideaway

Filled with cream cheese and pineapple, this sweet little fried cheesecake roll is rolled in cinnamon sugar and will surely win over your heart! If you’re there for Dole Whip, grab at least one of these babies to share with a friend.

Bulgogi Beef Bao from The Tropical Hideaway

There are a few different Baos at Tropical Hideaway but hands down, my money is on the BEEF! With sweet chilies and potatoes, you’ll see why this bao is bae.

Jolly Holiday Combo from Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe

It’s always a jolly day at Jolly Holiday! And the Jolly Holiday Combo happens to be comfort food at its finest: a grilled cheese sandwich served with tomato soup! It’s one of my favorite go-to quick and easy meals in Disneyland, especially on a chilly or rainy day!

Egg Bacon Croissant from Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe

If you’re looking for a quick and hearty way to start out your day at Disneyland, this flaky croissant filled with egg, bacon, cheese, and hollandaise sauce should be on your list! It’s one of my favorite quick and easy meals.

Matterhorn Macaroon from Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe

On the Seasonal section of the menu, try this coconut flavored and Matterhorn inspired macaron, that is topped with a sugar glaze to look like a snow capped mountain. It’s tasty and well you know, picturesque!

Bengal Beef Skewer from Bengal Barbecue

I just discovered Bengal BBQ last year after I had heard others RAVE over their skewers! And the hype is real. My favorite is the Bengal Beef Skewer with a sweet Zulu Sauce that will have you licking your fingers! It’s a GREAT break from the sweets and the perfect spot for those trying to eat a little healthier (there are many meat and veggie options).

Mickey Ice Cream Bar from Ice Cream Carts

There’s nothing more classic than a perfect Mickey Ice Cream Bar. This one holds a special place in my heart because it’s my oldest son’s favorite Disney treat.

Mint Julep from Mint Julep Bar

There is nothing better on a warm Disney day than a fresh Mint Julep: a refreshing Mint Drink with a hint of Lime flavor. While you’re there, grab a Mickey Beignet (or three)!

House-Made Funnel Cake from Stage Door Café

Ok, now we’re getting into the funnel cake portion of this post. It’s a delicious section…and if you’re a fan of funnel cake we have a few options to choose from. At Stage Door Café you can get a classic homemade funnel cake with Mickey-shaped whipped cream and Strawberry, Chocolate Brownie or Powdered Sugar topping. The perfect treat and easy to share!

Churro Funnel Cake from Hungry Bear Restaurant

But if you’re looking to step up your funnel cake game, head down to Hungry Bear Restaurant for the Churro Funnel Cake. Topped with caramel sauce and again the Mickey-shaped whipped cream, this one might just change your life.

Donuts from The Donut Cart

THE DONUT CART! If you get to Disneyland early enough, head over to the Donut Cart to see what goodies they have for the day! Once they sell out, they sell out, so get there fast. The seasonal donuts are so much fun, it’s always a treat to see what they have in store!

Grey Stuff Gâteau from Red Rose Taverne

Try the grey stuff, it’s delicious…don’t believe me? Ask the dishes! I love Red Rose Taverne and love their treats even more! Disneyland’s version of the Grey Stuff is white chocolate mousse atop red velvet cake with a raspberry center. A must try!

Gaston’s Famous Brew from Red Rose Taverne

While you’re there for the Grey Stuff, go ahead and grab a pint of Gaston’s Famous Brew! Now Disneyland’s version is not frozen, which is a bummer, but this apple-mango punch topped with passion fruit foam is quite tasty!

Fried Chicken from Plaza Inn

You probably have heard about the Fried Chicken at the Plaza Inn. Well if you get a chance to stop by for lunch or dinner, I have to tell you it IS worth the hype! I love that it’s pared with amazing dinner sides, like an amazing, home-cooked meal.

Monte Cristo Sandwich from Café Orléans

Ok, so the picture shown here is actually from the Blue Bayou, the only time I’ve captured a picture of the famed Monte Cristo! But alas, it is the same delicious sandwich, which you need to try at least once. Tip: share it with a friend! It’s rich and you definitely only need half (with a side of pommes frites)!

Candy and Sweets from Candy Palace or Pooh Corner

Now I have this last on our list, but certainly it’s an ALWAYS visit for me! I always stop by The Candy Palace or Pooh Corner to see what Crispy Treats, Caramel Apples, Marshmallow Wands and MORE that they have on display! They are always AMAZING and honestly, I try something NEW every time I visit! I definitely would add Candy Kitchen treats on your list of Disneyland must-haves!