Welcome, fellow Explorers and Adventurers, to The Tropical Hideaway in Disneyland’s Adventureland!

This new counter service location will officially open to Disneyland guests on Friday, December 21st. But it’s in soft openings now, which means that if you’re currently in Disneyland you may be able to catch it open beforehand.

But we were able to attend a Media Preview to bring you into this new tropical location boasting ADVENTURE!

MYSTERY!

And DOLE WHIP!

And MUCH more! You’ll find The Tropical Hideaway tucked between Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room and the Jungle Cruise, and both the atmosphere and the global cuisine take their adventurous cues from these truly classic attractions.

Atmosphere

The Tropical Hideaway is nestled on the waterfront of the Jungle River. There are two ways to reach the new destination: by crossing its main bridge through Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room or by way of “Skipper’s Walk” coming from the Jungle Cruise loading dock.

During the day, the open-air setting allows for soaking in the “tropical” California sun, though plenty of tables are also available under awnings to provide shade for those who prefer it.

In daylight hours you’ll also be able to more easily see all of the references to both of the beloved neighboring attractions. These include Rosita the Cockatoo!

In fact, Rosita will be a constant presence for visitors to the Hideaway! Keep your eyes — and ears! — peeled for her at the loading dock as she waits for her boat which will take her on her way to begin her solo career after her performing run with the bird mobile chorus in the Tiki Room.

We mention your ears because Rosita has some laughs to share! This beautiful audio-animatronic has a full repertoire of jokes you can catch if you stop by the loading dock to see and hear what she has to say.

As you continue in your wanderings, you’ll want to be sure to check out the paddles lining the wall which represent member of the Society of Explorers and Adventures. (You can learn more about S.E.A. by reading about the Jungle Skipper Canteen in Walt Disney World here.)

Looking at the paddles you’ll spot names such as H. Hightower known to fans of DisneySea’s Tower of Terror.

Other names also may be familiar to you from other Disney destinations around the globe, like Lord Henry Mystic from Mystic Manor in Hong Kong Disneyland. 

And here’s one for good ol’ Albert Falls…

We’re told some paddles also provide some clues for future attractions…

We told you there was mystery here!

Once the sun sets, torch lights will flicker throughout the evening, adding to the romantic and mysterious Adventureland atmosphere.

The outpost also displays goods from artisans among the decor.

You’ll also find a couple of unique merchandise items at the Hideaway that aren’t just for display! In particular, there is only one other place where you’ll find the Plumeria Minnie Ears, and that’s at Disney’s Aulani in Hawaii.

And finally, the scene is further — and always — set with friendly Cast Members!

Eats

The marketplace is ready for guests to come in and experience global cuisine!

It’s the best of the Jungle!

Let’s take a look at the first part of the menu (with more to come).

Warm steamed Bao Buns are served in three flavors: Spiced Vegetable Bao, Kaffir Lime Chicken Bao, and Bulgogi Beef Bao.

The Kaffir Lime Chicken Bao is also filled with butternut squash, lime, and even a little spice from fresh herbs.

The Spiced Vegetable Bao is indeed spiced, but it’s done so with curry instead of a hot spice, so there isn’t a ton of heat — just a hint. These tasty buns are filled with garbanzo beans (chickpeas) and cauliflower.

The Bulgogi Beef Bao is finished with sweet chilis and potatoes.

These soft buns are truly excellent, and clearly unique from what you’ll find at most counter service spots in Disneyland. You can’t go wrong with any of the flavorful fillings. That said, you’ll still see a Skipper’s Tip on the menu: “Want it spicy? Ask for the sauce!”

We highly recommend the delicious sauce — which is Kogi Salsa Roja — not only for the Boa Buns. We also mixed it in with our next item, the chilled Ramen Shaker Salad.

The spicy sauce was a good mix-in, but the tasty onion vinaigrette that the salad is served (and subsequently shaken) with is great on its own, too.

Ramen, carrots, zucchini and cilantro make up the rest of the super fun shaker salad. And the option of spicy togarashi cashews give the whole thing a terrific kick.

For sweets, there is the Sweet Pineapple Lumpia!

Disney World guests who have visited Pongu Pongu in Animal Kingdom’s Pandora will recognize this egg roll filled with sweet cream cheese and pineapple.

Only here at The Tropical Hideaway, the presentation of cream cheese with roasted pineapple is a bit different with an emphasis on the sweet cream (which for many, I think, will actually be the preferred texture). Plus, they’re rolled in sugar lending an extra crispy texture to the roll.

The presence of pineapple is upped instead with a Dole Pineapple Dipping Sauce served on the side.

Delicious!

But we’re not done yet!! That Adventureland staple, Dole Whip, is also on the menu!

Welcome to the Dole Whip bar at The Tropical Hideaway, “you lucky people, you!”

Forever and always, we will have a soft spot in our hearts for the Tiki Juice Bar, first home of the Dole Whip in Disneyland. But Dole Whip fans should note the bragging rights that The Tropical Hideaway has earned for several reasons. The first is flavor variety. You can get a Dole Whip in Pineapple, Orange, or Raspberry.

And, of course, you can swirl and choose Pineapple & Orange or Pineapple & Raspberry.

You can also enjoy your Dole Whip in Float form.

But what’s that next to our Dole Whip Float? Say “hello” to Loaded Whips!

The Twisted Ambush takes Dole Whip and places it on “exotic fruit” (mostly mandarin orange and pineapple) to deliver even more citrus flavor and punch.

Crystallized hibiscus is sprinkled all over. And sticking out of all sides? Why, those are Pocky! (Not familiar with Pocky? Check it out here!)

Here, the Pocky are the “spears” which are ambushing you! We also tried the Loaded Whip with Raspberry and Pineapple swirl, too.

But wait… there’s still more. But it’s a Hideaway secret, so you’ll have to do some exploring to find out how you can get your Dole Whip (or anything else on The Tropical Hideaway menu) topped with candied BACON. Where to start your exploration? Just click here!

Before you head off for the rest of your time in Adventureland, it’s good to know that “Extra Provisions” are available as well, in the form of grab-and-go goods like trail mix, chips, fruits, and veggies.

Bottled drinks are up for grabs, too, alongside the other chilled selections.

And with that, we’re refreshed, refueled, and ready to tackle any adventures that come our way!

The Tropical Hideaway is SO much fun! Plenty of hidden gems for Disney fans — and not only those who appreciate Adventureland, but even for fans of the Disney destinations worldwide — all within a seriously beautiful tropical-inspired setting which mixes that whimsy with a touch of romance. And the fact that the food is so tasty with unique and creative items you can only find here (in regards to Disneyland)… well, that ups the ante, too. And for those who don’t care for the global cuisine on the menu? Well, who doesn’t love a Dole Whip?! The Tropical Hideaway is a win for everyone, and we can’t wait for our next getaway to the Hideaway!

We’ve been following the development of The Tropical Hideaway from the moment it was first announced… you’ll hear about its initial announcement and more new Disneyland Resort dining options that are new to the scene AND some that are still on the way in our DFB YouTube Video!

Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. We were invited by Disney to experience the new Tropical Hideaway location. Note that when we attend events as media we are 1) Not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ and the DFB TeamAre you looking forward to exploring The Tropical Hideaway? Please let us know with a comment!