We’ve recently started a fun new series based on the Food Network’s (very cool) show, The Best Thing I Ever Ate. Due to some keen suggestions from readers, we’re splitting our series up into different sections: breakfast, appetizers & side dishes, snacks & drinks, entrees (lunch & dinner), and desserts.

Today, we’re taking a look at Snacks & Drinks! I’ve done my favorite brand of informal polling (i.e. posted questions on twitter and facebook 😉 ) to find out others’ experiences of the “Best Thing They Ever Ate” — snacks and drinks style — in Disney parks and resorts. To be sure, the answers sounded veeeery similar to our recent post about the Best Value for your Snack Credits, but we had a few different ideas as well!

Snacks

Who doesn’t indulge a bit with some of the great snacks available on a trip to Disney? Here are a few of the favorites, as determined by Disney Food Blog readers:

Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar

Sometimes there’s nothing better than a classic! The Mickey Premium bar has been sweetening Disney trips for years, and I doubt that will stop anytime soon. While other ice cream treats come and go, I’m pretty sure you can count on the Mickey Bar to be available just about everywhere you can find the Big Cheese himself.

Thanks again to Morgan! (Photo courtesy Morgan and Jeff Rooks via flickr)

School Bread

This Norwegian delight is a staple in the World Showcase and a favorite of many die-hard Disney World fans. The combination of sweet roll, custard, and powdered sugar will send most into an immediate sugar high, so we recommend a ride on Maelstrom to provide a calming affect… . Want to try your hand at this one? Here’s the recipe!

Thanks again to Shayne! (Photo courtesy Shayne Newell via the Disney Food Blog Flickr Pool)

Pineapple Dole Whip

This one is no surprise! 😉 Although the pineapple Dole Whip is available in many places throughout the country, it has become synonymous with Disney for many of us.

The pineapple-flavored, refreshing, low-cal (really!) snack is perfect for a hot day in the parks.

Baklava

You know that baklava has become one of my favorite desserts, so I was excited to see it mentioned a few times on the poll list! The flaky and nutty texture and lightly sweet flavor of this dessert won’t weigh you down in the parks and ends up being the perfect finish to a great counter-service meal.

Fudge

Disney fudge is the stuff of legend. I can remember buying my first tin and savoring it for days! There are dozens of flavors, including specialty flavors for different holidays and seasons, and you can find it at just about every Disney confectionery or candy shop.

For more detailed info, check out this Fudge Primer!

Rice C[K]rispie Treats

Who woulda thunk that such an easy bake sale treat would end up being such a huge winner for Disney? I bet they promoted the guy who thought of the Mickey-shaped rice krispie treat! 🙂

You can find rice krispie treats in every shape and size in Disney parks, including Mickey, Minnie, and seasonal shapes like footballs, hearts, stars, pumpkins, candy corn, Christmas stockings, and more. Our favorites will always be the chocolate-covered Mickey treats, though — sprinkles optional! 😉 Call ’em Rice Crispie Treats, Rice Krispie Treats, or Crisped Rice Treats, we’ll still buy ’em!

Check out our Everything You Need to Know about Disney Rice Krispie Treats post here!

Soft Pretzels

Whether they’re Mickey heads or standard shapes, the soft pretzels at Disney parks always seem to have an edge over those found anywhere else… . Get ’em with cheese for dipping in Disneyland, or head to the Germany pavilion in Disney World to score an authentic twisty snack.

Drinks

And if your sweet tooth is satisfied, but a drink sounds great after a long Disney day, try these vacation favorites:

Grand Marnier Slush and Grey Goose Slush

These often cap out the lists of best drinks in Disney World! You can find them in Epcot’s World Showcase, but don’t be surprised if you’re in line for another right after you finish the first!

This is the grown-up’s slushie…

Thanks to Kelly! (Photo courtesy Kelly Tressler via the Disney Food Blog Flickr Pool)

Dawa Bar Drinks

The Dawa Bar is one of my favorite Disney World haunts, and the specialty drinks are one of the reasons why. The African Margarita, Lost on Safari, Dawa Colada, and Harambe Cooler all deserve a mention in this list.

The relaxed atmosphere of the Dawa Bar paired with the interesting and original drink choices (trust me — you don’t always get original drink choices at WDW lounges) make it a hit. Plus, it’s prime location in Disney’s Animal Kingdom mean that you don’t have to take a break from exploring the parks if you don’t want to. Just grab your Harambe Cooler and go!

Margaritas

Another one of my (and apparently your!) favorite places is the Cava del Tequila in Epcot’s Mexico pavilion. This new (as of 2009) tequila bar offers dozens of choices that will suite anyone’s fancy. From margaritas to tequila shots to tapas, you’re sure to enjoy yourself here. Check out the menu and dedicated website. I, as always, recommend the Aguacate!

Thanks to Shayne! (Photo courtesy Shayne Newell via the Disney Food Blog Flickr Pool)

Lapu Lapu

Of course we wouldn’t forget about this little beauty! The Lapu Lapu — known to all who’ve graced the Tambu Lounge in Disney’s Polynesian Resort — is a whole lotta drink! Served inside an actual pineapple, the iced rum concoction — complete with paper umbrella and a cherry — is everything that’s good about vacation. 😉

To see more great drink ideas in Disney World, check out these Top Drink Suggestions From Disney Food Blog Readers!

What’s The Best Thing YOU Ever Ate in Disney?

Now, this is by no means an exhaustive list of the delicious snacks and drinks available in Disney parks and resorts! Just in case you didn’t get a chance to chime in with your favorite, please add to the list in our comments section below! Have you had a not-to-be-missed appetizer in Disney? Let us know your “Best Thing I Ever Ate in Disney!”

And stay tuned next time for the continuation of the series with the “The Best Thing I Ever Ate in Disney!”: Entrees!

For other posts in this series, check out these links:
The Five Best Things I Ate in Disneyland
The Best Thing I Ever Ate at Disney!: Breakfast
The Best Thing I Ever Ate at Disney!: Appetizers and Side Dishes