Spoonfuls of sugar: 5 ice cream treats at Disney World

The Kitchen Sink at Beaches & Cream Soda Shop towers with fudge, bananas and four flavors of ice cream.

By Deborah Bowen

What is it about the Walt Disney World Resort that beckons people out? The rides? Certainly. The atmosphere? Absolutely. And the one variable that keeps us all cool: ice cream. Summertime means frozen sweets. The two are inexorably linked. Hot sticky days are cooled down by sweet sticky confections, be they served in a cone, on a stick, or in a cup. Frozen options abound at the parks, but five of these rise above the others, and continue to make must-try lists, year after year.

1. The Dole Whip
This venerable treat is available at fourplaces in the entire world. And one of those is at Aloha Isle in Adventureland. Served in a tall plastic cup with both a spoon and a straw, this confection is made from citrus juice — either orange or pineapple — and soft-serve vanilla ice cream. Paradoxically refreshing and filling, it provides a much-needed jolt of vitamin C for the weary walker, too.

2. The Citrus Swirl
Back from a too-long hiatus, this cousin of the Dole Whip can be found (literally) around the corner at Sunshine Tree Terrace. Orange slush is mixed with creamy soft-serve vanilla, and is served in a cup with a spoon. You can also purchase a signature Orange Bird sipper cup for kids of all ages.

3. The Mickey Bar
Perhaps the most physically recognizable of the ice cream treats; this delicious Mickey Mouse-shaped gem is available throughout the resort. Premium vanilla ice cream is coated in a delicious chocolate layer, so satisfying to break with the teeth. It comes on an old-school wooden stick, grabbed from the familiar silver freezer carts staffed by friendly Cast Members.

4. The Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich
Available at specialty ice cream shops, this treat combines delicious baked goods with the lure of sweet ice cream. Huge chocolate chip cookies hug a giant scoop of hard-pack ice cream. While the default is vanilla, you can always ask the Cast Member if they will allow you to select a different flavor. And if you play your cards right, you can often create your own entirely unique ice cream creation, using cookies and flavors already available.

5. The Kitchen Sink
This enormous treat is meant to be shared with friends. Scoops of chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, mint chip, and coffee ice creams are smothered in every topping available at the quaint Beaches & Cream Soda Shop located at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. Marshmallows, hot fudge, strawberries, bananas, butterscotch, caramel … the list goes on. And it’s served — you guessed it — in a kitchen sink! Bring your appetite and your good friends to share this huge treat. And consider an order of their hot, delicious salted French fries to break up some of the sweetness.

Without a doubt, Walt Disney World gets people talking, comparing adventures, and making lists. Must-sees, must-dos, and of course, must EATS. No trip to the World would be complete without indulging in some of the most delicious, decadent goodies available in a vacation hotspot. And no summer trip should be complete without finding your own favorite sweet ice cream treat. Happy summer — and happy spooning!

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Deborah Bowen is a member of the 2012 Walt Disney World Moms Panel.

Panelists have received/will receive a Walt Disney World Resort, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney, Disneyland Resort or Disney Vacation Club vacation for panelist and upto three family members and/or park tickets for their participation on the Walt Disney World® Moms Panel. The views expressed in the Panel are those of the panelists, who are independent contractors. These views are not intended to reflect the opinions of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Online, its affiliates, its management, its agents or its employees and have not been reviewed or approved by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Online prior to posting.

Tagged: Disney, Family time