Chilling at Disney World – Club Cool

Hello fellow overheated Parkhoppers!  Yep, it is that time again.  To make the trek to Orlando and melt in the merciless Florida heat and humidity!!  Excited yet?  I know I am!

Seriously, as much as we all love Walt Disney World, sometimes the joy is over-shadowed by the summer sun.  For that reason, I am going to spend the next few posts sharing a few of our favorite cool-down treats.

Where else to start but with a visit to Club Cool at Epcot.  This Coca-Cola sponsored shop is located past Spaceship Earth before the bridge that takes you to the World Showcase.  It  features one of the best not-so-well-kept secrets in Disney.  A free (yes, free) all you can drink soda fountain.  What is the catch?  First it is self-serve.  No big deal.  Next, the cups are about this big.  So, you fill them up a lot.  Final catch… the soda is nothing you have ever seen outside of The World of Coke in Atlanta or your family vacation to the Middle East.

Add the free soda, the fun of experiencing it with your friends and family, the high powered air conditioning and the fabulous variety of Coke artwork and merchandise to take home, and you have a great break from the heat on a long summer day. The artwork changes from time to time but here is what it looked like at our last visit.

Have you tried the Cool Spot?  Tell us what you think below.  Which flavor was your favorite?  And in case you need a reminder, let me list the flavors that await you at Club Cool along with Coke’s definitions (and my opinions.)   “Have a cool day!”

Krest Ginger Ale from Mozambique –   Ginger has long been used as a medicinal herb throughout Africa so it is not surprising that Krest Ginger Ale is a popular drink in Mozambique.  (I really like this one.  It is very similar to the Ginger Ales we are used to here in the US.)

Fanta Kolita of Costa Rica – Fanta Kolita captures the essence of two Costa Rican traditional drinks.  Aqua dulce  (sweet water) is sugar cane dissolved into water.  Fresca’s are mixes of crushed fruit and water.  (Red, very sweet, fruity and leaves bite on the back of your throat.  Good but don’t try to drink too many, your stomach may fight back.)

Beverly from Italy – Beverly, with it’s bitter flavor, is a popular non-alcoholic aperitif that stimulates the appetite before dinner.  (the Beverly is infamous in dares and bets among park goers.  Some people react very strongly to it and not in a good way.  I get more of a bitter aftertaste but it could really be worse.  I have spoken to employees of the Cool Spot that say every once in a while an odd ball like me, that almost likes the Beverly, comes through.  Yippee for the odd balls!)

Mezzo Mix from Germany – Germans often mix their beer with non-alcoholic beverages like Mezzo Mix, a combination of Coca-Cola and Orange flavor, to enhance the flavor.  (It really does taste like an orange coke with a slightly Diet Coke aftertaste.  Makes me wonder why they don’t sell it here in the states.)

Vegita Beta from Japan – In Japan, the interest in healthy consumption finds the ultimate expression in “Health” vending machines that dispense Vitamin drinks like Vegita Beta. (It is OK but to me it is like drinking watered down orange drink from elementary school.  It is the only sample that is not carbonated.)

Kinley Lemon from Israel – Historical records from the 12^th century reveal that a drink made of lemons, water and honey was popular among Genghis Khan’s thirsty warriors.  (This was a touch on the bitter side with a sweet aftertaste.  It was really like drinking a carbonated lemonade where the peels had been used in the process to add the bitter bite.)

Lift Apple from Mexico – Water flavored with fruit juices is a traditional thirst quencher in Mexico.  The Spanish name for these drinks, Auquas Frescas, means fresh water.  They are made by combining iced water with crushed fruit and sugar.  (OK, this may sound strange, but as you bring this to your lips, I swear there is a hint of a celery scent.  Not overpowering but it was there.  Still very good with a sweet, orangey flavor and a slight vegie after taste.  Just try it.)

Smart Watermelon from China – The Chinese produce 40% of the world’s watermelon crop and consume millions of watermelons each summer.  (Yes, this is a light, sweet, fruity, watermelon soda.  There is something familiar about the flavor but it could also have been my taste buds working against me at the end of the tasting.)

Have you tried Club Cool…leave a comment and share your memories!  And stay tuned for more Chilling at Disney Posts this Summer!!