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Famous Buildings / September 3, 2019

duffy-cup-beer-epcot-disney-world copyThis post is a guide to Drinking Around the World in Epcot’s World Showcase at Walt Disney World, with our picks for the best beers, wine, and mixed drinks. There’s also plenty of strategy for conquering this worldly task without climbing up the side of Mexico pavilion and holding up a Duffy plush Lion King style. We originally wrote this post a couple of years ago, and have now updated it for 2016 with new ideas and drink recommendations.

Since most of us probably won’t be able to haphazardly spend thousands of dollars to fly to Paris at a moment’s notice for some artisan cheeses or brave a winter in Canada just for some fine brews anytime soon, Epcot’s World Showcase offers us the next best option: sampling many alcoholic beverages and decadent desserts of the world in authentic-looking environments all while on vacation at Walt Disney World. Of course, whose bucket list doesn’t also include having a drink in 10 different countries in a single day? No? Well, now you can add it to your list and cross it off.

The premise is simple: start out at one end of World Showcase, and continue through the countries, sampling a drink and/or dessert in each country. As there are 11 countries in the World Showcase, this is easier said than done. It’s even more difficult during Food & Wine Festival, when Epcot adds lots of kiosks that serve additional drinks. If you’re looking to complete this drinking event then, check out our Guide to the Epcot Food & Wine Festival for additional tips & info. With even more drinking options, expect Drinking Around the World during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival to be a lot of fun…albeit perhaps not for your liver.

062010310.jpgFirst, we will start with our tips and strategies for Drinking Around the World Showcase, generally, followed by specific drink recommendations….

General Epcot Drinking Strategy

Value for Money – If you have a Tables in Wonderland card, keep in mind that it’s valid for a discount on alcohol at Table Service restaurants, but not at kiosks or counter service spots. If you’re on the Disney Dining Plan, you won’t be able to use any credits for alcohol as you drink around the world

Snack Around the World – Food soaks up alcohol, enabling you to drink more. That’s just science. We have a separate, companion article to this title Snacking Around the World Showcase that offers snacking tips for each country. The non-drinkers and anyone who wants to enjoy more than just drinks should check that out. If you’re on the Disney Dining Plan, it’s a good idea to use some snack credits as you wander the World Showcase. Check out our article on Maximizing Snack Credit Value on the Dining Plan or, if you’re traveling during Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival (in the fall), check out our article on the Best Food & Wine Festival Snacks.

Make it an All-Day Affair – Yes, a day in a Disney theme park does cost a lot of money, but if done correctly, Drinking Around the World can be some of the most fun you’ll ever have. Starting in World Showcase around 11 am still gives you time to hit the big Future World attractions, such as Soarin’ and Test Track first thing in the morning. Plus, spreading the drinking out over the course of the day is always a good idea.

Be Respectful – Drinking Around the World at Epcot has proliferated in popularity in recent years. Some would say it’s gotten to the point where it’s a problem. On a given day in Epcot, you will see multiple drinking “teams” replete with matching shirts and obnoxious attitudes. Never forget that Epcot is a family theme park, and while Drinking Around the World Showcase can be a ton of fun, that fun should not occur at the expense of your fellow park guests.

Explore the Pavilions – You’re limited in which attractions you can visit with a drink in hand, so take some time to explore the wonderful details in the pavilions themselves. Morocco, Germany, Italy, and Canada, among others, all have great depth to explore. You’ll be surprised how fun it is to simply wander around deep in each pavilion and see the architecture and hidden details.

Share Drinks – Drinking in moderation is key to maximizing your fun while Drinking Around the ‘World. Split drinks when necessary to avoid over-consumption, and sample one another’s drinks to experience the different flavors of the ‘World. Additionally, not every pavilion has a stella option for both the beer drinkers and mixed drink fans in your party. Although beer selection is improving at Walt Disney World, it’s still weak in some countries. We have an article on Finding Good Beers at Walt Disney World, and our friends over at Beers and Ears have some great apps for finding beers at Walt Disney World that might further assist with finding good beers while drinking around the world!

margarita-san-angel-inn-epcotEnjoy Attractions Between Drinks – World Showcase is not known for rides, with the Gran Fiesta Tour in Mexico currently being the only option (a Frozen ride in Norway Arendelle should be open by 2016). The films in France, Canada, and China plus the American Adventure are other great options. After a couple of drinks, you might weep uncontrollably at the emotional power of the American Adventure…or you might just fall asleep. Check out our full Epcot Ride Guide for ratings and reviews of every attraction in Epcot.

Recommended Drinks by Country

We used to recommend starting in Mexico, but if you’re a beer drinker, due to recent changes in Canada, you are now better suited to start in Canada. Mixed drink or tequila fans should still start in Mexico. If you start in Mexico, this list is in order by country. If you start in Canada, it’s in reverse order.

Mexico – Outside the Mexico pavilion you can get Margaritas that are pre-mixed, extremely sugary and are sure to upset your stomach. Avoid these, instead go inside to La Cava Del Tequila, which serves some excellent drinks, notably the Blood Orange Margarita, Avocado Margarita, and Jalapeno Margarita, and tequila flights. There’s even a special offer if you show your server that you follow @CavaDelTequila on Twitter. La Cava Del Tequila is far and away the best place for mixed drinks in World Showcase, which is why we recommend starting here…but just make sure you leave!

Get a Carlsberg in Norway – Carlsberg isn’t amazing, but it’s a solid beer…despite not actually being from Norway. Hey, it’ll fit right in with the Frozen attraction! This is a lesser-of-all-evils situation. The one thing you want to make sure you avoid is the aquavit shot. Unless the idea of a shot of potato alcohol that tastes like it’s mixed with fire and dill pickles sounds appealing. (I’m not kidding, that’s about what it tastes like.)

Don’t Miss the Tea Stand in China – Names can be deceiving! Featuring some of the most unique cocktails in World Showcase, the Mango Gingerita, Canto Loopy, Peach Snap! or Green Tea Plum Slush is the way to go here. Tsing Tao on draft is a rare sight, but it’s not better than the cocktails. Some readers have indicated they are a fan of the Plum Wine here, but it’s not my…ahem…cup of tea.

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Source: www.disneytouristblog.com