40 Best Foods at Disneyland — From Dole Whips to Lobster Nachos (2024)

If you think theme park grub is all ice cream, popcorn, and hamburgers, think again. The best food at Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park includes Mickey-shaped treats, Star Wars-inspired meals, and even some of Walt's favorite eats. From iconic Disneyland snacks like the Dole Whip to tasty bites in Avengers Campus, we've rounded up 40 of the best Disneyland foods to try on your next trip to the "Happiest Place on Earth." And with options for every taste, you may be hard-pressed to find time to get back on a ride between stops. Elizabeth Rhodes, Travel + Leisure's on-staff theme park expert, knows it can be hard to choose, but don't worry — our expert input will help you plot out your must-eat treats (including options for a range of dietary preferences).

Our advice? Leave the snacks at home, arrive early, and come hungry because eating your way through the best food at Disneyland is an attraction on its own.

Skewers, Bengal Barbecue

As one of the quickest and healthiest snacks in the park, Bengal Barbecue's beef, chicken, veggie, and bacon-wrapped asparagus skewers are a reliable bite. "I personally love the fresh vegetable and meat skewers here — especially when it's a hot day and I want something filling but light," says Rhodes.

Monte Cristo, Multiple Locations

It's so much more than a fried sandwich. The turkey, ham, and Swiss-stuffed sustenance found at restaurants throughout New Orleans Square is a Disneyland institution.

Lobster Nachos, Lamplight Lounge

If you spend the day at Disney California Adventure and somehow don't make it to Lamplight Lounge for this heap of deliciousness, you've missed out. "A fun, fruity co*cktail and a plate of these tasty nachos served up with a view of Pixar Pier — it doesn't get much better than that," says Rhodes.

Mickey Mouse Beignets, Mint Julep Bar

Sugar-dusted, deep-fried, and sweet as could be — who wouldn't want a bite of Mickey? Find them at Mint Julep Bar. (Note that the Mint Julep Bar is currently closed for refurbishment.)

Turkey Leg, Multiple Locations

Larger-than-life turkey legs aren't just good for the 'gram — they're a delicious, meaty indulgence from Edelweiss Snacks (among other snack carts in the park) best split with a friend. Just be sure to grab a bottle of water too, because these can be salty!

Lobster Roll, Harbour Galley

It's easy to breeze past Harbour Galley in Critter Country, but this seafaring outpost serves up hefty sandwiches worth stopping for, including the lobster roll and a tuna sandwich.

Matterhorn Macaroon, Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe

There are many beloved Disneyland attractions, but at Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe, only one gets the dessert treatment. And at $3.99, it's also one of the least expensive snacks on this list.

Related: 9 Best Hotels Near Disneyland so You're Never Far From the Fun

Fried Chicken, Plaza Inn

If you're dining at Plaza Inn, don't skip this crispy, crunchy crowd favorite, which is the best you'll find at Disneyland. Served up alongside mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetables, and a biscuit, this is the ultimate comfort meal.

Mickey Mouse Pancake, Red Rose Taverne

This Red Rose Taverne breakfast treat is an adorable way to start any Disney day. This mouse-shaped pancake is served with berry compote and your choice of bacon or sausage.

Enchilada Platter, Rancho del Zocalo

Skip the standard theme park fare and instead opt for a delicious Mexican favorite at Rancho del Zocalo, like these famed cheese enchiladas.

Mac and Cheese Dog, Refreshment Corner

Of course, if you'd rather go for a fun take on classic theme park food, we've got you covered. Deciding what to eat for lunch is never an issue with this bacon-topped dual delicacy from Refreshment Corner.

Cheese-filled Pretzels, Multiple Locations

Soft pretzels filled with cream cheese or japaleño cheese, served at Refreshment Corner and Bayside Brews, are always a better choice than the plain ones.

Mickey Waffle, Multiple Locations

Grab the famous mouse-shaped breakfast at one of Disneyland's hotels, or at Carnation Cafe inside Disneyland Park. Something about the Mickey shape just tastes better.

Related: 29 Disneyland Rides, Ranked From Worst to Best

BBQ Tofu, River Belle Terrace

Disneyland is surprisingly chock full of tasty vegan eats, like this spicy, seasoned platter from River Belle Terrace.

Gumbo, Multiple Locations

It's not a trip to N'awlins without some gumbo, and the same is true at Disneyland. Pick up a cup at eateries throughout New Orleans Square, like Cafe Orleans.

Fried Pickles, Carnation Cafe

Panko-crusted, deep-fried, and served with a house sauce for dipping, this under-the-radar treat from Carnation Cafe is a salty, tangy must.

Dole Whip, Multiple Locations

Adventureland has some incredible rides, but its undisputed highlight is this classic pineapple soft-serve, served just beyond its entrance. "Along with the Mickey-shaped treats, Dole Whip is a truly iconic Disneyland snack, and I love to get it every time I visit the parks," says Rhodes.

Stuffed Baked Potatoes, Troubadour Tavern

Troubadour Tavern in Fantasyland loads their spuds with cheese, bacon, and scallions providing more than enough of a hearty meal while running from ride to ride.

Savory Cones, Cozy Cone Motel

Grab a bread cone filled with cheesy chili or mac and cheese at California Adventure for an only-in-Cars-Land delight.

Hand-dipped Ice Cream Bars, Clarabelle's Hand Scooped Ice Cream

Mickey ice cream bars are tough to outshine, but the flavor lineup at Clarabelle's Hand Scooped Ice Cream may just rival them (although adults might be tempted to try a boozy ice cream float).

Stuffed Sourdough Bowls, Pacific Wharf Cafe

If you're looking for an easy lunch between Lightning Lanes, swing by Pacific Wharf Cafe to grab a sourdough bread bowl filled with delicious mac and cheese or clam chowder.

Churros, Multiple Locations

It's not a trip to Disneyland without indulging in one of these cinnamon-sugar delights, available throughout both parks. "Something about grabbing a churro as you stroll through Disneyland between rides feels so nostalgic," says Rhodes.

Mickey Sourdough, Pacific Wharf Cafe

It's edible, delicious, and in the likeness of Mickey. Who needs a souvenir when Pacific Wharf Cafe is cooking these up?

Flavored Popcorn, Cozy Cone Motel

Dill pickle, sriracha, garlic parmesan — you're in for a flavor explosion with whichever taste is being served up at Cozy Cone Motel.

Double Chocolate Bread Pudding, Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen

If you're pulling out all the stops come dessert time, be sure to plan ahead. This indulgent specialty from Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen in Downtown Disney takes 25 minutes to bake.

Cheddar Cheese Stick, Corn Dog Castle

Disneyland corn dogs are some of the best you'll have, but Corn Dog Castle's cheese-filled version kicks the whole game up a notch.

Quesa Birria Tacos, Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill

These quesa birria tacos from Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill are an upgraded take on your usual theme park lunch.

Candy Apples, Multiple Locations

The ever-rotating designs of these delicate creations sold at both parks are so impressive, you may not want to eat them...but you will.

Parmesan Toasted Patty Melt, Carnation Cafe

With the best parts of a sandwich and a burger combined, Carnation Cafe serves up one heck of a delight made of a beef patty, cheese, grilled onions, and house sauce.

Ronto Wrap, Ronto Roasters

Intergalactic travelers love the Ronto Wrap (and the plant-based Ronto-less Garden Wrap) from Ronto Roasters at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. "It's flavorful, unique, and easy to grab and go — ideal theme park food," says Rhodes.

It's Chile-lime Mango!, Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats

This dairy-free mango soft serve with Chamoy, chili-lime seasoning, and mango is just what you want on a hot California day.

Alien Macaron, Alien Pizza Planet

Find this absolutely adorable treat inspired by Toy Story at Alien Pizza Planet (and don't forget to take a photo before you dig in).

Felucian Kefta and Hummus Garden Spread, Docking Bay 7

With Impossible meatballs, herby hummus, and a tomato and cucumber relish, this plant-based entree from Docking Bay 7 is fresh and delicious. "I recommend this for meat-eaters and plant-based diners alike — I love everything about this dish," says Rhodes.

Choco-Smash Candy Bar, Pym Test Kitchen

With layers of brownie, nougat, caramel, peanuts, and chocolate, this dessert from Pym Test Kitchen is absolutely delicious. Rhodes says, "I think this is one of the very best desserts at Disneyland — it's definitely a must-order treat when you're in Avengers Campus."

Jack-Jack Cookie Num Nums, Pixar Pier

Because really, what's better than a warm chocolate chip cookie? This snack stand also serves milk to enjoy with your sweet treat.

Raspberry Rose Mickey Macaron, Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe

Available at Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe, this pretty macaron is practically begging to be Instagrammed in front of the castle.

Blue and Green Milk, Milk Stand

Star Wars fans simply have to try the famous blue or green milk at least once. It's plant-based and served frozen for a refreshing afternoon pick-me-up.

Outpost Mix, Kat Saka's Kettle

Pick up a bag of tasty flavored popcorn from Kat Saka's Kettle in Galaxy's Edge for a light bite while you explore the Star Wars-themed land.

Not-so-little Chicken Sandwich, Pym Test Kitchen

Pym Test Kitchen has several themed eats to choose from, including this flavorful fried chicken sandwich served with crispy potato bites. "I tried this the last time I visited Avengers Campus, and I thought it was much tastier than your typical fast-food fried chicken sandwich," says Rhodes.

New York's Tastiest, Shawarma Palace

This chicken shawarma wrap with garlic spread and pickled veggies from Shawarma Palace is the perfect fuel for your Avengers Campus adventures.