Summer has officially arrived at the Disneyland Resort Parks and with it comes the summer heat! Both Disneyland and Disney World alike can get into temperatures of over 100*, but nothing beats the heat on a hot Disney day better than a delicious fun beverage. While it is very important to drink a lot of water when visiting the parks, it is also essential to try some yummy liquid treats during your visit! Here are my top ten delicious drink choices at Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure.

10. Root Beer Floats from The Golden Horseshoe

Just like The Golden Horseshoe itself, Root Beer floats are a Disneyland classic. Served with the traditional Barq’s Root Beer and vanilla soft serve, this cool and delicious treat is one worth enjoying. On a hot day The Golden Horseshoe can serve as an air-conditioned oasis away from the afternoon sun. Grabbing a float and taking a break to watch a hilarious show at The Golden Horseshoe is a great way to chill out on a hot day. Also, if Barq’s Root Beer isn’t your thing, you can replace it with Coca-Cola float!

9. Frozen Margaritas at Rita’s Baja Blenders (21 and over)

At Rita’s you can enjoy a frozen margarita with proof of I.D. The sweet frozen treats come in your choice of traditional lemon lime or strawberry flavors. Personally, I have only had the frozen margaritas once as I find them a little too sweet. However, for those who enjoy the sweeter side of things, these drinks are for you! Rita’s also offers non-alcoholic blended drinks, perfect for anyone or any age. These frozen margaritas are sure to cool you down as you enjoy your afternoon at The Pacific Wharf.

8. Boysen Apple Freeze at Maurice’s Treats.

Forget the poison apple and grab a Boysen Apple from the newest area in Disneyland, Fantasy Faire! I recently tried the Boysen Apple for the first time and thoroughly enjoyed its tangy kick. The icy drink is comprised of apple juice, passion fruit and berry flavors. In addition, if you wish to pay a little extra, your Boysen Apple Freeze will come prepared in a souvenir goblet. This sweet and sour treat is quickly becoming a Disneyland favorite. Once you see someone wandering Fantasy Faire with one of these you’ll be sure to want one too! They are both beautiful and delicious!

7. Rose Petal Soda from The Carthay Circle Lounge

While I have only had to pleasure of visiting the Carthay Circle Lounge once, it is definitely on my to-do list to try again. Not only is their food outstanding, but also their drinks are one of a kind. The Rose Petal Soda is a totally unique and refreshing treat comprised of sparkling water, rose essence, and topped with an edible sugary rose petal. This drink is a sophisticated and delicious change of pace from any typical soda.

6. Espresso at The Jolly Holiday Bakery Café

There is usually one point in a day at Disneyland where I will find myself needing a serious pick-me-up. An iced latte or blended mocha from The Jolly Holiday Bakery Café always does the trick. The espresso drink selection is rather large at this Mary Poppins themed café, including a variety of coffee and espresso drinks served either hot or iced. And, being a coffee snob myself, I must say the drinks are actually really great!

5. Handcrafted Beer at The Karl Strauss Beer Truck (21 and over)

For those of us beer lovers it doesn’t get much better than Karl Strauss. Sipping an ice-cold brew and munching a soft pretzel while watching the sunset at The Pacific Wharf is truly wonderful. I’ve also enjoyed the occasional brew while waiting in the long line at Radiator Springs Racers, it helps the time pass. The Karl Strauss Beer Truck carries a variety of popular beers on tap, along with a seasonal variety. My personal favorite would be the Tower 10 IPA, it truly rocks!

4. Milkshakes and Malts from The Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop

CALLING ALL CHOCOLATE LOVERS! These milkshakes are good, like, really really good. My personal favorite would be the sea salt and caramel banana shake. The shakes are made with a variety of ice cream flavors and Ghirardelli chocolate. They are, however, incredibly rich and filling. I would suggest sharing one or having it in place of a meal. Seriously, they are huge and decadent!

3. Ramone’s Pear of Dice Soda at The Cozy Cone Motel

This bright pink drink is sure to cool you down on a hot day in Cars Land. The Pear of Dice Soda is composed of simply Sprite and Prickly Pear syrup, combining the two flavors into a tart and sweet treat. I love this drink because of its awesome color and because it is super refreshing!

2. Mint Julep from New Orleans Square

Not only is New Orleans Square my favorite place to be in Disneyland, but the Mint Julep is one of my favorite drinks. This delicious non-alcoholic beverage combines lime, mint, and soda, creating a mojito-like experience in a cup. Served alongside fresh-from-the-fryer beignets, the mint julep is a delightfully light and satisfying drink. I like to grab one of these bad boys before taking a ride around the park on the neighboring Disneyland Railroads.

Photo Credit – Laura Perkins

1. Dole Float

There is a reason that the Dole Float is probably the most popular drink in the entirety of Disneyland, it is just that good. I am not ashamed to say that I have waited in the Dole Float line for over an hour on a hot day just to get my hands on one of these. The Dole Float is made with Dole Pineapple Juice and Dole Pineapple soft serve, topped with a paper umbrella. The soft serve has a waxy texture to it almost reminding me of the consistency of chapstick. Weird as that may sound, it is super tasty. My favorite spot to enjoy a Dole Float would be while taking a ride on the jungle river cruise. Tropical drink in hand, you will truly feel like you have escaped the park and are on a jungle vacation.

– Cassie