 Source: Dining at Disney
June 1962 – January 1989
LOCATION
Adventureland – Sunkist, I Presume faced the central walkway of Adventureland. When visitors came from New Orleans Square, the dining spot was on the left, just beyond the River Belle Terrace. And when visitors walked through Adventureland’s main entrance, they’d see the restaurant on the right, after the gift shop.
EXPERIENCE
Details:
- Service Type – quick service
- Seating – limited adjacent seating
- Entertainment – none
Sunkist, I Presume served (as you might’ve guessed) Sunkist juices, coffee, hot dogs, and snacks to guests exploring Adventureland. The dining spot was largely a grab-and-go location, though there were a few seats for visitors who wanted to sit and people watch as they enjoyed their juice in the Adventureland sunshine.
CLOSURE
Sunkist’s sponsorship ended in 1989, closing the restaurant for a few years. However, there was still a lot of demand in Adventureland for a quick service location with snacks and drinks, so it wasn’t long before the park revamped this location into a new, unsponsored restaurant. The Bengal Barbecue opened in 1992, and has remained a fan favorite spot ever since.
TRIVIA
The name “Sunkist, I Presume” is a tribute to Henry Stanley’s famous 1871 quote, “Dr. Livingstone, I presume.”
Though visitors didn’t know it, this restaurant made the mint juleps that were served on the nearby Mark Twain.
Sunkist had another sponsored restaurant in the park: Sunkist Citrus House.
This restaurant replaced the Adventureland Cantina.
I worked at Sunkist I Presume from March of 1973 to May of 1976. I have lots of memories of this place, we had loads of fun working there. I was 16 years old when I started and was a Sophomore in Highschool. I am still in touch with several people who worked at Sunkist I Presume and Sunkist Citrus House including 4 of my sisters who also worked there.
That’s amazing to still be in touch with your coworkers!