There’s only one way to start your magic morning right at Disneyland and that’s with a steaming hot (or ice cold) cup of nature’s best creation: coffee. I know it’s a little dramatic and downright grouchy to proclaim “don’t talk to me until I’ve had my coffee,” but that sentiment rings true for me and many others. As a native to the Pacific Northwest and having lived in Seattle for the past 6 years, I can fairly say that I’m a coffee snob and a Caffeine Queen. I’ve made it my mission to find the best coffee in Disneyland and share it will all my fellow coffee lovers!
A Little Bit of Caffeinated Disney History: In 2013, Disney knighted Joffrey’s Coffee as the official coffee of Disney Parks and since then, the quality of drip coffee has increased substantially across Disneyland and Disney World. If you’re not in line for Starbucks, you can assume you’re drinking Joffrey’s. I happen to prefer Joffrey’s taste to Starbucks, so you can’t really go wrong!
Starbucks
Let me make me myself clear: Starbucks is never my coffee preference. I will drink it if it’s available, but it’s not my first choice. Like I said before, I live in Seattle where the coffee is good. We may have created Starbucks, but we’ve perfected the art of caffeination since then. However, I still enjoy an Iced Grande Caramel Macchiato every once in a while and I definitely don’t judge you if you love your Starbucks! If you want your Starbucks fix, there are three locations on property, two of which are under pseudonyms to blend into the Disney atmosphere.
- Market House: Disneyland on Main Street
- Fiddler Fifer & Practical Cafe: California Adventure on Buena Vista Street
- Starbucks: Downtown Disney next to World of Disney
Jolly Holiday Bakery Disneyland
A true Disneyland classic. This where you can find light snacks, sandwiches, and the infamous Matterhorn Macaroon. They have a real cappuccino machine so you can order an espresso or a latte if you prefer something more than drip coffee. Also, I recently saw a Pineapple Upside Down Bundt Cake on the menu and I’m so ready for it.
Matterhorn Macaroons from Jolly Holiday
Cappuccino Cart Disneyland
If the line is too long at Starbucks then head over to the small cappuccino cart right next to the castle. They do freshly-made lattes and mochas and you’ll find unique treats like the once trending Dole Whip Donut here as well.
Hungry Bear Restaurant Disneyland
I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Hungry Bear serves cold brew. The coffee itself isn’t too bad, but if they’re serving a “specialty cold brew” made with honey and vanilla syrup, don’t do it! It sounds delicious, but man, it was bitter and bad. It could be that the proportions were off in my batch so I might be willing to give it another shot. Otherwise, just stick with regular coffee here. It’s hardly ever crowded and you get a beautiful view of Tom Sawyer Island with the new railroad track running right by you.
Cappucino Cart California Adventure
This cart is nearly identical to the one in Disneyland. There’s always some fancy treats in the display case and the line is usually pretty short. The location is perfect because it’s at the entrance of Pixar Pier. If you need coffee you won’t want to go all the way back to the park entrance to get Starbucks or Schmoozie’s.
Schmoozie’s California Adventure
You know what Heaven is? Getting an iced hazelnut latte from Schmoozie’s then heading into Animation Courtyard for a midday cool-down. In my opinion, Schmoozie’s has the best coffee in all of Disneyland. The Cast Members know what they’re doing here. If you want a coffee indulgence, try the Make Mine Mocha, a frozen chocolate espresso with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
Flo’s V8 Cafe California Adventure
Schmoozie’s may have the best coffee, but Flo’s is the best place to enjoy your coffee at Disneyland. The atmosphere is adorable, the crowds are thin in the morning, you get a great view of Radiator Springs Racers and the food is fantastic. Flo’s serves regular Joffrey’s drip coffee, but for me, it’s not the quality of the coffee that makes it great, it’s the whole experience. Watching the racers zip by while guests leisurely wander the area in the warm Cali morning. *sigh* So lovely.
Ghirardelli’s Chocolate Shop California Adventure
Pro Tip: Order a scoop of the Espresso Chip and a cup of drip coffee for a DIY affogato. Or, how about a hot fudge sundae and a latte before the 9:00 PM showing of World of Color? Yes, please! The yummiest place for an after dinner pick-me-up!
Hearthstone Lounge Grand Californian Hotel
Hearthstone serves coffee all day. In the morning, it’s a full-service coffee bar complete with fresh pastries and hot cocoa. Later, it transforms into a full-service lounge and coffee bar. If you want to take a break from the parks, head into the hotel via the not-so-secret entrance from California Adventure and take a load off at this lounge. Last I visited, I had a very special caffeinated beverage called the Cold Brew XO. Joffrey’s cold brew coffee with a splash of XO Patron coffee liqueur and heavy cream. It was so good.
The Coffee House The Disneyland Hotel
This little nook is the perfect pit stop if you’re staying at the hotel or exploring the property. I like to enjoy my coffee on the steps of the wedding pavilion located closer to the Paradise Hotel. Picture perfect morning routine! The Coffee House is also the only place where you can find a Dole Whip with a shot of rum at Disneyland. YAS.
La Brea Bakery Downtown Disney
Ever had a Nitro Brew coffee? It’s basically a cold brew on tap so the coffee comes out super smooth. La Brea Bakery serves this yummy drink and also has the option to either sit down or use their quick service line for breakfast on-the-go. It’s my first choice for a quick breakfast on my way into the parks. Freshly baked pastries, sandwiches prepared to order, and fantastic coffee!
For all you coffee lovers out there, never fear! Each of the locations I listed has decent coffee whether you’re a lover of Folger’s or a lover of French Pressed. Also, although I feel like I can survive on cold brew alone, it’s better if you hydrate and eat healthy throughout the day. Coffee will perk you up, but healthy snacks will sustain that energy. Be sure to read my guide to Energizing Disneyland Snacks to keep the magic alive throughout the day!
What’s your favorite place to grab a cup o’ joe at the parks?
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As a major lover of coffee, this list is very important information! I am with you, Starbucks is never my first option but can be good if there aren’t any other alternatives.
Agreed! Starbucks does the trick if needed, but I’m so happy they added Joffrey’s to the menu! 🙂
I had no idea this was a problem for some people! Useful tips for all coffee lovers out there (sorry, I’m a tea gal at heart haha)
Ha! There’s plenty of places for hot or iced tea too! Most quick service locations serve the Gold Peak brand from the soda fountain and I hear Rancho del Zocalo and other sit-down restaurants brew it fresh!
Never been to Disneyland, or America in fact. But oh boy it seems like a magical place not just for taking your kids, hitting up the rides and the food but the COFFEE!
Definitely should include this on my LA itinerary (saving up to go to America for the first time)
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You should definitely stop by Disneyland if you’re in L.A.! It’s a once in a lifetime experience! And yes, the coffee is pretty darn good. 😀
This was to post for me! We are huge coffee drinkers at our house! 🙂
I was wayyyyy too young to be drinking coffee when I visited Disneyland—but I’m sure my parents would have found this post very helpful!! I’m always surprised at how many food and drink options are available at the parks. You really are spoiled for choice!
Food and drink choices have improved SO much in the last few years, in both quality and quantity!
OMG so many good options to get the taste of good coffee! But Starbucks is my fave always. Nice to know about many of them for the first time.
Definitely helpful to know before you visit so you don’t have to spend your time searching for it when you get there! 😀
Had no idea there are so many places to get coffee in Disneyland. Wow, you are a true coffee lover! Seems like you have visited every single place serving it in Disney. Thanks for the recommendations. By the way, my husband works at La Bre Bakery and their pastries are to die for.
Coffee and Disney are close rivals on my list of favorite things in the world! Also, that’s awesome! You probably get *all* the delicious treats coming home to you.
Thank you – you have just written the blog post that will convince my husband to go to Disneyland with me! I’m all about Disney, he’s not fussed – but he LOVES coffee! 🙂
Happy to be a good advocate for Disney skeptics! 🙂
While I understand coffee is the main poking of this post (and super appreciated) can we focus on the Dole Whip Donut. What is it?! Was it good?!
I was skeptical about the hype, but it was pretty dang good. The Cast Member called it a “pineapple donut.” I’m assuming due to branding… It had a pineapple filling with a pineapple meringue fluffed on top. Yums!
Disneyland definitely lacks in truly good coffee. I think they assume people don’t come to enjoy a good cup of coffee while there! I’m a pass holder and go often and have yet to find one that’s truly good.
Truth. “Good coffee” is definitely up to interpretation!
I’m a big Disney fan and I no idea Schmoozie’s had coffee! I’ll definitely keep this in mind for the next time I go!
For sure! Schmoozie’s is to die for!
Ohh such useful information for a coffee addict 😉 I love how you mentioned must-try & also the one to give a pass 😀 I would love to try iced hazelnut latte from Schmoozie’s. Thanks for this informative post!
Ha! I gotta warn future coffee pioneers! It’s my duty 😉
Oh my gosh, what perfect timing! I’m actually going to Disneyland next week 🙂 bringing this in my back pocket to make sure I eat correctly!!
Yay! Have SO much fun! Pixar Fest has ALL the yummy snacks!