I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve visited Orlando, but every single trip has taught me one undeniable truth: Orlando isn’t just about theme parks. For me, the real magic comes in unexpected flavors tucked away in food trucks, hole-in-the-wall bakeries, bustling cafés, and even the dessert counters inside shopping plazas. I remember walking down International Drive one hot summer afternoon, overwhelmed by the sound of traffic and the smell of fried food in the air, and stumbling upon a churro stand that changed my mood completely. That crunchy, cinnamon-coated bite cooled with vanilla ice cream reminded me why Orlando’s food culture matters as much as its attractions.
This city has become my treasure hunt for snacks and desserts, and every time I’m back, I add new stops to my list. What follows are some of the treats and spots I’ve learned I can’t skip, whether I’m cooling off after a long day in the Florida sun or treating myself late at night.
Churros at Churros & Cream
Address: 4632 S Kirkman Rd, Orlando, FL 32811
The first time I walked into Churros & Cream, I knew I had discovered a sanctuary for churro lovers like me. The shop is small, unpretentious, and smells like heaven—fried dough, cinnamon sugar, and coffee.
The churros here aren’t just snacks; they’re experiences. My favorite order is the churro ice cream sandwich: two freshly fried churros pressed around a scoop of vanilla or Nutella ice cream. The contrast between the hot, crisp dough and the cold, melting cream makes me stop talking mid-sentence every time.
Must-Try: Classic churros drizzled with dulce de leche.
Tip: This place gets crowded in the evenings. I usually reserve a spot via OpenTable when I plan to bring friends, or I grab it to-go using delivery apps like DoorDash if the line is too long.
Key Lime Pie at The Key Lime Pie Factory
Address: 855 E Plant St, Winter Garden, FL 34787
I didn’t think much about key lime pie until I visited Orlando, but this factory turned me into a loyal fan. The shop is located in charming Winter Garden, a short drive from downtown Orlando. The pies are baked daily, with a crust that somehow balances crumbly and buttery, and a filling that bursts with tartness but never overwhelms.
Every time I take a bite, I feel like I’m tasting Florida’s sunshine in pie form. The whipped cream topping feels like a cloud floating over tangy lime.
Must-Try: The frozen chocolate-dipped key lime pie on a stick—messy, decadent, unforgettable.
Tip: I’ve saved money ordering whole pies online directly from their website. For delivery coordination while traveling, I sometimes use Goldbelly when I want to bring one home.
Mochi Doughnuts at Donatsu Orlando
Address: 4696 Millenia Plaza Way, Orlando, FL 32839
When I first saw the pastel-colored doughnuts lined up at Donatsu, I knew I was about to become obsessed. Unlike traditional doughnuts, these have that mochi chewiness, making every bite bouncy and satisfying.
The shop is modern and Instagram-ready, with neon signs and friendly staff who are always eager to recommend flavors. My go-to has been matcha mochi doughnuts, though the taro glaze and cookies-and-cream varieties are equally addictive.
Must-Try: Ube glazed mochi doughnut paired with iced coffee.
Tip: Lines build quickly on weekends. I pre-order through their website to secure my box. I’ve learned that ordering online not only saves time but sometimes comes with bundle discounts.
Funnel Cake at Old Town Kissimmee
Address: 5770 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee, FL 34746
Walking through Old Town Kissimmee feels like stepping back in time—retro rides, carnival games, neon lights. But for me, the highlight is the funnel cake stand. I still remember biting into my first plate of funnel cake here: the powdered sugar stuck to my shirt, my fingers were sticky, and I couldn’t stop smiling.
It’s pure Americana, deep-fried nostalgia, and Orlando’s summer nights wouldn’t feel complete without it.
Must-Try: Funnel cake topped with strawberries and whipped cream.
Tip: Cash-only at some stands, so I always bring a few bills. Parking at Old Town is free, which already saves a bit compared to downtown Orlando.
Italian Gelato at Gelateria Italiana Dolce
Address: 4962 New Broad St, Orlando, FL 32814
One hot afternoon, I stumbled into Baldwin Park and discovered Dolce, a cozy gelato shop that could hold its own against any gelateria in Rome. The shop makes small batches of authentic gelato daily, and the flavors rotate constantly.
The texture is denser than ice cream, smooth like velvet. I love trying a couple of scoops in their freshly made waffle cones.
Must-Try: Pistachio and stracciatella combo.
Tip: If you’re planning dinner nearby, I often reserve restaurants in Baldwin Park via Resy and end my evening with Dolce for dessert.
Dole Whip at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Address: 1600 Seven Seas Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
No Orlando trip is complete for me without a Dole Whip. Although you can find it inside Magic Kingdom, I prefer getting it at the Polynesian Resort—it’s less chaotic, and you don’t need a park ticket.
This pineapple soft-serve is legendary. Every spoonful is a burst of tropical sweetness, light enough that I never feel guilty. I sometimes sit by the lagoon, watching fireworks from Magic Kingdom while eating my Dole Whip, and it feels like life has slowed down just for me.
Must-Try: Pineapple Dole Whip float with pineapple juice.
Tip: Mobile order ahead using the My Disney Experience app to skip the line. It’s saved me from 30-minute waits more than once.
Shaved Ice at Rainbow Sno-Cones
Address: 7308 Sand Lake Rd, Orlando, FL 32819
On scorching Orlando afternoons, I crave something icy. Rainbow Sno-Cones is my answer. It’s a tiny shack painted in bright colors, and their shaved ice is ridiculously fluffy, like snow.
They pour syrup generously, and the flavor options range from blue raspberry to tropical blends. I usually go for a rainbow combo, because who can choose just one flavor?
Must-Try: Tiger’s Blood flavor (a mix of strawberry and coconut).
Tip: Bring cash. If I want to avoid standing outside in the heat, I order ahead for pickup via their website.
Croissant Taiyaki at Taiyaki NYC Orlando
Address: 3201 Corrine Dr, Orlando, FL 32803
The first time I bit into a croissant taiyaki stuffed with custard cream, I knew I’d never look at pastries the same way again. This spot blends Japanese street food with French flair—the flaky croissant dough shaped into fish and filled with sweet or savory fillings.
Must-Try: Custard-filled taiyaki topped with soft-serve matcha ice cream.
Tip: Taiyaki often sells out by evening, so I pre-order through their site. When I’m nearby, I’ll also check dining reservations in the Audubon Park neighborhood on OpenTable, since this area is packed with hidden foodie gems.
Pastelitos at Zaza Cuban Comfort Food
Address: 12701 Narcoossee Rd, Orlando, FL 32832
Cuban bakeries in Orlando always impress me, but Zaza holds a special place in my memory. Their pastelitos—flaky pastries filled with guava and cream cheese—are the perfect mix of sweet and savory. Paired with a strong Cuban coffee, it’s the ultimate pick-me-up when I need energy before hitting the parks.
Must-Try: Guava and cream cheese pastelito.
Tip: Zaza locations near the airport are perfect if I’m flying out of Orlando. I often plan a snack stop before boarding. I’ve even booked early flights on Expedia to give myself extra time for this ritual.
Milkshakes at Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen
Address: 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819
Toothsome is a steampunk-themed restaurant at Universal CityWalk, and it’s basically dessert heaven disguised as a dining experience. The milkshakes are larger than life—towering glasses piled with whipped cream, sprinkles, cookies, and even slices of cake on top.
I remember ordering the red velvet milkshake once, and the server brought out a glass that looked like it could topple over. It was rich, sweet, and completely over-the-top—exactly what a vacation indulgence should be.
Must-Try: Chocolate x5 milkshake (yes, five different types of chocolate).
Tip: Reservations on OpenTable are a must if you don’t want to wait an hour or more.
Beignets at Café Tu Tu Tango
Address: 8625 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819
This tapas-style restaurant is one of my favorite spots on International Drive. The walls are covered in artwork, the music is lively, and the atmosphere feels like a party. Their dessert menu features warm beignets dusted with powdered sugar and served with dipping sauces.
Every time I bite into one, I feel like I’ve been transported to New Orleans. Pairing it with a café con leche here makes me linger long after my plate is empty.
Must-Try: Beignets with chocolate sauce.
Tip: Happy hour here is great for small plates. I’ve used Resy to lock in tables on weekends, as the restaurant fills quickly.
Platforms That Save Me Money on Orlando Food Trips
- OpenTable: I use this constantly for Orlando restaurants—especially spots near Disney Springs and CityWalk where waits can be brutal.
- Resy: Great for local foodie neighborhoods like Audubon Park and Baldwin Park.
- Expedia: My go-to for bundling flights, hotels, and sometimes car rentals—it frees up more budget for snacks.
- Booking.com: Perfect when I’m planning stays near International Drive, where many of my dessert stops are.
Every trip I take to Orlando leaves me with a suitcase that feels heavier—not because of souvenirs, but because of the flavors that linger with me long after I’ve left. From churros dripping with caramel to pastelitos stuffed with guava, from towering milkshakes at CityWalk to the quiet joy of a key lime pie eaten in a small café, these snacks and desserts have become part of my personal Orlando story. They’re not just food; they’re little reminders that travel is as much about taste as it is about sights. Each bite feels like a postcard I can’t mail, something only memory can carry. And that’s why, no matter how many times I return, Orlando never feels the same—because there’s always one more dessert waiting to surprise me, one more sweet moment to savor.
