What is Dole Whip at Walt Disney World?

If you talk to a Disney parks fan and ask them for a snack recommendation, they are all going to tell you “You have to try a Dole Whip”

So what’s all the fuss?  What IS a Dole Whip?  Why is it one of the most popular treats?

Dole Whip is a soft serve frozen dessert that was created by the Dole Food Company in 1984.  This dairy free treat is available in many of the Disney Parks, on Disney Cruise Line and even in Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii.

Just how “good” is a Dole Whip?

Well of course it’s all subjective and you can’t just take my word for it – but it really is the most refreshing treat on a hot day.  The problem with describing it is that there are so many different ‘variations’ of dole whip flavors now in Walt Disney World alone!

Classic Dole Whip

First there is the traditional – the classic pineapple dole whip.  THIS is the one I always recommend to people.  My favourite spots to get it is at Aloha Isle in the Magic Kingdom (next to the Enchanted Tiki Room) or at Pineapple Lanai at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.  This classic treat is like a soft serve ice cream that is pineapple in flavor.  Some people have told me it’s a “lot” of pineapple, but I don’t find it overpowering and when I get a dole whip cup it’s just the perfect amount for me.

The other traditional version of a dole whip is the float.  The Pineapple Float is Pineapple Juice served with choice of Dole Whip Pineapple, Vanilla or Swirl.  I can’t comment on this one because as much as my friends say I HAVE to try it, I always revert to my classic favorite!

Also at the Magic Kingdom Park the Sunshine Tree Terrace serves a Dole Whip Orange Cup.  This makes sense since the Sunshine Tree Terrace is all about Orange Bird.  You can also get the famous Citrus Swirl here.

Dole Whip with Vanilla Swirl

There can be some pretty long lines for this tasty treat, especially in the Magic Kingdom.

Now if you’re visiting Disney Springs, you can’t miss Swirls on the Water.  This little booth has all things Dole Whip including cool floats, “soft-surfed” cups and dessert nachos.  If you can’t decide – try the Dole Whip flight, it’s a trio of delicious flavors.

Visiting the water parks?  Well, check out Snack Shack at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon for some fun treats.  You can get a Dole Whip Bathtub Sundae that includes Green Matcha Tea Soft-serve.  The Warming Hut at Blizzard Beach has a Dole Whip Orange Waffle Cone that is perfect on a hot day

You can get an adult version of a Dole Whip with alcohol in many different places within the gates of Walt Disney World.  Here are some examples:

Pineapple Lanai has Dole Whip with Rum Floater (Parrot Bay Coconut Rum)

Tamu Tamu Refreshments in Disney’s Animal Kingdom has the traditional Pineapple Cup, Pineapple Orange Soda Float and adding alcohol they have a Dole Whip Pineapple Hard Cider Float

Barefoot Pool Bar at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort has a lime Frozen Margarita that is Corazón Blanco Tequila blended with Dole Whip Lime and Chili-Lime Seasoning

Wine Bar George at Disney Springs has a couple of different drinks – one of them being the Frozcato made with pineapple Dole Whip (Moscato / Vodka / Pineapple)

Boardwalk Joe’s Marvelous Margaritas has a Dole Whip Smoothie, but despite the location it doesn’t have alcohol

I have tried a few different alcohol ones and I have to say, I want to say “don’t fix what isn’t broken”.  I feel like the alcohol overpowers it, but that’s just my thoughts.

As Dole Whip continues to gain popularity, there seems to be a new kind or variation introduced all the time at Walt Disney World theme parks.  I was hesitant to call out too many specific ones because they change so often.  I could have titled this the “many flavors of dole whip”.  There has even been a Dole Whip cupcake!

I would always recommend trying the classic dole whip on your Disney vacation.  If you like it you can try the other seasonal flavors.

Have you tried any of them?  Which one was your favorite?