(Photo by Bayley Clark for Magical Guides)
People ask me all the time what my favorite park at Walt Disney World is, and I will spout off the usual, Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, or Hollywood Studios, but in reality, it’s Disney’s Animal Kingdom. I love the zoo-type atmosphere and seeing the carvings in the Tree of Life when I come over the bridge.
The real reason is that Animal Kingdom is my favorite park goes beyond my favorite Pandora – World of Avatar rides or the fastest roller coaster. Animal Kingdom is home to my favorite Disney park Starbucks locations.
Animal Kingdom is home to the best Starbucks I’ve ever gone to called Creature Comforts. The cast members at Creature Comforts are some of the friendliest I’ve come across at Disney World.
I know the baristas are working, they appear to be having fun making the best coffee needs of parkgoers.
If you’re looking for a good place to take a break from a hot day consider taking a break and getting one of your favorite Starbucks drinks. On busy days you can expect long lines, but they move faster here than any other. I’m not kidding, when I’m standing in line at the Trolley Car Cafe at Disney’s Hollywood Studios I feel like it takes twice as long.
Again, I think the cast members here are some of the best, so the time in line passes quickly.
Where is Creature Comforts located?
There is only one Starbucks location inside Animal Kingdom. It’s located on Discovery Island to the left of the Tree of Life.
If you walk in from the park entrance of Animal Kingdom, you are going to want to go left at the tree of life. This will take you on the path of going to Africa.
If you get distracted and end up in Pandora, you’ve simply gone off the trek. If you reach the African part of the park, you also have gone to far.
If you notice on the map Creature Comforts there is a First Aid center, and Baby Care Center. So for those parents that need some caffeine, and a break with their child head here.
All of Disney’s Baby Care Centers have supplies that parents might need on their Disney trip. The prices of the supplies here are reasonable, and not inflated (like a hotdog served at a quick service restaurant)
Can you use Starbucks rewards at Creature Comforts?
(Photo by Bayley Clark for Magical Guides)
So you happen to be inside a Disney park on your birthday, or you decide you want to use your Starbucks rewards points. Unfortunately, you are not able to redeem free drinks at Starbucks inside the Disney parks.Â
Remember you’re at Disney and any day at Disney beats being in the real world. If you’d like to use your birthday reward, head over to one of the two locations at Disney Springs.
Inside the parks, you can still pay with the Starbucks app, Starbucks gift cards, Disney Gift Cards, or use your MagicBands if you’re staying at a Disney resort to pay.
What to order from Creature Comforts?
(Photo by Bayley Clark for Magical Guides)
Oh, there really is a long list, and it depends on what time of day it is for me. However there is one goto drink that I always order from Creature Comforts, and that is a Venti Ice Water, and best of all it’s completely free (as of July 2023)!
In other parks such as Magic Kingdom or EPCOT, they will issue you small cups of (sometimes ice) water, but not inside Animal Kingdom.
Note that Disney only offers paper straws allowed in Animal Kingdom. The coffee shops are no exception. This is to minimize the plastic that could be consumed by the animals. I usually skip a straw and sip on my beverage slowly.
I absolutely enjoy taking a few minutes to sit outside of Creature Comforts sipping my multiple beverages (it’s important to stay hydrated) and people-watch.
A few drinks I love to order from Creature Comforts
- Mango Dragonfruit
- Pink Drink (One of the many Starbucks Refreshers)
- Half Lemonade and Half Teavana black tea (unsweet)
- Iced brown sugar oat milk shaken espresso
I usually stay away from drinks like the Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino. I don’t like too many heavy milk products in the heat.
I was enticed by the many bakery items. I suggest you share the warm Mickey Colossal cinnamon roll with a friend. If you decide not to, I won’t judge.
Although I don’t think you’ll find better coffee in the park, you can find the coffee and the colossal cinnamon roll also at Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery. You can find Kusafiri Coffee Shop right near the entrance to the Kilimanjaro Safari ride.
Does Starbucks accept the Disney Dining Plan Credits?
(Photo by Bayley Clark for Magical Guides)
When Disney offered the dining plan, you could use a snack credit to get the largest drink highly customized at Starbucks. However, until Disney decides to bring back the Dining Plan (coming back before in early parts of 2024)
I love the Starbucks within Animal Kingdom, better known as Creature Comforts. It truly is a creature comfort for me, and Disney has my number on this one.
Where is Joffrey’s Coffee at Animal Kingdom?
(Photo by Bayley Clark for Magical Guides)
If you decide to rope drop Animal Kingdom, or need an afternoon pickup with some java brew, Joffrey’s is sitting right outside the entrance to Animal Kingdom waiting for you. With pastries, soft drinks, and multiple coffee offerings this kiosk will satisfy almost any craving you have.
If you’re looking for those huge pink frosted doughnuts that I swear look like they were inspired by an episode of the Simpsons, this is where you go to get one of them. You can even see them in the picture I took if you look real close at the second glass case on the second row.
I will tell you these things are good, but nothing is something I would seek out like the Carrot Cake Cookie at Hollywood Studios.
If you’re looking for other Disney World Starbucks locations, consider visiting
- Magic Kingdom’s Main Street Bakery
- Hollywood Studios’ Trolley Car Café
- EPCOT’s Connections Cafe
- Disney Springs Starbucks Locations
