Universal Orlando Resort unveiled its Volcano Bay water theme park this summer, and with it came Florida’s most photogenic dessert. This soft-serve ice cream, which can be served in a cup, cone, or as a sundae, isn't just rainbow-colored. It’s also rainbow-flavored. Each individual swirl has its own sweet, fruity flavor of either banana, strawberry, orange, or blue raspberry.
There’s never been more to look forward to at Universal and Disney theme parks — and there has never been more to eat, either.
There are new, tricked-out takes on classics (it turns out, you can actually improve upon the traditional funnel cake), and utterly bizarre Walt Disney World lunches. The exclusive drinks and wild plates that have popped up in Florida and California have made theme park meals just as important as getting a FastPass+ for Frozen Ever After.
Whether you're planning a trip to Universal Orlando Resort or to Disneyland in California, these are the eight insane new foods you need to visit between park rides and attractions. Just be sure to get there fast — many of these dishes (we're looking at you, Groot Bread) are seasonal.
S’mores Churro
To celebrate the return of Fantasmic!, Disneyland Park doubled down on dessert by turning one of its most popular snacks into a seasonal campfire treat. Instead of being tossed in cinnamon-sugar, this fried wonder is rolled in graham cracker dust and served alongside a chocolate-marshmallow dipping sauce. Not a fan of chocolate? There’s even a sour watermelon version, too. Seriously.
Cheeseburger Steamed Pods
Animal Kingdom is known for having fantastic food, and Satu’li Canteen at Pandora — The World of Avatar is no exception. These unique bao buns may seem absurd, but they're just as satisfying as a traditional fast food burger. With tender beef and the slightest hint of mustard, cheese, and pickles, we guarantee you can’t eat just one. (Fortunately, Walt Disney World’s new mobile ordering option lets you place your order in advance.)
Groot Bread
Who knew Groot could be so delicious? The delightful Guardian-shaped snacks have been selling out regularly since Disney California Adventure introduced it as part of their many seasonal Summer of Heroes treats. These freshly baked sourdough loaves come in two flavors — regular and jalapeno-cheddar — and are as delicious as they are perfect for Instagram shots. Of course, with those olive eyes staring back, we would understand if you decided not to eat your Groot Bread.
New Orleans Mint Julep
If you haven’t been to Disneyland in a few months, there’s something you need to know: The Mint Julep in New Orleans Square has changed. Gone is the neon green coloring and strong minty flavor, and in its place is a clear mint-lime drink that’s more of a limeade than a non-alcoholic concoction. With slight sweetness and just a bit of tart, you may not taste nostalgia anymore, but on a hot California afternoon, you won’t mind the difference.
Blueberry Cream Cheese Mousse
We’re obsessed with the eye-popping blue cheesecake mousse at Pandora — The World of Avatar. Grab a seat at Satu’li Canteen to order this gleaming, orb-like dessert, which is topped with passion fruit curd and a dollop of whipped cream. This new, permanent Walt Disney World offering is well on its way to becoming a classic treat.
Milk and Honey Funnel Cake
Though this fried funnel cake from Disneyland’s Hungry Bear Restaurant may seem standard at first glance, it's a totally elevated take on traditional theme park fare. Drenched in sweetened condensed milk and clover honey, and finished with edible flowers and a Mickey-shaped whipped cream topping, this seasonal treat was introduced to honor the return of Fantasmic!, Disneyland park’s long-running nighttime show.
Mangonada
Disneyland insiders have long headed to Clarabelle’s for their customizable, hand-dipped ice cream bars — and now the Disney California Adventure ice cream shop is attracting newcomers with the must-have Mangonada. Two scoops of mango sorbet are drenched in Mexican Chamoy sauce and topped with freshly chopped mango, a squeeze of lime, and Tajin seasoning for a spicy-sweet treat that is irresistible on particularly hot days.
Waturi Fusion
Universal Orlando Resort unveiled its Volcano Bay water theme park this summer, and with it came Florida’s most photogenic dessert. This soft-serve ice cream, which can be served in a cup, cone, or as a sundae, isn't just rainbow-colored. It’s also rainbow-flavored. Each individual swirl has its own sweet, fruity flavor of either banana, strawberry, orange, or blue raspberry.
