Snacking Around the World: Cool Treats

This may come as a bit of s surprise, but occasionally it can be quite warm in Florida. I know, I know, that’s hard to believe. We’ve talked about many ways to beat the heat in the past, but for now we’re going to talk about one of our favorites, ice cream! Refreshing cold treats can be found pretty much everywhere in Walt Disney World. In addition to the famed Mickey Ice Cream Bar we just talked about, you can find delectable ice cream treats in restaurants and snack carts located throughout the parks and resorts. There are so many wonderful “cool” snacks that it’s impossible to list them all (much less try them all), but we’ll give you a short list of some of our favorites. Keep cool!

Croque Glace

This unique treat (opposite) can be found at L’Artisan des Glaces in Epcot’s France Pavilion. It’s a warm brioche ice cream sandwich that combines delicacies from two eateries: ice cream from L’Artisan des Glaces and brioche from Les Halles Boulangerie & Patisserie. You can customize your sandwich by first selecting your preferred flavor of ice cream (one of 16 flavors – which you can also enjoy on their own) as well as your favorite sauce (chocolate or raspberry). For research purposes in putting this article together (yes, the demands of writing an article on Disney can be strenuous indeed!), we selected cinnamon, caramelized apple and crumble crunch ice cream with chocolate sauce. The sandwich is then assembled right before your eyes and finished off in a press to seal the edges, creating a unique ice cream sandwich unlike anything you’ve tried before. Because of its large size, it’s perfect for sharing, and it’s the perfect snack to enjoy as you relax in the elegant ambiance of the France pavilion.

Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich

Also found at L’Artisan des Glaces, this creamy treat is made out of ice cream and a macaron. Originally, the sandwich came in one flavor, chocolate. Today however, they also offer seasonal varieties. For example, on our last trip (around Halloween), we got to enjoy pumpkin ice cream sandwiched between two pumpkin macarons. (shown here) Even though it might be small, it’s not a snack to be overlooked. The ice cream is smooth and creamy, while the macaron is crispy on the outside and wonderfully soft on the inside. Once again, the joy of eating it while you enjoy the beauty of the France pavilion is what really makes this treat extra special. There is nothing better than enjoying a macaron ice cream sandwich while gazing at the shops, fountains, and gardens, not to mention the replica of the Eiffel Tower.

Kaki Gori

Unlike the familiar ice cream sandwich, this particular snack is new to many people. I myself wasn’t aware of what it was until quite recently. Kaki Gori is a Japanese flavored ice treat, similar to a snow cone, that can be found at the Kabuki Cafe. It’s a combination of shaved ice and flavored syrups. The flavors include strawberry, melon, cherry, mikan (tangerine), and even rainbow…which is a combination of flavors for those Guests who can’t just choose one. Additionally, you can add extra toppings such as sweet milk, sweet strawberry, or sweet cherry. Because Kaki Gori offers a generous portion size, there’s no better treat on a hot day.

Goofy Glacier

This snack is quite peculiar as it is one that is not commonly found in the Disney parks. You’ll most likely have to visit Disney Springs to get your hands on one of these. Trust me though, it’s worth it. Located at Goofy’s Candy Company (its home base per se), the Goofy Glacier is a cross between a slushy and an ICEE…with a little bit of Disney magic thrown in. It comes in eight flavors: Coca Cola Cooler, Razzle Dazzle Pink, Orange You Happy Orange, Goofy Glacier Apple, Brrr-Banana, Gwarshly Berry Blue, Tropical Mango, and Pucker Purple. You are encouraged to mix flavors to really make it your own. For me, the Disney magic is really on display during the sampling process. That’s right, you’re allowed to sample any (or all!) of the flavors before you make your final decision. In fact, Cast Members will even encourage you to try flavors again if you’re not sure exactly what you want. Your samples are poured into little paper cups, and they are actually quite generous in size. If you try all of the flavors, you’ve probably already eaten half of an entire Glacier already! One thing is for sure though; you’ll walk out of Goofy’s Candy Company satisfied with your Goofy Glacier. If you can’t get to Disney Springs, you can also find them at a few Disney resorts such as Disney’s Boardwalk Inn and Villas. Also, they can be bought at Big Top Treats in the Magic Kingdom. Be aware though, not all of the flavors are available at each location.

Kitchen Sink

Simply put, the Kitchen Sink Sundae is a massive dessert that one should not take lightly. In other words, this snack is not meant for the faint of heart (well, stomach). It can be found at the Beaches and Cream Soda Shop at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. This sundae combines scoops of vanilla, chocolate, mint chocolate chip, coffee, and strawberry ice cream and, according to the official Disney website, every topping Beaches and Cream has. That breaks down into fudge, butterscotch, pineapple, strawberry, and peanut butter toppings; a banana; a cinnamon spice cupcake; an angel food cupcake; chocolate syrup; marshmallow creme; a can of whipped cream (yes, say it with me, “a whole can?!”); a brownie; a candy bar; chocolate cookies with filling; toasted almonds; white and dark chocolate shavings; jellied orange slices; milk chocolate and peanut butter chip morsels; chocolate and rainbow sprinkles; and finally, maraschino cherries. To top it off, this is all served in a kitchen sink (literally, there’s even a faucet!). Don’t try to tackle this treat on your own though. It’s meant for four to six people to devour together. Are you up for the challenge?