Exclusive:
Theme parks create memories that last a lifetime for the whole family but there’s no denying you’re in for long, tiring days so let this hidden gem help perk you up
Theme park days with the kids. Whilst they promise the time of your life, they’re not for the faint-hearted. Ride queues, usually extreme weather depending on your location, expensive prices and hours and hours of ‘fun’ can result in tiresome, irritable, harassed family members – and it’s not the children I’m talking about.
Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida has it all – sunshine, some of the best rides in the world and a place on most family bucket lists – but if you’re going to do it you’ve got to come prepared.
Snacks to keep you on the go alongside plenty of fluid throughout the day are a must, and whilst it’s highly recommended to keep your water bottle topped up as you battle the heat and tens of thousands of steps, sometimes you just need a pick-me-up.
Step forward a hidden gem, tucked away in Walt Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Located in a land in a faraway galaxy – better known as Galaxy’s Edge to park fans – you’ll find a Star Wars inspired drink that will perk any lagging parent in no time.
The Cold Brew Black Caf is a coffee and cereal drink available at Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo and consists of cold brew coffee topped with chocolate puffs and sweet cream cheese. It might sound like an odd concoction but trust me, the beautifully refreshing dark roast Joffrey’s coffee (did you know this is a special Disney-only brew?) is a matchmade in heaven with the thicker, sweet cream cheese, providing the perfect base for your chocolate cereal puffs to sit upon.
Speedy if you’re looking for breakfast on the go, and even more delightful if you get to lunchtime and fancy a bigger helping hand. The regular will set you back $5.49 but for over 21s, you can pay $14 and enjoy your coffee spiked with Godiva chocolate liqueur.
There’s no overwhelming alcohol taste, and it leaves you with a deliciously smooth and velvety chocolate-coffee drink. Staff aren’t silly here either – they serve any spiked versions in a different cup to avoid confusion.
Exhausted dad Dion, 45, from Bedford, agreed that it’s a park must-try. “I’m not one for sickly-sweet treats, especially when you’re on your feet all day but this is fantastic. It’s also really filling so genuinely keeps you going for hours – and helps you keep up with the kids.”
And some final tips – don’t grab a straw. For the best experience you need to embrace the cream cheese moustache and gulp a mouthful down – it’s the only way to ensure you get the full taste of the cocoa puffs too.
And watch out for the ice – necessary in that Florida heat but be mindful of your teeth, the smaller chunks can often be mistaken for a coco puff with teeth-shattering consequences.