The secret of the pineapple-flavored Disney Dole Whip recipe is out! Here’s how to make your own at home and taste the Disney magic.
Dole Whip Recipe
Around the turn of the millennium, I worked at the Magic Kingdom in Florida as an Attractions Cast Member.
As part of my job, I operated quite a few rides and shows, including the Jungle Cruise, the Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, the Hall of Presidents, the Magic Carpets of Aladdin, the Swiss Family Treehouse, and the Enchanted Tiki Room.
I’m pretty sure I set a record for watching the most Tiki Room shows back-to-back during a particularly odd shift where I stayed in the theater for six hours straight, rather than rotating out to the entrance and pre-show areas.
While working in Adventureland, I frequently walked past Aloha Isle, the quick service Dole Whip spot. In fact, when I was stationed at the Swiss Family Treehouse across the way, I had to watch guests come and go with tempting cups of sweet, pineapple-flavored soft serve. Talk about temptation!
The new Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook brought back those memories and more. It touches on the history of the recipe, which predates the Disney parks.
Dole Whip is arguably the number one cult-classic favorite treat of all time at Disney Parks. This fruity-sweet snack began in Hawaii on the Dole Plantation, where parched tourists got to sample the sorbet after a walk around the pineapple bushes. Promoted alongside Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, guests can buy the treat in line for the show and eat it while listening to the “birds sing words and the flowers croon!” (emphasis mine)
So, what’s the secret? Let’s talk about the ingredients…
What are the ingredients in Dole Whip?
According to The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook, “The ‘real’ Dole Whip at Disneyland is prepared with a premade powder and water mixture.” This powder contains mostly sugar, plus some natural and artificial flavoring.
That’s right: The SECRET is a powder made of sugar and flavorings! This recipe replicates the flavor with—you guessed it—sugar, and real fruit juice instead of the powdered flavorings. It tastes just like the Disney version, and it’s all natural.
Is Disney Dole Whip dairy free?
Dole Whip at the Disney Parks has been dairy free for years. It’s always worth double-checking, of course, as ingredients do change. This homemade version is completely dairy free.
Where can I get Dole Whips?
Currently, pineapple Dole Whips are available at quite a few Disney World locations: Aloha Isle in the Magic Kingdom, Refreshment Port in Epcot, Tamu Tamu Refreshments in Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Polynesian Resort, and Marketplace Snacks at Disney Springs. In Disneyland, you’ll find it outside the Tiki Room and at the Tropical Hideaway, as well as at the Tangaroa Terrace at the Disneyland Hotel.
For a list of other Dole Whip flavors and where to find them, check out Inside the Magic.
Pick up a copy of The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook at your favorite retailer and start reliving your own magical memories!

Dole Whip Recipe
The secret of the Disney Dole Whip recipe is out! Now you can make your own Dole Whip at home and taste the magic!
Ingredients
- 1 cup room-temperature water
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups chilled pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
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In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine water and sugar. Microwave 1 minute, stir, then microwave 1 more minute and stir to create a syrup. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours.
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Pour pineapple juice into ice cream machine and add 1⁄2 cup chilled syrup. Add lime juice. Follow ice cream machine instructions and run about 20 minutes.
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Serve immediately or transfer to a large plastic container, cover, and freeze overnight for a harder consistency.
Excerpted from The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook by Ashley Craft. Copyright © 2020 by Simon & Schuster, Inc. Photography by Harper Point Photography. Used with permission of the publisher, Adams Media, an imprint of Simon & Schuster. All rights reserved.
Ben says
That is fully awesome. I’ve heard about the Dole Whip, but I’ve never had one before. I can’t wait to make this.
Amber Myers says
Oh yum, I love Dole Whips so much. We always get it when we visit Disney. I need to try this for sure!
Sarah Bailey says
Do you know I have never had a dole whip – they aren’t something we have over here I don’t think? I therefore definitely need to try making my own!
melissa chapman says
This does look and sound amazing. Unfortunately I am not handy enough to make ice cream so i will have to get mine at the park
Tasheena says
I’ve always wanted to give this a try. Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Heather says
I want that cookbook so badly! It’s actually on my holiday wish list!
Nikki Wayne says
This sounds so yummy. I love trying different desserts especially when it’s super easy.
Jenn @ EngineerMommy says
I absolutely have a sweet tooth and this looks so delicious to me. I’d love to try this recipe.
Nancy L says
My kids love to have Dole Whips when we visit the park. I can’t wait to give this recipe a try. It sounds easy enough. 🙂
Heather says
Isn’t this a fun book? I just got it too, and I can’t wait for my gastro tour!
Kathy says
This looks so good. I’ve already saved it so that I can make it later. I can’t wait to make it with my kids.
Kita Bryant says
This looks amazing! My kids would love to make some of this with me.
Michelle Cantu says
Our local zoo makes a version and I always said I would recreate it. This is great, I love dole whips.
Monica Y says
I miss going to Disney so much, this is great, now I can enjoy one of my favorite snacks at the parks in my home, looks delicious
Bolupe says
I love a Disney Dole Whip and crave it all the time. Now that the secret is out, I can’t wait to whip it up too.
Beth says
I haven’t had a Dole Whip before, but it seems like everyone loves them. I am excited to try making it at home. My kids will love it!
Rosey says
I’ve never had one. I’m sure I’d love to try one. They look and sound delish.