by Military Diva
Do you have that one thing that you must do on every Disney vacation? Is there a special meal, ride or show that makes your trip special and memorable?
For our family, a Disney World vacation is not complete without a double scoop waffle bowl sundae (with all the toppings) from the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor in Magic Kingdom. We hit Main Street almost at a run- heading for the nostalgia that comes from smelling the baking waffle bowls. This sundae, better known as The “Plaza” Ice Cream Sundae is my dessert of choice, the end of my every vacation. The one item I cannot leave Disney world without consuming.
Until the one fateful trip when I stumbled upon the coveted Dole Whip Float. This delicious blend of pineapple ice cream immersed in super sweet Florida orange juice caught my taste buds by surprise. I was shocked by the realization that there were treats just as delicious as my waffle bowl sundae.
I now had a huge dilemma. As a family, we opt for just one extravagant snack per day. Being both health-conscious and budget-minded, I knew I couldn’t have both.
And I hadn’t found my favorite waffle bowls in any other locations.
What a problem to have! How does one pick between these two famous desserts? Well I am pleased to say that I have found another location that offers a “Plaza” style sundae treat.
Ghirardelli’s Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop in Disney Springs has solved my dilemma.
Ghirardelli’s Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop at Disney Springs
Strolling through Disney Springs Marketplace I happened to catch the familiar scent of baking waffle bowls. I quickly followed the baking trail (okay, so I ran leaving my children behind) straight to Ghirardelli’s Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop.
Oh the joy! It only took a few seconds for me to realize I could have a Magic Kingdom Dole Whip Float on Monday and Ghirardelli’s Waffle Bowl Sundae on Tuesday.
Ghirardelli’s, you saved my vacation!!
Ghirardelli’s World Famous Sundae, although I take mine in a waffle bowl!
Fresh, hand baked waffle bowls, double scoops of ice cream, on site home-made hot fudge and thick whipped cream were all I needed to see (and smell!) to know I loved this counter of treats. And there are many different offerings to fit every taste. Banana splits, brownie sundaes, hot chocolate/coffee and ice cream concoctions, and even an Earthquake meant for a family of four are all available here.
Ghirardelli’s House Made Hot Fudge Sauce!
Now a few things to note-the prices at this location seemed a bit higher than similar offerings within the Disney Parks. For example, The “Plaza” Ice Cream Sundae in Magic Kingdom is priced at $5.39. Ghirardelli’s Handmade Waffle Bowl Sundae is priced closer to $12.00. This seems a bit steep, but the sundae here was also a bit larger and of course is topped with Ghirardelli’s hand-made chocolate! (There are also discounts available by visiting the Ghirardelli website and printing their current coupon.)
Secondly, the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor participates in Disney’s Dining Plan. Ghirardelli’s Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop does not. All items purchased from this location will be an extra out-of-pocket cost for those on the Disney Dining Plan.
These two points may deter several of you from choosing a Ghirardelli sweet treat. But if you need an ice cream fix and don’t want to sacrifice your favorite snack from the parks, be sure to stop at Ghirardelli’s Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop in Disney Springs. They may just save your vacation too!
