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When my sister and I were kids, our parents took us to
Disney World more times than I can recall.
I think that’s why I have such a sweet spot for everything Disney- it
brings back years of wonderful memories.
I remember the almost unbearable excitement I’d feel when my parents
would wake me up on a random Saturday morning and tell me we were going to
Disney World for the long weekend. I
loved the character breakfasts, getting my autograph books signed by princesses
and princes from my favorite animated films, and the pride I felt after I finally
mustered enough courage to ride Space Mountain.
As a little girl, Magic Kingdom- the park most people
associate with children, make-believe, and Disney as a whole- was my favorite
Disney Park, without a doubt. I used to
freak out when Tinker Bell would “fly” out of Cinderella’s castle, and the
fireworks are just as spectacular to me now as they were then. However, after moving to Orlando for college,
I learned that one of my least favorite Disney Parks growing up- Epcot- would
soon become one of my favorites.
Enter “Drinking Around the World.” I didn’t even know this
was a thing until I came to UCF in 2010.
Soon after I turned 21, I gave it a go, and it is without a doubt one of
my favorite things to do in the Orlando area.
Epcot is one of Disney World’s four theme parks in the
Orlando area. Inside the park is a “World
Showcase” which consists of 11 pavilions.
Each pavilion represents a different country: Mexico, Norway, China,
Germany, Italy, United States, Japan, Morocco, France, United Kingdom, and
Canada. The employees in each of the
countries are almost always natives of the country they work in, too, making
the experience all the more exciting.
I’ve spent a good amount of holidays and celebratory
occasions navigating the world showcase at Epcot with my parents, sister,
cousin and friends. Here’s my method for
drinking (and a little eating) “around the world”.
*This post does not encourage the over consumption of
alcohol. I am writing this post after
several visits to Epcot. Mind your limit
and make sure you have an alternative method of transportation to get you home
if you’ve been drinking!
Always Start in Mexico
Mexico might be my favorite pavilion at Epcot. The employees are always incredibly sweet,
and the indoor tequila bar “La Cava del Tequila” is my favorite bar in the
entire park. Go for a specialty margarita
(I like the avocado and pomegranate variations, though I normally just stick to
a regular margarita on the rocks), a shot of Partido Blanco (the sangrita
chaser is delicious), or a shot of
RumChata. If you’re visiting the park
during the Food & Wine Festival or the International Flower & Garden
Festival, be sure to order the Taco al Pastor at the Jardin de Fiestas kiosk
outside for more authentic-tasting tacos.
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| With my dad at the Food and Wine Festival last year |
Norway
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| I call this piece, "When Trolls Photo Bomb." |
Home to Norwegian designer Geir Ness’s Laila fragrance (don’t leave the store without spritzing some on
yourself), trolls, and Vikings hats. I
don’t have a particular drink of preference at this pavilion- I normally just
grab a beer- so let me know if you do! However, they have a delicious bakery
here to satisfy your sweet tooth. My favorite treats are the lefses (potato
bread rolled in a cinnamon-sugar butter), a troll horn, or pretzels. Also, try the Linie Aquavit (Glacier
Shot). It’s got a very surprising,
distinct flavor.
China
Like Norway, I don’t have a go-to drink in China. I usually
grab something refreshing, like the mango gingerita with vodka and rum or a
Tsingtao beer.
Germany
Is it even a question?
Beer. I usually go for the
Altenmunster Oktoberfest when I’m craving something refreshing, but Hovels is
great, too. If you’re looking for a
shot, you can always go for Jagermeister or the honey bourbon shot.
Italy
This is where, if I’m not visiting during a festival, I’ll
usually have a sit-down meal and stock up on carbs at Via Napoli. As far as drinks go, I enjoy the Peach
Bellini or some prosecco. If you’re looking
to drink wine, there are several options in the Tutto Gusto wine cellar. And, of course, there’s gelato.
United States
Okay- I’d be lying if I said I make it a priority to stop at
this pavilion (I am American, after all).
Nevertheless, you can’t go wrong with Samuel Adams Seasonal beers, or,
for bourbon lovers, the Frozen Red Stag Lemonade.
Japan
Hot sake + Kirin draft= sake bombs. Plum wine.
Strawberry sake (usually available during festivals). You can’t go wrong with these three.
Morocco
I don’t usually drink in Morocco, but if I do, it’s usually
just one of the oasis slushies (I like the Sultan’s Colada). If you’re hungry and visiting during a festival, try the pistachio baklava or a falafel pocket.
France
And we’re back to wine.
Plenty of options here- I’d encourage trying one of their regional
wines. If you aren’t a wine drinker, the
Grand Marnier & Grey Goose slushies are delicious. Also, be sure to try escargot if you’re there
during the food and wine festival! (It
tastes better than you’d think- I promise).
United Kingdom
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| My mom and I at the Rose & Crown Pub a couple years ago. |
It’s not Ireland, but every time I enter the Rose &
Crown Pub- my other favorite bar in Epcot- I instantly ask for a Guinness. This bar is the perfect place to mingle in
air conditioning and enjoy beer, cider, or scotch while enjoying some live
entertainment.
Canada
In all honesty, I usually walk past Canada’s pavilion to
grab a cronut at the kiosk next door.
Canada has a few beers to choose from; Unibroues is a popular pick.
Some final thoughts…
- If you haven’t been to Epcot before (especially during a festival) add $100 more to what you’re thinking you’ll spend. Trust me. There’s a lot to choose from, and it will add up very quickly.
- Avoid visiting in the dead of summer. As a native Floridian, I’m speaking from years of experience. It’s miserably hot, and there aren’t any water rides available to help you cool off.
- Check park times (the world showcase area of the park normally opens later).
- Schedule your fast passes ahead of time according to how you want to break up your day.
- As I mentioned earlier, have an alternative method of transportation in mind incase you can’t drive home. It might be a good idea to carry extra cash and take a phone charger into the park in case your phone dies and you need to get a hold of a ride.
- Drink a lot of water, and eat! Don’t be that person…at Disney World, of all places.
Bottoms Up!
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| Inside the butterfly tent at this years International Flower Festival |
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| Sister bonding |
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| Can you spot Anna & Elsa behind us? |
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