Hiya, Jason! I'm a magnet to all questions related to Disney dining so I'm very happy to answer your question today!
I have something to admit. I'm not proud of it, but I feel like I need to tell you. I'll be staying at
Disney's Beach Club Resort this July and because I have an insatiable need to experience
all of the restaurants at the Walt Disney World Resort, I did not initially book a reservation for
Beaches & Cream Soda Shop. While I thoroughly enjoy it, I've been there twice and I want to ensure I have the stomach space to explore another of the hundreds of dining options at the resort. Did I know my husband really wanted to go? Yes. Did I hope he wouldn't notice that I didn't book it when I was going over the itinerary? I'm not proud of it, but yes. Did I end up booking an advanced dining reservation for him? Also yes, and I feel like it's the right choice.
While you are correct that the Kitchen Sink is not included when you use the
Disney Dining Plan at this location, you can usually get an ice cream cone, shake, sundae, or float with your table-service meal here. Just be sure to double-check with your server about what desserts on the menu are included in the Disney Dining Plan as offerings are subject to change.
Now, if you're an ice cream connoisseur, make sure you don't
just get ice cream here on your next trip. While it's probably one of the best, there are definitely some other tasty options all around the resort. And how can you be sure if it's one of the best if you don't sample your way around the resort? It's called research! Want some truly unique flavors? Try
Salt & Staw in
Disney Springs. Some say this one has
the best ice cream on property! Want your ice cream with sauce in a homemade brioche bun and pressed warm? Go for the Croque Glacé at
L'Artisan des Glaces in the France Pavilion at
EPCOT. How about vanilla soft serve swirled with frozen orange juice? Then the Citrus Swirl, sometimes offered at
Sunshine Tree Terrace in
Magic Kingdom Park, is for you. And if giant ice cream sandwiches are up your alley, look no further than
Dino-Bite Snacks in
Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Since this location may not be long for this world as it may be closing in the future to make way for a
possible tropical Americas-themed land, you may want to visit it on your next trip just to be on the safe side. And of course, stay tuned to the
Disney Parks Blog for possible confirmations of this, updates, and news related to this exciting development!
Jason, enjoy all of your meals on the Disney Dining Plan. If you have any other questions,
please feel free to reach out to me. And yes, I'll answer questions other than those related to food, but I can't promise I won't work food in at any opportunity I have!
Bon appétit,
Matt