The votes are in and the champion of the “2016 Walt Disney World Magic Madness – Food Edition” is Pineapple Dole Whip! Did anyone really expect it to end any other way? It was primed for a victory with its Walt Disney World Awards win in February where it was crowned the “Best Food Item in a Snacking Role.”
Pineapple Dole Whip is infamous in its popularity. It has been represented on a number of Adventureland merchandise lines; depicted on a variety of apparel items, pins and accessories; and even had its scent immortalized in an air freshener.
Just like Aladdin’s Genie of the lamp, Pineapple Dole Whip is “often imitated, but never duplicated.” Copycats and imitation recipes can be found across the country, but many fans believe that the “Disney” Pineapple Dole Whip is uniquely special. However, devotees may be interested to learn that the Disney version can be found in places other than Walt Disney World‘s Aloha Isle in Adventureland. Pineapple Dole Whip is available at the Tiki Juice Bar in Disneyland, Pineapple Lanai at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort in Florida, the Beach House in Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort in South Carolina, Tamu Tamu Refreshments at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and the Lava Shack at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii.
Other iterations of the classic Pineapple Dole Whip have been available in the past and can still be found in some locations throughout Walt Disney World. The adults-only version of the Pineapple Dole Whip came into existence at the Pineapple Promenade at the 2013 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival when the soft-serve was first paired with either Myer’s Dark Rum or Parrot Bay Coconut Rum. Now, similar concoctions can be found at Tamu Tamu Refreshments where the menu includes a Pineapple Dole Whip with Dark Rum and a Pineapple Dole Whip with Coconut Rum. Another version is available at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort; the Spikey Pineapple is a combination of Barbancourt Pango Rhum and Pineapple Dole Whip.
While Pineapple Dole Whip can be found in new locations and combinations throughout Walt Disney World, there was a time when it was not available there at all. On opening day in 1971, the Veranda Juice Bar was located next to the Adventureland Veranda Restaurant. Both dining locations were sponsored by Kikkoman from 1977 until 1981 when the Dole Company took over sponsorship of the Veranda Juice Bar. It was then renamed Aloha Isle and the menu was changed to feature Dole products. Since then, Pineapple Dole Whip‘s fame has grown exponentially! So much so that in March of 2015, the location of Aloha Isle was swapped with that of Sunshine Tree Terrace. The move undoubtedly allows for greater space to accommodate the long lines that are often present at Aloha Isle.
Why is Pineapple Dole Whip so popular? Is it the sweet tart flavor that is both refreshing and light in the heat of a central-Florida day? Is it the fact that it can be enjoyed by so many park-goers because it is both gluten-free and vegan friendly? Is it purely the nostalgia of enjoying a treat that so many associate with happy Walt Disney World memories? Whatever the case, it is obviously the top treat for innumerable Walt Disney World guests!
(Aloha Isle and first Pineapple Dole Whip photo from the personal collection of Joshua Shusterman. Pineapple Dole Whip Float photo ©Disney.)
Kendall is an editor and contributing writer for WDW Radio. She began visiting Walt Disney World in 1991 with her family and has continued to visit the resort with her husband. Her home-away-from-home is Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and she believes a perfect day at WDW includes a dip in the Lava Pool, a ride on Splash Mountain and a Pineapple Dole Whip. Follow her on Twitter @kl_foreman.
