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FULL Review! The Tropical Hideaway — Disneyland’s Newest Hangout in Adventureland!

Welcome, fellow Explorers and Adventurers, to The Tropical Hideaway in Disneyland’s Adventureland!

The Tropical Hideaway!

This new counter service location will officially open to Disneyland guests on Friday, December 21st. But it’s in soft openings now, which means that if you’re currently in Disneyland you may be able to catch it open beforehand.

The Tropical Hideaway

But we were able to attend a Media Preview to bring you into this new tropical location boasting ADVENTURE!

The Tropical Hideaway

The Tropical Hideaway

MYSTERY!

The Tropical Hideaway

The Tropical Hideaway

And DOLE WHIP!

Dole Whip, I Presume

Dole Whip Float and Loaded Whip

And MUCH more! You’ll find The Tropical Hideaway tucked between Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room and the Jungle Cruise, and both the atmosphere and the global cuisine take their adventurous cues from these truly classic attractions.

Atmosphere

The Tropical Hideaway is nestled on the waterfront of the Jungle River. There are two ways to reach the new destination: by crossing its main bridge through Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room or by way of “Skipper’s Walk” coming from the Jungle Cruise loading dock.

Skippers Walk

During the day, the open-air setting allows for soaking in the “tropical” California sun, though plenty of tables are also available under awnings to provide shade for those who prefer it.

The Tropical Hideaway

In daylight hours you’ll also be able to more easily see all of the references to both of the beloved neighboring attractions. These include Rosita the Cockatoo!

Rosita

In fact, Rosita will be a constant presence for visitors to the Hideaway! Keep your eyes — and ears! — peeled for her at the loading dock as she waits for her boat which will take her on her way to begin her solo career after her performing run with the bird mobile chorus in the Tiki Room.

We mention your ears because Rosita has some laughs to share! This beautiful audio-animatronic has a full repertoire of jokes you can catch if you stop by the loading dock to see and hear what she has to say.

Rosita

As you continue in your wanderings, you’ll want to be sure to check out the paddles lining the wall which represent member of the Society of Explorers and Adventures. (You can learn more about S.E.A. by reading about the Jungle Skipper Canteen in Walt Disney World here.)

Paddles lining the walls

Looking at the paddles you’ll spot names such as H. Hightower known to fans of DisneySea’s Tower of Terror.

H. Hightower Paddle

Other names also may be familiar to you from other Disney destinations around the globe, like Lord Henry Mystic from Mystic Manor in Hong Kong Disneyland. 

H. Mystic Paddle

And here’s one for good ol’ Albert Falls

Dr A. Falls Paddle

We’re told some paddles also provide some clues for future attractions…

The Tropical Hideaway

We told you there was mystery here!

Once the sun sets, torch lights will flicker throughout the evening, adding to the romantic and mysterious Adventureland atmosphere.

Tiki Torch

The outpost also displays goods from artisans among the decor.

Lamps “for sale”

Exotic Lamp Sales

You’ll also find a couple of unique merchandise items at the Hideaway that aren’t just for display! In particular, there is only one other place where you’ll find the Plumeria Minnie Ears, and that’s at Disney’s Aulani in Hawaii.

Plumeria Minnie Ears

Plumeria Minnie Ears

And finally, the scene is further — and always — set with friendly Cast Members!

Cast Members

Eats

The marketplace is ready for guests to come in and experience global cuisine!

“Fresh Off the River”

It’s the best of the Jungle!

“Best of the Jungle”

Let’s take a look at the first part of the menu (with more to come).

The Tropical Hideaway Menu

Warm steamed Bao Buns are served in three flavors: Spiced Vegetable Bao, Kaffir Lime Chicken Bao, and Bulgogi Beef Bao.

Bao Buns: Spiced Vegetable Bao, Kaffir Lime Chicken Bao, and Bulgogi Beef Bao

The Kaffir Lime Chicken Bao is also filled with butternut squash, lime, and even a little spice from fresh herbs.

Kaffir Lime Chicken Bao Bun

The Spiced Vegetable Bao is indeed spiced, but it’s done so with curry instead of a hot spice, so there isn’t a ton of heat — just a hint. These tasty buns are filled with garbanzo beans (chickpeas) and cauliflower.

Spiced Vegetable Bao Bun

The Bulgogi Beef Bao is finished with sweet chilis and potatoes.

Bulgogi Beef Bao

These soft buns are truly excellent, and clearly unique from what you’ll find at most counter service spots in Disneyland. You can’t go wrong with any of the flavorful fillings. That said, you’ll still see a Skipper’s Tip on the menu: “Want it spicy? Ask for the sauce!”

From the Steamer Menu

We highly recommend the delicious sauce — which is Kogi Salsa Roja — not only for the Boa Buns. We also mixed it in with our next item, the chilled Ramen Shaker Salad.

Chilled Ramen Shaker

Chilled Ramen Shaker Salad

The spicy sauce was a good mix-in, but the tasty onion vinaigrette that the salad is served (and subsequently shaken) with is great on its own, too.

Chilled Ramen Shaker

Ramen, carrots, zucchini and cilantro make up the rest of the super fun shaker salad. And the option of spicy togarashi cashews give the whole thing a terrific kick.

Chilled Ramen Shaker

Chilled Ramen Shaker and Rosita

For sweets, there is the Sweet Pineapple Lumpia!

Fresh Arrivals Menu

Disney World guests who have visited Pongu Pongu in Animal Kingdom’s Pandora will recognize this egg roll filled with sweet cream cheese and pineapple.

Sweet Pineapple Lumpia

Only here at The Tropical Hideaway, the presentation of cream cheese with roasted pineapple is a bit different with an emphasis on the sweet cream (which for many, I think, will actually be the preferred texture). Plus, they’re rolled in sugar lending an extra crispy texture to the roll.

Sweet Pineapple Lumpia

The presence of pineapple is upped instead with a Dole Pineapple Dipping Sauce served on the side.

Full serving portion with dipping sauce

Delicious!

But we’re not done yet!! That Adventureland staple, Dole Whip, is also on the menu!

Dole Whip, I Presume

Welcome to the Dole Whip bar at The Tropical Hideaway, “you lucky people, you!”

Preparing the Dole Whip

Forever and always, we will have a soft spot in our hearts for the Tiki Juice Bar, first home of the Dole Whip in Disneyland. But Dole Whip fans should note the bragging rights that The Tropical Hideaway has earned for several reasons. The first is flavor variety. You can get a Dole Whip in Pineapple, Orange, or Raspberry.

Dole Whip Menu closeup

And, of course, you can swirl and choose Pineapple & Orange or Pineapple & Raspberry.

Pineapple and Raspberry Dole Whip Swirl

You can also enjoy your Dole Whip in Float form.

Dole Whip Float

Dole Whip Float and Loaded Whip

But what’s that next to our Dole Whip Float? Say “hello” to Loaded Whips!

Loaded Whips

The Twisted Ambush takes Dole Whip and places it on “exotic fruit” (mostly mandarin orange and pineapple) to deliver even more citrus flavor and punch.

Twisted Ambush

Crystallized hibiscus is sprinkled all over. And sticking out of all sides? Why, those are Pocky! (Not familiar with Pocky? Check it out here!)

Twisted Ambush

Here, the Pocky are the “spears” which are ambushing you! We also tried the Loaded Whip with Raspberry and Pineapple swirl, too.

Twisted Ambush

Before you head off for the rest of your time in Adventureland, it’s good to know that “Extra Provisions” are available as well, in the form of grab-and-go goods like trail mix, chips, fruits, and veggies.

Grab and Go

Grab and Go

Hippeas Chickpea Puffs and Salted Plantain Chips

Bottled drinks are up for grabs, too, alongside the other chilled selections.

Bottled drinks

Bottled drinks and fruits

And with that, we’re refreshed, refueled, and ready to tackle any adventures that come our way!

The Tropical Hideaway is SO much fun! Plenty of hidden gems for Disney fans — and not only those who appreciate Adventureland, but even for fans of the Disney destinations worldwide — all within a seriously beautiful tropical-inspired setting which mixes that whimsy with a touch of romance. And the fact that the food is so tasty with unique and creative items you can only find here (in regards to Disneyland)… well, that ups the ante, too. And for those who don’t care for the global cuisine on the menu? Well, who doesn’t love a Dole Whip?! The Tropical Hideaway is a win for everyone, and we can’t wait for our next getaway to the Hideaway!

We’ve been following the development of The Tropical Hideaway from the moment it was first announced… you’ll hear about its initial announcement and more new Disneyland Resort dining options that are new to the scene AND some that are still on the way in our DFB YouTube Video!

Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. We were invited by Disney to experience the new Tropical Hideaway location. Note that when we attend events as media we are 1) Not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ and the DFB Team

Are you looking forward to exploring The Tropical Hideaway? Please let us know with a comment!



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