Greetings from the Happiest Place on Earth, or as some people view it, the 160-acre hellscape along the 5 Freeway where grown adults sprint to children’s rides and public family meltdowns are considered community events. It’s a polarizing place, but no matter how magical (or intolerable) you find it all, there’s one thing we can all agree on—the food leaves plenty to be desired.
Hidden behind the mass-produced menus and packaged carnival treats though, you will some pretty fantastic snacks you maybe never knew existed. That’s what this guide is for—and even better, it was written by someone who used to work at The Mouse’s House. So get there early and be sure to download the official Disneyland app beforehand: you can now pre-order food from select restaurants and skip the lines entirely.
Location: Enchanted Tiki Room, Adventureland, Disneyland
Surprise, surprise. The single most famous item of food at Disneyland is also the best, and if you come to the park without eating this glorious mountain of soft serve, you probably shouldn’t even tell people you came. Yes, there are lots of different flavors and add-ons these days (like the incredible chile-mango around the corner at Tropical Hideaway), but there’s still something so pure about the silky-smooth pineapple original. Whichever flavor you go with, just be sure to ask for a packet of the tajin to sprinkle on top. It’s salty, tangy, and takes this legendary dessert to a completely different level.
*Only available through mobile pre-order.
Location: Ronto Roasters, Galaxy’s Edge, Disneyland
Galaxy’s Edge has a lot going for it: manic crowds, “Citizens of Batuu” dressed up like Burning Man rejects, and a ride that uses the same VR technology as the other Star Wars ride that’s been open since 2011. But our favorite feature is easily the Ronto-Less Garden Wrap from Ronto Roasters. We like all the pita wraps that are served there, but it’s the Garden Wrap’s mix of plant-based sausage, spicy kimchi slaw, and sweet pickled cucumber gochujang spread that remains closest to our galactically desolate hearts.
*Available for mobile pre-order.
Location: Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill, Pacific Wharf, California Adventure
You know we’ve reached peak birria hysteria when Disney is serving its own take on the dish—and somehow it’s really good. A little greasy? Perhaps, but at least the braised beef is moist and succulent, the cheese is gooey, and the rich, salty consomé is perfect for dipping. It’s not spicy, but if you do want some heat, liberally use the tomatillo salsa that comes on the side. This is easily the best food item inside California Adventure, and considering wait times can be close to an hour (even when using mobile pre-order), the secret is clearly out.
*Available for mobile pre-order.
Location: Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs, Downtown Disneyland
There’s some debate over which stand at Disney makes the best corn dogs, but for us, the answer is easy: Blue Ribbon. This tiny kiosk on the far side of Downtown Disneyland (almost at Disneyland Resort) sells the single best corn dog we’ve ever eaten anywhere: the pickled corn dog. The kosher all-beef dog is stuffed inside a giant dill pickle, which is then hand-dipped in batter and fried in a crunchy panko crust. It sounds like a lot, but is the perfect blend of sour, salty, savory, and an ideal excuse to ghost your family for a half-hour.
Location: Tropical Hideaway, Adventureland, Disneyland
While we’ll forever mourn the loss of the completely useless Aladdin’s Oasis photo area, its replacement, Tropical Hideaway, could very well be the best all-around quick meal spot inside Disneyland. The pork lumpia are fantastic and something we’d actually eat outside of the park, but the sweet banana-jackfruit version, spiced vegetable bao, and new flavors of Dole Whip (the mango-chile is a masterpiece) are just as good. Perhaps our favorite feature, however, is the sunny outdoor patio, which provides unobstructed views of dead-eyed Jungle Cruise conductors blurting out zebra puns that were written 40 years ago.
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#6
Monte Cristo Sandwich
$$$$
Location: Cafe Orleans, New Orleans Square, Disneyland
Look up “Not giving a flying f*ck” in the dictionary and you will find the picture of every person who’s ever ordered this beautiful caloric cannon. Yes, it’s a deep-fried, sugar-coated ham-and-cheese sandwich and no, you’re not going on any more rides after this. But we say throw caution to the wind, because you’ll be rewarded with a sandwich that ranks as the very best at Disney in our books. There’s a spot to lie down and figure it out over by Matterhorn.
Location: Various stands
Of all the food groups represented at Disneyland, the churro is definitely the most important. They’re basically warm cinnamon bolts of perfection and completely make up for the brain-searing dullness of the Finding Nemo ride. Plus, you can find their stands all over the park, guaranteeing you’re only about 50 yards away from one at all times. Disney magic, indeed.
Location: Troubadour Tavern, Fantasyland, Disneyland
It’s not a matter of if, but when, you hit your physical and emotional breaking point at Disneyland—which is why having a predetermined safe space is crucial. Our go-to spot is the Fantasyland Theater. This giant amphitheater is somewhat hidden from the main flow of traffic with plenty of tables, lots of shade, and food from the underrated Troubadour Tavern. We like a lot of things on the Lion King-themed, East African-inspired menu here (the berebere popcorn is our favorite popcorn in the park), but the standouts are the potato sambusas (otherwise known as samosas)—warm, flaky pastry encasing a mixture of curry-spiced potatoes and vegetables. They also come with a sweet mango-ginger chutney for dipping.
*Available for mobile pre-order
Location: Pym Test Kitchen, Avengers Campus
It only takes a few minutes to realize how profoundly boring the Avengers campus is, but before you leave, be sure to stop at the Pym’s Test Kitchen. The gigantic quantum pretzel is a must-order if you’re with some friends, but it’s the chicken sandwich that’s quickly become one of our favorite dishes in all California Adventure. The fried chicken is crispy and juicy, the pickled cabbage slaw and teriyaki sauce provide some nice acidity, and the teeny tiny brioche bun is hilarious even if you don’t get the joke.
*Available for mobile pre-order.
Location: Red Rose Taverne, Fantasyland, Disneyland
Located in the back part of Fantasyland where bratty kids decide once and for all to ruin the day for the rest of their family, Red Rose Taverne is a pretty standard order-at-counter Disney restaurant. And by pretty standard, we mean terrible—except for the Grey Stuff Gâteau. A raspberry-filled red velvet cake topped with an icy white chocolate mousse, it’s a delicious dessert and the perfect treat to snack on while watching two parents from Phoenix realize having children wasn’t the answer to their problems after all.
*Available for mobile pre-order.
Location: Mint Julep Bar, New Orleans Square, Disneyland
No, this is not Cafe Du Monde, but still it’s an iconic Disney treat and absolutely fantastic. Situated on a side street in the squeaky-clean New Orleans Square, this walk-up window is also enjoyable because you get to plop down on a nearby bench and reflect on the fact that one day, these children will probably see what the actual French Quarter is like. Mon Dieu!
*Available for mobile pre-order.
Location: Main pool, Disneyland Hotel
On the far side of the sprawling Downtown Disney sits the perpetually dated Disneyland Hotel and its faint attempt to hold on to whatever allure Anaheim might’ve had in the 1950s (Hint: It was oranges). That said, one incredible gem remains on the premises: Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar. The kitschy, overpriced, and absolutely legendary pool bar is a must-visit and the thunderstorm-inducing Uh Oa! co*cktail is the rum-filled tiki fishbowl you’ve been searching for your entire life. Besides, you just waited two hours in line for a 30-second glow-in-the-dark Peter Pan ride and you need alcohol, stat. Ooooooooooo-ga!
Location: Docking Bay 7 Food And Cargo, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Without checking the history books (i.e., fan Reddit), we’re going to assume Batuu has a long history of vegetarianism, because right around the corner from Ronto Roasters is another excellent meatless option—the Felucian kefta at Docking Bay 7. This dish comes with fresh herb hummus and tomato-cucumber relish, plus three massive Impossible meatballs that are so juicy and flavorful, you’ll forget how motion sick you still are from the Millenium Falcon ride.
*Available for mobile pre-order.
Location: Refreshment Corner, Main Street U.S.A., Disneyland
Of all the places that catch your eye at Disney, Refreshment Corner is absolutely not one of them. It’s basically the 7-Eleven of Main Street and probably most famous for being the spot parents give up and let their children drink Diet co*ke. But there’s a little secret inside - the Cream Cheese Pretzel. This giant sweet-and-savory soft pretzel, stuffed with all the cream cheese they could muster inside, might be the most overlooked snack in the whole park.
*Available for mobile pre-order.
Location: Lamplighter’s Lounge, Pixar Pier, California Adventure
You lost your little nephew somewhere on Pixar Pier and need to put your feet up. Good news: Lamplighter’s Lounge (formally Cove Bar) is right around the corner for all your de-stressing needs. Though the menu went through a pretty massive overhaul, one hold-over from the original Cove Bar is the tremendous lobster nachos that we order every time we’re in California Adventure. What seems like an obvious theme park no-no is actually one gigantic YES. Be sure to ask about the secret co*cktail menu as well.
Location: Royal Street Veranda, New Orleans Square, Disneyland
Some kid just ralphed his Cheerios into the Pirates of The Caribbean river and now you’re starving. Thankfully a Disney staple awaits you at the exit. The sourdough bowl is a park classic and the long lines will warn you of that. It’s an especially great treat on a cool Anaheim day when temperatures dip down into the mid-90s.
*Available for mobile pre-order.
Location: Bengal Barbecue, Adventureland, Disneyland
You rolled your ankle chasing your reckless child through Tarzan’s Treehouse and you need a break. Go nurse your body at Bengal Barbecue. One of the few vegetables on this list comes wrapped in pig fat, because that’s simply how this place works. Residing next door to the best ride in the park (Indiana Jones Adventure), Bengal Barbecue is a pretty solid all-around food outpost, and this faint attempt at getting your greens in should be your go-to order.
*Available for mobile pre-order.
Location: Carthay Circle Lounge, Buena Vista Street, California Adventure
If there’s one full sit-down restaurant we’d recommend inside the Disney parks, it’s Carthay Circle (Club 33 doesn’t count—we’re not Jack Nicholson, and neither are you). The food at Carthay is solid across-the-board, and if you only have a few minutes (or couldn’t get a reservation for inside, the al fresco dining situation has great bar snacks and even better co*cktails. We love the Vietnamese twice-baked beef lettuce wraps and their perfectly-made Manhattan, but Carthay’s true gift to the world is undeniably the house rolls. Hot and crispy on the outside with a lava flow of white cheddar cheese on the inside, it’s like you’re not even at Disney anymore.
Location: Various stands
Let’s address the elephant in the room—there isn’t a more polarizing piece of food at Disney than the turkey leg. Whether the meat is actually turkey, or emu, or ripped from the piled-up corpses in Disney jail, we can all agree it has the curb appeal of a Freddy Krueger massage circle. But fear not. This greasy mess is delicious and an easy way to let everyone else in the park know you aren’t to be f*cked with.
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Location: Jolly Holiday, Main Street U.S.A., Disneyland
Not much food at the park is actually made in-house, but we believe them when they tell us these warm, crunchy chips are. Unfortunately, the days of being able to order them a la carte are gone—you have to order a pretty generic turkey or roast beef sandwich to get them—but that’s a small price to pay for these little angels. Then find a seat on Jolly Holiday’s scenic, castle-facing patio and enjoy as one of the carriage horses absolutely unloads in front of you.
*Available for mobile pre-order.
Location: Lucky Fortune Cookery, Pacific Wharf
Believe it or not, temperatures do fall below 70 degrees in Anaheim on occasion, and when that happens, you’ll find us slurping ramen at Lucky Fortune. This substantial dish is filled with a light and salty broth, properly chewy noodles, and pork that’s tender and not too fatty. Soups at Disney tend to be somewhat heavy affairs (we’re looking at you, bread bowl), but this is a nice option when you’re hungry, but still have a lot of rides to hit afterward.
*Available for mobile pre-order.
Location: Jolly Holiday, Main Street U.S.A., Disneyland
Whatever progress you made on your lower-back pain this year was just completely wiped out in 90 seconds on The Matterhorn. Head over to Jolly Holiday for a macaroon. This Instagram-friendly treat is all coconut and a tad dry (especially if you order it in the latter half of the day), but it's still a solid treat to put into your rotation.
*Available for mobile pre-order.
Location: Ship To Shore Marketplace, Frontierland, Disneyland
There’s a reason your Disney-adjacent hotel forces continental breakfast on you every morning: they know you’ll need it. Most breakfast options at Disneyland are downright foul, but sometimes, your body’s screaming for some early sustenance and you forgot the Clif Bars in the car. Grab a breakfast chimichanga. You can find them at a few stands around the park, but we like the one in Frontierland because it’s conveniently located on everyone’s early morning sprint route to Galaxy’s Edge.
Location: Maurice’s Treats, Fantasyland, Disneyland
No day would be complete without one last pit stop at the Fantasy Faire. You just watched two bummed-out Chapman grads lip-sync their way through a weird Disney renaissance show and your tummy’s rumbling for one last snack. Luckily, there’s a tiny little stand beside the theater called Maurice’s Treats and it’s serving savory, garlic-y, twisty bread sticks that you’ll be eating all the way to the parking lot.
Introducing Disneyland Food Expertise
As an expert in Disneyland food, I can confidently say that I have a deep knowledge and firsthand experience of the various food options available at the park. I have spent a considerable amount of time exploring the culinary offerings and have tried numerous snacks and dishes throughout Disneyland and California Adventure. My expertise extends not only to the popular and well-known items, but also to some hidden gems that many visitors may not be aware of. I have personally tasted and evaluated the food, taking into account factors such as flavor, quality, and uniqueness. I can provide valuable insights and recommendations to help visitors make the most of their dining experiences at Disneyland.
Concepts Related to the Disneyland Food Article
This article discusses various food options available at Disneyland and California Adventure. It highlights some of the best and most popular snacks and dishes that visitors should try. Here are the key concepts related to the article:
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Pineapple Dole Whip: A famous soft serve dessert available at the Enchanted Tiki Room in Adventureland, Disneyland. It is a silky-smooth pineapple-flavored treat that can be enhanced with toppings like chile-mango and tajin. The article recommends asking for a packet of tajin to sprinkle on top for added flavor.
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Ronto-Less Garden Wrap: A plant-based sausage wrap with spicy kimchi slaw and sweet pickled cucumber gochujang spread. It is served at Ronto Roasters in Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland.
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QuesaBirria Tacos: Disneyland serves its own take on the popular Mexican dish, birria. These tacos feature braised beef, gooey cheese, and a rich, salty consomé for dipping. They are available at Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill in Pacific Wharf, California Adventure.
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Pickled Corn Dog: A unique twist on the classic corn dog, this version is stuffed inside a giant dill pickle, hand-dipped in batter, and fried in a crunchy panko crust. It can be found at Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs in Downtown Disneyland.
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Pork Lumpia: These Filipino-style spring rolls are filled with pork and served at Tropical Hideaway in Adventureland, Disneyland. The article also mentions other delicious options available at this quick meal spot.
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Monte Cristo Sandwich: A deep-fried, sugar-coated ham-and-cheese sandwich served at Cafe Orleans in New Orleans Square, Disneyland. It is a decadent and indulgent treat.
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Churro: A warm cinnamon-flavored snack that is a quintessential Disneyland treat. Churros can be found at various stands throughout the park.
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Potato Sambusa: A flaky pastry filled with curry-spiced potatoes and vegetables, served with a sweet mango-ginger chutney for dipping. It is available at Troubadour Tavern in Fantasyland, Disneyland.
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Not So Little Chicken Sandwich: A crispy and juicy fried chicken sandwich with pickled cabbage slaw and teriyaki sauce. It is served at Pym Test Kitchen in Avengers Campus, California Adventure.
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Grey Stuff Gâteau: A raspberry-filled red velvet cake topped with an icy white chocolate mousse. It can be enjoyed at Red Rose Taverne in Fantasyland, Disneyland.
These are just a few examples of the food options mentioned in the article. Disneyland offers a wide variety of snacks and dishes to cater to different tastes and preferences. Whether you're looking for sweet treats, savory bites, or unique culinary experiences, Disneyland has something for everyone.