Good Coffee in Walt Disney World

by Brook Wozniak

brook@mouseworldtravel.com

If you know me, you know I like love my coffee.  Walt Disney World is known for it's coffee not being so great, so how can I title a blog post "Good Coffee..."?  Well, good is relative and I believe I was the first to jump for joy when Disney announced a Starbucks would be coming to the Magic Kingdom...but, a decent cup CAN be found in Walt Disney World.

Next time you are there check out a few of my favorites:

1. Polynesian Resort: Kona Cafe pressed pot.  I melted a bit when I tasted this for the first time.  Good stuff.  The Kona Island Coffee Bar just outside the restaurant is pretty tasty too serving up a Kona blend.  It's worth a stop on the monorail.
2. Animal Kingdom Lodge: Boma or Jiko pressed pot.  I prefer the Poly's, BUT, this African pressed pot is a close runner up. (and don't even get me started on the wonder that is the Boma breakfast buffet...Hello!)
3. Main Street Bakery: While their iced coffee is nothing to write home about, it fills the need.  I've had their hot coffee...once.
4. Throughout Epcot there are booths that serve Joffery's Coffee.  They do not take the Disney Dining Plan, but are worth the extra expense!  Look for the purple and white styrofoam cups.
5. Writer's Stop in Hollywood Studios: the secret is OUT about this place, holy lines Batman! but...it's worth it.  I again prefer the iced here, but even the espresso is doable.
6. Royal Anandapur Tea Company in the Animal Kingdom: I've had the frozen mochas (two thumbs up), but prefer either the frozen or hot chai tea.  A nice caffeine kick for the afternoon!
7. Downtown Disney: Earl of Sandwich serves Seattle's Best.  A good solid cup.

A few I need to check out on my trip to the World next month:

1. Contemporary Resort: Contemporary Grounds.  While I have walked past this place a dozen times I've never gotten a cup 'o joe.  Must remedy this.
2. Since I'll be there during Food & Wine Festival (woo-hoo!) I need to try Belgium's Godiva Chocolate Iced Coffee.  I'm a bit nervous it will be too sweet for my palate, but worth a shot.
3. Morocco in Epcot: I hear the Tangierine Cafe serves up a yummy cup.

Despite being able to find a good cup, I still bring my own grounds and filters for each trip.  I do look forward to Starbucks opening, I hope it's soon!

What's your favorite coffee spot?

Bottoms up!

Is Pete a Dog or a Cat?

by Jennifer Dowling

jen@mouseworldtravel.com

Have you ever wondered what kind of animal Pete is? I have. He resembles a cat, but in later years when he was featured on Goof Troup, he did seem to resemble a dog at times.

According to Wikipedia, Pete, also known by a few alias' such as Bad Pete, Sneaky Pete, and the one I remember from my childhood, Peg-leg Pete is a cat. 

Did you know he originally started out as an anthropomorphic bear in 1925? But by 1928, he became a black cat, the persona he is most associated with. His species later became more ambiguous in the Goof Troop franchise where he appeared more canine.

Pete is the oldest continuing Disney character, having debuted three years before Mickey Mouse in the cartoon Alice Solves the Puzzle. Although never a central character, Pete has also made many appearances in Disney comics, and often appeared as a sidekick in the Mickey Mouse comic strip.

Pete is often typecast as a villain, but on some occasions, Pete has even played a sympathetic character, all the while maintaining his underlying menacing nature. Pete was Mickey Mouse's nemesis, but would vary in professions, from an all-out outlaw to a brutal law-enforcer.

My first memories of Pete are from a book my grandfather used to read me. I no longer remember the name of the book, nor much of the story line, but Pete was called Peg-leg Pete

 in the story and was some what of a pirate, if my memory serves me right. It was a favorite book of mine and I remember just how scary Pete seemed to be to me. Because of that book, I always have called him Peg-leg Pete, though once Goof Troup came out in the early 90's, I relaxed a bit and started calling him just plain old Pete. I have to admit that having a son who was around the ages of 4 or 5 at the time, we watched MANY episodes of Goof Troop!

Pete now appears in numerous episodes of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. He maintains his protagonist and semi-antagonist role, but he is significantly toned down for its preschool audience. Mickey and gang are very forgiving of Pete now. Pete also now appears to have more feelings and forgotten morals and often feels bad when he tries to cheat the gang.

So there you have it! Pete started out as a bear, turned into a cat a few years later, had a few dog like moments, but still is considered a cat by many Disney fans!

While you cannot currently meet Pete in the Disney theme parks you may find his portrait in various locations.  He also is the "host" of the new Storybook Circus meet & greet (not yet open as of this blog publish date), Pete's Silly Sideshow, that will feature Minnie Magnifique, Madame Daisy Fortuna, The Great Goofini, and the Astounding Donaldo.  Many fans hope that Pete will eventually make an appearance here...only time will tell!