While I am not a coffee drinker (at all), my husband is a coffee addict. I remember the trip after Disney went all in on Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company in 2013 and he was less than happy about it. He could not find a decent cup of Joffrey’s coffee to his liking and it seemed everywhere on Disney property only had the Joffrey’s French Bistro Blend. At the hotels, in the parks, at Quick Service locations — Joffrey’s infiltration was rampant. He describes the coffee as watery and bland, and while other people enjoy this coffee we had to find another option.
Several trips later, we have found hidden pockets on Disney property that do not serve this blend of coffee. If you also are not a fan of the Joffrey’s coffee, here are a few spots to find an alternative for that morning caffeine fix:
1) Starbucks
While the entrance of Starbucks into the Disney Parks was certainly a controversial move among Disney purists, it is a popular coffee option as the lines are constantly out the door. I wish they would add mobile order — either on the Disney side or the Starbucks side — either app would do to help alleviate the long wait times.
Where to find it in the parks:
Magic Kingdom (Main Street Bakery) — Right on Main Street, U.S.A.! The location is on the right hand side just before the Ice Cream Parlor
EPCOT (Traveler’s Café) — at the World Showcase end of the Rosewalk around the corner from Refreshment Port.
Hollywood Studios (Trolley Car Cafe) — Down Hollywood Boulevard before the right hand turn towards Tower of Terror
Animal Kingdom (Creature Comforts) — Go straight towards the Tree of Life and it is on the left towards Discovery Island
2) Kona Island Sushi Bar
This is a favorite pit stop en route to or departing from the Magic Kingdom! Right as you get off the monorail at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and walk through the doors, to the left is the Kona Island Sushi Bar. Available here is 100% Kona coffee beans or a Kona Blend; it makes my husband quite happy to have this treat and it is definitely his favorite coffee on Disney property.
3) Select Disney Resort Restaurants
If going for a table service meal, there are several spots that have great coffee. Kona Cafe at the Polynesian Resort serves a french press pot with 100% Kona coffee beans. While it is advertised for two, my husband always gets one and then asks for a to-go cup for the leftover.
Similarly, Animal Kingdom Lodge restaurants (Sanaa, Jiko and Boma) have Kenyan press pot coffee available. For the ultimate gourmet coffee experience, bring your wallet and reserve a table at Victoria and Albert’s for vacuum press coffee pot.
4) Dessert Coffee
While this isn’t necessarily the coffee everyone wants in the morning (but hey, it’s vacation!), there are plenty of spots to get what I call “dessert coffee” — coffee with ice cream in particular. In the Italy Pavilion in EPCOT, treat yourself to an affogato — a scoope of ice cream topped with a shot of hot espresso.
Or head to the France Pavilion for a cafe glace — cappuccino with a scoop of ice cream and topped with whipped cream. Even Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop has a great variety of sweet coffee treats.
Are there other hiding spots for coffee alternatives? Please share!
Enjoys traveling the world with www.deskrib.com but always returns to her happy place, Walt Disney World.
