New Blog: Starbucks to Replace Main Street Bakery at Magic Kingdom - UPDATED 11/10!

[wdwscout]

After digesting the news and giving some thought of how this could play out it may not be as bad as we think. Not to say it's going to be good or all rainbows and roses (because it won't). I just don't think it will be as bad as we all think.

I mean look at it this way. The Main St. Bakery's next door neighbor is in a similar situation. It's sponsored by Eddy's ice cream. Guests go in there all day long to get an ice cream cone made with Eddy's ice cream. Starbucks won't be much different at all. Our treats that we loved in the bakery will probably get dispursed throughout the rest of the park. The giant ice cream cookie sandwich will be at Sleepy Hollow, the giant warm cinnomon rolls will end up in the new Fantasyland, etc, etc. What we really lose in all this is the convenience of our favorite treats sold in one very good location. Oh! And Disney becoming a bit more commercialized.

I agree with this Aaron. I do not think it will be the huge downfall of the Magic Kingdom some are forecasting will happen.
We do already readily accept "outside world" brands in the parks- and Edy's is a great example.

Having seen photos of the Buena Vista Street Starbucks location- I think they will do a very nice job of blending an appropriately themed shop with their coffees and goodies (theirs, WDWs or a combo of both).

I am not a coffee drinker- but I certainly have been hearing the moans and groans of everyone about how bad the Nescafe coffee is and why don;t they change it. And I do understand the sentimentality associated with the MSB. And although we rarely every go in there ourselves, it is a nice fit and smells great when we walk by!

I look forward to seeing this in person!

 

[TheWho]

I thought the whole point of Main Street was Walt's attempt to re-create the Marceline Main Street he remembered as a kid. I don't think the problem is there 's Starbucks in the MK. The problem is they put it smack in the middle of Main Street. Starbucks is synonymous with commercialization, big corporations, and template franchises. Keep the bakery but have it proudly serve SB . I visit SB stores all year back home but I want to have the illusion of walking down Walt Disney's hometown Main Street when I visit the MK.

Let's just make Pioneer Hall an Outback and get it over with.

 

[sayhello]

I haven't read the entire thread yet, but it seems pretty likely to me that Starbucks had certain requirements that Disney had to agree to, for bringing their product to WDW, and one of them likely was, as AndyPok1 says, that they be allowed to open an actual shop and sell their full compliment of food products. They're not about to move into an area where folks will buy a cup of coffee from them, then move next door to the Bakery to get their baked goods. That's a bit too much competition. Once they have you in the door, they want you to purchase a bunch of stuff from them.

Honestly, I totally have faith that Disney can theme this shop to fit in and blend with Main Street. Would I prefer they just sold their coffee, and left all the Bakery goods to the Main Street Bakery? Of course! Do I think there's any chance that would happen? No way!

Sayhello

 

[wdwscout]

I thought the whole point of Main Street was Walt's attempt to re-create the Marceline Main Street he remembered as a kid. I don't think the problem is there 's Starbucks in the MK. The problem is they put it smack in the middle of Main Street. Starbucks is synonymous with commercialization, big corporations, and template franchises. Keep the bakery but have it proudly serve SB . I visit SB stores all year back home but I want to have the illusion of walking down Walt Disney's hometown Main Street when I visit the MK.

Let's just make Pioneer Hall an Outback and get it over with.

Don't forget that Disneyland's Main Street (the actual recreation of Marceline) had commercial vendors on Main Street from Day One.
Coke Corner (sponsored and called by the brand name) is still there.
Carnation Ice Cream Parlor and Restaurant (also still there)
GAF Film Shop
The Wizard of Bras! (yes, they sold bras & corsets on Main Street!)
Hallmark cards had their own store on Main Street
Sunkist Citrus House
There was even a tobacco shop- cigarettes, cigars, etc!

So what Walt was trying to do was recreate a REAL Main Street like in your own town perhaps. Not necessarily a fantasy world. We have done that ourselves.

If we are going to bring Walt up as the model- we might be asking for MORE commercialization of Main Street, not less.
Be careful what you wish for!

 

[TheWho]

Don't forget that Disneyland's Main Street (the actual recreation of Marceline) had commercial vendors on Main Street from Day One.
Coke Corner (sponsored and called by the brand name) is still there.
Carnation Ice Cream Parlor and Restaurant (also still there)
GAF Film Shop
The Wizard of Bras! (yes, they sold bras & corsets on Main Street!)
Hallmark cards had their own store on Main Street
Sunkist Citrus House
There was even a tobacco shop- cigarettes, cigars, etc!

So what Walt was trying to do was recreate a REAL Main Street like in your own town perhaps. Not necessarily a fantasy world. We have done that ourselves.

If we are going to bring Walt up as the model- we might be asking for MORE commercialization of Main Street, not less.
Be careful what you wish for!

Let's be honest here. Next year you walk into MK and on the right side of the street is a Starbucks store. You don't think that's selling out a little too much. I get it, Disney loves to have sponsors to get funding to help pay the cost in exchange for advertising (or in Epcot , promote tourism). It's like renaming Fenway Park, Jet Blue Park. I'm not even a Red Sox fan and I know that is sacrilege. There is always a line. Sometimes faint, this one is clear and WDW management crossed it. Main Street is an attraction that should not be compromised. Listen or read Sam Gennawey's discoveries about Main Street, the walk from the turnstiles to the hub is pure genius.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

For me, it isn't so much about commercialism as it is about the fact that Starbucks' coffee is gross, just barely a step up from Nescafe.

 

[k5jm]

For me, it isn't so much about commercialism as it is about the fact that Starbucks' coffee is gross, just barely a step up from Nescafe.

What Amy said!!!!!

 

[sayhello]

Don't forget that Disneyland's Main Street (the actual recreation of Marceline) had commercial vendors on Main Street from Day One.
Coke Corner (sponsored and called by the brand name) is still there.
Carnation Ice Cream Parlor and Restaurant (also still there)
GAF Film Shop
The Wizard of Bras! (yes, they sold bras & corsets on Main Street!)
Hallmark cards had their own store on Main Street
Sunkist Citrus House
There was even a tobacco shop- cigarettes, cigars, etc!

So what Walt was trying to do was recreate a REAL Main Street like in your own town perhaps. Not necessarily a fantasy world. We have done that ourselves.

If we are going to bring Walt up as the model- we might be asking for MORE commercialization of Main Street, not less.
Be careful what you wish for!

For me, it isn't so much about commercialism as it is about the fact that Starbucks' coffee is gross, just barely a step up from Nescafe.

I have to agree. I find it way too strong (it upsets my stomach). I almost never drink Starbucks coffee, and we have a Starbuck's *in the building where I work*, just one floor downstairs from me.

Sayhello

 

[2Tiggies]

For me, it isn't so much about commercialism as it is about the fact that Starbucks' coffee is gross, just barely a step up from Nescafe.

It might be a step if if Starbucks actually added any coffee to that hot milk .....
I'd end up missing all the parades because I could see myself falling asleep on the kerb after my hot milk while waiting for it!

 

[MonkeyPants]

I'm not suggesting that the place isnt already crowded.

I'm suggesting that no matter how much folks disapprove, this is still going to be popular...if not more popular, as it's something guests recognize.

well I cant argue that...heck I miss McDonalds french fries and nuggets in the parks

 

[Burnedout]

It might be a step if if Starbucks actually added any coffee to that hot milk .....
I'd end up missing all the parades because I could see myself falling asleep on the kerb after my hot milk while waiting for it!

You do know that the milk is there because you tell them to add it. That is the easiest issue in the thread, lol!

 

[2Tiggies]

You do know that the milk is there because you tell them to add it. That is the easiest issue in the thread, lol!

I love quick solutions Now to keep the cinnamon rolls

 

[Burnedout]

I love quick solutions Now to keep the cinnamon rolls

I don't do really sweet stuff so I can't help with any useful advice! I hope they leave your cinnamon rolls. I will be thrilled to have ice coffee with soy and a sweetnlow or a berry refresher. I'm pretty boring in general!

 

[*NikkiBell*]

I don't do really sweet stuff so I can't help with any useful advice! I hope they leave your cinnamon rolls. I will be thrilled to have ice coffee with soy and a sweetnlow or a berry refresher. I'm pretty boring in general!

I'm partial to iced green tea lattes myself.

 

[Burnedout]

I have to travel to get to a Starbucks, so I don't tend to take risks, but that sounds really good!

 

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

It might be a step if if Starbucks actually added any coffee to that hot milk .....
I'd end up missing all the parades because I could see myself falling asleep on the kerb after my hot milk while waiting for it!

Are you joking or do you not know what a late is? It's A small amount of espresso coffee that has the same amount of caffeine as a regular cup, and the hot milk is part of it. Also they do have regular coffee too, and not all of it tastes Burnt.

 

[cherokeemamma]

I thought the whole point of Main Street was Walt's attempt to re-create the Marceline Main Street he remembered as a kid. I don't think the problem is there 's Starbucks in the MK. The problem is they put it smack in the middle of Main Street. Starbucks is synonymous with commercialization, big corporations, and template franchises. Keep the bakery but have it proudly serve SB . I visit SB stores all year back home but I want to have the illusion of walking down Walt Disney's hometown Main Street when I visit the MK.

I agree with you 100%! Please serve SB at the bakery but leave the bakery the bakery! We all know how slow SB can be...imagine the horrible lines. It was crowded already now it will be a nightmare. The bakery could pour just regular coffees and they could have another location for specialty drinks and their bakery/food items.

Everyone keeps bringing up the DCA location. Everyone says the decor is great and SB signage is almost unnoticeable. That's great...I agree. I think it's fabulous but the difference is that it isn't located on Main Street at Disney Land. You cannot compare the two locations. People aren't all in a tizzy because of the Fountain View location. It the history and nostalgia that is being threatened. The problem lies when you have been to WDW many times and things like the bakery have pretty much stayed the same. You come to trust that it is going to be there. Sure food choices change but the basic bakery is the same. You come to love it and look forward to it. Like a dear friend. Main Street is an amazing part of WDW; at least for me.

 

[DisneyKevin]

I agree with you 100%! Please serve SB at the bakery but leave the bakery the bakery! We all know how slow SB can be...imagine the horrible lines. It was crowded already now it will be a nightmare. The bakery could pour just regular coffees and they could have another location for specialty drinks and their bakery/food items.

Everyone keeps bringing up the DCA location. Everyone says the decor is great and SB signage is almost unnoticeable. That's great...I agree. I think it's fabulous but the difference is that it isn't located on Main Street at Disney Land. You cannot compare the two locations. People aren't all in a tizzy because of the Fountain View location. It the history and nostalgia that is being threatened. The problem lies when you have been to WDW many times and things like the bakery have pretty much stayed the same. You come to trust that it is going to be there. Sure food choices change but the basic bakery is the same. You come to love it and look forward to it. Like a dear friend. Main Street is an amazing part of WDW; at least for me.

But Walt's vision was an actual working Main Street. When Disneyland was first starting, Walt had a Hallmark Card Store and a shop selling bras (as has already been pointed out).

I dont believe it was ever Walt's idea to sell the same plush toys and Vinylmations in every shop in either of his parks.

I believe adding outside vendors is actually closer to Walt's idea of what Main Street should be.

 

[auroralark]

I thought the whole point of Main Street was Walt's attempt to re-create the Marceline Main Street he remembered as a kid. I don't think the problem is there 's Starbucks in the MK. The problem is they put it smack in the middle of Main Street. Starbucks is synonymous with commercialization, big corporations, and template franchises. Keep the bakery but have it proudly serve SB . I visit SB stores all year back home but I want to have the illusion of walking down Walt Disney's hometown Main Street when I visit the MK.

Let's just make Pioneer Hall an Outback and get it over with.

Totally agree. Why can't the bakery just serve SB coffee without becoming a Starbucks? My DH and I love the bakery. It's one of our favorite places in the park. I can't believe they're getting rid of it. Starbucks pastries stink. I will miss my beloved chocolate chip cookies from the bakery.

 

[goofyintoronto]

It might be a step if if Starbucks actually added any coffee to that hot milk .....
I'd end up missing all the parades because I could see myself falling asleep on the kerb after my hot milk while waiting for it!

Are you joking or do you not know what a late is? It's A small amount of espresso coffee that has the same amount of caffeine as a regular cup, and the hot milk is part of it. Also they do have regular coffee too, and not all of it tastes Burnt.

I think 2Tiggies was being sarcastic. Because if her taste is anything like mine, I find their latte's far too weak. You can hardly taste the coffee. I mostly taste the milk! My fave coffee shop, Second Cup (in Canada), makes the perfect latte. You can actually taste coffee! But its not too strong either. Just right.