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coffee

Dutch Bros Golden Eagle Iced Coffee

If you're seeking coffee with friendly service, then you may want to head to Dutch Bros. The drive-thru coffee brand is known for its friendly "broistas" who chat with you as if they actually enjoy it (and perhaps they do). 

Dutch Bros Golden Eagle Iced or Hot Coffee

There are plenty of coffee drinks to pick from on the Dutch Bros menu, one of which is called the Golden Eagle. Dutch Bros has a range of signature drinks that you can find on the Dutch Faves portion of the menu, including others like the Kicker, Annihilator, Caramelizer, Cocomo, Double Torture, and 911. 

But you're to learn about the Dutch Bros Golden Eagle drink. 

What's in the Dutch Bros Golden Eagle?

The beverage has espresso, caramel and vanilla breve, and a caramel drizzle. You can get it iced or hot. 

Dutch Bros Golden Eagle Iced Coffee breve Carmen Varner food and travel writer

What does the Dutch Bros Golden Eagle taste like?

The Golden Eagle is pretty sweet with a mainly caramel-forward profile. As you can see, the caramel started to pool at the bottom of the drink, but you can mix it up to get the caramel spread throughout the drink.

What's a Breve? 

A breve coffee drink usually means that the espresso is paired with half and half, instead of milk. So it creates an ultra-rich base for your coffee. However, you can always customize your drink to swap the milk, use a non-dairy option, add drizzles, or other options.

Top view Dutch Bros Golden Eagle Iced Coffee

Can I get a Sugar-Free Golden Eagle Dutch Bros?

Why, yes, you can. Dutch Bros offers a range of sugar-free options if you want to limit your sugar intake. This drink has espresso, sugar-free vanilla syrup, and sugar-free caramel sauce. There is a bit of an aftertaste that you may associate with sugar-free drinks, but there's a lot of flavors going on, so that works to the drink's advantage. 

If you like caramel drinks, then this is a top pick for you. It's definitely a sweet coffee drink, but you could always ask for light/less sauce or even upgrade to get another shot.

Have you tried the Dutch Bros Golden Eagle iced coffee, or do you like to get it hot?

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Disneyland Food and Beverage

Harbour Galley Disneyland Chocolate Chip Cookies

I had seen several videos on TikTok about the chocolate chip cookies from Harbour Galley at Disneyland. So, when I visited with my family, and the choice was between a churro and the cookies, we opted for the cookies -- simply because we’ve had the churro and wanted to try something new. 

Are the cookies even good?

If you like a freshly baked cookie, this will certainly be right up your alley. It’s hard to go wrong with a tasty cookie, so as a food writer and home cook, I can safely say these are pretty good cookies. Obviously, if you find yourself a chocolate chip cookie connoisseur, you might have some different thoughts. 

These are small cookies served in a paper bag/tray type of thing. They are served warm, which makes you feel like you baked them yourself, and they came right out of the oven. The Disneyland chocolate chip cookies come in a pack of six or a pack of 13. If you have more people in your party or you want to take some home, get the 13-pack because the cookies are small anyway. 

Harbour Galley Disneyland Chocolate Chip Cookies Carmen Varner prices location

As a lot of baked goods are not all, these are best when fresh. When you get them, they have a slightly crisp exterior that is buttery and rich, while the interior remains soft and doughy. They have a good amount of chocolate chips, which I consider a good thing. 

If you’ve ever had a cookie that has gaps without the chocolate chips, then you don’t have to worry when eating these. You got a chocolate nibble with each bite. The pack of six is perfect to share with two people, so you get three each, but you can share with more if you’d like. 

Churros at Disneyland: Flavors, Prices, Locations, and More. Read here.

Where to Find the Disneyland Chocolate Chip Cookies

These are located at Harbour Galley near the Pirates of the Caribbean area in New Orleans Square. 

Harbour Galley Disneyland Chocolate Chip Cookies Carmen Varner prices location

How to Order the Harbour Galley Cookies

I recommend ordering from the Disneyland app because the line can get pretty long, even in the middle of the day on a Wednesday. When you order on the app, you can select an arrival time, so this can eliminate a lot of standing in line.

Disneyland Chocolate Chip Cookie Prices

Fresh-baked Chocolate Chip Cookies are available in a 6-pack for $6.79 or a 13-pack for $12.79, while supplies last. 

Tiana's Palace at Disneyland Park: Review, Menu, Address, Hours. Read more about it here.

Harbour Galley Disneyland Chocolate Chip Cookies Carmen Varner prices location

There is a Reddit thread about the Harbour Galley Disneyland cookies and how they didn't live up to the hype, and I can understand that sentiment. I don't usually think things live up to the hype either, so I try to go into things with a fresh mindset. Again, don't sit around and waste your day at Disneyland waiting in line. Put in an order and pick it up instead. 

It's just a cookie; it's not revolutionary. Disneyland didn't use any special, magical ingredients. So, if you go into it thinking it's something magnificent, you will be disappointed. It's a good cookie, not the world's best cookie. 

But that all said, I think it's worth trying if you have a sweet tooth while you're at the park.

Harbour Galley Disneyland Chocolate Chip Cookies

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Disney Disney California Adventure Disneyland

Cars Land at Disney California Adventure

"Cars" fans rejoice! Disney California Adventure has a whole Cars Land for you to enjoy. It looks like it jumped straight out of the movie, with everything from Flo's V8 Cafe to the Cozy Cone Motel. It really creates an immersive experience. I hadn't been to Disneyland or California Adventure in over a decade, so when I saw it for the first time, I was impressed. If your toddler or kids (or yourself) like the Cars movies, then you will get a kick out of Cars Land.

* Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you click on a link and make a purchase. This comes at no additional cost to you. Learn more on my disclosure page.

Entrance sign to Radiator Springs Cars Land at Disney California Adventure Radiator Springs Disneyland Carmen Varner

Okay, so where is this place? Well, here's the technical address:

Cars Land Disney Address: 20 Rte 66, Anaheim, CA 92802 

But it's not like you can input the address and drive there. Cars Land is at Disney California Adventure, not Disneyland. So, you must have a ticket and reservation. If you're purchasing a ticket via the website, then that is technically your ticket and reservation. If you have a Magic Key Pass, then you need to book a reservation. If you have a park hopper ticket, you can easily visit both parks.

Cars Land Rides include:

  •  Radiator Springs Racers 
  •  Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters 
  •  Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree 


Radiator Springs Racers 

The height requirement for this ride is 40 inches (102 cm) or taller. Kids, tweens, teens, and adults can ride it as long as they meet the height requirement. Radiator Springs Racers has some small drops. Some parts are dark. It's a really cool, fun ride, and there are two routes you can go into toward the end. The ride takes you through Luigi's Casa Della Tires or Ramone’s House of Body Art. I really liked Luigi because there's also a fun movement element as he fills your tires. This ride has Loud Lightning Lane and Single Pass (also known as Single Rider).

You get to drive through Ornament Valley as you arrive in Radiator Springs.  You'll see Lightning McQueen, Mater, Mack, Doc Hudson, Sally, Luigi, Guido, and Ramone. You'll even drive past the little tractor cows and go tractor-tipping -- just make sure to get away from Frank! This ride tends to have the longest wait out of all the Cars Land attractions. 

Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters Joy to the Whirl Sign Cars Land at Disney California Adventure Radiator Springs Disneyland Carmen Varner
Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters Joy to the Whirl Sign

Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters

Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters is fun for all ages but especially for younger kids. The height requirement is 32 inches (81 cm) or taller. It has some spinning and can be a little loud because of the music. My 1.5-year-old toddler loved this ride. You get to spin around in Frizzante roadsters, dancing all the way. The line moves pretty quick. Stop by during Halloween to see it decorated for Luigi's Honkin' Haul-O-Ween, but there's also Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl during winter and Christmastime.

Signs at Mater's Junk Yard Cars Land at Disney California Adventure Radiator Springs Disneyland Carmen Varner

Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree

I still have the songs from Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree stuck in my head. You have to be 32 inches (81 cm) or taller to ride this attraction. It basically moves and thrashes you around in figure eight type of moves. Even with the seatbelt, you'll be sliding around, particularly the little ones. It's also decorated for Christmas as Mater's Jingle Jamboree or Mater's Graveyard JamBOOree for Halloween (aka Haul-O-Ween).

Grab a bite to eat at Cars Land:

  •  Flo's V8 Cafe
  •  Cozy Cone Motel
  •  Fillmore’s Taste-In
Flo's V8 Cafe sign in the daylight Cars Land at Disney California Adventure Radiator Springs Disneyland Carmen Varner

Flo's V8 Cafe 

This restaurant has a really cool design, much like all of Radiator Springs. The exterior has large neon signs and the inside looks like an old diner. Disney did an amazing job making you feel like you're part of the movie. Flo's V8 Cafe is inspired by Route 66. It has comfort food for those who want something that feels familiar. 

Flo's also sells alcoholic beverages, and of course, you have to be 21 or over to get a cocktail. There's a limit of two drinks per person per transaction. Alcoholic beverages throughout the Disney California Adventure tend to rotate. So, you may find a drink you like and it might not be there the next time you visit. Just something to keep in mind.

Popular entrees include  Flo's Famous Fried Chicken ($19.99) with roasted garlic mashed potatoes, a bit of gravy, and some seasonal vegetables.  There's a plant-based Impossible Burger ($13.99) as well as kids' meal offerings, like Chicken Fenders (aka chicken tenders for $8.99) and Mack's Mac and Cheese ($8.49). Make sure to check the hours but generally Flo's is open 9:30 AM to 10:00 PM.

Related reading: QuesaBirria Tacos from Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill at Disneyland California Adventure - Food Review.

View of neon sign of Cozy Cone Motel Cars Land at Disney California Adventure Radiator Springs Disneyland Carmen Varner

Cozy Cone Motel

The Cars Land's Cozy Cone Motel is shaped like (you guessed it) giant orange traffic cones. They are certainly unique. This option allows for walk-up ordering if you want to pick up a quick bite to eat. Check the hours but generally, it's open 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Each cone offers its own specialty food. 
  • Cone 1 - classic churros, Ramone’s “Pear of Dice” Soda, and a selection of coffee and other drinks. 
  • Cone 2 - cool down with soft-serve ice cream in chocolate, vanilla, or a twist of both. 
  • Cone 3 - savory eats like Chili “Cone” Queso and Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Cones. 
  • Cone 4 - grab a chimichanga and sip on frozen goodies like lemonade or limeade. If you're 21 and over, then you can get a boozy version.
  • Cone 5 - fun takes on popcorn, with rotating flavored options served by the scoop.

Fillmore's Taste-In

Head over to Fillmore's Taste-In when you want some fresh fruit or veggie snacks. You can also find bottled beverages like tea as well as chips. Grab refreshing pineapple topped with chamoy and chile-lime seasoning for $3.99, which is a pretty good deal for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure prices. You can also opt for assorted whole fruits if you're craving something simple or nourishing. There's not a lot on the menu but it does offer some fresh items that are worth taking a look at. 

Shop for souvenirs at:

  •  Sarge’s Surplus Hut
  •  Ramone’s House of Body Art 
  •  Radiator Springs Curios
You can also meet characters! I saw Mater and Lightning McQueen. My toddler was able to go up close to meet Lightning McQueen. It's really cool for kids and adults alike. They characters talk and move; sometimes you can see them driving around to their next destination.

Find out more about Cars Land on the Disney website.

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arizona nature Things To Do travel

Usery Mountain Regional Park Arizona: Things to Do, Camping, Trails, Fees, and More

Explore the beautiful views of Usery Mountain Regional Park Arizona in Maricopa County, Arizona. You can hike, horseback ride, go camping, and take in the stunning nature around you at this park. Here you will find 29 miles of trails to hike, mountain bike, and horseback ride.

Address: 3939 N Usery Pass Rd, Mesa, AZ 85207

Phone number: (602) 506-2930 extension 4

Saguaro cactus Usery mountain regional park national park Mesa Arizona Carmen Varner food and travel writer

Usery Park Arizona Hours 

May 1 to October 31 - The park is open from 5 am to 9 pm daily.

November 1 to April 30 - The park is open from 6 am to 8 pm daily.

Nature Center Hours 

May 1 - October 31 - It is open from 7 am to 2 pm Monday through Saturday but closed on Sunday. 

November 1 - April 30 - It is open daily from 8 am to 4 pm.

Make sure to view the Park Updates section for the latest information and news about Usery Mountain Regional Park.

Things to Do in Usery Mountain Regional Park Arizona

Usery Mountain Park AZ Entry Fees

There are fees to enter. The prices may change, so you will get the most updated price once you are there. There are fees for different activities and car sizes such as school buses, commercial buses, motorized watercraft, etc. They also have a senior discount. The following list is not full, it's just to give you some examples. Be prepared to pay park fees based on things like party size or any activities that you plan on doing.

  •  Spur Cross Conservation Area - $3 per person
  •  Vehicle entry, all other parks - $7
  •  Hike/Bike/Equestrian - $2
  •  Annual Day-Use Entry Pass $85 - allows the cardholder to access all Maricopa County Parks.

And more!

Usery Mountain Regional Park Camping 

There are also fees associated with Usery Mountain camping depending on how many people are camping, what type of campsite you reserve, and more. Reviewers on Google mentioned that the Usery Park Campground was clean and that you could hear coyotes at night. They also say it is a good place for hiking and relaxing with nature around you.

Located in: Usery Mountain Regional Park 

Address: 2701 N. McGill Dr, Mesa, AZ 85207 

Phone: (480) 984-0032

Camping Reservation Fee - There's a non-refundable reservation fee of $8

Usery Park campground developed sites - These are specific camping sites with electrical and water hook-ups, dump station access, restrooms, picnic tables, and grills - $32

There are also semi-developed Usery Mountain camping sites, primitive camping, shaded RV sites, group and youth group camping which is for large groups, and more. Just remember that temperatures will vary based on the time of year that you go. One reviewer says they went at the beginning of April, and it was amazing weather.

Usery Mountain Trails

There are 29 miles of trails waiting to be explored. This list comes directly from the Maricopa County Parks website and shows the trail's one-way mileage.

- Amigos Wash: 1.2 miles each way 

- Blevins Trail: 3.0 miles - A relatively easy, family-friendly hike that allows you to experience classic Arizona desert landscapes. 

- Cat Peaks: 1.1 miles each way

- Cat Peaks Pass: 0.3 miles each way

- Channel: 1.2 miles each way

- County Line: 1.0 mile each way

- Crimson Wash: 0.9 miles each way

- Desert Hawk: 0.5 miles each way

- Levee: 1.6 miles each way

- Meridian: 0.9 miles each way

- Merkle: 0.9 miles each way

- Moon Rock: 1.4 miles each way

- Nighthawk Wash: 0.5 miles each way

- Noso: 1.0 miles each way

- Pass Mountain: 7.5 miles each way

- Ruidoso: 1.3 miles each way

- Signal Wash: 0.5 miles each way

- Spillway: 1.2 miles each way

- Vista: 0.5 miles each way

- Wind Cave: 1.5 miles (3.2 miles round trip) – This moderate hike takes you up to a cave in the mountains, offering breathtaking views of the Valley. 

Things to Do in Usery Mountain Regional Park Arizona

Things to Do in Usery Mountain Regional Park Arizona

  •  You can view the sunset
  •  Hike the 29 miles of trails of Usery Park 
  •  Go mountain biking 
  •  Go horseback riding
  •  Reserve a picnic table and enjoy some time eating outside
  •  See if there are any events on the day you plan to visit

The park is a favorite among nature enthusiasts, hikers, campers, and more. It's located about 20 miles away from Mesa and 33 miles away from Phoenix, Arizona. What's your favorite thing to do at the park?

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