Dole Whip Celebrates Turning 40 by Launching ‘Dole Whip University’

Dole Whip lovers, rejoice: It’s been exactly 40 years since the Dole Packaged Foods introduced the Dole Whip at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in 1984 — and later at Disneyland, aboard the Disney Cruise Line, at Disney’s Hawaiian Resort Aulani, and at Disneyland Paris. 

To celebrate, the company released 14 recipes for you to prepare in your own kitchen and is also launching Dole Whip University, an online program that challenges fans to create creative twists on the classic dessert. 

The recipes range from the iconic pineapple flavor everyone knows and loves to some more unexpected combinations — including Pumpkin Spice Sweet Potato, Frozen Mexican Hot Chocolate, Twisted Candy Cane, and Golden Curry and Mango. They feature various Dole products alongside other fresh ingredients and pantry staples and can be prepped in 20 minutes or less. And like the Dole Whip, these recipes are all dairy-free.  

And don’t worry if your home isn’t equipped with a soft serve machine: The only machinery you’ll need to churn the treats up is a blender or a food processor. To nail that signature swirl, you can place the frozen mixture into a piping bag with a star tip and portion onto a cone or a bowl. While the company launched cups of their signature treat for sale in retail stores in 2023, sometimes there’s nothing better than making a batch of your very own. 

Once you’ve crafted at least 13 of the full list of 14 flavors, you’ll officially be a graduate of #DoleWhipU, giving you the ability to print your very own Dole Whip Diploma, showing that you’ve received a degree in “Dole Whipenomics.” 

The legendary Dole Whip is a soft-serve, dairy-free dessert that was initially served in regional amusement parks, restaurants, and retailers around the country and was originally dubbed the
“Dole Pineapple Whip.” However, the carefully coined “Dole Whip” can only be used by Disney parks and the Dole company itself, which serves the treat onsite at its O’ahu plantation. While pineapple is the most popular flavor, there are also other varieties like watermelon, lime, and mango. Other businesses can buy the same mix used in the parks, but due to trademark issues, they can’t name the treat “Dole Whip” and instead must designate it as “Dole Soft Serve.” 

In 2023, Dole Whip Day became recognized as a national holiday to be celebrated on the third Thursday of July each year. Visitors can find the popular specialty in every form, from a classic cone to a cupcake — and even in a cocktail. Some fan favorites include the Chile-Mango Whip from Disneyland’s Tropical Hideaway featuring a Dole Whip Mango Swirl decked out with chamoy, mango, and chile-lime seasoning; and the Frozen Old Fashioned made with Dole Whip Orange from Wine Bar George at Orlando’s Disney Springs.