The Top 5 Places to Get Ice Cream at Walt Disney World

(1) Ghirardelli's at Downtown Disney. Ghirardelli is famous for their chocolates, but it isn't too much of a surprise to find that their ice cream is just as delicious. The ice cream parlor in Ghirardelli's at Downtown Disney has something for everyone, from waffle cones to banana splits to sundaes that are meant to be eaten by at least six people! It gets crowded in the evening, as people wander over to Downtown Disney after the parks have closed, but don't let the long lines deter you. They move fast and you'll have your ice cream before you know it. Seating is an issue, however, so if there's more than just you in your party, you should send someone out to scout for a table while you order up some ice cream goodness.

(2) The Plaza Ice Cream Parlor in Main Street, U.S.A., at the Magic Kingdom. The Plaza Ice Cream Parlor is tucked all the way at the end of Main Street, U.S.A., but you shouldn't be too worried about being able to find it. You'll smell the freshly baked waffle cones long before you get to this quaint and sunny little ice cream shop. The end of the night is the really busy time for this eatery, because people like to grab ice cream either as they head out of the parks or as they sit and wait for the fireworks. However, the best time to get ice cream is in the afternoon, a few hours after lunch and at least an hour before dinner. The day is at its hottest then and lines are at their longest, so grab a sundae, kick back at a table, and wait for things to cool off a little. Just don't follow your ice cream with a trip around Big Thunder Mountain!

(3) Beaches and Cream at Disney's Beach Club Resort. Beaches and Cream is the most popular place to get ice cream at any of the Disney resorts, because their menu is fun and fairly extensive. They have a nice list of signature sundaes, including The Kitchen Sink, which is made with eight scoops of ice cream and all the fixings. There isn't a lot to do at the Beach Club resort if you aren't staying there, but it's just a short walk from Disney's Boardwalk, which makes Beaches and Cream worth a special trip.

(4) Seashore Sweets at Disney's Boardwalk. Seashore Sweets is right on Disney's Boardwalk, but it's a little less popular than Beaches and Cream because it doesn't have the same special sundaes. However, this is a cute little spot to grab a cone and there are a couple of tables outside which are prime spots for people watching, especially in the evenings. If you're looking for something to go as you walk around, try one of their delicious milkshakes instead. They're yummy and portable, so they can't be beat!

(5) The ice cream carts at all four theme parks. Last, but not least, you can get ice cream at the vendors carts scattered throughout all four of Disney's theme parks. These carts are the home of the famous Mickey ice cream bars, which are chocolate dipped vanilla ice cream in the shape of Mickey's head. Although it's not ice cream, the chocolate dipped bananas are actually the most popular dessert ordered (maybe because you can fool yourself into thinking they're healthy?). In fact, those bananas are a great choice because the potassium will keep your legs from cramping up, which could be vital if you'll be on foot all day.