C-O-K-E Store

I distinctly remember the day that my tiny child brain made the connection between the sounds of C – O – K – E and the short car ride to the local convenience store to get my very own cup of cold delicious fizzy beverage.

So it is no surprise that I am a fan of all things Coca-Cola. If you share that same enthusiasm, I strongly encourage a pilgrimage to the Coca-Cola store at Disney Springs, at Walt Disney World resort in Florida. Coming off the escalator from the Orange Garage, you can’t help but notice the sleek glass building on the corner, topped with that internationally, recognizable swish of red – Coca-Cola.  The glass accents on the building evoke the color of old-fashioned glass coke bottles.

My excitement is palpable as I open the enormous glass doors and find myself transported into the largest selection of Coca-Cola memorabilia and merchandise that you can even imagine.  It is quite overwhelming, and I find myself only staying for a few minutes at a time.

Depending on the season, the merchandise can range from warm caps and mittens to fuzzy pajamas, to shorts and baseball caps and everything in between. Personalized cans and bottles abound, and there’s no shortage of smaller gift items.

The second floor, reached via elevator in the back corner of the store or through a glassed in walking ramp on the outside of the building, contains household goods, all themed in Coca-Cola.  Plates, Tervis tumblers, tea towels, anything you can imagine for a kitchen or home you will find on this floor.

The Merchandise

The most unexpected find on the second floor, however, is a meet and greet opportunity with the Coca-Cola polar bear. What!?? I can meet the polar bear, live and in person? Of course I want to do that! He has limited hours, because Florida heat is not very beneficial to Arctic polar bears, but if you happen to arrive during visiting hours, you are in for a treat.

Coca-Cola Polar Bear

The cast member will direct you to the line, and as you walk in a cool hallway lit with blue light, you get your first glimpse of the larger-than-life Coca-Cola polar bear. His goofy grin and big black nose can make even the most hardened grandpa smile.

Suddenly, it’s your turn, and you find yourself in the embrace of a giant furry bear, who will even cover your head with his mouth if you ask. Bring a companion to take pictures of you because this happens quickly. You’ll also want to make sure you have appropriate settings on your camera or your phone camera because the blue light does make it hard to photograph with all the movement.

Coca-Cola Polar Bear

Suddenly, the hugs and high-fives are over and you find yourself walking backwards and waving goodbye.

Now would be a good time to head to the rooftop bar and grab yourself an ice cold C – O – K – E while you look out over the activity at Disney Springs.

It’s the real thing…