As I sit here drinking my third cup of coffee courtesy my Keurig, I wonder how I will survive without this prerequisite to my morning on my next trip to the Vacation Kingdom. How will I start my day with a smile? Certainly Mickey is a major incentive to wake up and head out the door in optimism – but that perfect cup of coffee just helps the whole process along, creating a much smoother departure for the day. I have fantasized about packing my Keurig; I have a single cup model, maybe it would fit in my carry-on bag? Reality strikes and I am back to contemplating how I will satisfy my preconditioned need for a superb cup of liquid sunshine.
I wasn’t always such a coffee critic. My local Stewarts (upstate NY’s coffee, ice cream and convenient store), was my go to place for my morning ‘Cup of Joe’ while on my way to work. I believe it was the birth of my daughter that caused a necessity for a strong and sensational cup of black coffee and I have been on the search for the ultimate cup ever since. I think I have been pretty darn close since my beloved Keurig has come into my life, but I feel I have yet to find THE cup to end ALL cups.
Back to Walt Disney World and where to find my required liquefied liveliness ~
I have done some research on finding the best coffee within Walt Disney World Resort and have found several locations, some of which I have experienced, but many I have not! Let’s start out with the resorts and work our way into the parks.
While stumbling into the resort’s food court first thing in the morning to filler-up, once upon a time, Nescafe’ would have been found. I am not sure about you but this was the only part of the morning I would dread at Disney. I couldn’t comprehend what I was actually drinking- was it tea, maybe hot chocolate? One thing for sure, I knew it was NOT coffee! I later found out this was instant coffee……. well that explained it!
I am so happy to report back in February of last year (2013) Nestcafe’ was replaced by Jeoffrey’s. Jeoffrey’s specialty coffee was already being served at several kiosks through out the parks as well as some fine dining locations, then it became the standard coffee for all Disney owned and operated locations. In my eyes and according to my taste buds, this was a huge improvement; I could at least identify what I was drinking 🙂
I have heard far and near that if I wanted THE BEST cup of coffee I was to find it at the Polynesian Resort in the form of Kona coffee. This Hawaiian blend is rich, not too bold and is run through a French Press– what’s not to like? But for me it is still lacking a bit in flavor. That being said I would order a cup right now in a hot minute if I could! This Hawaiian delight can be found in several areas within the Polynesian Resort. Kona Cafe (French Press Pot), Ohana (French Press Pot) and for the To Go-ers, Kona Island.
Next stop on this search is Animal Kingdom Lodge. I have read that I can find an amazing cup of African bean coffee called Kenya AA at Boma, an African inspired buffet within this resort. This coffee is said to be “full bodied and full of flavor with heavy acidity displaying a gentle floral aroma as well as berry and citrus notes”. At Boma this is served in a French Press as it is in the Polynesian Resort table service restaurants. I will make a special trip to Animal Kingdom Lodge on my next visit just to experience this!
Onto the Grand Floridian where the cutest cup of coffee can be found at the Grand Floridian Cafe. This restaurant has become one of Nicole’s favorite breakfast spots and is also where she loves to order her latte’. This is no ordinary latte’…… see for yourself!
According to Nicole this latte’ receives high marks, the Mickey head may have something to do with it 🙂
We are heading out to the parks so put your Mouse Ears on! Destination, Magic Kingdom.
The Grand Opening of Starbucks in June of 2013 brought another dimension of coffee drinking to the Magic Kingdom and later on to Epcot and in the near future to the remaining two parks.
Out here in the “real world” Starbucks is not my first choice of coffee but I do enjoy one in a low fat latte’ form. Just stepping into a Starbucks intimidates me. These coffee drinkers are very serious about their caffeinated purchases which keeps me from scanning the menu for a new and exciting coffee concoction. I think I will stick with my low fat latte – quick, easy and safe!
Traveling over to Hollywood Studios–
Nicole’s favorite coffee spot is a little nook called Writer’s Place. It’s a cozy little coffee shop that is rarely busy. It serves Barista-style coffee and delicious bakery items; I am told the carrot cake cookie is a must! Specialty coffee is not the only favorable item in this shop, there is a selection of books to browse or maybe find a new favorite coffee mug to take home.
Next stop will be in Epcot, World Showcase. Have you heard of ‘Drinking Around the World’ (World Showcase)? This can apply to coffee drinkers as well! Depending on the time of day ordering a Coffee Margarita from La Cava in Mexico may be somewhat of an interest, but for now lets stay on the hot coffee track.
I have read Via Napoli serves up an Italiano coffee that will turn steps into sprints and make mouse ears stand up straight and tall – this cup may be for experienced coffee drinkers only!
Let’s dip into Tangierine Café located in the Morocco Pavilion. Here I read about the Kasbah Coffee – strong and bitter but the hazelnut liquor adds just a touch of sweetness. This sounds like a delicious way to end the night while watching illuminations and maybe gives that little extra zip to find the car at the end of the night.
Time to explore Africa and Asia while searching out the best cup of coffee in the jungles of Animal Kingdom! These travels lead right to Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery. I am not sure if the best cup of coffee can be found here, but they serve espresso, even double espresso and that spells out CAFFEINE! Also offered on their menu is ice coffee – I have read it has a white chocolate flavor to it which sounds interestingly delicious. Animal Kingdom and ice coffee go together like peas and carrots – it just seems like this park is extra hot- Africa hot!
Our final stop is Downtown Disney. What goes well with mega shopping? A great cup of coffee, there is a need for super charged energy to conquer all those amazing shopping opportunities! The Ghirardelli shop is known for their ice cream, but I recently read they also kick out a great dark ice coffee with a dark chocolate flavor. A huge smile won’t only be from that awesome new Dooney and Bourke just purchased- it will also be from the Ghirardelli Ice Coffee!
Thank you for accompanying me on my search for a great cup of coffee. I have definitely found some new locations I will be visiting upon my next trip to Walt Disney World. Tell us about your favorite coffee spot(s) or a place you plan on trying on your next visit.
~Maureen