In Which I Try Dole Whip At Long Last

Sweat beads were forming in the creases of my elbows as I waited in line to pay for my Chicken Caesar Salad. Behind me, another line formed as people gathered around the Dole Whip machines in The Polynesian Resort at Walt Disney World. It was 2012, and I was at my first Food Blog Forum in Orlando, Florida.

Mildly annoyed by their exuberance as I rushed to get food, get to my room, change and head off to a party, I got out of there as soon as I could. In my mind, I wondered what would possess people to be so wildly enthusiastic about soft serve. Who hasn’t had soft serve before?

Fast forward a few weeks … or maybe a month … and I read about the frozen delight that is Dole Whip on someone’s blog. Then it was on another blog. Soon, it seemed to be following me everywhere. And inside, I kicked myself for not getting it when I had the chance.

When I took the leap, registering for the 2013 Food Blog Forum at Walt Disney World, I promised myself I wouldn’t make the same mistake twice. The only question was when I would try the mythical Dole Whip.

Our second night in Orlando, I was walking through EPCOT looking for my family when I spied a stand selling Dole Whip. They had the traditional, the floats and even one with rum — but I went for plain Dole Whip, wanting to experience it in its purest form. In the back of my mind, I worried that I would totally hate it.

After a single bite, I was totally bummed that I hadn’t taken advantage of the Dole Whip machines the year before. It was a creamy, pineappley delight — so refreshing that I could have eaten it every night.

When I found the kids and Shawn, I offered Paige a bite and she took the tiniest of nibbles. Apprehensive, I saw as her expression changed and she began eying my dessert. Apparently, I wasn’t alone in my love. And Will? He was reticent to try it, but finally gave in. It’s good stuff.

That ended up being the only Dole Whip I had. It was amazing, and I can’t wait to have it again. And come to find out — there’s an ice cream shop not far from where we spend our summers that sells it. Guess I didn’t have to wait a year after all.

Have you had Dole Whip?