How many times does it have to be said that Starbucks is not replacing the bakery, but that Starbucks products are going to be sold in the bakery? Read post #63.
This is not necessarily the case.
Here's the official description from Disney itself:
At Magic Kingdom Park, Main Street Bakery will close for refurbishment in January 2013 and reopen as a Starbucks location in early summer. At Epcot, Fountain View will close in March 2013 and reopen as a Starbucks location in midsummer.
The bakery will close and reopen
as a Starbucks. Therefore, the bakery is being replaced
by a Starbucks.
Because of the hype and subsequent backlash, Disney is now trying to clean up its ambiguous language in its original press releases. Here's the latest commentary from the company:
Here’s some additional information about our Walt Disney World Resort Starbucks locations. The Main Street Bakery will keep its name and theming when it reopens in early summer. It’ll also continue to serve Disney favorites like cookies, brownies and seasonal cupcakes, in addition to Starbucks signature beverages and other items. And for those of you who asked in comments, the cinnamon rolls are available at Gaston’s Tavern in New Fantasyland, and the ice cream sandwiches are available at Plaza Ice Cream Parlor on Main Street, U.S.A.
The Starbucks in California, as noted and seen
here, is labeled by signage that calls it "Starbucks"
and "The Fiddler, Fifer, & Practical Cafe." The menu is the official Starbucks menu with a few "Disney-made" items like made-off-site mass produced Mickey head cookies, a few cupcakes, etc. Other items were signature Starbucks bakery items. Yes, it doesn't look like your ordinary down-the-street Starbucks cafe in terms of theming; employees have received Disney training, but are employed by Starbucks.
The Starbucks that will be in MK is going to be called "Main Street Bakery," according to the most recent press release. However, I highly doubt that there won't
also be a Starbucks sign there. I can't see them not advertising Starbucks products by not having one. Otherwise, how will guests know? I can't see Starbucks not requiring some type of signage out front.
In terms of food items being sold at the Starbucks MS Bakery, let's look at what Disney has said. A large amount of guest complaints focused on the cinnamon rolls. Disney said they'll have them at Gaston's Tavern. We still don't know if they will use the same recipe or not so it could be a more generic version or the one from MSB. The ice cream sandwiches will now be sold at the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor. When you look at this logistically, that's the two main items the bakery is known for. If they're really going to have "Disney favorites" sold at the new Starbucks MS Bakery, why are they moving them to elsewhere in the park?
The way I see it, the Starbucks MS Bakery will open with two signs - Starbucks and MS Bakery - have the complete Starbucks menu, as done in DCA, and sell Mickey head cookies and maybe a Disney cupcake or two. The rest of the menu will be Starbucks' baked items and sandwiches. While this is only my opinion, it's based on what has already happened in DCA and Disney's press releases. The theming will be similar to what it is now, but updated. Employees will receive Disney training, but like those in DCA, will be employed by Starbucks. Anything different would surprise me greatly.
