Some of my previous coffee thoughts from other posts (and it's all I have to say on the subject!!
):
The coffee in the Dolphin is part of Starbucks' 'proudly serve' program which is available in a lot of Starwood and Marriott properties which do not have a full Starbucks on site - ie they serve Starbucks brewed coffees.
Keep in mind that things change - I used to love the coffee cart at the entrance to MGM, and was shocked to discover in December that they make the latte's now with some kind of sweet flavour ie from the machine, and not hand pulled/frothed.
Also note that sizes and quality of espresso drinks vary widely across Walt Disney World. Once I find a good location, I stick with it (unless it changes suddenly like my MGM experience!)
Some resorts do not have coffeemakers in the room on arrival, like WL, but if not just ask. I believe that only the values do not provide one at all, and you will need to bring your own machine or press.
And did you know that there are 3 or 4 non-Disney run coffee carts at Epcot? (at least they were non-Disney in 2004)
These are the ones outside Electric Umbrella, Milleneum Village, between Friendship dock and Mexico, and I believe the one outside the US pavilion. Hence the different baked good and brands of tea, along with the different prices!
I don't know if they are better/worse since my coffee purchases at Epcot are in Italy...
I too brew my own in the room. Stayed at POP once and bought an $8 coffeemaker at Target and found someone on the budget board to pass it on to at check out.
I did notice that at a few places (can't remember where) in Dec there was 'Nescafe' and some other type of coffee listed - ie NOT the brown crayon dipped in warm water. I asked about it and was assured that it was some type of Nestle brewed coffee, but I was not brave enough to try it. This seemed to be something new, perhaps due to declining coffee sales?
I always push the coffee cart outside Italy - they make the best espresso drinks on site, plus it's near the living statues. (and they have great desserts too) Last visit I think that I had the best latte I've had outside Europe. The server said that he had travelled all over the world working at different coffee joints, and ended up at Epcot. Don't know if his little tale was true, but he definitely makes the best coffee drinks at Disneyworld.
Sorry, I don't remember his name, but this was only a few weeks ago ie December 2004.
Starbucks is still nearest at the Premium Outlets, or Marriott Orlando World Center (but I counted at least 20 people in line there one Sunday morning in December!!!)
coffee, strong and black!)
