Starbucks And Disney Partner For Global Connection
By Megan Zielinski, contributing writer
Starbucks announced the grand opening of their new store at Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, FL, just a few months after the opening of Starbucks in Downtown Disney, Anaheim California both featuring brand-new interactive touchscreen technologies, opening up opportunities for customers to communicate and share their Disney experiences between Disneyworld and Disneyland Starbucks.
In partnership with Disney, Starbucks has found a way for customers to enjoy their favorite coffee while sharing memorable experiences from across the states. “This is the beginning of connecting our stores globally through technology so you could share a cup of coffee from coast-to-coast,” said David Daniels, Starbucks senior designer. Each store uses 70-inch digital screens, integrating built-in cameras to display chalk sketches of guests and their backgrounds—opening up an enlarged live chat setting to take place between each store.
The Orlando store, designed by architect David Daniels, includes environmental features that make it even more unique —the new store marks a spot as the company’s 500th LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) development. According to standards of the U.S Green Building Council, the ratings are based off of the design, operation, construction, and upkeep of green buildings. Details of the store include: 100 percent energy-efficient LED lighting; furniture made from restored wood; reclaimed oak, maple and other recycled components built in the store’s structure, a green roof blanketed with lemon grass plants, and an outdoor patio with a fireplace and a view of the water. An inviting, forestry-like Starbucks logo designed with clumps of moss by artist, Paloma Teppa of Miami, welcomes customers with a natural, peaceful aura. With Starbucks having 18 design studios— over 200 designers and artists find remarkable ways to incorporate community, aesthetics and environmentally-friendly features into all store developments.
Along with the environmental aspects, the new store offers customers with a wide variety of rare, exceptional small-batch coffees from all over the world, making it the first Starbucks Reserve store on the Disney World resort. The store has four Mistrena espresso machines, a Clover Brewing System, and even larger food cases than most Starbucks stores.