Walt Disney World Resort’s Espresso Martini Milkshake began with a cast member surrounded by coffee and ice cream. Disney has shared how that idea became part of its fall frozen beverage lineup.
Beverage concept and program manager Dan Laske estimates the recipe took about 10 rounds of testing. The team adjusted ingredients, proportions and preparation methods, documenting and refining each version.
From food court idea to finished recipe
Laske developed the idea while working as a guest experience manager at World Premiere Food Court. Guest preferences and feedback helped him explore a drink that brought those two flavors together.
After pitching it, he partnered with Disney World’s Food and Beverage Concept team. Together, they worked through ingredient sourcing and finalized the recipe.
Laske also sought feedback from frontline cast members about fitting the drink into daily operations. He wanted to understand whether they could prepare it consistently for guests.
“Operators know their location,” Laske said. He explained that restaurant teams understand their workflow and operational details, while the Concept team contributes resources and best practices. “It’s a tag-team effort.”
Small adjustments mattered. Laske said changing an ingredient by just half an ounce could bring the flavor exactly where he wanted it.
For him, experimenting with flavors and tweaking the recipe made development the most enjoyable part of the process.
A career that started in housekeeping
Laske joined Disney World in 2015 through the Disney College Program. He started in housekeeping. His initial assignment placed him at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort.
After completing the program, he eventually returned to Disney and moved into food and beverage roles. Those roles took him to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort: Riverside.
“I fell in love with the creative side of developing beverages and experimenting with flavors,” Laske said. “I’ve carried that with me ever since.”
He now brings over a decade of experience across the resort to his work supporting beverage programs throughout Walt Disney World. He works alongside food and beverage leaders on future drinks and supports cast members developing their own ideas.
His advice to those cast members starts with speaking up.
“Learn the process and be as creative as you can.”
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Source: Disney Parks Blog
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