Remember when it was a SUPER HUGE BIG DEAL that Starbucks was coming to the Disney Parks?
These days, we’re all pretty accustomed to seeing the familiar green mermaid in both Disneyland and Disney World at locations like Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Cafe and Market House on the west coast, and Epcot’s Fountain View and Animal Kingdom’s Creature Comforts out east, among others. But in 2013 Starbucks made its Disney World debut at arguably one of the most controversial locations (as an already-beloved snack stop): Magic Kingdom’s Main Street Bakery.
Clearly the biggest change was the focus of fare: COFFEE became the star attraction at Main Street Bakery, with guests now able to grab their Starbucks favorites from home right in the park. But it remained the Main Street BAKERY (at least in name), with the promise that the in-park Starbucks would continue to serve some Disney-exclusive snacks alongside Starbucks treats. So we were curious to find out what would become of some of our Main Street Bakery favorites, like the old Peanut Butter Cupcake.
Well, you can find this cupcake once again at Main Street Bakery… sort of. And I happened upon it during my last trip.
Current Peanut Butter Cupcake
Now, before we dig in, let’s take a peek at the previous version, which I last enjoyed in 2012 before the Main Street Bakery transformed into Starbucks.
Previous version of the Peanut Butter Cupcake
At first glance, it doesn’t look TOO different. Cupcake base (though it’s yellow cake these days instead of chocolate)? Check. Peanut butter chips and a mini PB cup on top? Check. Chocolate and peanut butter sauce drizzled over the peanut butter and buttercream icing? Check AND check.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the current version.
Current Peanut Butter Cupcake
You may already be able to tell that the frosting has changed, but I think the comparison pics below with the new version on top will really help you take in the difference.
Current Peanut Butter Cupcake
Previous Peanut Butter Cupcake
Maybe now you can better understand my bottom line: the frosting on the current version of the cupcake is VERY light — not whipped cream exactly, but a very light consistency nonetheless. The frosting on the original version by the pre-Starbucks Main Street Bakery was much more dense. And the whole cake was better overall: rich, moist, and — most of all — chocolatey. Why mess with the classic combo of chocolate and peanut butter? And don’t even get me started on how much I miss the peanut butter chips that used to be scattered throughout the base…
I guess if I had never had the previous version I would probably like this one just fine.
Current Peanut Butter Cupcake with a view of the Electric Light Parade
But the thing is… I did have the previous version. And maybe you did, too. So take this as a very important PSA that though it shares the same name and basic look, it’s different, and far less glorious. The current version will do if you’re dying for a cupcake, but it’s not a destination the way the old one was.
Sigh.
Have you tried the current version of the Peanut Butter Cupcake? If so, what are your thoughts? Please let us know with a comment!
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I’d personally rather have the new one, not a fan of chocolate cupcakes, love yellow!
Awww, man! I like dense frosting. :/ Taking this one off the bucket list.
The Chocolate Peanut Butter cupcake from Starring Rolls in Hollywood Studios is amazing! I think I will stick to that!
While I actually typically prefer a less dense, lighter frosting, I can’t get on board with changing the chocolate base to vanilla. I’ll pass.
I think Disney is slowly but surely changing many of its “old favorites”–to make them smaller, less caloric, and just less tempting in general, or making them less available–but charging the same or more than before. Examples–this cupcake, the cinnamon roll at both WDW and Disneyland; making Beaches and Cream a reservation only location. These are not good changes in my opinion but it’s because I’ve had the “old version” and frankly, Disney doesn’t care anymore about repeat business. They just want business. If they alienate some of us, they don’t care. They’ve got plenty of other people who don’t know about “before”….
What’s the point of a peanut butter cupcake with what appears to be hardly any peanut butter? ?
The old version I would’ve snatched in a second, the new one I wouldn’t give you a quarter for. It might taste ok, but then just call lb it a yellow cupcake with a pb cup on top. Big deal.
Anyone who suggests replacing a chocolate base with a yellow cake on a peanut butter cupcake should immediately be escorted out of the bakery. They can collect their personal items and final paycheck at a later date. Peanut butter cups are simple. peanut butter and chocolate. Yellow cake has no place here.
I’d only buy the old original. While I do like yellow cake, only a chocolate cupcake with the PB looks good to me. What’s so hard about keeping the original? IF IT’S NOT BROKE. DON’T FIX IT!!!!! (same with the old cinnamon roll-what not have what the people love?????)
*Sorry, that should have been ‘why’ not have what the people love?
Essie — We couldn’t agree more! 😀