Somehow, despite all odds, I’ve managed to make going to Disney World part of my job.

I know just how fortunate I am to be a member of the self-proclaimed Theme Park Journalist club — but you can’t tell me that driving between Tampa and Orlando on I4 regularly isn’t hell on earth. Still, I do it because I love that silly little mouse so much. Okay, that, and a whole lot more. Here’s what makes driving nearly two hours to Disney World every month worth it.

As an editor and writer here at DFB, I don’t spend nearly as much time in the parks as our reporters do, but since I’m lucky enough to have an Annual Pass and live near Tampa — I make it my business to go at least once a month. You know, for “work.” You’ll often catch me there two or three times per month, depending on how much patience I have to deal with both Tampa and Orlando traffic on any given day. Spoiler: it’s not a lot.

 

But, those Disney World gates just keep pulling me back in, so I put on a playlist or the latest episode of Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend and hop in the car. Despite the sometimes arduous journey, here’s what makes it all worth it.

Shakin’ Jamaican Cold Brew from Joffrey’s

Let me sing you the praises of one of the BEST cold brews in the game anywhere, but especially at Disney World. Joffrey’s Shakin’ Jamaican Cold Brew is described as “a delicious island-inspired cold brew coffee with hints of caramel and vanilla, served over ice.” You can choose to add vanilla, caramel, Irish cream, or hazelnut syrup for an added charge, but I like mine straight-up. I’m typically not a flavored coffee gal, but I’ll do some pretty shady things for a Shakin’ Jamaican.

It’s a cold brew made from 100% Arabica beans that are slowly blended with smooth caramel, rich vanilla, and tasty coffee liqueur flavor, and it’s not sweet unless you decide to put syrup in it. And, I know what you’re thinking. “Sam, isn’t there a Joffrey’s IN Tampa? And can’t you also buy canned Shakin’ Jamaican to have at home?” Shhh. Just let me live.

Cheeseburger Pods from Satu’li Canteen

If you’re seeing a pattern in that most of my reasons involve food, you would be right. I mean, I do work for Disney Food Blog so are you really surprised? Anyway, if you’re a person who likes burgers and hasn’t ventured over to Satu’li Canteen at Animal Kingdom to get the Cheeseburger Pods yet, you need to go before I beat you there and eat all the soft, pillowy bao buns they have.

What is a Cheeseburger Pod, you ask? It’s a delicious little bundle of joy — a bao bun. Cheeseburger Pods are stuffed with ground beef, ketchup, mustard, pickle, and cheddar cheese. Word on the street is that it’s an old family recipe from Imagineer Joe Rohde, and I’d just like to take this opportunity to publicly thank Joe Rohde for sharing this creation with us. Imagine the taste of a McDonald’s cheeseburger combined with a fluffy bao bun. Dang it, now I want Cheeseburger Pods.

Ngumu Jungle Juice

Over at the Dawa Bar in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you can get your hands on Ngumu Jungle Juice. It’s essentially a boozy POG juice — and it is deliciously dangerous. POG Juice is a truly delightful drink found at several restaurants around Disney World — “POG” stands for Passion Fruit, Orange, and Guava, but the Ngumu Jungle Juice takes POG to a whole new level.

This cocktail is made with Snow Leopard Vodka, Bols Peach Schnapps, and POG juice. It’s fruity and sweet, but still a bit tart from the fruit juices and makes for an excellent “walking around” drink while you’re exploring Animal Kingdom. Might I suggest grabbing one and taking a stroll around the Tree of Life? And, if you plan on going back for more — tip your bartenders well at the beginning and they may even hook you up from time to time.

Living with the Land

If you ask me what my favorite ride is at Disney World, my answer will likely change based on any given day. Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion will forever have my heart, but as I’ve gotten older I really appreciate the uniqueness and practicality of Living with the Land at EPCOT. This serene boat ride through the Land’s greenhouses is a true respite from the chaos of the parks — and something I always look forward to on EPCOT trips.

I even considered walking down the aisle to the pan flute song from the ride at my wedding but went with a Tom Petty song instead. But, I did do the Behind the Seeds tour of Living with the Land for my 30th birthday and I highly recommend it to anyone who is a plant lover or just wants to go behind the scenes of this ride!

Nostalgia Is a Heck of a Drug

Being a Native Florida Woman, Disney World kinda runs in my veins. I grew up going to the parks with my family (my favorite trip was when we stayed at Wilderness Lodge and I became obsessed with Walt’s Chili for some reason???) and later went on plenty of school field trips (shoutout to Mrs. Englert and Mrs. Olson) and sang as part of the choir during the Candlelight Processional at EPCOT with my high school. So, when people say that Disney World is like a second home — it’s things like this that make it actually true.

Being able to visit Disney World so frequently growing up and still going to the parks so often as an adult is a privilege — and one I don’t take lightly. Let’s be real, though, nostalgia really is a heck of a drug — why else would I deal with scorching temperatures, massive crowds, long waits, and an even longer drive? The answer is simple: because I love it. And I really, really, really, really love cheeseburger pods.

Of course, what makes this (relatively painless, truthfully) journey worth it for me certainly isn’t going to be what makes it worth it for you — so don’t yuck my yum! It’s often the little things, the moments that you can’t plan for or predict that become the most memorable when you’re at Disney World.

No matter when you’re heading to the parks next, we’ll continue to bring you the latest tips and updates from Disney World — so stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more!

I Go To Disney World Every Day, and People Always Ask Me How I Can Afford It

When are you heading to Disney World next? Tell us in the comments.