Discovering Ghirardelli Soda Fountain in California Adventure was a very tasty experience! Not only are the treats delicious and inviting, but also visiting the inside of the shop is part of the experience and is something I recommend you see when you are in California Adventure!
Discovering Ghirardelli Soda Fountain in California Adventure
During our last trip to the Disneyland Resort, I had the opportunity to visit this shop for the first time! Whether you are into chocolate or not, this is one fun and mouth-watering place to visit!
History of Ghirardelli Chocolate Company
First on the list for Discovering Ghirardelli Soda Fountain in California Adventure is to find out the history of the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company. If I don’t know everything about what I am writing about, I will do some research on it to share with you all!
Ghirardelli Chocolate Company was started in 1852 by an Italian Immigrant by the name of Domingo Ghirardelli. (Domenico was his original name until he changed it in 1847.) It was started during the Gold Rush in San Francisco, California. The original location for the chocolate shop was at Kearny and Washington Streets. The name of the shop started out at Ghirardely and Girard. Later, it became known as Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop, which is widely known today.
Another change was the location. Because they needed more space, in 1893, they bought and moved to the Pioneer Woolen building on the Northern Waterfront in San Francisco.
If you would like to know more about the Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop (or where to buy) you can find it here.
Location of Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop in Californa Adventure
Next on the list for Discovering Ghirardelli Soda Fountain in Californa Adventure is where it is located. I want to make sure you can find these tasty treats!
As you enter California Adventure you are on Buena Vista St. Continue down to the fountain in the hub area. Keep going past the fountain and straight ahead as if you were going to Cars Land. Just after you pass the Cars Land entrance, on the left is another pathway that will take you right to the Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop.
Shop
Another fun thing on the list of Discovering Ghirardelli Soda Fountain in California Adventure is the shop. Right as you enter the shop there is a Cast Member there handing out a single, wrapped chocolate square. The flavors change depending on the time of year. When we went in December, it was the Peppermint chocolate.
Note: Due to Covid 19, things may be different for a while. Check Disneyland’s official website here for current information.
The next thing to check out is all the chocolate! The whole store has so many different flavors of Ghirardelli chocolates for you to choose from. There are bags available for you to fill with whatever mix you would like! Danger! Danger!!
The Ghirardelli Soda Fountain also has fun items to purchase that are themed after Ghirardelli and chocolates that you can bring home for yourself or others.
Entertaining Decorations
Next on Discovering Ghirardelli Soda Fountain in California Adventure is the decoration on the wall. This was so fun to watch while we were waiting for our treats. Plus, I forgot to take a photo… I was too engrossed in watching it. Hee hee
I digress.
On the wall behind the counter is this big display of San Francisco (including the Ghirardelli store) and the California hills with a river. The Ghirardelli sign lights up, the trolly will make sounds, and then it moves down the street. Another fun part of this display is that the miner strikes gold and yells excitedly. There are more things that happen on this display, but I will let you discover it for yourself. It really is a cool display.
For those of you who are old enough to remember the waiting area in Tomorrowland for the 360 Circlevision theatre in the 70s and 80s… (Dating myself…) It had big, square, padded benches to sit on, and on the wall were all sorts of characters/vehicles, etc. that would move. It started on one end and would continue along to the other side of the room like the wave at a sports event. I miss that waiting area. It was so entertaining to watch.
Treat Options
Finally on the list of Discovering Ghirardelli Soda Fountain in California Adventure is the treats!! They have so many treats to choose from and if you don’t see what you want, you can build your own!
Ghirardelli Soda Fountain has twelve ice cream flavors you can choose from.
- Black cherry vanilla
- Butter pecan
- Chocolate chip
- Chocolate chip cookie dough
- Cookies ‘n cream
- Espresso chip
- Ghirardelli chocolate
- Lemon sorbet
- Mint chocolate chip
- Rocky road
- Strawberry
- Vanilla
Ghirardelli also has sugar free options available.
I thought I photographed the menu, however, I guess I didn’t because it is not in with my photos. Ugh. However, I do have photos of what my mom, brother, and I had gotten. Don’t worry, I will share the drool-worthy photos with you.
Ocean Beach Sea Salt Caramel Sundae
Upon Discovering Ghirardelli Soda Fountain in California Adventure, I decided to try the Ocean Beach Sea Salt Caramel Sundae but without the sea salt. I’m not a fan of salt on my chocolate. I was happy that they could leave it off of my sundae. This sundae is caramel sauce, vanilla ice cream, topped with homemade hot fudge, whipped cream, and a milk chocolate square.
It is so pretty when they get done with it. And you get a milk chocolate square on top! Yummy!
I thoroughly enjoyed my sundae and would definitely get it again.
Strike it Rich Butterscotch Hot Fudge Sundae
My Mom decided to get the Strike it Rich Butterscotch Hot Fudge Sundae. This treat is butter pecan and vanilla ice cream, butterscotch, homemade hot fudge, and diced almonds. It is topped with whipped cream, diced almonds, and a cherry.
Mom thoroughly enjoyed her treat.
Nob Hill Chill
My brother decided to go with the Nob Hill Chill. It is a shake that is made with vanilla ice cream, handmade hot fudge, and ice blended together and topped with mini dark chocolate chips.
He enjoyed his shake from here as well.
If you would like to see the menu for the Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop, you can find it here.
In Conclusion
With all the different dessert options around the park, the Ghirardelli Soda Fountain in California Adventure is one of the best places to get a nice, cold and chocolatey treat during your visit to the Disneyland Resort!
Questions or Comments?
If you have any questions or comments on today’s post-Discovering Ghirardelli Soda Fountain in Californa Adventure, please feel free to leave them in the comments below. I would love to help!
Thanks for stopping by Life in Mouse Years!
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