Top Spots for Cool Treats at WDW

Summer at Walt Disney World can be a great time visit thanks to its lower crowds, but it can also feel like a theme park built inside an oven! As temperatures rise, so does the need for refreshing, frozen treats to cool off. Thankfully, Disney World offers an array of fantastic spots to indulge in cool desserts. From classic ice cream parlors to unique treat stands, there’s something for everyone. But we don’t want to wander up to just any ice cream cart, with nothing to guide us, do we? We want to follow the data!

Explain the Math

After every Walt Disney World vacation, guests have the opportunity to fill out our post-visit survey. As part of this survey, they’re invited to give every dining location where they ate a thumbs up or a thumbs down. I pulled all of these surveys from the past 12 months, and locked at the percentage of surveys that got a thumbs up for every dining location that primarily serves ice cream or other frozen treats. There were a clear top 8 locations that separated themselves from the rest of the pack, so we’ll review all of those below.

8. Salt & Straw (93.9%)

Location: Disney Springs

Salt & Straw opened in Disney Springs in 2022, and has quickly become a sought-out favorite for many. Known for its inventive and seasonal flavors, this artisanal ice cream shop offers a unique twist on classic treats. With flavors like Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper, Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons, or Pear and Blue Cheese, it’s no wonder guests are interested and delighted. The creamy texture and bold flavors make each visit a memorable one. Be bold and try something totally different and new!

7. Plaza Ice Cream Parlor (93.9%)

Location: Main Street, U.S.A., Magic Kingdom

Stepping into the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor feels like a trip back in time. The scent of freshly-made waffle cones will lure you in as you wait for a parade or fireworks. And sharing a cone with your family while you make Disney memories together is one of the best parts of a Magic Kingdom day. You won’t find crazy flavors here, but there is usually at least one sorbet for those who are dairy-free, and sometimes vegan options too. And you can’t beat the classic location with classic flavors.

6. Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop (93.9%)

Location: Disney Springs

Ghirardelli is synonymous with quality chocolate, and their Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop at Disney Springs lives up to that reputation. Known for their rich sundaes and decadent chocolate toppings, Ghirardelli offers a more luxurious ice cream experience than just scoops in cups or cones. I still prefer the chocolates at The Ganachery, but sharing a sundae with a Ghiradelli square or two on top is a great way to cool off in the middle of a busy Disney Springs shopping day. The classic Hot Fudge Sundae is a standout, but there are many other options to choose from too.

5. BoardWalk Ice Cream (94.3%)

Location: Disney’s BoardWalk

Nestled along the picturesque BoardWalk area along Crescent Lake, BoardWalk Ice Cream serves up sweet treats with a view, and easy access to other dining and activity options. This spot offers classic sundaes and cones that are perfect for a leisurely stroll along the BoardWalk, or for cooling off on your way to or from EPCOT. Guests appreciate the quality and freshness of the ice cream, as well as the friendly service. Beaches & Cream, on the other side of the lake, is certainly much more popular – but BoardWalk has it handily beat in satisfaction.

4. Tamu Tamu Refreshments (96.2%)

Location: Africa, Animal Kingdom

Tamu Tamu Refreshments is something of a hidden gem (when it comes to Dole Whip locations), tucked back in Harambe on your way to Kilimanjaro Safaris. Known primarily for its delicious Dole Whip treats, this spot offers a refreshing respite in the middle of a day of animal adventures. This is the start of a trend – all Dole Whip locations find themselves at the top of the list of frozen treat spots at Walt Disney World. While Tamu Tamu may be the “lowest” out of those four, its location sets it apart. You won’t experience the longest lines here, and eating a Dole Whip by the water or in the middle of Harambe while watching the dancers or drummers is a truly enjoyable Disney experience.

3. Sunshine Tree Terrace (96.6%)

Location: Adventureland, Magic Kingdom

Sunshine Tree Terrace is home to the iconic Orange Bird, a delightful character that has seen a surge in popularity in recent years. Located in Adventureland, this spot offers not only exclusive Orange Bird sippers for some of its treat, but also the ever-popular Dole Whips and a variety of floats. Most importantly, it offers mobile ordering, unlike its neighbor that appears further on in this list. Place an order for a cool treat while experiencing an attraction, or enjoying the air conditioning, rather than waiting in line in the hot Florida sun!

2. Pineapple Lanai (97.5%)

Location: Polynesian Village Resort

If you’re staying at the Polynesian Resort, or participating in a monorail crawl, you have access to some of the best-rated Dole Whips at Walt Disney World! This spot is Disney-famous for serving the beloved Dole Whip in various forms, including floats and with a rum floater. Guests appreciate the tropical flavors in the appropriate setting, and the convenience of getting a Dole Whip without having to go to one of the theme parks. The high satisfaction score is a testament to its consistent delivery of quality and flavor.

1. Aloha Isle (98.8%)

Location: Adventureland, Magic Kingdom

Topping our cool treat list is Aloha Isle, the ultimate destination for Dole Whips at Walt Disney World. Aloha Isle offers the classic Dole Whip, Dole Whip Float, and even a Dole Whip Pineapple Upside Down Cake. The refreshing pineapple (or coconut!) flavor, enjoyed in its Adventureland setting, creates an unforgettable Disney treat experience. The near-perfect satisfaction score highlights its popularity and  consistently reliable quality.

What Does This Mean for You?

1. Embrace the Whip: All four of the top “ice cream” locations at Walt Disney World are almost solely focused on serving Dole Whips or Dole-Whip-related treats. Even if these tropical flavors are not typically your favorite, it’s worth giving them a try.
2. Try Something New: Don’t be afraid to explore unique flavors at places like Salt & Straw. Their creative offerings could become your new favorite, or at the very least, you can always revert to your tried and true flavors when you get back home.
3. Consider Convenience: Some of the top-rated locations are also the most popular, and may have long lines on hot days. Take advantage of mobile order where possible, or seek out treat spots outside of the parks to avoid a wait.
4. Enjoy the Atmosphere: Part of the fun is enjoying your treat in a Disney setting. Locations like BoardWalk Ice Cream and Tamu Tamu Refreshments offer great views and immersive environments, and Plaza Ice Cream Parlor keeps you right in the heart of the magic.

What is your favorite frozen treat at Walt Disney World? Let me know in the comments!