Credit: DisneyA day at Disney isn’t complete for many adults without a good cup of coffee in hand. The early mornings, packed itineraries, and long evenings watching spectacular nighttime shows mean caffeine often becomes an essential part of the magic.
While Disney has its own signature coffee brand, Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company, Starbucks has cemented its place as a guest favorite, providing a taste of the familiar amidst the fantastical.
The Role of Starbucks at Walt Disney World
At Walt Disney World, Starbucks seamlessly integrates into the park experience, with thoughtfully designed locations in all four parks and two at Disney Springs. These aren’t just coffee shops—they’re extensions of Disney’s immersive storytelling, each themed to its surroundings and offering the full Starbucks menu with a few magical touches.
- Magic Kingdom – Main Street Bakery
Located on Main Street, U.S.A., the Main Street Bakery serves up Starbucks favorites in a setting that recalls an old-time American bakery. It’s the perfect pit stop before diving into the attractions or while enjoying the ambiance of Main Street. - EPCOT – Connections Café
At EPCOT, the sleek and modern Connections Café provides an airy space for guests to grab their coffee before exploring the cultural pavilions of the World Showcase or embarking on high-tech adventures like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. - Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Trolley Car Café
Styled as a vintage trolley station, the Trolley Car Café fits seamlessly into the Golden Age Hollywood aesthetic of the park. It’s an ideal spot to pick up a Frappuccino before tackling thrill rides or catching a show. - Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Creature Comforts
Creature Comforts blends the charm of Animal Kingdom’s rustic, conservation-focused theming with the convenience of Starbucks. Guests can sip on their favorite brew while taking in the lush surroundings or prepping for a day of adventure. - Disney Springs – Two Unique Spots
Disney Springs features two Starbucks locations, each catering to a slightly different vibe. The Marketplace Starbucks offers a grab-and-go experience, while the West Side Starbucks is a striking, standalone building with ample seating, perfect for relaxing. It’s this West Side location that might see the most significant changes due to Starbucks’ recent policy update.
Starbucks Reverses Open-Door Policy
Starbucks has long positioned itself as a community hub, welcoming people to enjoy its spaces even without making a purchase. However, the company recently announced a reversal of this 2018 open-door policy, introducing a stricter code of conduct that prioritizes paying customers and sets new expectations for behavior.
Under the new rules, customers must make a purchase if they want to stay in the store or use the restrooms. Additionally, the code bans disruptive behaviors such as harassment, smoking, vaping, panhandling, consuming outside alcohol, and drug use.
Starbucks spokesperson Jaci Anderson emphasized that these changes aim to enhance the experience for both customers and employees. “We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable in our stores,” Anderson said. “By setting clear expectations for behavior and use of our spaces, we can create a better environment for everyone.”
This shift comes after years of challenges stemming from the open-door policy. Originally implemented after the 2018 arrest of two Black men at a Philadelphia Starbucks—an incident that caused widespread backlash—the policy sought to make Starbucks more inclusive. However, it also led to unintended consequences.
In recent years, employees have reported issues ranging from safety concerns to disruptive behaviors in stores. These problems became so severe that in 2022, Starbucks closed 16 stores across the U.S., including several in Los Angeles and Seattle, citing ongoing safety risks. The company hopes the updated policy will strike a better balance between inclusivity and creating a positive environment.
The Impact at Disney
For most Starbucks locations at Walt Disney World, the policy change is unlikely to have a significant impact. Guests in the parks generally stop in to buy drinks or snacks as part of their day. However, the West Side location at Disney Springs could feel the effects.
As the only standalone Starbucks building on Disney property, this location has been a popular spot for locals, Disney Springs visitors, and digital nomads looking for a comfortable place to work or relax without necessarily making a purchase. The new rules mean that this casual use of the space may no longer be possible, potentially shifting the atmosphere of the store.
Balancing Accessibility and Experience
The decision to revise the open-door policy highlights the challenges Starbucks faces in maintaining its reputation as a welcoming “third place” while addressing operational and safety concerns. Similarly, Disney guests expect spaces that enhance their experience without added hassle or disruption.
As both companies navigate these changes, it’s worth noting that Starbucks continues to play a vital role in the Disney experience. Whether you’re grabbing a cold brew before tackling Expedition Everest or enjoying a latte on the way to a Cirque du Soleil show at Disney Springs, Starbucks remains a cornerstone of comfort and familiarity in a world of magic and wonder.