Recently, I was in Disneyland for the Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival. And while I ate a lot of wonderful food and attended some delicious special events, I KNEW it was time for me to finally hit up Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop for some super sweets. And by super sweets, I mean SUPER BIG ICE CREAM!
See, I had heard that one of my all time favorite Ghirardelli treats — the Gold Rush Sundae — was alive and well at the DCA location, even though it’s not listed on the menu (and no longer found at all at the Disney Springs location in Walt Disney World). And I also knew that I HAD to try the ginormous Earthquake Sundae as well (this one IS found at Disney Springs in Disney World, just FYI).
With that insider track, I made it my mission to pencil in a dessert date here.
Atmosphere
We gave you an extensive look around the shop when it first opened a while back, but we’ll share a few photos so that you can get your bearings.
The shop has a vintage feel to it, channeling a time around the early part of the 20th century, with tile floors, dark wood, and brass trim. Photos lining the walls share snapshots of history and show the chocolate making process.
Have you ever wondered exactly how to pronounce Ghirardelli? You’re not alone! Here you go!
The history on the walls fits the chocolate company’s image. Ghirardelli emphasizes its bean to bar process as well as their 160-year history of making chocolate from start to finish. Read more about the background of the company and the chocolate making process in our previous post.
And while ice cream goodies are the focus at this store, they also have typical Ghirardelli merch. When you first enter the shop, you find a retail space, where you can buy a large array of Ghirardelli chocolate treats to take home with you.
Treats also include a selection of candies in bulk bins.
Want some gourmet Chocolate Almonds, or Malted Milk Balls? Grab a bag, fill it, and head to the registers!
You’ll also find Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries and an assortment of baked goods, like Chocolate Chip Cookies and Brownies. The cookies and brownies also take center stage in a couple of Ghirardelli sundaes.
Registers are located at one side of the shop. Here, you can purchase your chocolate treats, or order something from the menu!
Once you place your order, you simply wait until your name is called at one of the numbered windows. While you’re waiting, be sure to check out the beautiful mural, which depicts landmarks from San Francisco.
The mural is actually interactive! It comes to life based upon what you order. For instance, if you order the Earthquake, the buildings will shake!
See that guy in the forefront? He comes to life, panning for gold, when you order the Gold Rush. 😀
Once you’ve had your fill of mural watching, and you’ve gathered your sundaes, shakes, and chocolate goodies, you’ll head back outside to enjoy them. The only seating is outdoors, but most of it is shaded by umbrellas or the shop’s porch.
I don’t know about you, but I can only talk about chocolate so long before I want to eat some. 🙂 Time to figure out which treats we’ll indulge in during this visit.
Eats
Whether you’re choosing a Sundae or a Cone, you’ll find that you have options. And in addition to all of the other lovely smells in the shop, you’ll also catch a whiff of the waffles, as they emerge warm from irons. By all means, splurge on a handmade waffle cone or bowl! And don’t skip the Hot Fudge that’s made right here. You get to choose between the dark chocolate and the milk chocolate! YUM.
After deliberations, I knew this was the time. The time to finally try the decadent — and HUGE — Earthquake Family Favorite.
Eight scoops of Ice Cream, Bananas and eight different toppings, Whipped Cream, chopped Almonds, semi-sweet Chocolate Chips, and Cherries, we didn’t know quite where to begin. This sundae, which is clearly meant for sharing, will easily feed four people, if not more. It definitely gives the Mickey Pants Sundae and the Kitchen Sink Sundae at Beaches and Cream in Disney World a run for their money!
But there’s no way we could pass up enjoying a little variety, so we didn’t stop there. Since both Salted Caramel and Peanut Butter make me very happy, we also tried the Ocean Beach Sea Salt Caramel Sundae and the Gold Rush Sundae.
You won’t find the Gold Rush — a combo of Hot Fudge and Melted Peanut Butter — on the official menu, since Ghirardelli started a push to go peanut-free a while back.
But for whatever reason, you can still ask for this one. And I’m SO glad, because it’s my favorite! I’m a big fan of the chocolate-peanut butter combo, and they execute it perfectly here. Whipped Cream, Chopped Almonds, and a Cherry finish the picture.
Our other selection, the Ocean Beach Sea Salt Caramel Sundae, was also a show stopper. This one includes Vanilla Ice Cream, Caramel, housemade Hot Fudge, and just a touch of Sea Salt. It’s crowned with Whipped Cream, and more Caramel and Sea Salt. Then, just for good measure, they tuck a square of Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate into the top.
Now, believe it or not, I actually liked this one better than the peanut butter one (and THAT’S saying something for THIS peanut butter lover).
Killer.
Overall
Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop is exactly what you would expect to find at Disney: over the top, absolutely perfect sundaes and ice cream treats. Toppings are fresh, and some are made right there. Portions are large and frequently shareable…if you’re so inclined. 🙂
And because the theme of Disney California Adventure is a celebration of The Golden State, it makes sense that this company with such a wonderful history has found a home here. And with treats as big as a meal, you won’t leave hungry. 🙂
Is Ghirardelli one of your favorite stops for ice cream and chocolate in Disneyland? Leave a comment and tell us what you think!
Sarah says
I agree about the Sea Salt Caramel sundae. The Gold Rush was my go-to as well, but I decided to try the caramel sundae on my last visit to WDW (prior to them removing peanuts from the shop). It was fantastic.
Ann says
So the peanuts and peanut butter is no longer on the menu but they still have them in the restaurant? I guess that I don’t understand what the purpose of that is. They said they were getting rid of the nuts because of allergies but they didn’t really get rid of them? Why not just keep those items on the menu then?
DwarfPlanet says
That Earthquake sundae reminds me of the Matterhorn you could get at Baskin and Robbins back in the day. The Matterhorn though had only 7 scoops of ice cream.
Essie says
We went to to get sundaes In DTD on our last trip, and it was wonderful!
Keith says
Will never go back to this place after their ridiculous participation in the peanut hysteria.
Brandon says
Luckily we have a our own Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Ice Cream shop here in Las Vegas…this review is making me crave a sundae!
Michele says
As a huge peanut butter lover myself, I always go for the Gold Rush. But it looks like now I’ll need to try the salted caramel sundae!!
Angelina says
That gold rush one looks amazing!!!! I’ve never been too impressed by the gigantic sundaes like the kitchen sink or earthquake. It just melts too fast and i feel sick after trying to pound it down too quickly. I would understand the appeal though if you had a big group. 😛
Neera says
PLEASE bring back the gold rush!! I have food allergies so I get it. Just be super careful not to cross-contaminate.
Victoria stobbs says
When over from the UK this is a must do and we go there at least twice on our two week vacay! I’m a lover of the crissy field sundae and first time I had it my 8month old daughter helped eat it! She probably want her own now she’s 2.5! Lol hubby loves the hot fudge sundaes. Can’t wait to take the i laws here this year too!
Anthony says
We were introduced to two amazing words when we went–“drinking chocolate”. 😮 😮 :O May be the best way to consume chocolate.
Todd says
The Earthquake is no more, at least at DCA… A real shame- it has been a tradition for our family for years…