February is National Chocolate Month. Since I'm a chocoholic and a bit of a Disney aficionado—or maybe a Disneyholic and chocolate aficionado—why not combine the two? Whether you're visiting the Resort solo, with a significant other, or with your goofy group of friends, there is chocolate to be found for everyone.
Chocolate for One
The beauty of going solo at a Disney park is you can eat what you want, when you want it, and as much as you want. Disneyland Resort carries a plethora of chocolate creations skewered for easy eating and portability.
Please, no drooling on the glass case as you survey the decadent chocolate marshmallow wands. Photo by Lisa Stiglic.
The Mickey-shaped krispies are decorated with chocolate candies and topped with a drizzle of more chocolate. Photo by Lisa Stiglic.
Another trending “item on a stick” is the dark-chocolate-covered pineapple spear, usually available later in the day when you inquire. Pick-up your pineapple pop and the rest of the tasty transportable treats at Marceline's Confectionary in Downtown Disney District, Disneyland's Candy Palace and Candy Kitchen on Main Street, Pooh Corner n Disneyland, or at Trolley Treats in Disney California Adventure on Buena Vista Street.
Even though National Ice Cream Month isn't until July, I need to mention the chocolatey, ice cream desserts to take on-the-go. Stop at any of the ice cream carts on property for your choice of a chocolate-dipped Mickey Mouse ice cream bar, or savor a frozen treat of vanilla ice cream sandwiched between dark chocolate Mickey cookies. If you don't mind waiting for your icy concoction, I always recommend Clarabelle's Hand Scooped Ice Cream next to Trolley Treats.
Guests can choose vanilla or chocolate ice cream dipped in milk or dark chocolate and topped off with more chocolate! Photo by Lisa Stiglic.
Treats for Two
Of course if you're with someone else, any of the portable foods are perfect when you're running to the Space Mountain Fastpass queue or trying to make the next showtime of Frozen–Live at the Hyperion. However, if you have some time and want to share some delectable delights with a sidekick, grab two spoons and indulge.
If you're a s'mores kind of person, you can easily forgo the campfire by stopping in at Smokejumpers Grill in Disney California Adventure and ordering the “S'more.” I would highly recommend sharing this dessert as it is sweet. There are lots of layers to love including the toasted marshmallow, but only the outside was charred, which I found a bit disappointing. (Note to Disney: a cold marshmallow is not a s'more). Still overall, this was a chocolate fix enough for two.
This tower of tastiness layers graham crackers spread with chocolate ganache, semi-toasted marshmallow, and chocolate pieces, and is topped with a white chocolate Smokejumpers Grill candy piece. Photo by Lisa Stiglic.
For more s'mores, Hearthstone Lounge in Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and Spa has a chocolate cake and s'mores dessert. Rich, decadent, and full of chocolately goodness, this pleasure definitely needs two forks for consumption.
Ask for the dessert menu when you visit Hearthstone Lounge to order this updated campfire treat. Photo courtesy of Brandie Elizarraras.
if you're celebrating a special occasion with your bestie, Disneyland Hotel's Steakhouse 55 has just the chocolate decadence for you—the 24-layer chocolate cake. Layer upon layer of chocolate sponge cake, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and Nutella, creates a chocoholic's paradise all served with a side of mint chocolate chip gelato.
And what would a chocolate article be without a mention of Ghirardelli's Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop? I mean, chocolate is in the title. Between the world-famous hot fudge sundaes and the iconic Ghirardelli chocolate squares, you and your significant other can indulge in chocolate treasures.
Plenty to Go Around
When you're with your group doing your Disney thing at the Resort, your agenda is fast and full as you try to hit every attraction and entertainment event on your schedule. There's no need to worry as there are plenty of chocolate opportunities for multiple guests to savor while checking off the to-do list at the parks.
Stop in at one of the candy shops/bakeries aforementioned for a package of homemade fudge. Both chocolate and chocolate mint are available for savoring, and the six-piece pack will last you all day. While in the candy shops, pick up a bag of the foil-wrapped chocolate candy coins to share with friends as you wait in line for Soarin' Over the World or standing by for the parade to commence.
The foil-wrapped coins are available in favorite classic Disney characters or Disney princesses. Photo by Lisa Stiglic.
The perfect spot to break while land-hopping is Disneyland's Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe. With so many decadent delights, it's best to share with several people; the options are limitless, from a flourless dark chocolate cake, a sweet and tart chocolate raspberry cupcake, a mouthwatering chocolate mousse brownie, or a rich and chocolatey eclair.
I went for the tasty Black Forest Bundt cake which was filled with a chocolate mousse and black cherries. Photo by Lisa Stiglic.
If you still need your chocolate fix but are on your way out, head to Downtown Disney District for two delicious options.
Sprinkles Cupcakes offers up several varieties of chocolate cupcakes made with rich, Belgian chocolate. Photo by Lisa Stiglic.
For a more celebratory chocolate indulgence, Rainforest Cafe presents the Sparkling Volcano dessert. This is definitely a group effort as you'll get brownies, ice cream, chocolate and caramel sauces, all topped with a gigantic pile of whipped cream and a sparkler. Dig in!
As you can see, chocolate is celebrated every day at Disneyland Resort—not just during National Chocolate Month. Take your own chocolate tour of the Resort to find more confectionary creations to savor solo or with your Mickey mob. Meanwhile, mark your calendars for June, which is National Donut Month. Churros, I'm coming for you.
