I love speaking to others about their love of Disney and I love drinking Starbucks coffee. Jill B. is a Disney fan, as well as, a Starbucks Barista. She shares her love of Starbucks and Disney with us. (Disclaimer: The thoughts expressed in this post are those of Jill’s and not of Starbucks)
What do you think about the Starbucks locations in the Disney Parks?
I absolutely love having Starbucks coffee inside the Disney parks. For as long as I can remember, I have been a coffee drinker. Growing up in Tampa, FL, I remember liking cafe con leche from an early age – my ratio of milk to coffee has changed a lot. Since our visits to Disney have increased dramatically since becoming parents, we also consume ample amounts of coffee while in the parks. Most of the time, the coffee was tough to drink because it was such bad coffee (we were spoiled with Starbucks in daily life). When I heard Starbucks would be opening locations in all the Disney parks, I was very excited. Excellent coffee in one of my favorite places.
What would be your favorite Starbucks location in Walt Disney World and why?
Currently, my favorite WDW Starbucks location is on Main Street USA. I have too many memories of bad coffee at The Main Street Bakery. The remodel was amazing, the establishment now has two line cues and a double sided pastry case. The Bakery can now get guests in and out quicker than before, and with a higher quality product. While the Epcot Starbucks location is beautiful, my feelings are still hurt they replaced my absolute favorite ice cream location. I cannot compare the Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom locations as I have yet to visit them.
If you could create a Disney themed Starbucks drink, what would be the name and the ingredients?
When I visited the Magic Kingdom Starbucks, I was actually a little shocked there wasn’t a Disney themed Starbucks drink on the menu. I’ve often thought about what this special beverage might entail but always come up empty; I would be a lousy Disney Imagineer. If a specialty beverage was released at each of the different park locations, I would be over the moon excited.
Being a Barista, what is your favorite Starbucks drink?
I became a partner at Starbucks in August 2013 but I have had lots of favorite drinks through the years. I don’t usually go for the sweet beverages unless I am splurging with on of my Starbucks Rewards. The Pumpkin Spice Latte has always been one of my all time favorites; beyond the taste, I love how the PSL launches the season change from summer to fall. During Pumpkin Spice off-season, I would drink a boring Non-Fat Latte. Recently, Starbucks released a Flat White and I do very much like it, as it takes the Latte up a notch. The Flat White is the same latte concept of espresso and steamed milk but uses a Ristretto espresso and whole milk. The Ristretto shot allows for a sweeter, more intense coffee taste while the whole milk makes it creamier. When I want a cold beverage, I will get an Iced Latte or a Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher. The refreshers are made using a coffee bean extract and are caffeinated. The Very Berry is sweet so I substitute Passion Tea instead of water to give it sweet/tart flavor combination.
How long have you and your family been fans of Disney?
I grew up loving Disney, living only 90 mins from Orlando definitely has it’s perks. I love looking back through photos of childhood memories at the most magical place on earth. I now have a new love for Disney. My husband and I get to experience the magic through the eyes of our children. We still have lots of magical years ahead of us as our third child is due to arrive in August.
