Ghirardelli deliciousness can be found at both Disneyland AND Walt Disney World now.
And I knew it was time to take a look at a couple more fan-favorite sundaes at these lovely locations!
Recently, I showed you the amazing Sea Salt Caramel Hot Cocoa and the to-die-for Drinking Chocolate, but today it’s time to check out some sundaes that many of us can only dream about as we count down ’til our next Disney vacation!
Atmosphere
In case you aren’t familiar with Ghirardelli Soda Fountain in Walt Disney World, it’s a combo chocolate shop and old-fashioned ice cream parlor located right beside World of Disney at Downtown Disney’s Marketplace.
Even if you don’t indulge in a decadent treat, be sure to pop into the retail shop; they’re often giving out Ghirardelli chocolate square samples!
Ghirardelli Soda Fountain, Downtown Disney, Orlando
But if it’s ice cream you’re after, you are in for an amazing treat! There is a fantastic collection of huge ice cream sundaes here, big enough to share (although you may not want to).
Sundae Menu — Click to Enlarge
There are also plenty of other options, like ice cream cones, shakes, floats, hot cocoa, and espresso.
Ice Cream Cones and More Menu — Click to Enlarge
Ghirardelli Sea Salt Caramel Hot Cocoa
But let’s get on to the sundaes!
Cookie Bottom Sundae
There are few things in life that I love more than a good cookie and ice cream combo. And I loved checking out this highly recommend sundae!
Cookie Bottom Sundae
Half of a warm Colossal Chocolate Chip Cookie forms the base of this sundae. To that, they add vanilla ice cream, thick hot fudge, whipped cream, chopped almonds, and a cherry.
Cookie Bottom Sundae — Up Close
There is something truly captivating about cookies and ice cream. And warm cookie and hot fudge invited to the party? Even better!
And don’t forget, you can choose your hot fudge — dark or milk chocolate!
Gold Rush Peanut Butter Sundae
UPDATE: Please note that the Gold Rush Sundae is no longer being served at Ghirardelli’s as of March 2015.
And, of course, The Gold Rush sundae has GOT to be my very favorite. You know I’ll eat any amount of peanut butter ice cream topping at any time.
Vanilla ice cream alternated with layers of hot fudge and melted peanut butter, and topped with whipped cream, almonds and a cherry. Sounds pretty amazing, eh? Very No Way Jose-like!
Gold Rush Peanut Butter Sundae
Overall
There are a lot of Disney eateries competing for your affection, and I put Ghirardelli pretty high on the list. The combination of over-the-top ice cream treats and fun vintage setting make this a unique dessert experience.
We know many folks who make a visit to Ghirardelli their vacation tradition, and I can absolutely see why. And these two sundaes may just be my most favorite treats there to date. But I’m not finished sampling the entire menu, so stay tuned. 😉
What’s your favorite Ghirardelli indulgence? Let us know in the comments below!
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Warm caramel sundae!!!!!!! So simple but so gooooooooddddd!!!!!!!!!!! Dont forget the extra cherry! Actually drooling…breakfast time here in London but I would happily have one of those bad boys right now!
Mmmmmm. Gold Rush!!! had one last week, soooooo good 🙂
Unfortunately, I was (accidentally?) food poisoned by my sister-in-law during a Most Wretched Thanksgiving, and have, therefore, not had much appetite for the past week. Fortunately, the luscious close-up photo of the Cookie Bottom, has caused me to suddenly revive! Many thanks.
I know I will be in the minority, but I have been a bit underwhelmed by the sundaes at Ghirardelli. Don’t get me wrong, I love to stop in for a coffee, a brownie, a cookie, or some chocolate. But I remember being so excited to have a sundae there and as I ate a sundae I wished that I was having a sundae at either Beaches and Cream or Main Street Ice Cream Parlor. I love Ghirardelli, just not as much for the sundaes.
If I had to pick my favorite sweet treat it’s always going to be ice cream.. and I can’t believe I’ve never gotten an ice cream here! Next trip I’m sharing that gold rush with my mom. We’re both big peanut butter/chocolate combo fans! Thanks!
Goldrush is a favorite, that salty peanut butter with the cold and sweet ice cream….yummmm!!! I also like the Strike It Rich – the butterscotch is sweet but mixed with ice cream, fudge and some salty almonds – delish!!!!
I can’t stand the gold rush, for me I prefer a warm oozy peanut sauce like at beaches and cream. I love peanut butter but it was so overwhelming the amount, more peanut butter than ice cream.
My daughter and I have shared a Gold Rush several times at DTD, and its so good but soooo rich! My favourite is actually the Very Berry Sundae, but let’s face it, they all look de-lish, and I’m tempted to try something new this time around. We’re lucky enough to there over the holidays this year so are really looking forward to trying the hot cocoa / chocolate later in the evening when it gets a bit nippy … although probably not nippy enough to stop us from sampling a sundae as well! It has to be done, right? =D
I do love the sundaes but…have been stung twice now not realizing they charge $1.50 each for any changes you make. I recently had the mint sundae which comes with one scoop of chocolate & one scoop of mint. I asked if both scoops could be mint (yum) & they said no problem but added $1.50 to my bill. It’s not asking for extra or anything difficult & a sundae is already almost $9 before tx so I think this is crazy. I had forgotten that last year the same thing happened. If they mentioned it up when you order it would be more fair. I think next time I’ll try Beaches & Cream.
I love the Strike It Rich, hubby and I shared one during our last visit. Soooo good!!
Wow Sandy ~ I think charging $1.50 extra for substitutions is awful! Especially when you are not adding anything…it would be more fair if they mentioned the upcharge so you have a chance to decide if it is worth it to you to change something.
Am I the only one that doesn’t like ice cream mixed with other things? If there is a brownie or cookie to be had, I don’t want it mixed in with my ice cream getting all smushy. I would rather have it on the side. But at Ghirardelli that request would probably cost me $1.50! No thanks, I’ll stick with my rice krispie brick from Sunshine Seasons 🙂
Poor Prof. Brainard, glad you are on the mend. We’ll hope that your food poisoning was accidental ~ But you might want to bring your own food next holiday…just in case!
I’m more of a chocolate girl, but the last time I was at Disney, I tried the Haight AshBerry. One of the best things I have ever put in my mouth! Wish I had one right now!
Sorry I know the ice cream is lovely, but for me its all about their chocolate milkshakes! I just returned from 2 weeks at the World and consumed about 4 of them of the course of my visit. They rock!!!
I need to know if you can get an old fashioned Chocolate Soda (made with soda water) at Ghirardelli, after it is a SODA fountain!! The art of making them has all but disappeared in Pittsburgh. I’ll be there the end of March but will not be making a stop there with my family if there are no chocolate sodas!
Really miss the colossal cookies. Why did they get rid of such a wonderful treat?