One of the great things about living in Florida is deciding to take a last minute trip and making the destination Walt Disney World. We surprised Mason and Miss Julia with a trip to the happiest place on earth, and woke them early on Saturday morning. Following some unanticipated grumpiness we rocketed down I-10 towards Central Florida. Near Ocala the car’s tiniest passengers demanded to be fed and requested sausage biscuits from McDonald’s. I abstained, and focused on visiting the Main Street Bakery for a legendary cinnamon roll.
We arrived at the Magic Kingdom a little before nine. A tram ride, train ride, and a short walk brought us to Main Street USA. Mason wanted to see the pirates. Miss Julia wanted to ride Dumbo. Mommy wanted a family picture. Daddy wanted to eat. I told my family to wait a few minutes while I ducked inside the Main Street Bakery to get breakfast and satisfy a four hour craving.
The bakery is housed in a series of Victorian looking buildings along the road leading to Cinderella’s Castle. Throngs of people bustled about as I made my way through the main entrance. A gentleman dressed in Disneyfied quasi-period garb offered me a menu. I politely refused as I knew what I was getting, a ginormous cinnamon roll. I joined the line and as it slowly moved forward I noticed something was off. Familiar mermaid symbols dotted the area over the cashiers and I recognized the coffee drink listing. As I neared the wooden stand which held the food menus I grabbed one and gave it a glance. My suspicions were confirmed, the Main Street Bakery had be overtaken by Starbucks.
My heart sunk. Instead of a piping hot deliciously messy cinnamon roll the offerings were limited to standard morning Starbucks fare including various breads, croissants, muffins and breakfast sandwiches. A cashier had an opening and I was directed towards her. Glumly I ordered a bacon Gouda breakfast sandwich and a medium blonde roast.
I parted with my money and sulked to the side. The line of patrons waiting for breakfast sandwiches and blended drinks snaked towards the door. To their credit, the mouse eared baristas kept things moving at a quick clip. Between ordering and my sandwich being ready was under five minutes. I grabbed the brown paper bag emblazoned with the Starbucks logo and searched for my family.
The disappointment was palpable, and Becky asked me what was wrong. I told her about the corporate takeover of bakery previously operated by one of the world’s largest media and entertainment conglomerates. She told me to eat my sandwich so we could go find princesses and enjoy the day. It was a standard Starbucks breakfast sandwich that could be purchased from numerous outlets around America. I took a bite of the sandwich, which was fine, and walked towards Fantasyland. The only thing this Starbucks had going for it was the view, which was magical.
Sweet Tea & Bourbon’s Rating:
Atmosphere: B
Taste: C+
Presentation: C
Service: A
Cleanliness: A
Price: $
Sweet Tea & Bourbon 