Coffee and I have a special relationship. I started drinking coffee daily my junior year of high school, visiting Starbucks every day if possible. I think it’s safe to say I have a problem – but it’s fine, I’ve made my choice. My love of coffee has caused me to become VERY good at finding coffee wherever I go – and that includes Disney World!
Back in the dark days, BEFORE Starbucks opened it’s doors on Main Street USA, I had to figure out ways to get my caffeine fix at Disney. Here are some little tips and tricks to get your coffee fix on while staying at the most Magical place on Earth!
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Starbucks
This may seem obvious, but if you can’t start your day without some caffeine, simply head to Starbucks before you get going in the parks. Starbucks is located on Main Street USA in the Magic Kingdom (in the bakery), inside the Fountain View in Future World in Epcot, inside the Trolley Car Cafe at Hollywood Studios, and inside Creature Comforts in Discovery Island in Animal Kingdom. All of these places are located relatively close to the front of the park – they know their audience and know their coffee fiends will be headed there ASAP! If you’re searching “Starbucks” through the Dining options, be advised you won’t find the listings that way, as none of these are TECHNICALLY called “Starbucks” – despite them selling all the same drinks as a regular stand alone store!
And yes, you CAN use your snack credits on a Starbucks drink, or simply pay out of pocket. You can use your Starbucks app to earn stars as well, however the Disney Springs locations (actually called Starbucks) are the only places you can redeem your stars for free drinks.
Don’t forget to pick up a reusable Starbucks cup personalized to Disney parks while you’re there! You’ll feel like you’re always sipping a cup of Disney coffee 24/7!
Cheshire Cafe and other small stands
A lot of the small “quick service” stands carry coffee (both hot AND iced) and most people don’t even realize it! One of my favorite places to get coffee that ISN’T a Starbucks is the Cheshire Cafe in the Magic Kingdom. Not only do they have the legendary Cheshire Cat tails pastry here, but it’s Cheshire Cat themed – and he’s my FAVORITE Disney character of all time!
These coffees all cost one snack credit, and it’s certainly a cheaper option that Starbucks (just in case you are out of snack credits). To find all the stands that carry hot or iced coffee, you can use the My Disney Experience app while in the parks and simply search for “coffee”. They’ll point you in the right direction!
Refillable Cups
Need a coffee fix at your resort? If you’ve purchased a Disney Dining Plan, you’ll get a refillable mug that you can use at your resort to get refills on all fountain drinks – and also, coffee! This is one of my favorite little hacks in order to get your coffee fix every day before you head out to the pool. You unfortunately can’t refill it in the parks.
Disney has revamped their refillable mug system so that, if you have NOT purchased a Dining Plan, you can purchased the mugs for a number of days of unlimited refills, or for the duration of your stay.
For more info on the Disney Dining Plan, check out my informative guide here!
These are just a few ways you can get your caffeine fix while having a great time on your Disney vacation. What’s YOUR favorite place to get coffee at WDW? Drop a comment below! And while you’re here don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter! As a thank you, you’ll receive my FREE WDW Planning Checklist as a thank you!
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