Our last stop before making the drive back to the Panhandle was Downtown Disney. Before we cruised picked up souvenirs I needed a caffeine fix. While Becky and Miss Julia worked their way through the a bath and beauty store I ducked into the Ghiradelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop with Mason. Upon entering a smiling woman at the door gave us each a square of their milk chocolate with a caramel center. Mason took one nibble, declared he did not like it, and shoved it into my palm.
It was 9:30 a.m., and Ghiradelli’s was already packed with morning patrons looking for a caffeine fix. The line stretched towards the door and I happily ate both chocolates while watching the Ghiradelli crew zip back and forth mixing a variety of chocolate based drinks. Mason wandered about the small space looking at the chocolate and asking if we could buy a box of whatever his little hands rested upon. Eventually as the line melted away he returned to my side.
The clerk behind the counter was very friendly and took my order for a medium cafe mocha and a small drinking chocolate. After paying we took a place towards the side of the room and waited for our order to be prepared. Guest kept streaming through the door and I was impressed that the relatively small staff was able to handle the barrage of orders in a timely manner.
My cafe mocha was very good. It was a perfect temperature and had a richer chocolate flavor than other mochas, which was a good thing. It was also sweet enough without adding any additional sugar. Becky’s drinking chocolate was very rich and after drinking about 1/3 of the small cup she passed it onto me. I took a sip. It can best be described as a drinkable Ghiradelli milk chocolate bar. For a chocoholic like myself it was delicious and I sipped on it while making loops throughout the Disney Store.
Ghiradelli’s is open Sunday – Thursday from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m., and on Friday and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. Additional information on the Orlando location is available online at www.ghirardelli.com and Facebook. The soda fountain/chocolatier/coffee shop can be contacted by telephone at (407) 934-8855.
Sweet Tea & Bourbon’s Rating:
Atmosphere: A
Taste: A
Presentation: B
Service: A
Cleanliness: A
Price: $
Sweet Tea & Bourbon 
The espresso sundae is to die for! Ghiradelli is worth the drive to Downtown Disney!
That sounds delicious! I should have had one for breakfast.