Florida is known for some pretty sweltering temperatures, which is why we love to cool down with a frozen sweet treat when we’re in Disney World!

Disney World has no shortage of frozen desserts, from the new Salt and Straw ice cream shop in Disney Springs, to the iconic Mickey Premium Bar, and even the cult classic DOLE Whip! Another iconic treat that many people think rivals the Dole Whip is the Citrus Swirl from Sunshine Tree Terrace in Magic Kingdom. But, unlike Dole Whip, this treat can be difficult to rely on. Let us explain.

What is a Citrus Swirl?

The Citrus Swirl is a simple, yet delicious ice cream treat. It’s frozen orange juice swirled with vanilla soft serve (sounds refreshing, right?) and is themed after one of our favorite little Disney characters — Orange Bird!

The treat has a big fan following, even with it changing formulas several times over the years. There was even a moment back in 2018 where it switched to an “Orange Swirl” that was a bit different — it was basically just sweet soft serve, and we were missing the tartness of that orange juice! Thankfully, Disney quickly changed it back. The original formula (and the one we have now) is the orange juice and vanilla soft serve version.

It was a constant on the menu at Sunshine Tree Terrace for a while, but then it randomly and mysteriously went missing in the summer of 2021. Cast Members told us that the product they use to make the treat was unavailable, so we didn’t know if or when it would be back.

But, months later, in March of 2022, the Citrus Swirl FINALLY returned to the Mobile Order menu! HUZZAH! The beloved treat made a triumphant return…or so we thought.

What’s the Issue?

Welp, we thought all was fine and dandy once we saw the Citrus Swirl back on the Mobile Order menu, but we were wrong. Since it reappeared in March, its availability has been very inconsistent. In fact, the only consistent thing about the treat is its inconsistency (oh, the irony).

We have checked on the treat many, many times when we’ve been in Magic Kingdom. Sometimes it’s available through Mobile Order, but sometimes, it’s only available when ordering at the window. And other times, it isn’t available at all! AHH!

It also hasn’t been listed on the physical menu posted at Sunshine Tree Terrace, so many people probably don’t even think it’s an option.

On days when the Citrus Swirl is not available through Mobile Order, we’ve spoken to Cast Members who have said that one of the parts on the machine they need to make it was broken, and needs to be replaced. During these times, they’ve also told us they’re not sure when it will be back on the menu.

So, we truly never know when the Citrus Swirl will or won’t be available in Magic Kingdom.

What Should You Do?

If you want to get a Citrus Swirl, you should first check the Mobile Order menu to see if it’s available. If it is, then YAY! You win — you get a Citrus Swirl, friend (you know, after paying $4.99 for it).

If you don’t see it on the Mobile Order menu, ask a Cast Member at Sunshine Tree Terrace if the Citrus Swirl is available. It could be, and it’s just not listed on the Mobile Order menu. But, if they say no, then you are sadly out of luck.

So, what’s the moral of the story here? Don’t have your heart set on a Citrus Swirl when you go to Magic Kingdom. It’s totally worth checking to see if it’s available, but just know that there is a very real chance that it won’t be. Adjust your mindset so you won’t be as disappointed if it’s not available.

This is a great opportunity for you to try out a new treat! Sunshine Tree Terrace has other options, like various soft serve and Dole Whip flavors, as well as fun floats like the Sparkling Sunshine.

Or, you can always head over to Aloha Isle for a few more frozen treat options! Here you can find classic pineapple dole whip, as well as special (and delicious) creations like the Tropical Serenade. We could literally eat this every. single. day. It’s THAT GOOD! So don’t be afraid to give another treat a chance. You can try your luck on the Citrus Swirl next time!

If anything changes, we will of course let you know. Here’s to hoping the Citrus Swirl earns a permanent place back on the menu! Make sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest updates.

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Are you a fan of the Citrus Swirl? Let us know in the comments!