Main Street Bakery Reopens

Starbucks has taken over the world...Disney World, that is. The former Main Street Bakery on Main Street is now officially open as a Starbucks location. Coffee lovers have long lamented the lack of a decent cup of Joe throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. Sure, there were a few gems on property (Kona at the Polynesian ...French presses at most of the Deluxe Resorts...even fresh-roasted beans at Writer's Stop in the Studios), but real coffee was largely missing from the theme parks. No longer. After a lengthy refurbishment, the Main Street Bakery has reopened as a Starbucks location. Guests can order from the full Starbucks drink menu. From opening until 11 a.m., only Starbucks items will be served, including their hot breakfast items. After 11, guests can still purchase some of the old favorites from the Main Street Bakery, including cupcakes, brownies, and cookies. Sadly, however, their famous cinnamon rolls are no longer sold here. But I'm told the same version is now available in Gaston's Tavern in Fantasyland.

I love coffee as much as the next person. Truly. I rarely start a morning without the hum of my Keurig. Still, I have to wonder if getting a good cup of coffee while on vacation is worth letting go of the true essence of the Main Street Bakery. Will sentimentality or practicality prevail? Ask me after I've satisfied my daily caffeine fix.

Thursday's Tip

If you're a coffee drinker who has ever been to Walt Disney World, you're aware that quality coffee is hard to find. (Yes, they really do serve the instant stuff in the Parks...and not even the high-end Via from Starbucks. Nope, it's Nescafe. Really.) But good coffee can be found...if you know where to look. And I'm here to lend a hand. Whether you prefer a French press or are addicted to Starbucks, here is a list of places where you can find real brewed coffee in the World.

• Magic Kingdom: Crystal Palace and the popcorn/beverage cart near the castle hub


• Epcot: American Adventure kiosk, Canada/UK kiosk, Rose & Crown (UK), Tangierine Cafe (Morocco), Italy kiosk, Les Chefs de France, Test Track kiosk


• Disney's Hollywood Studios: Writer's Stop, Starring Rolls Cafe (beans roasted onsite!)


• Animal Kingdom: Tusker House and all the coffee carts (Joffrey's brand)


• AK Lodge: Boma and Jiko (French press)


• Contemporary: coffee bar (Joffrey's) and the Wave (organic)


• Polynesian: Kona Cafe and coffee bar (First Roasters)


• Grand Floridian: Grand Floridian Cafe, Citrico's, Narcoossee's (French press), Victoria & Albert's (Jamaican Blue Mountain and Kona)


• Wilderness Lodge: Artist Point


• Yacht & Beach Club: Cafe Cape May and most locations


• Coronado Springs: Pepper Market and Maya Grill


• Ft. Wilderness: Trail's End


• Port Orleans Riverside: Boatwright's


• Swan & Dolphin: Starbucks served throughout


• Shades of Green: Starbucks kiosk


• Typhoon Lagoon & Blizzard Beach: Joffrey's at snack bars


• TTC: Joffrey's Coffee & Tea Outlet


• Downtown Disney: almost all eateries serve real coffee; Bongo's Cuban Cafe serves Cuban coffee and Cafe Con Leche; Earl of Sandwich serves Kona Coffee; Wolfgang Puck's serves Illy Italian Coffee

You should be able to get your fix at nearly any corner of Walt Disney World with this list. Of course, the Affording the Mou$e suggestion is to bring your own and brew it in your room. That's a great way to save $5 or more a day!