A Former Disney Starbucks Barista Reveals Why Your Drink Costs Less Inside the Parks

If you’ve ever ordered your favorite Starbucks drink in Disney World only to look at your receipt and go, “It’s only that much?!” You’re not alone! I’m a former Disney World Starbucks barista, and a customer would say that every hour, without fail.

Starbucks

It’s a not-so-hidden secret that Starbucks drinks are cheaper inside Disney World than at your local Starbucks. But why does it cost less?

While Disney World has Starbucks locations in all four parks, they’re not owned or operated by Starbucks like your neighborhood Starbucks. This means that when Starbucks locations raise their prices, Disney can decide whether to raise prices in the parks to reflect the increase, but they often don’t. The same Starbucks drink is typically $1 to $2 cheaper inside the Disney Parks than at the Starbucks right outside Disney property!

Matcha at The Trolley Car Café

Additionally, Starbucks charges drink customizations differently than your neighborhood Starbucks. At your local Starbucks, you’ll get charged for every single thing you add to your drink, and if you want syrup, you’ll have to pay for each individual pump. The Starbucks inside the Disney Parks charge these differently: every customization is a flat rate, so you can have 20 pumps of vanilla syrup for only 80¢ if that’s how you like your coffee! This applies to every customization except premium toppings like sauces, boba, or cold foam, which are charged per scoop.

White Chocolate Macadamia Cold Brew

And if you’re on the Disney Dining Plan, you can get Starbucks drinks for completely free. One drink counts as one snack credit, and you can get your drink in the largest size possible on the Dining Plan. I would have regulars who got a trenta (AKA a liter!) of Strawberry Acai Refresher every day of their trip to maximize their snack credits!

Pink Drink

It’s important to note that this only applies to Starbucks locations physically inside of a Disney theme park. These savings aren’t found at the Disney Springs Starbucks, the Downtown Disney Starbucks, or the Disneyland Paris Starbucks, since they’re only in Disney’s shopping centers. For a hack, if your barista is wearing the iconic Disney nametag, you’ll get some savings!

Hi, Kaylah!

We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all of the newest Disney Starbucks hacks we find. Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more Starbucks news!

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