Tuesday 24 May 2016

The Happiest Coffee on Earth



Coffee time is a bit of a daily ritual in my house and it's no different when I'm in Orlando! So I've taken it upon myself to sample endless cappuccinos across the Disney Parks (all in the name of research, of course!) to help coffee lovers everywhere find the happiest coffee on earth.

So after narrowing my extensive list down, here it is,
my Fab Five Coffee Guide…

5. Writers Stop, Hollywood Studios

This little gem has all the charm of your local neighbourhood book store, the perfect blend of literature and lattes. The homely and familiar atmosphere, book lined walls, and the sweet lingering smell of home baking, makes it the perfect place to sink in to the comfy sofas and relax with a frothy coffee. I rarely leave Writers Stop empty handed as it sells my top three merchandise must haves… bakeware, coffee mugs and a huge selection of books.

4. Kusafari Coffee Shop & Bakery, Animal Kingdom

Set amongst the hustle & bustle of the Mombasa marketplace, near Kilimanjaro Safaris, this is the perfect place to get coffee on the go. What makes this place special is the experience that goes with it. If you time it right, you can sip your coffee to the backdrop of the Burudika band or Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe. These vibrant African musicians play the sounds of the Congo region with such passion and enthusiasm that its completely captivating to watch…and you can’t help but dance along to the rhythm!


3. Main Street Bakery, Magic Kingdom Park.


My entire wedding party made a quick stop at the Main Street Bakery for cappuccinos and cinnamon buns before heading to ride the Teacups! The cast members at the bakery made it extra special, bringing out a beautifully hand decorated wedding cake, wedding gifts, and some obligatory bride & groom Mickey ears. Needless to say, this coffee spot holds a very special place in my heart.

Main Street Bakery has since become a Starbucks location but it hasn’t lost its Main Street charm or familiar aroma of freshly brewed coffee and cinnamon buns. There are now four Starbucks locations throughout the Disney Parks, plus one at Disney Springs. Fountain View at Epcot, Creature Comforts at Animal Kingdom, Trolley Car Café at Hollywood Studios and Starbucks at Disney Springs West Side. A coffee mug from each of these Starbucks park locations is on my must-have-merchandise list for my next visit!

2. Kona Café, Disney’s Polynesian Resort.

The relaxed, tropical ambience of the Polynesian makes for an exotic setting to enjoy the 100% Kona coffee and treats. The Kona Café is quick service, so the seating area isn’t anything extraordinary, but take your coffee and cake out to the sun loungers on the white sand beach, sit back and soak up the views across the Seven Seas Lagoon.
On my last visit I tried the much raved about French Press coffee, with the pumpkin pancake stack, which was incredible.
 Like all of the Disney Resort hotels, this one is beautiful and uniquely themed so it’s definitely worth a visit. Even if you aren’t staying on Disney property, you can still jump on the Monorail and explore the resorts.


1. Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, Norway Pavilion, Epcot


Stepping inside this Norwegian Castle, with soaring cathedral ceilings and regal archways, I can see why it’s a popular choice for dining with the Princesses. This medieval setting, with a Norwegian-American inspired menu, is also home to my absolute favourite Disney Coffee… The Viking. A rich Columbian coffee infused with kamora coffee liqueur and baileys irish cream. Even better when you indulge in The Royal Chefs Dessert Plate to go with it. Maybe a little much for your morning cup of Joe, but hey, you’re on vacation;-)
If you want The Viking, without the Princesses, grab a cup to go at Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe in the Norway Pavilion.