Epcot’s World Showcase is a unique destination within Walt Disney World Resort. The Showcase offers visitors the chance to experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of 11 different countries in a single day.
From the stunning architecture to the authentic cuisine, each pavilion is a celebration of its respective nation’s culture and heritage.
In this post, I’ll review everything you need to know about Drinking around the World at the World Showcase in EPCOT.
Planning Your Journey
Before you start your “World Tour”, it’s essential to have a plan in place to make the most of your time.
Start by familiarizing yourself with the layout of the park and the location of each pavilion. Consider creating a personalized itinerary to ensure you don’t miss any must-visit spots along the way.
More good questions for your crew, will you be spending all your time at the World Showcase? Or will you be going on rides as well? Are you park hopping? How much time do you have? These are all good things to know before your start your World Tour.
What is ‘Drinking Around the World’?
So Drinking Around The World isn’t an official event hosted by Disney. It’s more of a guest-named and hyped event.
Drinking Around The World means you grab a drink at every country’s pavilion in the World Showcase. There are 11 total countries and then also an Africa booth that you can add as a bonus. Please note, Africa is not a country.
Drinking Around the World isn’t mandatory. It’s usually big group parties or besties diving in for a full day of drinks and cute photos.
You can simply walk around the World Showcase and only purchase a few drinks or food or even nothing at all. Nothing is mandatory. It’s more like a fun thing to participate in.
You also don’t have to drink alcohol. Please don’t feel pressured to drink if you don’t drink.
We just went with a group of 8 and only half of us drank alcohol. We ALL still had a great time.
Half of us had a cocktail or beer at each stop and the other half tried desserts and fun non-alcoholic drinks at each stop.
This trip around the world can be whatever you make it.
We’ve also done an “Eat Around the World” Tour and that was just as fun.
Do whatever works for you.
Tips for Drinking Around the World at EPCOT
To survive a 1.2-mile trek around the World, you’re going to need a few tips. My husband and I have done the World Tour multiple times and we have some tried and true tips.
Hydrate or Die-drate
For the love of heavens, please hydrate. Please drink water. Please add some electrolytes or something in it too to help you. You cannot physically make it around the world with 11/12 drinks and definitely not that many without drinking any water. HYDRATE!
Take Breaks
Pace yourself, be safe, be responsible and plan ahead for transportation. You don’t need to race through each country. Take your time and enjoy each drink. It’s also recommended to sit down and see a show or go on a ride to break up between drinks.
Share Drinks
Please share drinks. I know it doesn’t sound as crazy if you share but trust me, you will feel it! It’s 11-12 drinks or 5-6 drinks and that will get anyone in the Zone. We usually all have our own drink on the first stop and from then on we share. It helps a lot!
Eat!
I go back and forth with remembering to eat when I’ve had a few drinks. But if food is in front of me, I’ll eat it. Be sure someone is aware to make sure everyone is eating and hydrating. No need for parenting, just be responsible and schedule in a lunch and a couple snacks.
Have A Plan
The biggest question – do you start on the left side (Mexico) or the right side (Canada) first? We always start in Mexico but it really just sets the tone for the rest of the day but you do you.
It also helps if you’ve planned some drinks and snacks ahead of time, to keep you focused at each stop.
Give Yourself Enough Time
I recommend starting early, the World Showcase opens at 11 AM and if you start at that time, you have about 9 hours to responsibly have your drinks.
On our last trip, we had about 3 hours to do the entire World Showcase because we were park-hopping and we went on other rides before we started our journey.
We all shared drinks but we had to move quickly and there was no time to browse the shops and we only stopped for food once. It was a huge rush but we still had fun! It was kind of even more fun because we were fast-walking through everything. Once again, we went fast but we shared drinks between 2-4 people at each stop. Large beers were shared between 4 people and smaller drinks were shared between 2 people.
How Many Countries in World Showcase
Epcot’s World Showcase is divided into 11 pavilions, each representing a different country.
As you journey around the lagoon, you’ll encounter pavilions dedicated to Mexico, Norway, China, German and more!
Each pavilion offers a unique blend of architecture, cuisine, and, of course, beverages, providing a truly immersive experience.
Here are the 11 Country Pavilions at EPCOT World Showcase:
- Mexico
- Norway
- China
- Africa (BONUS) – Not a country
- Germany
- Italy
- US
- Japan
- Morocco
- France
- UK
- Canada
Dining Reservations & Genie Plus While Drinking Around the World
It’s important to plan ahead before diving into a full 11 countries because the World Showcase is 1.2 miles around and it can take some time to get to any of your reservations.
If you’re halfway through the Tour and your time comes up for a ride outside the World Showcase, you’re going to spend a decent amount of time walking to your ride or dining reservation and also walking back.
We’ve spent two days at EPCOT before, one day for rides and one day for the World Showcase.
We’ve also done the World Showcase in 3 hours and fit in the Frozen ride and Ratatouille ride but it was a rush the entire time and we had Lightning Lane so the waits were minimal.
It’s possible to fit everyone in one day, just remember to be flexible and take advantage of Lightning Lane when you can.
Rides in the World Showcase
The World Showcase isn’t just restaurants and bars, it also has rides. Hidden within the pavilions you will find three rides tucked away in their appropriate country.
You can ride the Frozen Ever After ride in Norway, the Ratatouille ride in France and the Gran Fiesta Tour in Mexico.
Things to Do at the World Showcase EPCOT
There are a number of things to do while walking around the World Showcase at EPCOT. If you’re planning a trip you can look forward to:
Dining
Try authentic and inspired cuisine in each country’s pavilion. Check out one of the booths or even a full-service restaurant.
Drinks
Drink Around The World and enjoy beer, wine, cocktail or a non-alcoholic beverage at each pavilion. Most of the drinks are region-specific, so you can try classic beverages from each country.
Shop
Some of the bigger pavilions have merchandise stands filled with traditional and also Disney-inspired items. Take some time to peruse the area and find something you love.
Shows
A number of the pavilions have big and small stages with live music. The Morocco pavilion has fantastic live music, its a great spot to do a little dancing in the evenings.
Why Is Drinking Around the World at EPCOT So Popular?
Unique Experience
Epcot’s World Showcase offers an opportunity to sample alcoholic beverages from around the globe in one location. Visitors can enjoy a diverse selection of beers, wines, and spirits, each representing the cultural heritage of its respective country.
Cultural Experiences
Each pavilion in the World Showcase provides a glimpse into the traditions, customs, and flavors of its native country.
Social Atmosphere
The concept of “drinking around the world” fosters a sense of camaraderie among visitors as they embark on this shared adventure. It’s a fun and interactive way to bond with friends and family while exploring the diverse offerings of Epcot’s international pavilions. Once again, if you don’t drink alcohol you can still participate with other delicious beverages.
Variety of Options
With eleven pavilions to explore, there’s something for everyone. Whether you prefer a refreshing margarita from Mexico, a crisp lager from Germany, or a fine wine from France, the World Showcase has a beverage to suit every taste.
Entertainment Factor
In addition to sampling drinks, guests can also enjoy live entertainment, cultural demonstrations, and immersive attractions throughout the World Showcase.
Overall, drinking around the world at Epcot is popular because of it’s unique offers and entertaining experiences that appeal to a wide range of visitors.
What Time Can You Start Drinking Around the World?
What time does the World Showcase Open? While EPCOT opens around 8 AM /9 AM depending on the day, the World Showcase doesn’t open until 11AM and closes at park close.
Your Time Drinking Around the World
Drinking around the world at Epcot’s World Showcase is a one-of-a-kind experience that combines culture, music, food and DISNEY!
Drinking/Eating Around the World is undoubtedly a highlight of any visit to EPCOT. It’s easy to spend your entire day indulging in endless food and drink options.
As you take your tour, remember the tips to make sure you make it around the world safely. Hydrate regularly, take breaks to rest and recharge, and share drinks with friends. Be sure to eat plenty of delicious food to fuel your adventures and have a plan in place and make sure you give yourself enough time.
Let me know how you and your family/friends like to take on the World Showcase. Are you guys only around for the food festivals or just once a year? I want to know all the details!
See you at the Parks!
XOXO,
Julia
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