By Tinker Belle Diva
A set of Pumpkin Spice Beignets from the Mint Julep Bar
While I don’t remember the first time I tried beignets at Disneyland, I do remember the first time I had my kids try them. We hit Rope Drop at Disneyland, and after riding several attractions, we got off the Haunted Mansion at around 10:30 a.m. wanting a snack. Since we were in New Orleans Square, I decided to get a set of hot beignets from the Mint Julep Bar, explaining to my kids that they were similar to doughnuts. My kids have been hooked ever since and we know get them at least once on every trip. If you are a lover of beignets, you are in luck, because there are THREE places at the Disneyland Resort where you can feast upon this delightful pastry.
A quick history lesson on the beignet: its roots are French, and during Mardi Gras, beignets are eaten in celebration prior to Lent. When French Catholics settled near New Orleans, they brought the beignets (French for “fritter” or “doughnut”) with them. Traditional French beignets are raised in steam with a hollow center, giving them a light textured and are served covered in powered sugar.
Jazz Kitchen Beignets
So where can you pick up this pillowy pastry? I gave the first one away already. Inside Disneyland Park, head to the Mint Julep Bar (read Disney Magic Diva’s full review here) in New Orleans Square. The Mint Julep Bar is a serving window on the railroad side of the French Market Restaurant. There is usually a line of people here so you might have a bit of wait – sorry, no mobile ordering is offered here. Beignets are sold in paper sacks filled with powered sugar in sets of 3 or 6. There are seasonal beignets available too. The current one in Spring 2019 is a Butterscotch Beignet tossed in butterscotch-flavored sugar. In fall the beignets will be pumpkin spice, and in the winter they will offer peppermint. The Mint Julep Bar also serves coffee, tea, and of course, Mint Juleps (non-alcoholic). Once you have your beignets, eat them in the garden patio of the French Market, or take them to go. Word of warning though – you will leave a trail of powered sugar in your wake and probably on your shirt after each bite.
Pick up a Cafe Du Monde beignet mix to make at home
The other two locations are not inside a park. They are at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen and Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen Express, both in Downtown Disney District. Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen offers beignets on their dessert menu for lunch or dinner, so if you want one for breakfast, you’ll need to stop next door at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen Express. It is best to head here near opening to avoid the line that will inevitably start not too long after. The best news for you is that you have four choices of sizes at this location – 4 pack, 6 pack, 10 pack and even a bite-sized 12 pack! They only offer powered sugar as a topper here, so no seasonal choices, and they only come square, not Mickey shaped. There isn’t any inside seating, but several tables outside or you can take them to go. You can order them all day, so you don’t need to just arrive during breakfast hours, but that is when they are most popular. At this location, you can also pick up a box of the famous Cafe Du Monde beignet mix. Take one home and see what you can create! We have attempted to make our own Mickey Shaped beignets with a variety of results.
Patio at the Jazz Kitchen Express
If you are a fan of Walt Disney World, there is only one location for you to purchase beignets, and that is at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort food court. Read my review on their beignets as well as the delightful “Beignet Dash” Fun Run offered on Sunday’s at this resort.
If you want help planning your Disneyland Resort vacation so you can have these beignets for yourself, be sure to contact Patricia at All For Dreams Travel for a free vacation quote.
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I’m going to Disneyland for the first time in a couple of weeks. I have ADRs for Blue Bayou, but I’ll have to try these, too!
Disneyland Beignets are so delicious! Especially with a Mint Julep!
THAT SOUNDS COOL