Exploring Global Flavors Free Beverage Sampling At Atlantas World Of Coca-Cola

The World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta offers visitors an immersive experience into one of the world's most recognized beverage brands. Located in the city where Coca-Cola was invented in 1886 and where the company remains headquartered today, this attraction provides guests with the opportunity to sample a wide variety of beverages from around the globe at no additional cost beyond admission. The centerpiece of this experience is the "Taste It!" room, featuring multiple tasting stations where visitors can sample over 100 different Coca-Cola products, many of which are not available in the United States.

The World of Coca-Cola Experience

World of Coca-Cola is situated in downtown Atlanta, bordering Centennial Olympic Park. The attraction represents a significant investment by The Coca-Cola Company, which has accumulated approximately 20 acres of land in the downtown area near the park. According to Jackson Kelly, Vice President of Marketing Operations and General Manager of World of Coca-Cola, the facility aims to "create a new gathering place that will be a powerful catalyst for even more urban renewal" for Atlanta residents while serving as "a vibrant, exciting destination that will encourage [visitors] to stay longer and bring their families."

The attraction immerses guests in the Coca-Cola brand through various exhibits and experiences. Visitors can learn about the history of the company, explore its advertising legacy, and enjoy interactive displays. The facility is designed to evoke feelings of nostalgia and comfort, as noted by a collector of Coca-Cola memorabilia who described the brand as "a feel-good that makes me happy and nostalgic." For many international travelers, the familiar sight of a red Coca-Cola sign provides "a sense of comfort, a touch of home."

The Taste It! Sampling Experience

The highlight of the World of Coca-Cola visit is the "Taste It!" experience, a room filled with multiple tasting stations offering unlimited sampling of beverages from around the world. As one visitor noted, "It was fun trying all the different flavors from around the world." This area features a sticky floor as visitors move from station to station, sampling various exotic beverages.

The tasting experience includes:

• Over 100 different beverages from across the globe
• Interactive touchscreens that provide information about each flavor
• The opportunity to taste unique products not available in most markets

According to one visitor, "the tasting and the smell factory was our favorite spot." The experience is included in the admission price, with no additional cost for the samples themselves.

Global Beverage Selection

The variety of beverages available for sampling is extensive and represents Coca-Cola's international presence. The company operates in more than 200 countries, and the tasting room showcases this global diversity. Some of the unique flavors available include:

• Cucumber-flavored Sprite from Romania
• Melon Frosty Fanta from Thailand
• Stoney Ginger Beer from Tanzania
• Minute Maid Joy Apple Lychee, a favorite in Korea
• Sparletta Sparberry, sold in southern and central Africa since 1955
• Peru's golden yellow Inca Kola, described as having a sweet, fruity taste similar to bubblegum

These international offerings provide visitors with a true taste of Coca-Cola's global product portfolio. Fanta, with many flavors available in 180 countries, is noted as "the company's second-largest brand outside the U.S." Each sampling station is accompanied by educational content, with touchscreens providing background information on each flavor. For example, visitors learn that Inca Kola is used by gourmet chefs in signature Peruvian dishes.

Coca-Cola's Advertising Heritage

Beyond the tasting experience, World of Coca-Cola showcases the brand's advertising legacy. The attraction features exhibits on iconic advertising campaigns, including the famous Coca-Cola polar bears and the company's Christmas advertising featuring Santa Claus.

The Coca-Cola polar bears, which made their TV debut in 1993, were first seen in France in 1922 and have appeared in print advertising over the years. Guests can interact with a seven-foot-tall polar bear mascot that poses for pictures (though these photographs are an additional purchase).

The company's Christmas advertising has also had a significant cultural impact. The modern image of Santa Claus—a plump, jolly man with a white beard and red suit—was actually created for Coca-Cola's 1931 Christmas advertisements by Michigan-born illustrator Haddon Sundblom. Prior to these advertisements, Santa didn't always appear in this familiar form.

Practical Information for Visitors

World of Coca-Cola is located at 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, in the heart of downtown Atlanta. The attraction is adjacent to several other notable Atlanta destinations, including the Georgia Aquarium and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights (which is closed for renovations until November 2025).

Operating Hours: - Monday-Thursday: 10:00am - 7:00pm - Friday: 10:00am - 8:00pm - Saturday: 10:00am - 9:00pm - Sunday: 10:00am - 8:00pm

Online ticket sales end one hour before closing time each day. Admission prices are $17 for adults and $13 for children ages 3-12.

Nearby Attractions

World of Coca-Cola is part of a cluster of major Atlanta attractions that can easily be combined in a single visit. Several attractions are within walking distance:

1. Centennial Olympic Park: A 22-acre greenspace originally built for visitors of the 1996 Olympics, located just 0.2 miles from World of Coca-Cola.

2. Georgia Aquarium: Located next door to World of Coca-Cola (255 Baker St NW), this is the country's largest aquarium with more than 11 million gallons of water and tens of thousands of animals across seven major galleries.

3. Center for Civil and Human Rights: Adjacent to World of Coca-Cola (100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW), this attraction connects the American Civil Rights Movement to today's global human rights movements.

4. College Football Hall of Fame: Within walking distance (250 Marietta St NW), this 94,000-square-foot attraction is a must-see for sports fans.

5. Zoo Atlanta: Less than three miles from World of Coca-Cola (800 Cherokee Ave SE), this zoo founded in 1889 is home to more than 1,000 animals representing over 200 species.

6. Fernbank Museum: Atlanta's home to adventure, located five miles from World of Coca-Cola (767 Clifton Rd), featuring dinosaurs, live animals, cultural artifacts, and hands-on experiences.

Visitors can save up to 49% on admission to World of Coca-Cola and four other top Atlanta attractions by purchasing an Atlanta CityPASS® ticket.

Visitor Experience and Reviews

The World of Coca-Cola has received positive reviews from visitors. Many highlight the tasting experience as a highlight of their visit. Comments from visitors include:

• "It was fun trying all the different flavors from around the world. And loved 'The tales from the fountain stories,' transforming us back in time."

• "A must do in ATL. From the history to the tasting room, an overall wonderful experience. I was impressed with the cleanliness of the tasting room. Staff was seen multiple times wiping down surfaces and keeping the floors clear."

• "A great museum and our guided tour was a lot of fun. I highly recommend it. The tasting room is a lot of fun as well with soda from all over the world."

• "We are so glad we stopped at the World of Coca-Cola. We enjoyed the tasting and the smell factory was our favorite spot. It is worth a stop if in Atlanta!"

Visitors particularly appreciate the unlimited sampling aspect of the experience, noting that they can try as many different beverages as they like without additional cost. The educational component, including information about the history and global presence of Coca-Cola, also receives positive feedback.

Beyond Sampling: Additional Experiences

While the beverage sampling is a major draw, World of Coca-Cola offers additional experiences for visitors:

1. Historical Exhibits: The attraction explores the 130+ year history of Coca-Cola, from its invention in 1886 to its current global status.

2. Advertising Gallery: Features iconic Coca-Cola advertising campaigns throughout the years.

3. Pop Culture Exhibit: Showcases Coca-Cola's influence on popular culture.

4. Bottling Line: A demonstration of how Coca-Cola products are bottled.

5. Memorabilia Display: Features a collection of Coca-Cola artifacts and memorabilia.

6. Photo Opportunities: Various interactive displays and backdrops for photos, including the polar bear mascot (photos available for purchase).

The gift shop offers a wide range of Coca-Cola merchandise, from clothing and accessories to home decor and collectibles. For $8.95, visitors can customize a Coke can with their name or a personal message.

Planning Your Visit

When planning a visit to World of Coca-Cola, several factors should be considered:

• Time Allotment: Most visitors spend 2-3 hours at the attraction, though it can be explored more thoroughly if time allows.

• Best Times to Visit: Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends. Morning visits often have shorter lines than afternoon visits.

• Combining with Other Attractions: The proximity to Georgia Aquarium and Centennial Olympic Park makes it easy to visit multiple attractions in one day.

• CityPASS Option: For visitors planning to see multiple attractions, the Atlanta CityPASS can provide significant savings.

• Special Events: The attraction occasionally hosts special events or limited-time exhibits, which can enhance the experience.

• Accessibility: The facility is wheelchair accessible, with accommodations available for visitors with mobility needs.

Conclusion

World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta offers a unique experience for visitors interested in the history and global presence of one of the world's most recognizable brands. The centerpiece of the attraction is the "Taste It!" experience, where visitors can sample over 100 different Coca-Cola products from around the world at no additional cost beyond admission. This sampling opportunity provides a true taste of Coca-Cola's international diversity, with unique flavors from countries like Romania, Thailand, Tanzania, Korea, Peru, and South Africa.

Beyond the sampling experience, visitors can explore Coca-Cola's advertising heritage, learn about the company's history, and interact with various exhibits. The attraction is conveniently located in downtown Atlanta, adjacent to several other major attractions including the Georgia Aquarium and Centennial Olympic Park, making it easy to incorporate into a broader Atlanta itinerary.

For those seeking to sample a wide variety of international beverages without the cost of importing them, World of Coca-Cola provides an accessible and educational experience. The unlimited sampling aspect, combined with the historical and cultural context, makes it a worthwhile destination for both Coca-Cola enthusiasts and casual visitors to Atlanta.

Sources

1. Leisure Group Travel - Coke Attraction Captivates Visitors to Atlanta
2. World of Coca-Cola - Explore Coke Stories
3. World of Coca-Cola - Plan Your Visit: Near Attractions
4. World of Coca-Cola - About Us