There is something about Disneyland that makes food just taste better. I’m not talking about foods that really are better at Disneyland, like those hand-dipped corn dogs or crispy churros. I’m talking about regular foods that are basically the same thing that you can get at home, yet the magic of Disney makes them extra special.
One of my go-to treats (besides the churros I mentioned above) is an ice cream cone from Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor or Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream. My mind knows that this is the same Dreyer’s ice cream I can get at home, but when I’m standing on Main Street, U.S.A. watching the parade go by or catching a glimpse of the fireworks, it’s just a little sweeter.
On a side note, if you are a fan of the Mickey Ice Cream Bars sold at the outdoor vending carts, head over to Clarabelle’s on Buena Vista Street and try one of the Hand-Dipped Ice Cream Bars. These are made with vanilla ice cream dipped in milk or dark chocolate and topped with your choice of chocolate chips, sprinkles, Mickey confetti, or peanuts.
While popcorn is not something I typically enjoy in the parks, I may be in the minority based on how many popcorn carts are scattered around. While there isn’t currently a named sponsor for the popcorn carts, in the past they have served Orville Redenbacher’s, which is the same popcorn you can get out of your microwave or air popper. You tell me. Is it better at Disneyland?
Another favorite treat is the Mickey-shaped pretzels. Are those better than the normal-shaped pretzels you can get at the mall? Or does tearing off Mickey’s ear (sorry, Mickey) make them more delicious? I’m talking, of course, about the regular pretzels, because those cream cheese-filled pretzels are definitely better than the ones at the mall.
Finally, I want to bring up something that confounds me and that is the large dill pickles that are sold at the fruit carts. I need to know… are those better than the store-branded pickles you can get at the grocery store, or is it, once again, the Disney pixie dust making them taste better?
While not everything at Disneyland tastes better than at home…pizza, I’m looking at you…there are still many delicious, filling, and maybe even Mickey-shaped options. Do you feel the Disney magic when enjoying Disneyland food?
