Corporate sponsorships are nothing new to Disney, they have used them for years. Some examples are: Kodak sponsors Muppet*Vision 3-D and Mickey’s Philharmagic, Hanes sponsors the Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster, Siemens – Mission Space, and the list goes on and on. For the 1964 World’s Fair, Walt Disney used sponsors for his attractions, each of which were used at Disneyland at one time or another. The announcement of a partnership between Starbuck’s and Disney seems like a logical one to me. However, when Disney announced last week that they would be turning the beloved Main Street Bakery into a Starbuck’s, fans started percolating!  
                                                
  The announcement that the coffee chain would be coming to Walt Disney World did not come as a surprise. Earlier this year, Disney announced plans to integrate Starbuck’s locations into several of their parks. In June, the first location opened at Disney California Adventure Park. It is located in the Fiddler, Fifer, and Practical Café. Any changes to the restaurant were quite subtle. There is a separate menu for Starbuck’s signature items. The theming and general tone of the restaurant remain the same.  
 
After word got out that Disney planned to “replace the Main Street Bakery”, petitions were started, protests were planned, all to save the bakery which has been a Main Street staple for years. The Main Street Bakery is known for its old fashioned, turn-of-the-century
appeal. It’s a quaint little stop to enjoy a quick bite to eat, and my personal favorites are the chocolate croissants and warm cinnamon rolls. I too was disappointed at the thought of this sweet, nostalgic spot being discarded. So when Disney clarified on Tuesday that they would in fact be keeping the bakery, I, along with many others I’m sure, are thrilled! The plan is to keep the charm and ambience of the current bakery while adding Starbuck’s coffee and signature menu items to their already tasty menu, including my super yummy chocolate croissants!!
                  
In January, the bakery will be closed for several months while under refurbishment. It is slated to open early summer 2013. A second Starbuck’s location at the Fountain View Café in Epcot, is planned to open mid-summer 2013. As with the Fiddler, Fifer and Practical Café, I expect any changes to both of these Disney World locations to be subtle, yet superb!     

 

 

Haley has been a Disney Travel Specialist with Wishing Well Travel since 2012, you can contact her at Haley at wishingwelltravel.com, find her on facebook or Request a Quote from her online.