photo ©Disney Store

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Starbucks has taken over the world…Disney World, that is. The former Main Street Bakery on Main Street is now officially open as a Starbucks location. Coffee lovers have long lamented the lack of a decent cup of Joe throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. Sure, there were a few gems on property (Kona at the Polynesian …French presses at most of the Deluxe Resorts…even fresh-roasted beans at Writer’s Stop in the Studios), but real coffee was largely missing from the theme parks. No longer. After a lengthy refurbishment, the Main Street Bakery has reopened as a Starbucks location. Guests can order from the full Starbucks drink menu. From opening until 11 a.m., only Starbucks items will be served, including their hot breakfast items. After 11, guests can still purchase some of the old favorites from the Main Street Bakery, including cupcakes, brownies, and cookies. Sadly, however, their famous cinnamon rolls are no longer sold here. But I’m told the same version is now available in Gaston’s Tavern in Fantasyland.

I love coffee as much as the next person. Truly. I rarely start a morning without the hum of my Keurig. Still, I have to wonder if getting a good cup of coffee while on vacation is worth letting go of the true essence of the Main Street Bakery. Will sentimentality or practicality prevail? Ask me after I’ve satisfied my daily caffeine fix.

Honestly, I’m not sure where this one is…I’m thinking Polynesian Resort. Anybody know for sure?

There have been several recently-announced Limited Time Magic events. Here’s what’s coming up, along with details from Disney:

• Starting today: Attend a Monster’s University Homecoming. The MU School of Scaring is hosting a campus bash inspired by Disney•Pixar’s Monsters University and it all goes down each evening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Hit the quad where you can hear your DJ—”Monster of Scaremonies”—spinning the latest beats, and take part in a series of fun activities. Then, get pepped up as the MU cheerleaders pop in to lead the MU Fight Song before those monsters of rock, Scare Supply, take the stage. Enjoy a medley of monstrous mash-ups, and laugh along as they’re joined on stage by Mike and Sulley. It’s a pep rally of epic proportions, and it’s all part of Limited Time Magic!
• Now through August 3: See a Sneak Peek of The Lone Ranger. Saddle up for a wild summer ride when The Lone Ranger arrives at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Come mid-June, gallop over to ABC Sound Studio for a little Limited Time Magic and enjoy an extended trailer of The Lone Ranger, starring Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer. Don’t miss the chance to catch this sneak peek of Disney’s thrilling adventure film before it opens in theaters on July 3, 2013! And from June 15 to June 16, keep your eyes peeled for statues of the Lone Ranger and Tonto at Downtown Disney area—see if you can spot the two whenever they pop up!
• June 17-23: Give Grads Congrats with Celebratory Ear Hats.  Every graduate deserves congrats, and what better way to pay tribute—and say “Ears to you!”—than with a Mortar Board Ear Hat! For a limited time when you purchase a mortar board graduation Ear Hat at La Chapeau Hat Shoppe in Magic Kingdom park, you can pick from 5 different tassels that best represent your school colors, individually available for just $1.95 each. So drop by and do the grad in your life a favor—help celebrate his or her determination in style, courtesy of a little Limited Time Magic!
• July 1-7: Independence Week Celebration. Get set for a red, white and blue bash of patriotic proportion! In honor of America, Limited Time Magic is prepping a week-long Fourth of July celebration you won’t soon forget. Be on the lookout for updates in the near future and don’t miss your chance to salute our nation’s birth at Disney Parks on both sides of the U.S. of A.—from sea to shining sea!

I read today that Disney Theatrical Productions is exploring the possibility of a Muppets musical on Broadway. How fun would that be?! So, in honor of this, I present today’s Friday Photo:

Registration is now open for the 2014 Disney Princess 1/2 Marathon. The race and surrounding events will take place February 20-23, 2014. You can find all events and pricing on the Run Disney website.