Being at Disney World can be tiring, but it’s even more difficult to smile for photos and be “pleasant” when you’re not caffeinated. I’m not saying that everyone needs coffee, but having a morning pick-me-up is definitely a great way to start the day.
So here’s the goal: let’s look at the best locations and ideas to stay caffeinated within the Walt Disney World Resort, which could involve tips and tricks to make everyone around you happy…because no one likes to be a drain on the energy!
Let’s look at Staying Caffeinated at Disney World
Free Options
I’m a fan of starting with the most economical options, so free is best.
You can get free soda samples at Club Cool in EPCOT, which includes anywhere from 5-8 different flavours of drinks from around the world. It’s not the same as a real Cherry Coke, but it’s still caffeine and free.
There’s also a Blue Health sponsored lounge in EPCOT in the Morocco pavilion, which has free iced coffee inside. The only thing that we had to do to gain access was sign up to an email list, but there wasn’t a check on the authenticity. All you needed was a screengrab of the sign-up confirmation.
Free Refills
Before we get into the paid options, it’s also important to discuss how to extend your caffeine investment at Table Service and Quick Service restaurants. I have a full article about Free Refills over here, but the breakdown is that if the QSR has a self-serve soda fountain, then you’re good to refill. Most table service restaurants will refill sodas and coffees, so that can bring your $4 drink using “Disney Math” to $2 or even $1 if you’re enjoying the AC for long enough.
Starbucks
The advice for this is pretty easy – Starbucks has two options at Disney World. There’s a third-party agreement to have Disney-run Starbucks locations in all the theme parks, with the company-owned stores at Disney Springs and off-property.
All of the stores give you the full menu, so enjoy the variety of getting a grande half-sweet sugar-free vanilla iced latte or a medium coffee!
Disney has also partnered with Starbucks to create exclusive merchandise, including the Discovery Series mugs.
Joffrey’s
Just like Starbucks, Joffrey’s can be found in the theme parks and at Disney Springs.
What’s different is that this is a local Florida brand, which can check off your list if you’re trying to stay away from the national brands while on vacation. We’ve found that the Shaken Jamaican is a really nice iced coffee, which can be found at most of the locations in the parks.
The brand also has a flagship location at Disney Springs, which is home to the latte foam art add-on that allows you to submit a photo to have it created on the top of a drink. This is also the best spot to find the Disney Parks exclusive collection of coffee products, featuring blends from various Disney Resorts and Restaurants on property.
Yes – I’m a fan!
Article Continues Below
Resorts
If you have the resort mug from your Disney Vacation Package (or paying out of pocket upon arrival), you’re able to grab a coffee first thing in the morning from your Disney Resort Food Court without worry. Our hidden trick is to put ice in the mug before filling it with hot coffee and then you have your daily Iced Coffee fix!
There’s also opportunities to get various energy drinks and cold brew options as well, so check out the “to-go Marketplace” when you don’t need caffeine…because you don’t want to be caught off-guard;)
EPCOT’s World Showcase Pavilions
When you wander through the pavilions around the World Showcase, you’re going to see the various cultures that excel in caffeinated drinks! From the Italians with Espresso drinks to the Tea options in China and Japan…you’ll be in good hands.
VICTORIA & ALBERTS
Not bragging AT ALL, but when you get to the tail end of a dining experience at Victoria & Alberts, your servers will present a variety of teas and coffees for your enjoyment prior to dessert. It’s a treat to be a part of this, as they bring out cool technology that brews the tea/coffee right in front of you!
One of the highlights of the meal, as it’s still something that we talk about fondly from the meal.
TIPS FOR STAYING CAFFEINATED IN THE HEAT
Caffeine is difficult to understand when you’re deal with 100% humidity and temperatures that can cook an egg on a car hood…but it’s really about taking care of your body throughout the day.
- Drink as much water as you can!
- Stay out of the direct sunlight if you can
- Wear sunscreen
- Don’t use caffeine as a hydration substitute
- Cold or Hot – drink in air conditioning! Not scientifically proven, but everything is better with air-conditioning! 😉
Hope this was helpful! If you have any extra tips that I should add to the list, please let me know over at Facebook.com/StepstoMagic!