Ever wonder who comes up with the new drinks you see on Walt Disney World menus? Sometimes it’s the very cast members who make them for guests every day. Disney is shining a spotlight on Dan Laske, a beverage concept and program manager whose idea became the new Espresso Martini Milkshake, part of this fall’s lineup of new frozen slushes and shakes across the resort.
From the Disney College Program to Crafting New Drinks
Dan’s Disney story began in 2015, when he joined Walt Disney World through the Disney College Program as a housekeeping cast member at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. After finishing his program, he came back and moved into food and beverage roles at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Riverside.
Somewhere along the way, he found a passion for experimenting with flavors and developing new beverages. Today, with more than a decade of experience at the resort, Dan supports beverage programs across Walt Disney World and works with food and beverage leaders on future menu items.
How the Espresso Martini Milkshake Was Born
The idea came to Dan while he was working as a guest experience manager at World Premiere Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort. Surrounded by coffee and ice cream all day, he paid close attention to what guests liked and started thinking about a drink that could bring those two favorites together.
After pitching the idea, Dan teamed up with Disney World’s Food and Beverage Concept team to source ingredients and fine tune the recipe. He also asked frontline cast members for feedback, since they know best how a new drink would work during a busy shift and whether it could be made the same way every time. Dan described it as a tag team effort, with operators bringing their knowledge of each location and the Concept team bringing resources and best practices.
Getting it just right took about 10 rounds of testing, with changes to ingredients, proportions and preparation along the way. Every version was documented and refined. Dan says that testing process was his favorite part, sometimes adjusting a single ingredient by just half an ounce until the flavor was exactly where he wanted it.
Where to Try the Espresso Martini Milkshake
The finished Espresso Martini Milkshake blends Absolut Vodka and Mozart Chocolate Liqueur with espresso and hand scooped vanilla ice cream, topped with sweet cream. You can find it at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (for guests 21 and up). There’s also an Espresso Martini Gelato Milkshake made with French vanilla gelato at Whispering Canyon Cafe at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.
Other new frozen favorites rolling out this fall include the Peaches and Cream slush, with peach purée, lemon, vanilla and oat milk topped with sweet cream cold foam, at spots like Backlot Express, The Friar’s Nook and Flame Tree Barbecue, and the S’mores Gelato Milkshake at Connections Eatery at EPCOT. You can see the full lineup in our post on Disney World’s huge new lineup of treats, churros and slushes, and S’mores fans will love our guide to the best S’mores treats at Walt Disney World.
Dan’s Advice for Cast Members With Big Ideas
Now that he helps other cast members develop their own ideas, Dan’s role has come full circle. His advice for anyone with an idea they believe in: “Don’t be afraid to speak up.” He encourages cast members to pitch even the ideas that feel a little crazy, learn the process and find a version that works.
So the next time you sip a frozen slush or milkshake at Walt Disney World, remember there may be a cast member behind it who once had a simple idea and the courage to share it.
Looking for more Disney World eats this season? Check out the Jollywood Nights 2026 menu and our Disney World Holiday Food 2026 Guide.
Have you tried the Espresso Martini Milkshake yet? Let us know in the comments!
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