Prices at Walt Disney World are always on the rise, especially when it comes to food and beverages. In fact, as of spring 2016, the cost of a classic cupcake at a Walt Disney World park will run guests around $5.99, and a simple funnel cake with no toppings costs even more at an outrageous $6.50 price point.
However, though the prices of sweet treats is steadily going up around the resort, there are some amazing items that can still be found for less than $5.00 for those who know where to look. Here are ten of our favorite sweet snacks that guests can still sample without breaking the bank:
1. School Bread
Location: Kringla Bakeri og Kafe (Epcot, Norway Pavilion)
Price: $3.19
Though the name might sound a little basic, School Bread from the Kringla Bakeri og Kafe in Norway is anything but. This delectable sweet is a little like a doughnut filled with sweet vanilla custard. However, what makes this unique treat so special is a hint of cardamom seasoning baked right into the bun as well as a toasted coconut topping that mixes perfectly with an extra dollop of vanilla custard. And with a rock-bottom $3.19 price point, this is one treat you won’t feel too bad splurging on.
2. Kakigōri
Image: Disney
Location: Kabuki Café (Epcot, Japan Pavilion)
Price: $3.75
Though this Japanese treat might look like a slushy drink, Kakigōri actually has a texture that more closely remembers a sno-cone (though the ice is shaved a little bit differently) and must be eaten with a spoon. This frozen treat is light and refreshing on a hot day, and comes in a variety of sweet flavors, including Strawberry, Cherry, Melon and Tangerine. If you ask, you can even combine these flavors for some interesting concoctions!
3. Macaron ice cream sandwich
Location: L’Artisan des Glaces (Epcot, France Pavilion)
Price: $4.22
Though the France pavilion’s L’Artisan des Glaces has rightly earned a reputation for serving the best ice cream in all of Walt Disney World, there’s more to this dessert shop than just delectable cones and cups. Next time you stop by, ask for one of this shop’s hand-crafted macaron ice cream sandwiches, which are made with chewy macarons, and of course, a special, seasonal variety of ice cream. Flavors are always changing, but past offerings have included chocolate, peppermint, peach, and even pumpkin spice macaron ice cream sandwiches.
4. Éclair
Image: Disney
Location: Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie (Epcot, France Pavilion)
Price: $4.25
Also in the France pavilion is the Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie, which serves a number of baked goods including Napoleons, cookies, and mousse. But the standout at this spot is the basic eclair, which comes in both chocolate and vanilla cream varieties. Though you may have had eclairs before, these fresh-baked treats are filled with the sweetest cream you’ve ever tasted and are surprisingly filling (and easy to share as well!)
5. Victoria Sponge Cake
Location: Yorkshire County Fish Shop (Epcot, UK Pavilion)
Price: $4.29
Though most cupcakes at Walt Disney World cost more than $5, those looking for a sweet cakey treat without spending too much can try the Victoria Sponge Cake at the Yorkshire County Fish Shop in Epcot’s UK pavilion. This treat is kind of like an inside-out cupcake, with buttercream and berry-flavored jam sandwiched between two moist rounds of vanilla sponge cake. Though the portion size isn’t overly generous, this treat is very sweet, and hits just the right notes for cake fans on a budget.
6. Dole Whip
Image: Disney
Location: Aloha Isle (Adventureland, Magic Kingdom)
Price: $4.19
As one of Walt Disney World’s most iconic snacks, it’s kind of amazing that the Dole Whip can still be found at the Magic Kingdom for less than $5. And though different varieties of this pineapple soft serve (including those served with alcohol) can be found at Epcot and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, we tend to think the most classic version of this treat (which can be found at the Aloha Isle snack location) is the best.
7. Warm Cinnamon Roll
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Location: Gaston’s Tavern (Fantasyland, Magic Kingdom)
Price: $4.49
Though the name of this menu item at Gaston’s Tavern is a bit misleading (these rolls are served from a bakery case and as such, are never warm) if you don’t mind a room temperature treat, these cinnamon rolls are pretty amazing, featuring thick cake and just the right amount of icing (though you can ask for more if you want!) And did we mention these things are huge? Though $4.49 might seem a little steep for the four inch cinnamon rolls you might be used to picking up from the grocery store, these “rolls” are more like little cinnamon loaves, and are best shared with friends or family.
8. African Milk Tart
Location: Harambe Marketplace (Africa, Disney’s Animal Kingdom)
Price: $4.49
The African Milk Tart at Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s Harambe Marketplace starts with a chocolate tart shell that is filled with an amazingly creamy coconut custard filling. This decadent dessert is then topped with some dark ganache and the slightest dusting of powdered sugar just to give it that extra hint of sweetness. Though the Harambe Marketplace is best known for its yummy lunch and dinner offerings, if you’re looking for something sweet that won’t break the bank, don’t pass by this quick service eatery!
9. Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich
Image: Disney
Location: Hollywood Scoops (Sunset Boulevard, Disney’s Hollywood Studios)
Price: $4.19
Though we already mentioned the Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich at L’Artisan des Glaces, those looking for something a bit more traditional can find a massive cookie ice cream sandwich on Sunset Boulevard’s Hollywood Scoops. This giant sandwich is made with huge chocolate chip cookies that can be filled with either vanilla or chocolate soft serve. Be careful though: in the warm summer sun, this is one treat that can get messy fast, so make sure you grab plenty of napkins!
10. Citrus Swirl
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Location: Sunshine Tree Terrace (Adventureland, Magic Kingdom)
Price: $3.79
While the Dole Whip is certainly the most iconic frozen treat at the Magic Kingdom, there’s another frozen specialty at this park that we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention. The Citrus Swirl, which is served at the Sunshine Tree Terrace is a delicious combination of vanilla soft serve and frozen orange slush, and delights fans with its unique texture and amazing tangy flavor. And while you’re there, you can even say hi to the Orange Bird!
