Disney has tons decadent desserts, savory snacks, and wonderful entrees for Halloween 2024 at Disneyland and California Journey. Within the identify of analysis, we taste-tested many of those to scientifically decide that are one of the best. It took lots of consuming across the parks, however we’re sharing our favorites on this publish.
Whereas we joke about this being “analysis,” it’s really one of many issues we love most about Disneyland Resort. The frequent seasonal menu updates and particular gadgets give us an excuse to go to eating places and snack stands we usually skip, and we really feel compelled to attempt something new on Disneyland’s menus–particularly at Halloween and Christmas.
That’s harder than ever for Halloween 2024. “Sadly,” Disneyland has outdone itself this yr, with over 100 dishes, drinks, and desserts for spook season. It’s actually not possible for us to attempt all of them, so we’ve as a substitute targeted on probably the most promising new additions for this checklist. On the finish, we’ll additionally share some gadgets we haven’t but been in a position to attempt however which might be on our radar for updates to this work-in-progress checklist of one of the best Halloween 2024 meals at Disneyland.
In fact, snacking is only one small element of the autumn season at Disneyland. From Haunted Mansion Vacation to the Halloween Screams Fireworks, there’s a ton to see and do that time of yr within the parks. Ensure to learn our Final Information to Halloween Time at Disneyland to get probably the most out of this superior season within the parks!
Throughout the Esplanade at Disney California Journey, there’s arguably much more occurring. Buena Vista Avenue is decked out in Nightmare Earlier than Christmas decor and Vehicles Land has an amusingly intelligent Halloween overhaul as soon as once more. Again in Paradise Backyard’s Plaza de la Familia, there’s an underrated celebration impressed by Pixar’s Coco that options dwell leisure and far more. DCA additionally has a trip overlay each evening as soon as the solar goes down, when Guardians of the Galaxy — Monsters After Darkish replaces the common Mission Breakout. This implies you may expertise two variations of this attraction in the identical day.
Lastly, there’s Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Social gathering. This tough ticket occasion is arguably the main Halloween providing, which is in its fifth yr in 2024. In fact, this isn’t actually related for a meals checklist, so try our Information to Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Social gathering for more information.
On the meals entrance, what we’re actually completely happy to see for Halloween 2024 is many extra savory snacks and fully-fledged entrees or counter service dishes. One in all our largest complaints has been that the seasonal menus are too dessert-heavy, with loads of candy treats however not sufficient savory choices to stability issues out. The entrees that had been out there prior to now had been virtually completely at desk service eating places, so it wasn’t precisely simple to seize these whereas touring the parks. That’s not the case this yr–numerous nice candy and savory choices in all places!
The opposite large change is {that a} disproportionate variety of the intriguing new dishes are at Disneyland as a substitute of DCA. We view this as one other constructive change, as Disney California Journey has had the far superior seasonal menus for some time. Disneyland is simply lastly enjoying catch-up. The tip result’s that you could have a “balanced” Halloween Meals Crawl at Disneyland and Disney California Journey. Or, you may simply go wild consuming a bunch of Halloween desserts!
With that preface out of the best way, let’s flip to one of the best new-for-2024 Halloween meals at Disneyland and Disney California Journey…
We’ll begin at Jolly Vacation Bakery, which is basically a pop-up “Spirit Halloween Snacks Retailer” for decadent desserts through the fall. There are extra Halloween desserts right here than wherever else at Disneyland, and it’s additionally house to a number of the finest snacks.
If you need a one-stop store for all your snacking wants, Jolly Vacation Bakery is it. One afternoon, we did precisely that, having fun with a number of snacks and entrees whereas seated exterior within the shade, having fun with quite a lot of dwell leisure carry out Halloween and Haunted Mansion medleys. It’s a quintessential fall Disneyland expertise.
This checklist of one of the best all-new gadgets, however we’d however be remiss if we didn’t direct your consideration to the Boo-gogi Toasted Sandwich with Corn Cheese Soup. Simply probably the greatest seasonal dishes at Disneyland all yr lengthy, and a must-order to spherical out these desserts.
My favourite fall dessert at Jolly Vacation Bakery is the Hazelnut Brownie Tart with Chocolate Frosting: Hazelnut unfold and brownie filling topped with chocolate frosting and sprinkles.
The pastry is gentle and flaky on the facet, with simply the correct consistency within the heart. The brownie filling is wealthy and decadent, and distinct from the hazelnut unfold on prime, which is generously utilized. That is principally an “grownup” Pop Tart, with prime quality to match.
The one ‘warning’ I’ll give right here is that the Hazelnut Brownie Tart is actually wealthy and heavy. I ended up consuming about 20% of it at Disneyland, after which taking house the rest and consuming it over the course of a pair breakfasts. It might’ve been an excessive amount of to eat on my own in a single sitting–particularly alongside the entire different desserts.
Subsequent up at Jolly Vacation is the Jack-O’-Lantern Mickey Pumpkin Macaron: Pumpkin macaron shell stuffed with caramel buttercream and pumpkin cheesecake.
Jolly Vacation at all times does a seasonal macaron–to not be confused with the Matterhorn Macaroon, which is a distinct dessert that additionally they promote (and is great). That is additionally a departure from the traditional macaron served at Jolly Vacation, which is photogenic however pretty plain.
That is scrumptious, with plenty of layers providing up totally different textures and tastes. The pumpkin taste is pronounced, with the cheesecake and buttercream fillings having noticeably totally different flavors and consistencies that work rather well collectively. I additionally recognize that this has a pleasant fall spice, and doesn’t style overly-artificial (nor does it have a bunch of pretend meals coloring that’ll flip your mouth orange). One other large winner.
Transferring deeper into Disneyland, we arrive at Frontierland’s Rancho del Zocalo. This restaurant serves up quite a lot of seasonal desserts, highlighted by the Mickey-shaped Pumpkin Salted Dulce Cream Puff stuffed with pumpkin mousse and salted dulce de leche. (Exterior on the prime of the publish; cross-section instantly above).
It’s as unbelievable because it seems to be. The candy cream puff can be scrumptious with none filling, however the pumpkin mousse and salted dulce de leche pair completely with it. This dessert is sort of a symphony, with the caramel notes and pumpkin ones coming collectively in concord for the final word dessert “sandwich.” That is merely implausible–our #1 dessert of Halloween 2024 at Disneyland.
Persevering with with Rancho del Zocalo, we’ve the Churro Loops con Cajeta: Fried churro loops tossed with spiced cinnamon sugar and served with cajeta caramel.
Till making an attempt these, I might’ve been tempted to name the Pumpkin Salted Dulce Cream Puff a “churro on steroids.” In actuality, that’s what these are–one of the best churros you’ll have at Disneyland. The standard, taste, and freshness are to this point above what you’ll get at one of many carts–even one of the best ones (that are fairly good–we love Disneyland churros!).
These Churro Loops are like going from common tv to 4K, or from Soarin’ to Avatar Flight of Passage. Don’t even trouble with the opposite Halloween churros. One other must-order.
Rounding out our trio at Rancho, we’ve the Torta Cubana: Breaded Steak, Sliced Ham, Panela Cheese, Jalapeño Mayo, Guacatillo Sauce, Beans, Shredded Lettuce, Tomatoes and Julienne Onions on a Grilled Bolillo.
Actually, this is able to not make the checklist independently had we not already (extremely) beneficial two desserts at Rancho del Zocalo. However if you happen to’re stopping right here anyway and need to make a full meal out of it, we had been pleasantly stunned by the brand new Torta Cubana. The standard is larger than we anticipated based mostly on the outline, and it’s a reasonably satisfying dish.
A little bit of an apart, however we’ve in any other case been considerably underwhelmed with Rancho del Zocalo within the final couple of years. Parts have reduced in size and high quality has gone downhill. It’s nonetheless good–don’t get us flawed–however it was once nice. (We haven’t executed the Fantasmic Eating Bundle but–hopefully that’s higher.)
A superior savory possibility is the Hoopla Wrap over at close by Bengal Barbecue. It is a wild boar sausage with a cucumber-tomato salad and miso aïoli on a grilled lavash.
Bengal Barbecue by no means misses–all the pieces about that is implausible. The wild boar sausage has a definite taste, with out tasting gamey. The salad is refreshing, and the miso aïoli is addictively good. The grilled lavash does the job, holding up even below all these toppings and a beneficiant quantity of sauce. I cherished this.
With that stated, there’s a method that Bengal BBQ truly does miss: costs. What was once one of the best cut price for Disneyland eating has turn out to be one of many worst. This dish is probably probably the most egregious instance of that, costing $14. As a lot as I cherished this and am glad I attempted the Hoopla Wrap, it’s a one and executed this Halloween season as a result of value.
Persevering with over to Fantasyland, the place we checked out just a few new dishes at Pink Rose Taverne. First up, the Autumnal Harvest Flatbread: Roasted butternut squash purée, roasted mushrooms, plant-based feta and roasted diced butternut squash topped with garlic miso sauce and fried sage.
Pink Rose Taverne is one other restaurant that has gone downhill in high quality since its debut a number of years in the past. What was as soon as formidable and envelope-pushing is now pedestrian. The largest exception to that’s within the seasonal dishes, the place the cooks nonetheless appear to be allowed to have some enjoyable.
Nowhere is that extra obvious than within the Autumnal Harvest Flatbread. That is manner higher than it has any proper to be, with high quality on par with one thing you would possibly order at GCH Craftsman Grill. (Heck, it’s virtually Napa Rose appetizer caliber. Not fairly, however shut.) It’s a pleasant medley of stuff from the forest, with a nuanced earthy taste not like something you’ll find at a Disneyland counter service restaurant proper now. Extremely, extremely beneficial–the #1 dish when it comes to ambitiousness.
No go to to Pink Rose Taverne is full with out making an attempt the Gray Stuff. Or, because the case could also be, the Seasonal Stuff. For Halloween 2024, that’s the brand new Enchanted Pumpkin Stuff: Pumpkin mousse with pumpkin cake and apricot marmalade heart topped with inexperienced sprinkles, silver stars, chocolate department, and leaf.
I’m a sucker for the Gray Stuff and for all issues pumpkin. This is a wonderful marriage of the 2. For many who are involved a few pile of mousse being too one-note, that basically isn’t the case right here. The filling gives up differing flavors and textures, all of which work properly collectively. It’s completely totally different than the Gray Stuff at Walt Disney World–and considerably higher.
Oh, we additionally had the Pumpkin Cheesecake Taverne Chilly Brew: Caramel, vanilla and cinnamon chilly brew with pumpkin cheesecake topper (pictured subsequent to the flatbread). That is one among a number of new chilly brews that’s shockingly good and (much less shockingly) very candy. I cherished this, however I couldn’t drink the entire thing myself. It’s an excessive amount of of a sugar rush along with the caffeine. Tastes nice, although!
Saving one of the best for final at Disneyland, we head over to Edelweiss Snacks for the Fantasyland Garlic Tacky Brat: Bratwurst in a tacky garlic pretzel bread.
Expensive reader, I need to confess to some distinctly unpatriotic habits on my behalf. I’ve been having fun with the Tacky Garlic Pretzel Bread at Disneyland for over a yr now, and have uncared for to deliver it to your consideration. (In my protection, I’ve had a ‘Finest Snacks at Disneyland’ publish in my drafts folder for not less than that lengthy, however it retains getting delayed.)
That is an elite-tier Disneyland snack–a pleasant mess of tacky and garlicky goodness that’s manner higher than it seems to be. Pretzel bread is ideal for any such snack, and is able to absorbing lots of butter and cheese. This snack is so good and such a fan-favorite that it has spawned quite a lot of “hacks” on social media (e.g. placing a skewer from Bengal BBQ inside it–which is an A+ advice).
Disneyland has lastly lower out the intermediary and is doing precisely that for you with the brat. Fortunately, it’s a high-quality sausage that tastes implausible (even higher than a Bengal BBQ skewer) and completely at house within the pretzel bread. In case you solely get one Halloween savory snack at Disneyland, make it this.
The Garlic Tacky Brat is unbelievably good, higher than it seems to be or my phrases make it sound. Between this and the Boo-gogi Toasted Sandwich with Corn Cheese Soup, my fall meals within the park are set…and it looks like Disneyland is daring me to have a coronary heart assault this Halloween.
Over at Disney California Journey, we solely have one new dish. Unsurprisingly, it’s in San Fransokyo Sq. at Aunt Cass Cafe–the Taro Bread Pudding. This consists of heat taro and white chocolate bread pudding with whipped cream and boba pearls served with a coconut-vanilla sauce.
The bread pudding right here is at all times various levels of fantastic, and this ranks among the many “excellentest.” The taro provides it a nutty and earthy taste, together with a little bit of chewiness that’s good for bread pudding. I might say it is a ‘again to fundamentals’ bread pudding, with a singular taste but additionally one which isn’t too excessive.
Nothing in opposition to the Upside-down Pineapple Bread Pudding or different latest incarnations of the dessert, however generally toppings get in the best way of the bread pudding goodness versus enhancing it. This does the latter and is an absolute winner because of this. Extremely, extremely beneficial–my #2 Halloween dessert in all of Disneyland.
We solely have one merchandise so removed from inside any of the resorts, and that’s the Gingerbread Pumpkin Cookie on the Grand Californian.
Greater than something, that is to function a PSA that Disneyland gingerbread is absolutely good. Don’t sleep on it. Everybody hypes up the handmade sweet canes, however Disneyland does gingerbread even higher. This must be the hit of the vacation season. For no matter cause (in all probability as a result of it’s wonderful?), the gingerbread is now additionally being offered at Halloween.
Lastly, as famous above, this stays a piece in progress. There are a number of gadgets we nonetheless intend to attempt, however have been unable to to this point as a result of they had been offered out, the road was too lengthy/no Cell Order slots, or we acquired full. That checklist consists of the next:
- Ghost of Anaheim Burger at Galactic Grill in Tomorrowland (Disneyland)
- Blueberry Corn Canine at Little Pink Wagon on Most important Avenue (Disneyland)
- Tangy Apple Mickey-shaped Beignets at Mint Julep Bar in New Orleans Sq. (Disneyland)
- Poison Apple Cake at Plaza Inn on Most important Avenue (Disneyland)
- Maple French Toast Sandwich at Pink Rose Taverne
- Pumpkin Spice Pancakes at River Belle Terrace in Frontierland (Disneyland)
- Utundu Rooster at Tropical Hideaway in Adventureland (Disneyland)
- Spicy Meats Pizza at BoardWalk Pizza & Pasta (DCA)
- Spicy Beef and Mozzarella Corn Canine at Corn Canine Citadel (DCA)
- Mater’s Haul-O-Ween Ube Gentle Serve Cone at Cozy Cone (DCA)
- Garlic Cream Cheese Bread at ODV Carts
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Your Ideas
Which Halloween Time at Disneyland snacks do you take pleasure in? Which of them right here look one of the best to you? Any questions on what else we advocate this yr for the autumn season at Disneyland? Do you agree or disagree with our picks? Any questions we can assist you reply? Listening to your suggestions—even once you disagree with us—is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!