Changes Have Hit Starbucks — What Does it Mean For Disney World?
Changes are coming to Starbucks locations everywhere — but what does it mean for Disney World?
Starbucks, Disney Springs
If you depend on Starbucks for your Disney World caffeine fix (OR for a free glass of water), you will DEFINITELY want to hear this!
Starbucks
In case you missed it, Starbucks recently announced a return to some of its most popular policies at its US and Canada locations.
However, ONE of these changes may not be so well-received, especially when it comes to Disney Springs guests!
Starbucks
So how will Starbucks’ newest changes affect YOUR next Disney vacation? Let’s check it out!
Starbucks Changes Come to Disney World
Whether you’re in Disney World or anywhere else, Starbucks is a pretty happening place. The uber-popular cafes seem perennially busy…ESPECIALLY pre-rope drop at Magic Kingdom!
Starbucks, Magic Kingdom
But as it so happens, change is afoot. Starbucks is bringing back some of its most popular policies — including the return of condiment bars AND a return to hand-written names on our cups!
Starbucks
In addition, the brand will now also offer free refills on some “for here” orders to ALL paying customers (a perk that was previously available EXCLUSIVELY to loyalty program members).
These can be served in a ceramic mug or a clean personal cup brought from home.
Starbucks – Personal Cups Sign
On the other hand, the brand is ALSO implementing a few other changes that may or may not go over as well.
This includes restricting restroom and café usage to paying customers only — and perhaps most significantly to Disney World guests, it also means that free water will NO LONGER BE AVAILABLE at Starbucks locations (we’ll get into this more in a bit).
Starbucks
So, how will the coming changes affect your Disney World days?
Our team talked to a Starbucks barista over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, who told us that as of now, Creature Comforts will not observe the new Starbucks policies, as the store is not owned by Starbucks, but by Disney.
Creature Comforts in Disney’s Animal Kingdom
This likely also applies to the other in-park Starbucks locations, including Main Street Bakery in Magic Kingdom, Trolley Car Cafe in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Connections Cafe in EPCOT — but stay tuned for any more announcements.
Starbucks Changes at Disney Springs
On the other hand, change IS imminent at Disney Springs.
Disney Springs Starbucks
If you frequent the West Side Starbucks in Disney Springs, you probably know that the location currently offers a free water station.
Water Station, Starbucks
Unfortunately, as of this summer, Disney Springs Starbucks locations will no longer provide free water (or ice) to non-paying guests.
You MAY, however, be able to score free ice if you bring a personal water bottle or cup to a barista, who can fill your cup IF they have the time to do so.
Starbucks, Disney Springs
On the bright side, the West Side Starbucks location WILL follow the new refill/”for here” policy and BOTH Disney Springs locations will be personalizing cups on a case-by-case basis.
Please note that cup customizations are NOT mandatory and that Disney-specific designs are limited since Starbucks is not licensed by Disney.
Don’t Miss Out!
Excited about the NEW “for here” refill policy at Starbucks? Head over to Disney Springs to enjoy the new perk!
Starbucks
As always, stay tuned to MickeyBlog for all the latest Disney Parks news!
