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A trip to the theme park is, at worst, a mini vacation. And one of the best parts of vacation is enjoying treats that are normally off the table at home. From decadent dining to sumptuous snacks, Florida’s theme parks offer a wide variety of temptations.
For me, it’s all about the sweets! A review of all the opportunities to find a sugary stop to satisfy a preference for pastries or a candy craving yielded over 200 opportunities to find a way to enjoy dessert first. Removing the ice cream and other cold creature comforts (it IS still technically winter), I pointed my palate at baked bonanzas and candy collections. Listed below are 7 sensational sweet spots found at the Walt Disney Resort and Universal Orlando Resort.
7. Sprinkles
Gourmet cupcakes, the perfect miniature alternative to a slice of cake, can be found in this Disney Springs location of the world famous cupcake shop. Fantastic flavors like chocolate marshmallow, banana, coconut, red velvet and salty caramel are just a few of the finds on the menu at Sprinkles. Cookies, brownies and ice cream are also available. Joining the Sprinkles perks program earns fans free cupcakes on birthdays and other rewards.
6. Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop
Chocolate lovers visiting Disney Springs can rejoice at the superb selection of world famous chocolates found here. Dark chocolate, peppermint bark, caramel filled chocolate squares and dozens of other delightful flavors are waiting to be discovered. To entice that path to chocolate-driven exploration, visitors to the candy shop side (there is also an ice cream shop) may find a free sample square of the sweet stuff too tempting to pass up.
5. Beverly Hills Boulangerie
I like dropping in here when I visit the Universal Studios theme park in Orlando. Not only are there some totally tempting pastries and cookies on hand, the place is great for a light meal. Located close to the park entrance, a quick stop is easy.
4. Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen
Triple play here! A Candy Foundry (candy shop), Dessert Foundry (milkshake bar) and restaurant are all conveniently tucked under one steampunk themed roof at City Walk. With a wonderful and whimsical variety of chocolates in the candy shop and an over-the-top, sweet selection of shakes, Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen offers everything a chocoholic craves (and they have great meals too).
3. Honeydukes
Originally this magical menagerie of candy and pastries shared space with Zonko’s joke shop when it first opened at Hogsmeade Village as part of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure. Now it is much larger with more temptations. From chocolate frogs, to Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans, the candy alone casts a powerful spell over any sweet tooth. Cauldron cakes, cookies, and various Harry Potter inspired pastries round out the assortment of amazing “accio” worthy wonders.
2. Les Halles Boulangerie
French pastries are legendary. Combine these perfect pastries with champagne (or coffee) and legendary becomes divine. Fruit tarts, croissants, French eclairs and more, including sandwiches, make this bakery a bright spot within the French pavilion at Epcot.
1. Karamell-Küche
In the number one spot because there’s nothing better than freshly made caramel popcorn, still warm in the bag. The salty/sweet treat is a must-have on any trip through the German pavilion of the World Showcase at Epcot. Werther’s also offers a host of heavenly caramel coated and infused confections. The caramel, chocolate crisped rice treat somehow also manages to hitch a ride home with me after a visit, though it doesn’t last long after leaving the park.
BONUS: Voodoo Donut
This infamous donut shop is renowned for over the top circus of circular creations. Featuring 50 fabulous flavors, Voodoo arrives at City Walk this spring! Note: the only reason this pink box powered place of pastry perfection is not included in the selections above is that it isn’t quite open yet.
These tempting treats make visiting theme parks that much more enjoyable. Either as a pick-me-up for a long day or a distraction from the crowds, a satisfied sweet-tooth is assured when visiting any of these 7 sensational sweet snack spot selections.
Is there a place in the parks that holds a sweet spot for your snacking selection needs? Please sugarcoat your comments below.
Source and Images: Universal, Disney, Sprinkles, Michael Gavin
