Feeding Our Family at Disneyland - Rides and Sweets Treats

A Disney trip just isn't complete without a few sugary goodies and we definitely found our share of desserts. I don't talk much about desserts on this blog, but Henry wanted to make sure we included his favorite Disney treats, as well as his top ride recommendations for preschoolers.

Disneyland covers 85 acres and California Adventure is another 72 acres so we were definitely tired at the end of each day. Nana's pedometer showed that we logged 8-10 miles per day. After spending all day walking through the parks, it was enjoyable to end each day with a special sweet. Some we shared, and others Henry got to eat on his own.

Researching Disney Desserts

Before we left for our trip, I purchased Going to Disneyland - A Guide for Kids & Kids at Heart by Shannon Willis Laskey. This helpful guidebook is a fun resource for children and families traveling to Disneyland. It details all of the attractions and eating options inside the park. It has fun activities, trivia, signature pages, and writing prompts for kids to rate their favorite things. The book also has a list of the top Disneyland goodies. On the plane ride south, Henry chose the two he would most like to try: Mint Julep and Tigger Tail.

Disney California Adventure Park - Rides and Treats

Henry sharing popcorn on the pier with Nana and Granddad.

On our first day in the Disney California Adventure Park, Henry shared a bag of popcorn with his Nana and Granddad on the boardwalk near one of our family's favorite rides, Toy Story Midway Mania. 

Ready to hit the targets in Toy Story Midway Mania.

At the end of the day, Henry and I ordered a churro in Paradise Pier near the Golden Zephyr. The fried dough is dipped in cinnamon and sugar, then served warm from food carts throughout the park. This was one of Henry's top dessert picks.

The Golden Zephyr had some of the shortest wait times, but it was the ride Henry wanted to repeat again and again.

Our second day in the Disney California Adventure Park was very warm weather. After a long afternoon of walking, Henry, Daddy and I shared a Hand-Dipped Ice Cream Bar from Clarabelle's. The menu at this ice cream shop is filled with an assortment of cold desserts including design-your-own ice cream bars. We chose vanilla ice cream with a dark chocolate coating and Mickey-shaped rainbow sprinkles. It was good to take a break relaxing at a shady table and listening to the peppy songs of the Red Car Trolley News Boys.

Disneyland - Rides and Treats
On our first evening in Disneyland, we stopped at the Jolly Holiday Bakery on our way out of the park. Henry selected a Mickey lemon shortbread cookie. He could only eat about half of the cookie before deciding he was full.

Ready for a treat after a busy day at Disneyland.

On our second day at the park, we dined at Cafe Orleans. Read about our dinner here. Along with our meal, I ordered a Mint Julep. Henry preferred apple juice over this non-alcoholic lime/lemonade drink.

Henry's second journey on Star Tours.

On our final evening in the park, we returned to Tomorrowland for two of Henry's top rides: Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blasters and Star Tours. Then we walked to the northernmost section of the park to check out Mickey's Toon Town where Henry found a new favorite ride, Gadget's Go Coaster.

Ready for another ride on Gadget's Go Coaster.

On the way from Mickey's Toon Town back toward the park exit, we tried to find a churros cart, but they were all closed for the night. Instead, we ended the evening with a stop on Main Street at the Candy Palace and Penny Arcade. As the name suggests, this shop is all about treats. The glowing display cases were overflowing with sugary delights. 

Picking out a treat from the impressive display at the Candy Palace.

We weren't able to find a Tigger Tail, but the Candy Palace offered the same type of caramel marshmallow wands covered in chocolate in the shapes of Caterpillars and Chesire Cat Tails. Henry was so excited for the marshmallow caterpillar with its jellybean feet and licorice antennae, while Daddy and I opted to share a piece of English Toffee instead.

Henry admiring his marshmallow caterpillar.

The Caterpillar Wand was Henry's favorite Disney dessert, but he was only able to eat about a third of it before declaring that it was too much for his tummy.

This is the fourth and final installment in a series about our family's Disneyland vacation. See Henry's breakfast recommendations in the first post. Read about our family's favorite lunches and dinners in the Downtown Disney District here. And found out about our meals inside Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park here.

HENRY'S DISNEY HIGHLIGHTS
Favorite Breakfast: Tangaroa Terrace
Favorite Lunch: Flo's V8 Cafe
Favorite Dinner: Tortilla Jo's
Favorite Treat: Marshmallow Caterpillar Wand
Favorite Disneyland Rides: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blasters, Star Tours, Gadget's Go Coaster
Favorite California Adventure Park Rides: Radiator Springs Racers, Mater's Junkyard Jamboree, Luigi's Rollickin Roadsters, Toy Story Midway Mania, Golden Zephyr
Favorite Disney Characters: Goofy, Stitch and Donald Duck

Meeting Goofy at the Disneyland Hotel