Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream is a popular quick-service ice cream shop located on Buena Vista Street in Disney California Adventure Park at the Disneyland Resort. Let’s dive into the delectable world of Clarabelle’s, exploring its menu, pricing, location, mobile ordering, magic key holder discounts, operating hours, and its rich history.
Overview
Clarabelle’s serves hand-scooped ice cream, sundaes, floats, and other frozen treats. It is themed after Clarabelle Cow, one of Walt Disney’s original cartoon characters. The shop has an old-fashioned ice cream parlor aesthetic with an Art Deco design.
Menu
Clarabelle’s menu features hand-scooped Dreyer’s ice cream available in cones, cups, and specialty sundaes. Ice Cream Flavors:
- Vanilla
- Chocolate
- Strawberry
- Mint Chocolate Chip
- Cookies and Cream
- Rocky Road
- Vanilla (No Sugar Added)
Signature Sundaes:
- The Oswald – scoops of Vanilla and Chocolate Ice Cream served in a Waffle Cup topped with Whipped Cream, Hot Fudge, Chocolate Morsels, Cherries, and Chocolate-dipped Frozen Bananas.
- Mickey Kitchen Sink – Brownie and rocky road ice cream with hot fudge, chocolate shell, chocolate puffs, and white chocolate served in a Mickey ear hat bowl.
- Maleficent Kitchen Sink – Choice of sundae served in a Maleficent ear hat bowl.
Hand-Dipped Ice Cream Bars:
Choose an ice cream bar, chocolate coating (milk or dark), and topping like sprinkles, chocolate chips, or Mickey confetti. Seasonal Offerings:
Special sundaes and treats are offered during holidays like Halloween and Christmas.
Pricing
Pricing at Clarabelle’s is moderate, with single scoop cones starting at $5.79 and signature sundaes around $7-10. Hand-dipped bars are $6.39. The souvenir kitchen sink sundaes cost $15.49.
Location
Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream is located on Buena Vista Street between the Starbucks at Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Cafe and Trolley Treats candy shop.
Hours
Opening hours vary seasonally but generally Clarabelle’s is open from park opening until an hour before park closing.
Mobile Ordering
To enhance your experience and minimize wait times, Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream offers mobile ordering. This convenient feature allows you to place your order through the Disneyland app, selecting your ice cream flavors and toppings, and paying electronically. When your order is ready, you’ll receive a notification to pick it up at the designated area, reducing the time spent waiting in line. This is especially handy during peak visitation times when lines can be long.
Magic Key Holder Discounts
There are no Magic Key Holder discounts offered at Clarabelle’s at this time.
History
Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream opened in 2012 when Buena Vista Street and Cars Land debuted at Disney California Adventure. The shop was named after Clarabelle Cow, one of Walt Disney’s earliest cartoon characters who made her debut in 1928. While an exact backstory is unclear, it appears Clarabelle decided to open an old-timey ice cream parlor on Buena Vista Street, bringing a taste of retro charm to the area. The shop’s Art Deco design and use of classic soda fountain elements like stained glass and tiled floors reinforce this aesthetic.
Atmosphere
Stepping into Clarabelle’s feels like walking into an ice cream parlor from the 1920s or 30s. The ornate tiled floor, stained glass windows, and vintage soda fountain theming transport guests back in time. The large glass windows allow natural light to stream in, illuminating the pastel tiles and retro décor. Outside, green and white striped awnings and vintage-inspired signage reading “Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream” add to the old-timey vibe. A cast member dressed as a soda jerk or ice cream scooper often greets guests from behind the counter. Cheery tunes like “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah” play overhead, matching the bright, fun colors throughout the shop. While there is no dedicated indoor seating, the attached Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Cafe provides ample tables and chairs just steps away.
Tips for Visiting Clarabelle’s
- Go in the morning or late evening when crowds are lower. Around lunchtime and on hot days, lines can get long.
- Mobile order via the Disneyland app to skip waiting in line.
- Ask for a sample of flavors to help decide. Cast members are often happy to provide small tastes.
- Kids can get their ice cream in a Mickey Mouse or Minnie Mouse souvenir bowl for an additional $5.
- PhotoPass photographers are sometimes stationed outside to capture pictures with your treats.
- Keep an eye out for seasonal sundaes and specialty flavors.
Reviews
Clarabelle’s receives consistently positive reviews for its fun theming, generous portions, and inventive sundaes. The fresh, handmade waffle cones and bowls are also a big hit. The only complaints occasionally mention long wait times.
Conclusion
With its charming vintage theme, hand-dipped ice cream, and signature sundaes, Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream is a must-visit for dessert lovers visiting Disneyland. This classic ice cream parlor on Buena Vista Street transports guests back in time with delicious frozen treats. Stop by on your next Disneyland vacation for a scoop of old-fashioned fun.
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