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  • Beat the Heat at Disneyland: Your Ultimate Guide to Cold Treats!

    Summer in Southern California means long, sunny days at Disneyland Resort! And let’s be honest, there’s nothing better than a refreshing treat to keep cool and energized while you explore both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park.

    Forget those long, official lists! As a true fan, I’ve got the inside scoop on where to find the absolute best ice cream, slushies, and chilled drinks. Get ready to sip, swirl, and snack your way through the parks!

    Ice Cream and Milkshakes

    When the sun is blazing, ice cream is always the answer. Here are my top spots to grab a scoop, sundae, or sandwich and really get into the summer spirit.

    Outdoor Vending Carts

    Sometimes, the classics are best! You’ll find these iconic treats at snack carts all around the parks. Everyone, including me, absolutely loves the Mickey bars and ice cream sandwiches – they’re perfect for enjoying as you stroll along. You can also grab frozen bananas or chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwiches. Simple, satisfying, and easy to find!

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    Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor

    This spot on Main Street, U.S.A., always feels like a step back in time to a charming, old-fashioned ice cream shop. They serve up fantastic specialty sundaes, classic floats, and hand-scooped cups and cones. You can even add sweet toppings for an extra touch of magic. Share a sundae if you’re feeling generous, but honestly, no one blames you if you want it all to yourself! Don’t miss the Chocolate Chip Cookie Sundae (two scoops of Vanilla Ice Cream with fresh-baked Chocolate Chip Cookies, Fudge Topping, Whipped Cream, and a Cherry) or the Strawberry Street Car Sundae (Strawberry and Vanilla Ice Cream in a dipped waffle cup, with Strawberry Topping, Strawberry Crisp, and Whipped Cream).

    Disneyland Summer Cold Treats Gibson Girl Sundae
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    The Golden Horseshoe

    Beyond its famous chicken tenders and mini corn dogs, this Disneyland Park favorite hides some seriously good ice cream. Craving a blast from the past? Grab an Ice Cream Float with Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Cherry, or Barq’s Root Beer. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, the Cookie Butter Churro Sundae is a must-try: Cookie Dough Ice Cream with Cookie Butter Sauce, garnished with a Cinnamon Sugar Churro and Whipped Topping. It’s truly indulgent!

    Disneyland Summer Cold Treats Golden Horseshoe Sundae
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    Flo’s V8 Cafe

    Nothing says summer quite like a simple chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry shake, and Flo’s V8 Cafe in Disney California Adventure is the perfect pit stop. Their classic milkshakes come topped with crushed cookie pieces designed to look like road gravel – a clever nod to Cars Land! You can even get them in a souvenir glass to take the fun home. I love sipping one while soaking in the sights and sounds of Radiator Springs. Grab a Flo’s Classic Shake (Vanilla, Chocolate, or Strawberry, topped with ‘Road Gravel’).

    Disneyland Summer Cold Treats Flo's Milkshakes
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    Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop

    For truly decadent desserts, head straight to Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop in the lively San Fransokyo Square at Disney California Adventure. They create sundaes, shakes, and frozen beverages like cocoas and mochas, all featuring Ghirardelli’s premium chocolate. I always make sure to add their famous hot fudge to whatever I order – it’s absolutely divine! My personal recommendations include the World Famous Hot Fudge Sundae (Vanilla Ice Cream with Hot Fudge, Whipped Cream, Diced Almonds, a Cherry, and one of their Milk Chocolate Caramel SQUARES), the Ocean Beach Sea Salt Caramel Sundae (Caramel sauce, Vanilla Ice Cream, Milk or Dark Chocolate Hot Fudge, Whipped Cream, Sea Salt, and one of their Milk or Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel SQUARES), and the Frozen Hot Cocoa (Hot Cocoa mix blended with Milk and Ice, topped with Whipped Cream and Mini Chocolate Chips).

    Disneyland Summer Cold Treats Ghirardelli Sundae
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    Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream

    Named after the charming Clarabelle Cow, this classic spot in California Adventure is perfect when you’re in the mood for something cold and customizable. Grab a scoop (or two!) of your favorite ice cream flavor, pick a pop for an ice cream float, or get creative with a hand-dipped ice cream bar. So many delicious choices are guaranteed to make you smile. Try an Ice Cream Float (Two Scoops of Vanilla Ice Cream with your choice of beverage) or a Hand-dipped Ice Cream Bar (Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Bar with your choice of Chocolate Coating and Topping).

    Disneyland Summer Cold Treats Clarabelle's Ice Cream
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    Cozy Cone Motel 2 – Ice Cream Cones

    Soft serve is a summertime staple, and the Cozy Cone Motel in Cars Land serves it up perfectly. Choose chocolate or vanilla – or swirl them for the best of both worlds! The friendly cast members will serve it in a cup or cone, and the walk-up windows mean you can grab it and get back to your day of fun in no time. Simple, quick, and delicious: Vanilla Soft Serve or Chocolate Soft Serve.

    Disneyland Summer Cold Treats Cozy Cone Soft Serve
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    Frozen Treats

    Looking for something a little lighter than a creamy scoop or cone? As summer heats up, these frosty finds across Disneyland Resort are ideal for an afternoon cool-down or an evening treat.

    Bengal Barbecue

    Bengal Barbecue is famous for its flavorful skewers, but did you know they also have an amazing selection of frozen drinks? Whether you love boba, fresh fruity flavors, or even a hint of spice, these slushies will keep you feeling refreshed and ready for your next Adventureland mission. Don’t miss the Thai Tea Slushy (with Brown Sugar Spheres and Cold Foam), the Jungle Julep (a refreshing slush of Pineapple, Orange, Grape, and Lemon Juices), or the Tropical Slushy (Passion Fruit, Orange, Guava and Lychee Syrup, with a Chile-Lime Rim).

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    The Tropical Hideaway

    For many, a day at Disneyland isn’t complete without a DOLE Whip. The Tropical Hideaway in Adventureland is your essential stop! Pineapple is the classic flavor, of course, but the menu now includes peach and strawberry, all swirled to perfection. Order it as a float for an extra refreshing option – you can’t go wrong with any of these tasty treats. My picks: DOLE Whip (Soft Serve with your choice of Strawberry, Pineapple, or Peach flavor) or a DOLE Whip Float (DOLE Pineapple Juice topped with DOLE Whip Pineapple Soft Serve).

    Disneyland Summer Cold Treats Black Caf Slush
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    Kat Saka’s Kettle

    The Cold Brew Black Caf is probably the most photographed Disneyland treat on my phone! This beloved drink recently got a slushy makeover, now with chocolate cookie crumbles and a chocolate sweet cream topper – perfect for warm weather. Need an early morning boost before joining The Mandalorian and Grogu on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, or a midday pick-me-up to explore Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge? This drink helps you do it all! Grab the Black Caf Slushy (Cold Brew Slushy, Chocolate Cookie Sweet Cream, Crème-filled Chocolate Cookie Crumbles).

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    Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats

    My absolute favorite cold treats at Disneyland are at Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats, right on the picturesque Pixar Pier in California Adventure. They offer fantastic plant-based options if you’re looking for non-dairy desserts, with silky swirls of Lemon, Mango, Raspberry, and Blue Raspberry that look as good as they taste. They’re picture-perfect for social media, and even better for keeping you cool. Try the Pixar Pier Frosty Parfait (with your choice of Non-Dairy Lemon, Mango or Raspberry Soft Serve with Blue Raspberry Swirl), It’s Snow Capped Lemon! (Non-Dairy Soft Serve Topped with White Chocolate), or It’s a Flight! (Non-Dairy Lemon, Raspberry, and Mango Soft Serve Flight).

    Disneyland Summer Cold Treats Schmoozies Smoothies
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    Schmoozies!

    Schmoozies! in California Adventure is famous for its Mickey-shaped waffles and incredible milkshakes, but you’ll also find blended beverages here that refresh the whole family. Start your morning with a fresh fruit smoothie for a tropical kick, or get an energy boost with a luxurious blended mocha. Favorites include the Mangonada Smoothie (Mangos, Bananas and Peaches blended with Pineapple and Guava Juices, finished with sweet Chamoy, Chile-Lime Seasoning and a Mango-Chile Lollipop), the Strawberry Banana Sensation (Strawberries, Banana, and Lowfat Yogurt blended with Strawberry-Pineapple Juice), and Make Mine Mocha (Cold Brew Blended with Chocolate Sauce and Vanilla Ice Cream topped with Whipped Cream).

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    Cold Brews and Chilled Beverages

    These bold brews and chilled creations are your best companions for a full day of park-hopping, keeping you energized and totally refreshed, especially under the summer sun.

    Disneyland Summer Cold Treats Pym Test Kitchen Cold Brew

    Pym Test Kitchen

    Whenever I’m on a heroic mission in Avengers Campus, I make sure to refuel at Pym Test Kitchen! They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus a seasonal selection of chilled drinks with innovative twists. Whether you’re a cold brew fanatic trying every variety across the resort or prefer a sweet and fruity drink, you’ll love these picks. Consider the Experiment 7290: Cookies & Cream Cold Brew (Chocolate Cookie Cold Brew with Sweet Cold Foam) or the Proton Punch (Lemonade, Berry Purée, Cherry Flavor-filled Boba and Grenadine-filled Pipette).

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    Maurice’s Treats

    Maurice’s Treats in Disneyland Park isn’t just home to the now-famous Garlic Cheesy Pretzel Bread; they also have some standout drinks. The Boysen Apple Freeze pairs perfectly with treats like the chocolate croissant cookie or that warm, cheese-filled pretzel. Plus, they often feature a fun flavored cold brew for that much-needed boost between snacks! Don’t miss the Tiramisù Nitro Cold Brew (Nitro Cold Brew with Dark Chocolate Syrup, topped with Tiramisù Cream) or the Boysen Apple Freeze.

    Disneyland Summer Cold Treats Mint Julep Float
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    Royal Street Veranda

    A Mint Julep from Royal Street Veranda is my go-to drink on a sunny summer day at Disneyland Park. The lime and mint combo in this chilled concoction is pure perfection. You can even elevate it with a float version that includes scoops of bright, refreshing mango sorbet! Try the New Orleans Mint Julep (A Refreshing Mint Drink with a hint of Lime Flavor) or the New Orleans Mint Julep Float (Mango Sorbet topped with Mint Julep).

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    Troubadour Tavern

    As you head towards the Fantasyland Theatre for some fun with Bluey and Bingo, you’ll spot Troubadour Tavern. Their Bluey-themed menu includes delightful drinks, from a rich coffee and chocolate blend to a refreshing tropical taste. The cute colors and playful toppings make these drinks perfect for sharing your story on social media. Check out the Mud Cake Cold Brew (Joffrey’s Coffee French Roast Cold Brew with a malted milk topper, fudge brownie bits, and sprinkles) or the Lime Ice Block Drink (Pineapple limeade with coconut milk and watermelon ice block).

    Disneyland Summer Cold Treats Watermelon Lemonade
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    Café Daisy

    If you’re heading to Café Daisy in Toontown for a Pepperoni Pizza Flop-Over or some Daisy’s Goody-Goody Donuts, you’ll find some of my favorite cold drinks there too, perfect for a breezy break. With sweet syrups, tart zero sugar lemonade or tasty iced tea, and colorful gummy toppings, these are ideal for the kids – or anyone young at heart! Favorites include the Picnic Time Watermelon Lemonade (Minute Maid Zero Sugar Lemonade with Watermelon Premium Syrup and Watermelon Gummies) and The Miss Daisy (Minute Maid Zero Sugar Lemonade and Blue Cotton Candy Syrup, topped with Blue Raspberry Gummy Rings).

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    Milk Stand

    Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge truly transports you to another galaxy, and sipping Batuu’s legendary blue or pink frozen treat just completes the immersion this summer. Found at the iconic Milk Stand, this plant-based milk beverage is a lighter choice for those extra hot days. Which fruity flavor will you choose? The Pink Milk (Plant-based Rice Milk blend with sweet and fruity characteristics) or the Blue Milk (Plant-based blend of Coconut and Rice Milk with alluring fruity characteristics)?

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    No matter where your Disneyland adventure takes you, a refreshing treat is always nearby. Staying cool has never been this delicious!

    Max

    Max (aka Maxence P.) is the founder and director of "DLP Welcome," a media outlet where he also serves as manager and content creator. He brings over 15 years of expertise in the leisure industry—developed both professionally and personally—having visited more than 80 theme parks across three continents.
    10 mins