Walt Disney World’s Espresso Martini Milkshake began as an idea from cast member Dan Laske, now a beverage concept and program manager for the resort.
Laske first considered the drink while working as a guest experience manager at World Premiere Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort. Surrounded by coffee and ice cream, and paying attention to guest preferences and feedback, he began exploring a beverage that could bring those flavors together.
After pitching the idea, Laske worked with Walt Disney World’s Food and Beverage Concept team on ingredient sourcing and the final recipe. He also sought input from frontline cast members on whether the drink could be made consistently within day-to-day restaurant operations.
Laske estimated that the Espresso Martini Milkshake required about 10 testing rounds. The team adjusted ingredients, proportions and preparation methods, documenting each version before settling on the finished recipe.
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Laske joined Walt Disney World through the Disney College Program in 2015, beginning in housekeeping at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. He later held food-and-beverage roles at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside before moving into beverage development.
The milkshake’s path from an operational idea to the menu illustrates the collaboration behind new Disney World drinks: concept teams provide resources and development support, while restaurant teams help assess how an item works in service.
