I started a series a few weeks back on exploring Atlanta. Before moving to Los Angeles, we wanted to take the opportunity to explore, appreciate, and celebrate the city that we have called home. One of the places we went as part of the city pass was the World of Coca-Cola. Most people know that I LOVE my diet coke. So out of all the touristy locations in Atlanta, the World of Coca-cola is probably the one I’ve visited the most. In 1990 they built the original museum near Underground Atlanta, which I had only visited a couple times, but once they moved into the new facility in 2007 I had to go again!
They really improved the look and flow of the place. You start off with an introduction by a tour guide then sit through a short movie in the Happiness Factory Theater before entering the self guided area. They must have recently changed the movie, since this was the first time we’ve seen this version. Inside, there is a 4-D movie, museum area, a replica bottling plant, pop culture gallery, iconic commercials through the years, a tasting center, and a newly installed Vault of the Secret Formula. It’s got some interesting interactive sections and you can read about the history of the coke formula.
Vault of the Secret Formula:
My favorite part is obviously Taste it!: the tasting center. They have over 60 different beverages from around the world! I usually drink myself sick. Haven’t gotten the self-control part down yet. They always say you have to try the Beverly. ;) I always go straight for the diet coke and drink my money’s worth in that.
Before leaving, you have a chance to get lost in their expansive Coca-Cola Store. They have everything you can possible imagine branded with coke.
We couldn’t leave without taking a photo with the iconic polar bear.
I’m may be leaving Atlanta, but I am taking my coke with me!
TIPS FOR YOUR VISIT TO THE WORLD OF COCA COLA
- We park for free on the residential streets a couple blocks down from the Coke museum
- There’s a 30-minute presentation before you get to enter, so be sure to take that into account for timing.
- Sit close to the front of the happiness factory theater, the exit is through the screen
- The biggest line is always for the polar bear photo. We either race there first, or browse the exhibits around until the line shortens.
- World of Coca-Cola is directly across from the Georgia Aquarium, so you can conveniently visit both in the same day.
- You get a free bottle of coke per person before leaving, an automatic souvenir!
- If you’re planning on going to a few Atlanta attractions, pick up a CityPASS to save you money.
- The city continues to grow! Want to see what Atlanta will look like in 2030? Check out this infographic.
Anything else I’m missing? If you’re looking for more things to do, don’t forget to check out our ultimate Atlanta bucket list, 25 free things to do in Atlanta, and best instaspots in Atlanta.
“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust