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I Go To Disney World Every Day, and I Became a Soda Expert After This Bizarre Sidequest


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If you’ve ever tried ordering a Dr. Pepper at Disney World, you probably learned the hard way that it’s not exactly welcome around here.

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Disney World

Thanks to Disney’s longstanding deal with Coca-Cola, most places only serve Coke products—which means Dr. Pepper fans are usually out of luck. BUT after one extremely niche sidequest, I’ve cracked the code on where to find Pibb Xtra and the few places that actually serve real Dr. Pepper. Let’s just say I’m now the self-proclaimed Soda Sommelier of Disney World.

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First, the Rules of the Game

If you didn’t know, Dr. Pepper is NOT a Coca-Cola product. It’s owned by Keurig Dr. Pepper, and that makes it basically persona non grata on most of Disney property. Instead, you’ll usually find Pibb Xtra — Coca-Cola’s spicier, slightly more intense attempt to replicate the flavor profile of Dr. Pepper.

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Pibb Xtra

Because of that exclusivity deal with Coke, Disney only offers Coke beverages in most of its parks, restaurants, and hotels. But here’s where things get a bit weird: third-party vendors have found some sneaky workarounds. And once I caught wind of this, I had to know exactly where I could get my hands on these elusive sodas. So, this turned into a full-blown mission, and now, I have the receipts.

Where to Find Pibb Xtra in Disney World

If you’re willing to settle for Pibb Xtra (which, to be fair, is still delicious), your odds are much better. Here’s everywhere we’ve found it:

Magic Kingdom

  • This one’s tricky. Pibb Xtra is not served in the park itself, but if you’re a Disney Vacation Club Member, you’re in luck. Head to McKim’s Mile House in Frontierland and hit up the Coke Freestyle Machine there.
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McKim’s Mile House is the new DVC lounge in Magic Kingdom

EPCOT

  • No Pibb Xtra is sold in regular park locations, but again, DVC Members have a secret perk. Go to the ImaginAtrium and use the Freestyle Machines to grab that sweet spicy goodness.
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Imaginatrium

Hollywood Studios

  • This park actually has some solid options:
    • There’s a vending machine outside the park (near the Skyliner and bus station) that has Pibb Xtra. Yes, it’s outside the park. Yes, it’s still worth it.
    • Rosie’s All-American Café inside the park also has Pibb Xtra on tap, so mark that spot.
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Rosie’s All American Cafe

Animal Kingdom

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Yak and Yeti at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disney Springs

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T-Rex

  • The Coca-Cola rooftop bar has Freestyle Machines that include Pibb Xtra (honestly, this might be the most satisfying soda-pouring experience on property).
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Coca Cola Store

Disney World Hotels

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Crockett’s Tavern

And Now… the Unicorn: Dr. Pepper

I’m gonna be real with you. Finding Dr. Pepper at Disney World is like spotting a wild Mickey in the jungle—extremely rare, borderline mythical, but not impossible. Here’s where we’ve struck gold:

  • Rainforest Cafe (both the restaurant and the attached Lava Lounge) in Disney Springs is your one-stop shop for the real thing. Somehow, they’ve managed to break free from the Coca-Cola stronghold and carry Dr. Pepper on the regular menu.
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Rainforest Cafe in Disney Springs

That’s it. That’s the list.

What We Learned from Our Soda Sidequest

  • Freestyle Machines are Your Friend. These machines are the secret weapon if you’re hunting for Pibb Xtra. If you’re a DVC member or staying at a resort with one, you’ve basically got the golden ticket.
  • Third-Party Restaurants Bend the Rules. Disney-run spots are locked into the Coke contract, but places like Rainforest Cafe and T-Rex (which are operated by Landry’s) seem to operate under a looser leash.
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Soda machines

We didn’t expect to become soda experts just by hanging out at Disney World every day, but here we are—armed with a notepad full of drink machines and a ridiculous level of enthusiasm for carbonated beverages.

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Mr. Pibb at Rosie’s

If you’re on the hunt for Dr. Pepper or Pibb Xtra, hopefully, this guide saves you from wasting your time asking every Cast Member in sight (trust us, we’ve done that for you).

In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest from Disney, so stay tuned for more.

The Best Restaurants in Disney World in 2025

Where else have you found Dr. Pepper and Mr. Pibb in Disney World? Let us know in the comments!

The post I Go To Disney World Every Day, and I Became a Soda Expert After This Bizarre Sidequest first appeared on the disney food blog.

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