4. Zeppole di Caterina

Keep in mind, there are plenty of delectable delights beyond the bakeries and candy shops. In fact, you can justify a lapse in caloric judgment by working a little harder to get to the rewards that are more limited in availability. Well, that might be a bit of a reach in rationale, but find a way to permit yourself the act of waistline sabotage that is Zeppole di Caterina.

The bigger challenge may be saving room for this authentic Italian treat. Zeppole can only be found at Epcot’s Italy Pavilion, at the Via Napoli restaurant, which boasts an entire menu of enticing entrees before you even consider dessert. Italian cuisine is notoriously filling and often rather heavy in nature. Zeppole is no exception. Essentially, an Italian donut, Zeppole consists primarily of dough, sugar and Ricotta cheese, served with whipped cream and chocolate sauce for your dipping pleasure. The good news? These little balls of yumminess are the perfect size for sharing… if you really want to.

5. Funnel cakes

Maybe the Ricotta cheese is a bit more than you are willing to walk off, but the thought of powdered sugar is dancing across your taste buds, and you need to act on this craving. Never fear - funnel cakes are here!

This traditional carnival classic has been a favorite since Medieval times, and Disney’s funnel cakes measure up to the standards of any generation. Carts and stand-alone counter service locations dedicated almost entirely to funnel cakes can be found at Epcot’s America Pavilion, Boardwalk Inn, Oasis Canteen at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and in Liberty Square at Sleepy Hollow. Cheat a little with powdered sugar topping only, or go for the gold with options including ice cream, chocolate sauce, berries, and whipped cream. A mandatory warning - this larger-than-the-plate behemoth commands many napkins, a fork, and possibly a dining companion to share with!

6. Cupcakes

The growing popularity of dedicated cupcakeries speaks volumes about our love affair with these miniature confections. Stuffed, iced, topped - the possibilities are endless when it comes to cupcake styles and flavors. If you think you’ve seen them all, you haven’t thoroughly explored the Disney cupcake collection. This may be the single, most abundant food item at Walt Disney World.

It may seem trite to push cupcakes so vigorously, but one simple Web search will put this all in perspective. “Disney cupcake” search results reveal a cluster of fans devoted to the enticing treats - so much so, that you’ll find endless lists of recommendations, as well as guides to  “cupcake crawls”... to eat your way through the resort, one cupcake at a time. Put simply, these aren’t your standard cupcakes. They’re huge, moist, extravagantly flavorful, and they look almost as impressive as they taste. The only drawback to the Disney cupcake is trying to narrow down your choices to one. This may seem like an impossible feat when staring down the selections, but it’s certainly safer than attempting to devour them all! Not preferable, mind you, but safer.

7. Zebra Domes

The Zebra Dome is a Disney-original. In fact, this creation came to life at one of Walt Disney World’s most elaborate resorts, Animal Kingdom Lodge, which is still the only place on property where you’ll find them.

So… what is a Zebra Dome? The name describes the appearance, but there are no words that do justice to the taste. This clever little two-bite concoction consists of white cake, topped with a fluffy chocolate-espresso mousse, enclosed in a white chocolate ganache with chocolate drizzle. The secret ingredient is Amarula Cream Liqeur, made from the native African marula tree. Hands-down, this is one of the most beloved of Disney desserts. Find them on the buffet at Boma - Flavors of Africa, or grab a to-go package from The Mara. Don’t feel too sheepish if you make a special trip to Animal Kingdom Lodge just for a Zebra Dome fix. It’s perfectly justifiable, and a more common occurrence than you’d think.

8. Kitchen Sink

Gather your diet-ditchers and your competitive eaters - the Kitchen Sink is the mother of all edible challenges at the Walt Disney World Resort. Be forewarned, this one may not only curb your diet… it’s likely to derail it for quite some time, but rest assured - it’s worth it! This is pure gluttony at its finest, and there’s no way to subdue the accompanying guilt.

The Kitchen Sink concept is not exactly new. Many ice cream parlors offer some variation of this dessert extravaganza, but what’s behind the Disney version? Eight scoops of ice cream in five flavors, a half-cup each of warmed peanut butter, butterscotch, and fudge toppings, chocolate syrup, marshmallow creme, strawberry and pineapple toppings, a banana, two quartered cupcakes, a brownie, a candy bar, 4 cookies, a slew of crushed and chopped toppings, sprinkles, cherries, and an entire can of whipped topping - all served up in (you guessed it)  a kitchen sink. Yes, this one is quite a sight to see, and all heads will turn when this glorious monument to tastiness makes its way from the kitchen to your table. It’s delivered with great fanfare, complete with flashing lights, and cheers.

The Kitchen Sink is obviously made to share. It is recommended for parties of four, but can easily appease a couple more. You’ll find the original Kitchen Sink at the Beaches and Cream ice cream shop and cafe at the Beach Club Resort. Scaled-down versions are also available at The Plaza Restaurant and Ice Cream Parlor on Main Street USA at the Magic Kingdom. This three-scoop treat is served up in a smaller “sink” designed to look like Mickey’s signature red shorts, which doubles as a take-home souvenir commemorating you attempt to tackle this giant among Disney desserts.