🐭🍾🌎 Drinking Around the World at EPCOT (And Live to Tell About It) 🐭🍾🌎

 

For those of us who spent decades thinking the EPCOT theme park at Disney World was just about culture and ecology with a few rides thrown in… there’s a “whole new world” out there! (See what we did there?) It’s called Drinking Around the World!

This adult game is fairly simple – there are 11 countries at EPCOT World Showcase. There are drinks in each country. The goal is to have at least one drink in each country without giving up, passing out or otherwise failing in some other less pleasant way.

Oh, and did we mention at some times of the year there are special “pavilions” with more drinks themed around the festivals? We’ve been there during the Food & Wine Festival and the International Flower & Garden Festival. The pavilion drinks are worth the extra effort and liver function.

So for those of you counting at home, how do you cram a dozen drinks into one day and remember it all at the end? Well, first – you need to make sure you start as early as you can and let your metabolism do the rest. Second, remember there’s no shame in sharing a drink or two (it still counts…) and make sure to nibble your way around as well. The food options are pretty spectacular too! Oh, and there is probably still time for rides. More on that later.

There are lots of debates on social media and park websites dedicated to the big burning question – Do you start in Canada or Mexico?  The main loop of the World Showcase starts in one of them and ends in the other. Do you start with the tequila flight and/or Avocado Margaritas… or end with them?

We think there’s another option! Both times we’ve gone, we came in at the International Gateway entrance. This last time, we made an immediate right and started IN FRANCE! Why?  Because there’s no better way to start the day than champagne and croissants! Then we circled back and started in Canada, which, if you think about it, seems to be a natural next move from France. And they have cider flights… mimosa flights… and beer. We also recommend taking a stroll toward the back of the pavilion for a quick photo at the mini-Niagara Falls. It’s even better when it’s hot outside, which is most of the year. Canada also has one of the best photo ops with Spaceship Earth as a backdrop. There’s also poutine – French fries with gravy – it’s never too early to start loading on some carbs.

We definitely have to mention the frozen boozy Dole Whip! This was a real treat on a hot day in June. It was at one of the special pavilions near Canada for the flower festival we mentioned earlier.

Moving into the United Kingdom pavilion… more beer! And fish and chips. Then we skipped France and went on into Morocco. Best sangria in the park! And it can be enjoyed in a covered market area to get out of the heat for a bit. That’s also a survival tip – take advantage of shade and indoor areas often!

The Japan Pavilion is also great for photo ops… and a frozen Kirin! That’s a Japanese draft beer topped with a float of frozen foam. Perfect for Florida weather! There is also a cool shopping area – more air conditioning.

While the American Pavilion is technically next around the world, on our most recent trip we skipped ahead to Italy for a high-carb lunch at Via Napoli Pizzeria! Oh, and of course Italian wine and aperitif cocktails. Bellisimo!

Regardless of whether you drink straight through or circle back, the American Pavilion is a great spot to sample beers from around the country. Beer is another great survival strategy – since you’re pretty much renting it, along with a casual buzz.  There’s also some Tennessee moonshine to be found here!

Speaking of beer… Germany Pavilion is next! By this point, it’s never a bad idea to enjoy a cold beer (or flight) here or some tasty German white wine. The pavilion itself is pretty festive (think Oktoberfest).

Another beautiful pavilion is next door – China. The Pagoda is a great spot for a photo along with one of the best values “in the world…” the Plum Wine. It’s potent and inexpensive and worth a try.

If you’re feeling the need to indulge your sweet tooth (why wouldn’t you) then the Norway Pavilion is for you. Also known as the home for the “Frozen” ride, the real treat here is at the Kringla Bakeri – School Bread. This is a sweet roll filled with custard and topped with toasted coconut. It’s as delicious as it sounds! You can wash it down with some Nordic beer or a Viking (alcoholic) Coffee.

If you chose to go the direction around the world that we have the last two visits, you’re ready for your final stop – the Mexico Pavilion. This one is actually more fun than you would think. Step inside the great temple and grab some nachos with fresh-made guacamole. Who doesn’t love drunk nachos? Then have a tequila flight at La Cava del Tequila or pair the guac with a fantastic avocado margarita! You can munch and drink while you stand in line for the Gran Fiesta Tour boat ride – imagine the Small World boat ride with a Mexican theme and Donald Ducks’ nephews! It’s indoors, relaxing and air conditioned.

By this point, it’s very possible you’ve consumed a dozen drinks, lots of great food, and you may have time to jump on a ride or two before the park closes. We did Test Track the first time, which may have been a bit much with a belly full of alcohol. The second time we visited the Living with the Land and The Seas with Nemo attractions. Both times we did the Soarin ride (before alcohol).

Another insider tip – we stayed at the Dolphin Hotel both times, which is on-property but owned by Marriott, as is the neighboring Swan Hotel. So you can use points! The Dolphin/Swan properties are an easy walk to and from Epcot across the Boardwalk area. There are some great bars and restaurants on the Boardwalk. Abracadabar has fantastic cocktails and bourbon. Trattoria al Forno is a fantastic Italian restaurant next to it.

EPCOT, like most of the parks, has something new every time we visit. I’d say we’ll be back to test our livers again in the near future!

As always, let us know what you think and we’ll see you #offthetipsypath!