A beginner's guide to drinking around EPCOT at Disney World
A beginner's guide to drinking around EPCOT at Disney World
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Walt Disney World fans have strong feelings about EPCOT's World Showcase: namely, whether to start in Mexico or Canada, coming from the front of the park.
A deciding factor can be what you're in the mood for, if you're eating and drinking around the world, a popular activity among adults.
My extended family and I recently took on the informal challenge while celebrating my son's 21st birthday, among other milestones.
Here's what fellow guests should know about drinking around the world.
Mom-son trips What happens when you bring your son on an adults-only vacation
Can you drink around the world at EPCOT?
Yes. Each of the countries represented in EPCOT's World Showcase offers a bevy of food and drinks reflecting their region, from margaritas in Mexico to sake in Japan. Non-alcoholic offerings range from mocktails to bubble tea.
Festival booths offer additional treats much of the year.
Monorail crawl: Eat, drink your way around iconic Disney World resorts with this monorail crawl
What are the rules for the EPCOT drinking challenge?
Guests typically drink one alcoholic beverage in each country, but it's an unofficial activity, so you can do whatever you're comfortable with.
I'm not a big drinker and I'm cheap, so I like sharing drinks to save money and limit my intake. I also like to share snacks while eating around the world.
Guests must be at least 21 to drink alcohol and should carry their government-issued IDs for proof.
It's also worth noting that unsafe, illegal, disruptive or offensive behavior is against Disney World resort rules.
How many stops are there in EPCOT drinking around the world?
There are usually 11 stops, one for each country, but guests may also choose to stop in places like the African-inspired Refreshment Outpost or freestanding festival booths.
We started our challenge with a big meal at Biergarten in Germany, where my son had a beer and I had a glass of wine with our lunch. Even though we paced ourselves, we wound up skipping drinks in the UK, Mexico, Norway and China and still felt like we had plenty.
What are the 11 EPCOT countries?
From left to right, coming from the front of the park, they are:
Mexico
Norway
China
Germany
America
Italy
Japan
Morocco
France
United Kingdom
Canada
How many hours does it take to drink around the world at EPCOT?
It can take as little or as long as you'd like, but guests should plan for at least three to four hours to explore each pavilion leisurely.
Looking around at the ornately detailed decor, chatting with cultural representatives, enjoying live musical performances, and making time for attractions like Reflections of China and Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros (reopening March 15) are all part of what makes World Showcase so special.
How much does it cost to drink around the World at EPCOT?
Eating and drinking around the world can get expensive.
The average price of our drinks was around $14, excluding tax and tips. We spent over $200 on my son alone, on top of the park ticket.
Is there still free Coke at EPCOT?
Yes, but you won't find it in World Showcase. Guests can sample Coca-Cola beverages from around the world at Club Cool, right across from Connections Cafe in World Celebration, toward the front of the park.
One thing guests can and should get for free around World Showcase is ice water, available anywhere dispensed sodas are sold. It's important to stay hydrated any time you visit Disney World, but especially if alcohol is involved.
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