My Favorite Cool Summer Treats in Orlando

After another cold and barren winter season in Cleveland, I am currently in the process of planning another summer trip to Universal Studios, one of my favorite vacation destinations. Last summer, I visited the new Epic theme park about a week after opening. Inside the Super Nintendo World portion of the park, I enjoyed this fabulous tropical summery drink called a DK Splash. It was such a nice cool treat on a brutally hot summer afternoon.

It got me thinking about all the incredible cool treats you can enjoy at any of Orlando’s great parks. Part of the fun of planning a vacation here is splurging on things we otherwise would otherwise skip out on. Really, when you are clocking in 10-11 miles a day walking in the hot sun, we could use a few extra calories to keep is going between the parks. It’s crazy to think that we walked more than a full marathon in just a few days.

Although I don’t have a big sweet tooth, one of the few times I treat myself to something cool and refreshing is when walking around a hot theme park on a 90+ degree humid day. Here’s some of my favorite splurges which I recommend enjoying on your next summer visit.

Butterbeer

Location: Universal Studios & Islands of Adventures

First off, Universal is the best park in my opinion. Both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure are top notch theme parks and even better than Disney in my experience. If you haven’t been here yet, what are your waiting for? My favorite section of the park is Diagon Alley in the fabulous Wizarding World of Harry Potter. They did such an amazing job recreating the Harry Potter experience, down to every detail from both the books and movies.

I can’t believe it took me so many trips (at least 10) before I finally caved in and purchased a butterbeer. I had heard from so many people that they are so good and I have seen all the copycat recipes, but never really had any motivation to try one.

That is until one of my recent visits where the heat index soared into the high 90’s. It was sticky, humid, and we were tired from waiting in line for hours at a time in the brutal sunshine. I decided to try one of the frozen butterbeers and I couldn’t believe how tasty it was – it basically tastes like a cream soda slushie.

Each day of my trip, I treated myself to this same frosty cream soda/ butterscotch drink. There is no alcohol in it, so even kids can enjoy! I also tested some of the regular butterbeer, but I prefer the frosty version. Mike loves the pumpkin juice which you can also find throughout the parks.

You can find butterbeer stands throughout Diagon Alley (Universal) and Hogsmeade (Islands of Adventure). They also serve it in various restaurants including The Three Broomsticks and the Leaky Cauldron. You can order your drink in a specialty souvenir glass and even order it hot in both of these cafes. Next on my list is trying the Butterbeer ice cream at Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour!

You can check out my comprehensive guide to exploring everything Harry Potter where I detail the best rides, shows, attractions, and more.

DK Crush Float

Location: Donkey Kong Country inside Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe

Last summer (right after Epic opened), I spent a long and very hot afternoon exploring Super Nintendo World. In my book, this is the best section of this new park. As an old-school video gamer who absolutely loves the retro Nintendo system (esp Super Mario 1-3), I really loved the attention to detail here. There is so much nostalgia and fun photos opps everywhere. If you grew up playing these games in the 90’s, I think you will love this section just like I did.

After spending hours in line to get on the Mine Cart ride (a large part of the queue is outside in the hot sun), we were looking for a cool down. I went over to a stand called The Bubbly Barrel and ordered this delicious DK Crush float in the cutest souvenir glass (see pic above).

The base for this drink is delicious banana pineapple flavored Dole Whip which is topped with toffee and caramel popcorn pieces and pineapple flavored Fanta soda, all served in a waffle bowl. I am not typically big on anything pineapple flavored but boy was this a treat on an excruciating hot day.

Spoiler: A summer trip is going to be miserable no matter how many cool treats and water rides you enjoy. Unfortunately, there are basically no water rides at Epic and little shade. Islands of Adventure is the best park during the summer months. I wrote a guide on how to stay cool over the summer season to help you out a bit.

Chocolate Brownie Bark Sundae

Location: Toothsome Chocolate Emporium restaurant at CityWalk

Almost everyone who has visited the theme parks has headed to Citywalk after closing at one point. It’s so convenient to simply stroll over here after a long day and see familiar restaurant chains like Hard Rock and Margaritaville. You can really kick back and relax after putting in a long of steps (on my last trip, I clocked in almost 30,000 steps in one day!). On really hot days, we sometimes come over here mid afternoon for a break.

For a recent birthday trip, we wanted to try something different. We had passed this big factory looking restaurant called Toothsome Chocolate Emporium on many occasions so we decided to check it out.

This place is quite unique in that even the regular menu has a few chocolate surprises. You’ll find everything from warm chocolate almond bread to a truffled brie fondue served with chocolate almond bread crostini.

Everyone really comes here for the desserts though. Their decadent selections of truffles and specialty milkshakes hit you as soon as you enter the door and it’s hard to keep walking.

We were more interested in their sundae menu which includes everything from Apple Pie to S’mores and even Strawberry shortcake. After much debating, our table went with the Chocolate Brownie Bark. This indulgent mix included chocolate brownies, ice cream, sprinkles, sauce, and even whipped topping. So good and so worth the calories!

I recommend taking a look at my Citywalk guide for more dining & entertainment options long after the parks close.

Kheer (Rice pudding)

Location: Sanaa restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort

Sanaa is an awesome restaurant if you looking for something more on the exotic side. It’s located inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, but you can still make a reservation even if you are not staying on-site. The menu here is inspired by the flavors of India and Africa so there are some interesting choices to consider. It’s one of the best choices if you are seeking an allergy friendly menu due to the many vegetarian and GF entrees and apps.

You can check out my full review, but I really love the Indian Bread Service (Naan bread with 9 dipping sauces) and the veggie curry. If you are looking for one of the best sweet treats in Disney, you cannot go wrong with the amazing Kheer. Their version of rice pudding is made using a really delicious and creamy coconut base.

Fruity Pebble Pancakes

Location: At the Diner

There are a lot of great independent restaurants throughout the metro, unfortunately I typically pass them over because I want to get to the parks right when they open. When I lived in Tampa a few years back, I took many daytrips to the area and explored more of the unique side of the metro. This included dining at a lot of local restaurants. Now, when I plan my trips, I usually schedule a day or 2 to hang around the resort or check out local attractions. This gives me a break from standing in long ride queues and also from the dizzying motion simulator rides.

One restaurant that Mike in particular loved was At the Diner. This is a sweet lover’s dream brunch destination. They offer all sorts of crazy french toast, waffle, and pancake creations. I’ve seen Stuffed Nutty Banana French toast, Dubai chocolate stuffed waffles, and white macadamia pancakes on the menu recently.

With everything being over-the-top in this touristy region, you might as well go crazy at breakfast too. Recently, Mike tried out some pretty unique Fruity Pebbles pancakes. I am sure they are loaded with sugar, but then again we were getting in ten times as much exercise as usual so it all evened out.

Sweet Toast

Location: CFS coffee shop

CFS ask “Coffee for the Soul” is an excellent independent coffeeshop with numerous locations around the city. I love hanging out at indie coffee shops no matter where I live or travel and this is my favorite in this city.

The pretty presentation and high quality Colombian coffee alone draw me back again and again. And so does the healthy menu. While most breakfast places serve so much unhealthy fried and heavy sugar based entrees, this place truly is an exception. Everything is fresh, healthy, and perfect for the hot climate.

You can order acai bowls, smoothies, yucca waffles, yogurt parfaits, and even protein pancakes here. But my ultimate favorite entree on their menu is the Sweet Toast, which I now make for breakfast myself several times a week. It’s a simple healthy and filling breakfast – 2 pieces of multigrain toast topped with Nutella or peanut butter, fresh berries, almonds, chia seeds, and coconut shreds. It’s filling, delicious, and the perfect choice for any vegetarians out there.

More to Know:

Dole Whip is served throughout the Disney parks if you are looking for a quick cool down. This vegan treat is available in pineapple, vanilla, and swirl.

There is a Coldstone Creamery at Citywalk.

Chill Ice Cream in the Marvel section of Islands of Adventure serves Haagen Daaz ice cream. You can enjoy milkshakes, floats, and sundaes. While you are over here, don’t forget about an oldie but a goodie, the amazing Hulk coaster!

At Hop on Pop in the Seuss Landing section of Islands of Adventure, you can enjoy their trademark Sundae on a Stick, as well as brownie sundaes with vanilla ice cream and waffle cones.

Storybook treats at the Magic Kingdom is a fairy tale themed ice cream shop serving hot fudge sundaes, floats, and soft serve ice cream.

In Disney’s Hollywood Studios, a Mickey brownie sundae as well as hand dipped ice cream. They also offer low fat and no sugar added vanilla, so this is a good treat for those on a special diet.

These are just a few additional options. There are many treats throughout both parks. Check the WDW dining page and Universal’s dining guide for more details.