Summer is fast approaching, so we are all drinking more water. A Disney trip can be draining, and skipping a water refill to get in line isn't worth the heat stroke. I lived at Disney World for 2 years and went to the parks several times a week, so I am sharing all the best and worst spots for ice water in the parks!
The Best in Magic Kingdom is Casey's Corner
Casey's, as of my last visit, is a self-serve water station with cups provided. It's right by the seating area facing the castle, and is a must for when you're entering or exiting the park. Use the cups provided to fill your bottle and go! This is also your last chance for ice water as you're leaving Magic Kingdom!
The Worst in Magic Kingdom is Harbor House
To be clear, I LOVE Harbor House! I love the seating, and the food is solid, but the water tastes like Florida water (if you know, you know), so I'm only going there in a pinch. In fairness, they are right next to the Rivers of America, for now, so maybe the smell of the water is throwing me off. Don't worry, there is free water about 5 minutes away in Fantasyland at Storybook Treats that always tastes great!
Magic Kingdom's Honorable Mention is Pecos Bill's Tall Tale Inn and Cafe
Pecos Bill's has great Tex-Mex style food, tons of shade, indoor seating, and it's near-ish to a restroom, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Tiana's Bayou Adventure. It's the perfect pit stop for families and large groups who need a place to cool off and plan their next move. Also, try the mini churros if they still have them!
The Best in Hollywood Studios is the Concession Stand Next to Oscar's Super Service
This little stand serves frozen slushes, little snacks like chips, cookies, and fruit, and it has a drink fountain, so it has ice water! The slushes are also perfect for a cool down trip on the skyliner. It's perfectly situated for a fill-up as you head in and before you leave Hollywood Studios. As a bonus, it is so much faster than Starbucks!
The Worst in Hollywood Studios is the Dockside Diner
Again, I love Dockside Diner. It's one of the only places in the parks where you can get a regular milkshake, and the theming is so cute! However, the flavor of the water was always hit or miss for me, and this place closes super early, so it's not very reliable. If you need water in this area, try Epic Eats over by Indiana Jones!
Hollywood Studio's Honorable Mention is the ABC Commissary
This place is so perfect for a midday rest. The theming is so solid, but it feels more like a normal cafeteria. If you're a TV/Film memorabilia nerd like me, they have real props on display from ABC shows. There's so much seating, and a self-serve fountain so you can get as much ice as you want!
The Best in Animal Kingdom is Joffery's Coffee
Hear me out! I know Joffrey's technically isn't inside the park, but it's close enough and with the way Animal Kingdom is laid out, you could be walking for a while before you find free water. Fill up your bottle before you head in and ride Dinosaur for what might be the last time!
The "Worst" in Animal Kingdom is Satu'li Canteen
This was hard! Animal Kingdom has a lot of beverage spot options, probably because it's the hottest park. This place is tucked in the back corner of Pandora and is usually pretty crowded. However, it is self-serve, which might make it worth it if you are particular about your ice-to-water ratio.
Animal Kingdom's Honorable Mention is Drinkwallah
If this is the spot I'm thinking of, then it has a drink fountain and special coated Mickey premium bars. This place is small, so it's easy to miss, but it's super cute and mostly centrally located, so you can fill up and go anywhere! I always hit this little hut after Expedition Everest on my way to DinoLand, R.I.P.
The Best in EPCOT is Connections Eatery
On the eatery side of Connections, not the Starbucks side, there are two different self-service beverage islands. And no, I'm not biased because this was one of my old work locations! This whole building is a great cool-down spot with plenty of seating, A/C, and a large bathroom. Please note that Starbucks does have ice water, but the line will always be super long!
The Worst in EPCOT is Club Cool
Club Cool is a classic and I hope they never get rid of it, but even though I've said that anywhere that has a drink fountain will have ice water, Club Cool does not have ice water! It can be a little confusing that a place called Club Cool doesn't have water, but luckily, my #1 pick for Epcot is right next door.
EPCOT's Honorable Mention is Kringla Og Bakeri in the Norwegian Pavilion
Okay, now I am being biased, because this is my very first work location at Disney. Technically, every pavilion has ice water available, but Norway is my favorite and the water is easy to access. Kringla also has covered seating in the back, an air-conditioned Viking exhibit with the OG Maelstrom vibes, and large bathrooms.
There you have it! Remember to stay hydrated and fill up everyone's water before you get on whatever transportation you're using to get home at the end of the night. You never know how thirsty you are until you have no way to get water.
Do you have another spot where you like getting water in the parks?