Looking for cute, delicious ice cream in the Disney area? Head over to Marketplace Snacks in Disney Springs! This quick-service snack stand serves up photo-worthy Disney-themed bubble waffle ice cream cones that are just as tasty as they look.
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Location, Atmosphere, and Seating:
Marketplace Snacks is located in the Marketplace neighborhood of Disney Springs (if you're facing the water, that's the far-right side of Disney Springs). You'll find this stand directly in front of Dockside Margaritas and across the walkway from Marketplace Co-Op.
The stand itself is pretty generic, just a standard Disney snack kiosk, but it's very easy to find if you know which direction to go.
There's no dedicated seating attached to Marketplace Snacks, but there are several spots to sit nearby. Dockside Margaritas has several waterfront tables right behind the stand (technically these are for paying guests, so we grabbed a drink and made ourselves comfortable), and there's additional waterfront seating along the railing closer to Sunshine Churros and the Waterside Stage.
Menu Overview:
The Marketplace Snacks menu features five different bubble waffle ice cream cones to choose from (plus bottled Dasani water), each one adorably themed to a Disney character.
Between the two order windows, there's a display case with plastic models of each cone so you can get a sense of size and presentation, which I always really appreciate.
Each bubble waffle cone is priced at $9.49, which feels pretty reasonable by Disney standards, especially given how large these treats are.
There is a note at the bottom of the menu stating guests with dietary restrictions (gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, etc.) can speak with a Cast Member so they can accommodate your needs safely.
The menu itself is mostly static year-round, but seasonal versions do occasionally pop up, especially around Halloween and Christmas.
(Find the current Marketplace Snacks menu here.)
What We Ordered:
After looking over the menu, Mr. Garlic and I landed on the Mickey Cookie Waffle Sundae, since we both love cookies and cream. This one comes with vanilla soft-serve, hot fudge, cookie crumbles, and white chocolate crisp pearls. Plus, it's topped with two Oreo cookies for Mickey ears. So cute.
We ordered this on a very hot day in Florida. I'm talking heat index of 112 degrees. As you can see from the photo, the ice cream had already started melting by the time I walked the ten feet to the water to snap a picture. There was also a little white chocolate Minnie bow on top… but by the time I got there, it had melted clean off and plopped onto the pavement. (You can still see the red splotch where it used to be, RIP.)
As for taste, the ice cream itself was standard vanilla soft-serve. Nothing fancy, similar to what you'd find at a fast-food spot like Sonic or McDonald's. The toppings, however, were great: thick hot fudge (well, thick before it melted), crispy white chocolate pearls, and a generous amount of crushed Oreos (yes, real brand-name Oreos). Each sundae also comes with two chocolate-covered biscuit sticks that reminded me a lot of Pocky. Another nice touch.
Now for the main event and the best bit: the freshly made bubble waffle. Instead of standard bubbles, this waffle has little Mickey head-shaped "bubbles," which I absolutely loved. The waffle itself was fresh, warm, and lightly sweet with strong vanilla flavor. Sweet, but not too sweet. It was soft and fluffy inside, with crispy edges, and honestly, it was delicious on its own. But once the ice cream started melting into the waffle? HOLY MOLY. Out of this world good. Thank you, 112-degree heat, for fast-tracking that magic.
Would I get this again? Absolutely yes!
This sundae actually exceeded my expectations. The combination of textures, flavors, and presentation really worked, and I'll be daydreaming about that melted ice cream & waffle bite until our next visit.
I do want to try a different one next time, not because this one wasn't amazing, but because they all looked so good. (Pluto Peanut Butter Waffle Sundae, I'm coming for you next.)
Size-wise, this thing is pretty darn big. As you can see in the photo, it's larger than my hand and was easily enough to share between two people. And even though the presentation doesn't last long in the Florida heat, it's so adorable and photo-worthy while it does.
Our Rating: Mr. Garlic and I give Marketplace Snacks a 8/10.
The bubble waffles are delicious, the soft-serve is loaded with toppings, and the themed presentation is just so fun. For under $10, it's a solid deal by Disney standards, especially considering how large these sundaes are.
Oh, and speaking of Florida weather, about three bites in, the sky went from bright and sunny to what felt like a surprise hurricane in a matter of seconds. Here's a shot of the Rum Runner I grabbed from Dockside Margaritas as we huddled under the awning with several other folks waiting for the storm to pass.
Know Before You Go:
- Hours: Marketplace Snacks is open daily from 11:00 a.m. until Disney Springs closes (usually between 11:00-11:30 p.m.).
- Lines & Wait Time: This stand tends to stay pretty quiet. I've never seen more than a handful of people waiting. On our visit, there was one group ahead of us, and we only waited a few minutes to order.
- Mobile Order: Not available here, but not needed either. The bubble waffles are made fresh, and we had ours in just a few minutes.
- Accessibility: Great accessibility here. Marketplace Snacks is right on the main walkway. No stairs or ramps required.
- Seating: There's no dedicated seating at the stand itself, but plenty of seating nearby. Dockside Margaritas has tables and waterfront seating (if purchasing a drink), and there's more seating along the waterfront near Sunshine Churros and the Waterside Stage.
- Best Time to Visit: This spot can get a little busier after dinner or on hot afternoons, but I've never seen a major wait. And since the bubble waffles are made to order, you'll always get one warm and fresh no matter when you go.
- Dining Plan & Discounts: Some Disney Dining Plans are accepted here (typically as a snack credit). As always, it's best to double-check with a Cast Member at the window.
Final Thoughts:
Would I recommend Marketplace Snacks? Absolutely. Mr. Garlic and I both really liked it. The bubble waffles are fresh and warm, the toppings are generous and themed, and the price is surprisingly fair for the portion size, especially by Disney standards.
Who would love this? Guests with severe allergies may want to skip it, but the menu does include a note encouraging you to speak with a Cast Member about dietary restrictions, so accommodations may be possible. That said, this snack stand is especially great for:
- Families with kids who love themed treats
- Couples looking to share something sweet
- Disney-adults who can't resist something Mickey shaped
- Anyone looking for a fun, Instagrammable dessert
If you're a solo traveler, just know these bubble waffles are very generously sized and definitely enough for two. (Or one, if you're ready to commit.)
Would I return? Already planning on it. That Pluto Peanut Butter Waffle Sundae is next on my list.
How does it compare to other snack options in Disney Springs? While there are plenty of places to grab sweets or soft-serve, I haven't found another location quite like this where you get a warm bubble waffle, fully-loaded ice cream, and adorable Disney character theming all in one. Marketplace Snacks really stands out, and it's absolutely worth a visit.
Which bubble waffle is calling your name? Leave a comment below and let me know!
If you enjoyed this review, you might also like these other Disney & Universal Studios dining reviews:
Must Love Garlic says
Have you tried Marketplace Snacks or have a favorite snack stand in Disney Springs? Leave a comment and let me know!