The Sweet Tooth’s Guide to Central Florida

More than one-half of all Americans identify as having a sweet tooth. If you are among them, read on to learn about some of the can’t-miss spots to build into your next Disney World Orlando vacation.

Just 20 minutes north of the Disney World area, the Florida Mall has a host of options sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Start your culinary adventure at Carlo’s Bakery and sample cakes and pastries in an establishment that originated in 1910 by Carlos Guastaffero, the original owner of the bakery featured on TLC’s hit show Cake Boss. Next, check out critically acclaimed Shake Shack for a spun-fresh frozen custard, or head over to Lucciano’s Il Maestro del Gelato for artisanal ice pops and gelato served up in a fun themed shop. For those with dietary preferences, Mr. Puffs Dessert Bar serves up unique fare that is natural, vegan, egg-free, and lactose-free, along with specialty coffee and ice cream treats. Other sugary selections at the Florida Mall include Dippin’ Dots, Cinnabon, Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, and Churro Mania.  

If you are willing to travel 40 minutes southwest of the Orlando resort area, nearby Winter Haven offers Ciro’s Sweet Tooth and Dessert Tour throughout the spring of 2022. Perfect for kids of all ages, the tour features family-owned shops and restaurants with samples of muffins, cookies, cupcakes, pie, ice cream, and more. The tours are conducted in small groups by a licensed local guide, and the sweet treats are available in vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Stay closer to your vacation home base by taking your tastebuds on a tour of Disney Springs. Here you’ll find a variety of delicious bites that are wholly unique to Disney. At Amorette’s Patisserie, you can enjoy edible works of art, spectacular cakes, and fantastic crepes. If you’re celebrating something special you can pre-order a custom cake served in a special keepsake box. At Ghiradelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop you can indulge in world-renowned chocolate bites that originate from the highest-quality cocoa beans. There is also a full menu of specialty sundaes, or you can create your own ice cream and chocolate masterpiece to order. 

For the ultimate convenience, order Crumbl Cookies and have them delivered directly to your Orlando-area hotel. Crumbl offers more than 150 types of cookies that you can order for delivery online or through their mobile app. Each week four or more specialty flavors are chef-created, and Crumbl’s famous “world’s best” chocolate chip cookie is always available on the menu.

Make sure your Central Florida stay is as sweet as the bites you indulge in by lodging at a comfortable and trusted Orlando resort. Marriott Orlando offers several excellent theme-park area locations including, Residence Inn by Marriott Orlando at SeaWorld, TownePlace Suites by Marriott Orlando Lake Buena Vista, and the Fairfield Inn Orlando Lake Buena Vista. Solid stay choices along International Drive are Aloft Orlando International Drive, Comfort Inn International, Element Orlando International Drive, and Best Western International Drive. Other area picks include the Wyndham Orlando Resort & Conference Center/Celebration, Staybridge Suites Orlando Royale Parc, and Fairfield Inn Orlando Airport.