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Contrary to popular belief, Disney World is not just a place for kids, this is especially evident at Epcot any time after say 4pm. Drinking around the world has long been a right of passage amongst the childless adults and irresponsible parents. I fall into the former category, and living in Orlando for the past decade have had ample opportunity to partake in this timeless tradition. I’ve made it around the world more times that I care to admit and have found a few fool proof strategies.
Epcot is comprised of two different “lands”, Future World and the World Showcase (where the magic happens). The World Showcase features 11 pavilions representing different countries, 12 if you count the “African Outpost”, which I don’t since it only offers the traditional African delicacies of hot dogs and Bud Light. The World Showcase is a circle, so you can start at either end, but this route is my favorite. Just remember to start early(ish) and make your peace with dropping some pretty serious cash.
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~Canada~
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I like to start at the Canada end for two reasons. The first being that the only thing you can reasonably get in Canada is beer, which gets harder and harder to drink the further you get around the world. The second is that if you go the other direction then Mexico is first and I have a tendency to settle at the tequila bar. If you eat at Le Cellier, Canada’s steak house, then your options are a lot better. Of course, the steakhouse will set you back about $40/ steak and is nearly impossible to get into, but if you do you can try the Blueberry Ice wine Martini for $12 or one of two whiskey flights for $10 (probably the biggest bang for your buck you’ll get around the world). If you’re going the traditional route and just grabbing a go drink then your options are limited to beer, but Canada has started offering some unique craft beer selections. Not to date myself, but back when I started drinking around the world (the day I turned 21) the only option was Labatt Blue, so this is an improvement.
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~United Kingdom~
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The U.K. is everyone’s favorite spot because it’s home to a pub where everyone can order whatever they want! Of course, I’m a sucker for themeing so I still have to go with the British offerings. The Rose and Crown is named because “Rose” and “Crown” are the two most used words in the names of pubs in the U.K., useless fact, but I just heard it from a friend of mine who I think usually tells the truth. My favorite drinks at the Rose and Crown are Cider and Black, a mixture of cider and black currant juice, or the Pimm’s Cup, which is really just a Pimm’s and Sprite and not terribly similar to the Pimm’s Cups in England, but still good. If you’re looking for the cheapest passage ’round the world, you could always just get a Strongbow for $7.50.
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~France~
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Call me a wino, but France is one of my favorite stops. My pick for France is, unfortunately, the most expensive drink on the menu, the Kir Royal. The Kir Royal is a mixture of champagne and creme de cassis and is delicious. A fan favorite is also the Grey Goose slush, though it’s a bit sweet for my tastes. If you’re looking to go more affordable, you can get a glass of house wine for $6.10. If you’re looking to go super affordable and have a few people to share with, they do sell a bottle of wine in their gift shop for $11. You’re not technically supposed to drink it in the park, but I’ve never had a problem. You didn’t hear it from me.
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~Morocco~
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As you can see, this menu is perhaps less than accurate. Morocco is still a worthwhile stop (plus you’re kinda stuck if you want ‘drinking around the world’ bragging rights). This is one of the few countries in the World Showcase where I actually think the cheapest option is also the best. My pick for Morocco is their red wine for $6.99, specifically the Amazigh. Another popular pick is from the bar inside the quick service restaurant, the tangerine daquiri. It’s yummy, but a bit too sweet and not the most attractive color.
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~Japan~
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I’ll admit that I’m never too excited about Japan. Luckily it’s in the middle of the World Showcase, so whichever direction you choose to start you’ll be feeling pretty good by the time you get here. I really really really don’t like Japanese beer, but if you do then Kirin Ichiban is your best bet here. My plan of action is usually to go into the store, where you will find a sake bar amongst a slew of Japanese candies and poorly translated souvenirs. My favorite is the hana-awaka sparkling sake, though still not as good as sparkling wine, it will get the job done.
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~America~
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Oh America, why are you even in the World Showcase? Everywhere else is actual America! No one is happy about it, but you have to do it. Again, at least it’s in the middle. Luckily though, unlike in my day (again), they now have craft beers here too. The craft beers are the way to go, my favorite is the Bell’s Oberon Ale, you can’t go wrong with the jalapeno and cheese stuffed pretzel either. USA! USA!
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~Italy~
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Italy offers a very affordable featured wine. They change all the time, but it’s always good. My very favorite drink in Italy, and maybe the whole World Showcase, is in the wine bar at Tutto Gusto in the back of the pavilion. The espresso martini is seriously great. It’s $14, but pretty worth it. Treat yourself, you’re on vacation.
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~Germany~
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Germany is obviously known for their beer, and I think that’s definitely the way to go. The Oktoberfest is my choice, but the Schofferhofer Grapefruit is delicious too, however it only has 2.5% alcohol and that’s not really my scene. Germany also features a wine bar that serves wine flights, but this late in the game that gets dangerous. One and done is the name of the game.
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~China~
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China is another one I’m never thrilled about drink-wise. The best tasting drink is the Tipsy Ducks In Love, but it’s a bit heavy for your 9th drink of the day. Everything else is either super sweet (plum wine) or a mediocre beer, (Tsing Tao is just not good!) but go ahead and order yourself some curry chicken pockets. You’re welcome in advance.
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~Norway~
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Viking Coffee, a mixture of coffee, Kamora Liqueur, and Bailey’s Irish Cream is usually my go-to, but they now serve Einstock Icelandic beer on draft so I’m always torn. What I don’t enjoy doing is getting talked into taking a “Viking Challenge”, where I have to take a shot of Aquavit and go 5 seconds without making a face to prove I’m a true viking. After several tries I can say with certainty that I am not a true viking, because it’s my 10th drink and Norwegians can be mean.
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~Mexico~
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I always save the best for last. La Cava Del Tequila is my very favorite stop, with the cheapest drink in the World Showcase (unless you cheated and bought that wine in France). If you follow La Cava Del Tequila on twitter and show a bartender, you get a $5 shot of tequila that’s served with a delicious spicy tomato sangrita. I know the thought of tequila shots is not always met with enthusiasm, but this one is easy. The sangrita really does help. This is also where you will find my very favorite, the Jalapeno Margarita. It’s the perfect margarita, seriously the best ever. Imagine the best lime margarita you’ve ever had, then smash up a cucumber and jalapeno in there. It’s another $14 drink, but it packs a punch.
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There is really no wrong way to drink around the world, so feel free to improvise! Actually I take that back, once I tried “shots heard ’round the world…
that is the wrong way to drink around the world. But if you follow the aforementioned tips, perhaps you could avoid throwing up by 3 o’clock in the afternoon. Trust me, there is no greater feeling that making around the world and still being able to stand.
If you want extra credit you can top it off with a round of Looped on the Loop, at your own risk of course.
Love that your shirt matched your tongue!
Sam @ PancakeWarriors recently posted…Blueberry Banana Bread (Single Serve)
Believe it or not that was totally unplanned lol.
We love Drinking Around the World! Epcot is by far our favourite park and we’ve spend many a day strolling around the World Showcase nibbling, drinking and people watching (looking for socks and sandals is our preferred pastime 😉 ), and we try and visit the Food and Wine Festival every year if we can.
Our methods for DATW is to alternate countries and do 2 laps…or sometimes 3 depending how early we start. That way the food and the walking keeps everything paced out and stops us becoming ‘that person’ by the time it’s Illuminations.
Penny @ OnePennyTourist recently posted…Disney’s Vero Beach resort: Exploring the Florida coast
That’s a great plan. I usually don’t get there early enough for that, no matter how good my intentions are. I love food and wine festival though, it’s the best time of the year. Have you been to the Flower and Garden Festival since they added food booths?
I have! Can’t make it this year but we went last year and love the addition of the Outdoor Kitchens. A mini Food & Wine with my Flower & Garden Festival? That’s ok by me 😀
Penny @ OnePennyTourist recently posted…5 fun things to do in London this Easter
We didn’t actually take the kids drinking round the world, funnily enough, but we did love Epcot and I did drag them round to every damn country in the place (I’d always wanted to go!)
Sarah Ebner recently posted…Fotheringhay, the birthplace of Richard III
It’s so much fun, even without the drinking (that’s just a bonus). I think it’s the most enjoyable park for both kids and adults.
This looks like so much fun. I’ve never been to Epcot but this is definitely on my lists of things to do!
Heather @ The Nerdy Fox recently posted…Recap: Life Lately & Giveaways
You have to go! It’s Disney so it’s a bit expensive, but definitely worth it at least once.
My kinda guide!
Dannielle Lily recently posted…This Looked Better on Instagram
Tell me about it Dannielle Lily! You gotta survive the heat and the crowds somehow.
Your blurb about Canada makes me laugh a little bit….”The only thing you can reasonably get in Canada is beer?” I’m not too sure what you mean by this…as in we don’t have alcohol up here? Or this is the best option? Actually Canada invented some pretty cool drinks! The Ceasar (like a bloody mary but with Clamato juice) or the Paralyzer (coke, vodka, milk and kahlua over ice) to name two of my favourites. Also that you call Le Cellier “Canada’s Steakhouse” – you have to know that Canada is a huge country so unless you post the city this is in, I don’t think any of us Canadians will know where to find it. It sounds like that’s more how they marketed themselves than how it’s actually viewed in Canada.
Just a few thoughts food for thought! Thanks for the post though – it’s always good to know places around the world to find good spots to hit up for a drink!
HI Mags! Sorry I reread your post and realized that this was “drinking around the world” in Epcot only! That makes a lot more sense now! Ha! I was thinking…Canada has more than beer! 🙂 But I guess that is what Epcot thinks we do best? Ha! Great post! I’ll keep in mind when I go there next!
Beer is definitley not what you so best, Disney has just put the good stuff inside a very expensive restaurant 😉 I would love to see the canada pavilion get a real bar that’s more representative of all you have to offer!
This just seems absolutely amazing! I would love t go around the world traveling, maybe not drinking but hey that’s a thought! LOL
Cindy recently posted…Could MealEnders Really be the solution to help over eating?
Eating around the world is not a bad plan either, or just taking photos!
Good to know Disney takes care of the big kids, too 😉 Fun write-up! I’ll be revisiting if I ever make it to Disney when kid-less ^_^
Shawna recently posted…Press Sample: Fraggle Rock “Dance Your Cares Away” Collection
Hey, grown ups that are shelling out that kinda money for a vacation deserve a treat.
I love this idea! Wish I lived a bit closer (we’re in Seattle!) so I could partake, but will have to live vicariously. The Morocco daquiri photo is priceless.
Laura Lynch recently posted…The Best of Sydney – City Discovery Series
That would be quite a commute, but it’s worth trying at least once.
awesome! I want to go so bad for this reason! I’m having a hard time convincing anyone to go, maybe I should sit them down and make them read this! It looks like you guys had a lot of fun.
Leslie recently posted…The CandleMaker’s Store
What? You know a lot of party poopers. I hate hearing people that don’t want to go because “it’s for kids” or its “too crowded” (even though that one is pretty true most of the time lol). It’s fun for everyone. Send the naysayers my way, I’ll convince them! Or if not, just come on to Florida and I’ll go with you. I never turn down an Epcot day!
I live in Orlando as well! I love World Showcase – and who doesn’t love drinking around the world!? There are some great recommendations on here. I only recently discovered that the tea shop in China serves alcohol, and all those drinks look amaaaazing! I’m hoping to feature a post on the Flower & Garden Festival in a month or so. LOVE these foodie events.
Adventuring The Great Wide Somewhere recently posted…The Fortified City of Langres
I love it too. I may like the food at the flower and garden festival better than food and wine (maybe). I’m glad they’ve finally figured out the real reason people go to that park… food and drinks!
Disney is my favorite place in the world! I’ve pinned this for the next time we go to Disney World!
Lisa Sharp recently posted…Spring Must-Haves
You’ll love it. it’s a Disney must!
I haven’t been to epcot since high school! I always see friends on Facebook doing this. If Disney admission was cheaper I would love to go again lol. I’m not big on beer though. I could do a pimms and a bit of Tsing Tao (I had one in china and it’s the only beer I could even half finish!). I’d eat around the world in a heartbeat!
Katrina the Two Week Traveler recently posted…Completely Lost in Macau
Eating around the world is amazing too, especially in Oct. and Nov. when they have the food and wine festival.
This just reminds me that I’d like to go back to Epcot!! I haven’t been there since I was a kid, and I’m sure it’s lost some of its mystique now that I’m grown, but I couldn’t drink then, either 🙂
Heather @ TravelingSaurus recently posted…The Worst Restrooms I Have Ever Encountered
The other parks may lose some charm as you grow up, but Epcot as an adult is way better in my opinion.
I’m going to epcot next month in hopes of buying that exact sake bottle you showed! The pink one called hana-awaka sparkling sake. And I was wondering if you happen to remember or know the bottle price of it? I can’t find the information anywhere online. Also do you know if I could carry it around the park or would they make me pick it up at the front gate? Thanks for any help!
Hey Casey,
I looked for you while I was there yesterday. It’s $11.99 for a bottle or $7 for a glass and you can carry it anywhere in the park! Hope that helps. Have so much fun!
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[…] ordered the riesling because I know in non-food and wine, traditional drinking around the world China is one of my least favorite stops. Most of their drinks are super syrupy sweet, so I just […]