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.\u00a0 I fall into the former category, and living in Orlando for the past decade have had ample opportunity to partake in this timeless tradition.\u00a0 I’ve made it around the world more times that I care to admit and have found a few fool proof strategies.<\/p>\n
Epcot is comprised of two different “lands”, Future World and the World Showcase (where the magic happens).\u00a0 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.\u00a0 The World Showcase is a circle, so you can start at either end, but this route is my favorite.\u00a0 Just remember to start early(ish) and make your peace with dropping some pretty serious cash.<\/p>\n
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~Canada~<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n .<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n I like to start at the Canada end for two reasons.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 If you eat at Le Cellier, Canada’s steak house, then your options are a lot better.\u00a0 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<\/strong> for $12 or one of two whiskey flights<\/strong> for $10 (probably the biggest bang for your buck you’ll get around the world).\u00a0 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<\/strong> selections.\u00a0 Not to date myself, but back when I started drinking around the world (the day I turned 21) the only option was Labatt Blue<\/strong>, so this is an improvement.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n .<\/p>\n ~United Kingdom~<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n .<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n The U.K. is everyone’s favorite spot because it’s home to a pub where everyone can order whatever they want!\u00a0 Of course, I’m a sucker for themeing so I still have to go with the British offerings.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 My favorite drinks at the Rose and Crown are Cider and Black<\/strong>, a mixture of cider and black currant juice, or the Pimm’s Cup<\/strong>, 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<\/strong> for $7.50.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n .<\/p>\n ~France~<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n .<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Call me a wino, but France is one of my favorite stops.\u00a0 My pick for France is, unfortunately, the most expensive drink on the menu, the Kir Royal<\/strong>.\u00a0 The Kir Royal is a mixture of champagne and creme de cassis and is delicious.\u00a0 A fan favorite is also the Grey Goose slush<\/strong>, though it’s a bit sweet for my tastes.\u00a0 If you’re looking to go more affordable, you can get a glass of house wine<\/strong> for $6.10.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 You’re not technically supposed to drink it in the park, but I’ve never had a problem.\u00a0 You didn’t hear it from me.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n .<\/p>\n ~Morocco~<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n .<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n As you can see, this menu is perhaps less than accurate.\u00a0 Morocco is still a worthwhile stop (plus you’re kinda stuck if you want ‘drinking around the world’ bragging rights).\u00a0 This is one of the few countries in the World Showcase where I actually think the cheapest option is also the best.\u00a0 My pick for Morocco is their red wine for $6.99, specifically the Amazigh<\/strong>.\u00a0 Another popular pick is from the bar inside the quick service restaurant, the tangerine daquiri.\u00a0 <\/strong>It’s yummy, but a bit too sweet and not the most attractive color.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n .<\/p>\n ~Japan~<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n .<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n I’ll admit that I’m never too excited about Japan.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 I really really really don’t like Japanese beer, but if you do then Kirin Ichiban<\/strong> is your best bet here.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 My favorite is the hana-awaka sparkling sake<\/strong>, though still not as good as sparkling wine, it will get the job done.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n .<\/p>\n ~America~<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n .<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Oh America, why are you even in the World Showcase?\u00a0 Everywhere else is actual America!\u00a0 No one is happy about it, but you have to do it.\u00a0 Again, at least it’s in the middle.\u00a0 Luckily though, unlike in my day (again), they now have craft beers here too.\u00a0 The craft beers are the way to go, my favorite is the Bell’s Oberon Ale<\/strong>, you can’t go wrong with the jalapeno and cheese stuffed pretzel either.\u00a0 USA! USA!<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n .<\/p>\n ~Italy~<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n .<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Italy offers a very affordable featured wine<\/strong>.\u00a0 They change all the time, but it’s always good.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 The espresso martini<\/strong> is seriously great.\u00a0 It’s $14, but pretty worth it.\u00a0 Treat yourself, you’re on vacation.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n .<\/p>\n ~Germany~<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n .<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Germany is obviously known for their beer, and I think that’s definitely the way to go.\u00a0 The Oktoberfest<\/strong> is my choice, but the Schofferhofer Grapefruit<\/strong> is delicious too, however it only has 2.5% alcohol and that’s not really my scene.\u00a0 Germany also features a wine bar that serves wine flights<\/strong>, but this late in the game that gets dangerous.\u00a0 One and done is the name of the game.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n .<\/p>\n ~China~<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n .<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n China is another one I’m never thrilled about drink-wise.\u00a0 The best tasting drink is the Tipsy Ducks In Love, but it’s a bit heavy for your 9th drink of the day. \u00a0 Everything else is either super sweet (plum wine<\/strong>) or a mediocre beer, (Tsing Tao<\/strong> is just not good!) but go ahead and order yourself some curry chicken pockets<\/strong>.\u00a0 You’re welcome in advance.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n .<\/p>\n ~Norway~<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n .<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Viking Coffee<\/strong>, a mixture of coffee, Kamora Liqueur, and Bailey’s Irish Cream is usually my go-to, but they now serve Einstock Icelandic beer<\/strong> on draft so I’m always torn.\u00a0 What I don’t enjoy doing is getting talked into taking a “Viking Challenge”, where I have to take a shot of Aquavit<\/strong> and go 5 seconds without making a face to prove I’m a true viking.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n .<\/p>\n ~Mexico~<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n .<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n I always save the best for last.\u00a0 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).\u00a0 If you follow La Cava Del Tequila on twitter and show a bartender, you get a $5 shot of tequila<\/strong> that’s served with a delicious spicy tomato sangrita.\u00a0 I know the thought of tequila shots is not always met with enthusiasm, but this one is easy.\u00a0 The sangrita really does help.\u00a0 This is also where you will find my very favorite, the Jalapeno Margarita<\/strong>.\u00a0 It’s the perfect margarita, seriously the best ever.\u00a0 Imagine the best lime margarita you’ve ever had, then smash up a cucumber and jalapeno in there.\u00a0 It’s another $14 drink, but it packs a punch.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n ~<\/p>\n \u00a0There is really no wrong way to drink around the world, so feel free to improvise!\u00a0 Actually I take that back, once I tried “shots heard ’round the world…<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n that is the wrong way to drink around the world.\u00a0 But if you follow the aforementioned tips, perhaps you could avoid throwing up by 3 o’clock in the afternoon.\u00a0 Trust me, there is no greater feeling that making around the world and still being able to stand.<\/p>\n