9 tips I wish I knew before visiting the World of Coca Cola

Dear Diary,

I recently went to the World of Coca Cola and I thought it would be great for me to share a few tips for things I wish I knew sooner to make my experience better. If you haven’t visited the world of Coca Cola in the underground since 2006, you must add the factory to your list. Rebuilt & revamped in 2007, you will take a self-guided tour and learn everything there is to know about Coke (or get drenched with branding as some like to call it).

#1- Free parking! It seems like no matter where you go, you always have to pay for parking in Atlanta. If you don’t mind walking, I suggest finding street parking a few blocks away from the site & save a few bucks.

#2-City Pass- Conveniently, World of Coke is located right across from the aquarium so you can visit both in the same day. Within walking distance, you can also visit centennial park, the CNN center, Phillips Arena, The Dome, the Skyview, the National Center for Civil Human Rights and the Collage Football Hall of Fame. I would recommend visiting Coke last because once you visit ‘taste it’ you will have a caffeine buzz after drinking sodas from all over the world. A City Pass is $75 for adults and you have 5 attractions to choose from.

#3- Long lines. Expect a long line when you are trying to enter the museum. As soon as you enter, you are greeted by a mini history lesson followed by a 6-minute video so everyone has to enter in waves. They don’t call this city Hotlanta for nothing! I would suggest packing cold beverages (probably Coke products) while you wait. If you are an impatient person, you can always pay extra and skip the line with a private VIP pass—I’m all for saving a dollar so just bring a can of patience with you, at least now you know why the line appears so dreading.

#4- Beating the crowd. When you enter the theater, it is best to sit as close to the front as possible because the only way to exit is through the front screen when it rises. Now you’re beating the crowd that’s behind you #yay!

#5- The polar bear. The Polar bear is one of the most photographed stations so I recommend beating the crowd and waiting in line as soon as you exit the theater. It does get hot in the costume, so expect 15 -minute delays as the polar bear has to cool off.

#6- Bring your own camera. You can save money by taking your own pictures throughout the venue. They have plenty of photographers there if your camera skills are a little shaky, but if you’re on a budget like me, you’ll be fine with your personal shots lol.

#7- Don’t expect a free bottle of coke at the end. Previously, they used to give away a free bottle of Coca-Cola at the end of the tour, but I was told due to safety reasons, they are no longer able to do that. You can however purchase glass bottles in the Coca-Cola store and they have the cutest sleeves on them to match any holiday. Just get assistance and one of the employees will try to find the perfect sleeve for you.

#8- Be aware of the Beverly. A lot of these drinks have “an acquired taste”. Just have caffeine medicine and a barf bag ready. A lot of the employees will tell you to try this drink……Don’t take a huge gulp!

#9- The Coca-Cola store is open to the public. Most people are unaware that the store has it’s own entrance that you can visit without visiting the museum. You can fall in love in here! The store pretty much sells anything you can think of with a Coke label on it lol. I believe the only thing they don’t sell are the mini spoons most travelers collect. Prices are pretty expensive in here, but you can always check out the sale rack for less expensive options. Happy shopping!