Since I've become a parent, I have discovered the real magic at Walt Disney World: Epcot's World Showcase. Throughout the course of a day, you can eat and drink your way around eleven countries -- and if that isn't magical, I don't know what is! For this traveler and foodie, the World Showcase is my haven, and while I love visiting the Disney parks with my daughter, this is one activity that's best ventured sans kids. Disney has fabulous child care services at their deluxe resorts, and if you're traveling with family, this would be a great time to utilize grandma. 😉
The key to successfully eating and drinking around the World Showcase is moderation. Remember there are eleven countries, so pacing is important. Share drinks to maximize your chances of hitting every country -- and save a little money in the process.
Here are my picks for the best drinks and snacks around the World Showcase at Epcot:
Best Epcot Snacks
Mexico
Drink: Margaritas in Mexico are a no-brainer, and thankfully they're very easy to find. Outside on the causeway, pre-made frozen margaritas are available at the Margarita stand and at La Cantina de San Angel quick-service. Each location has different flavors, so you might want to scout out both before making a final decision. For the crème de la crème of margaritas, head inside the Mexico pavilion to La Cava Del Tequila -- this is where you will find one of my all-time favorites, the Avocado margarita.
Snack: Churros from La Cantina de San Angel are a cheap and portable snack -- if you need something a little more filling, share a plate of nachos.
Norway
Drink: Not too many drinks come to mind when I think of Norway; the best you're going to get at this stop is a Carlsberg Beer from the beer cart along the causeway.
Snack: School bread! Do not pass by Kringla Bakeri without trying this amazing creme filled pastry topped with coconut. Nom nom!
China
Drink: China's alcoholic beverages are often overlooked, but the Green Tea Plus Slush is really yummy at the Joy of Tea stand. Tsing Tao Beer is good if you're looking for a draft, and if you want to go non-alcoholic at this stop, try the Strawberry Oolong Tea Bao Bing.
Snack: Lotus Blossom Cafe has a nice variety of egg rolls and pot stickers. Good drinking food!
Germany
Drink: You can't go to Germany and not have a beer. Radeberger Pilsner and Altenmunster Oktoberfest are on tap at Sommerfest and the Bier Stand, and if you're feeling particularly spirited, you can even get them served in a souvenir mug.
Snack: The same goes for a pretzel -- a must from the Bier Stand.
Italy
Drink: There are quite a few options in Italy, depending on your pace at the half-way point. The Gelato Stand has a super delicious Italian Margarita, made with Limoncello and Grappa, and then there is always the Bellini -- a personal favorite of mine. Moretti Beer and a selection of wine is available at the Tutto Italia kiosk.
Snack: If you feel like you need something substantial to eat, the pizza at Via Napoli is the best on property. It's easy to split a pie between a few people. Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar has a section of cured meats and Italian cheeses if you're looking for something light to nosh on.
United States
Drink: Four words -- Frozen Red Stag Lemonade. Get it at Fife and Drum Tavern.
Food: Meh. I've never been a fan of the food from the United States pavilion. I'd skip this spot and save room for Japan.
Japan
Drink: Grab a Kirin Ichiban, Plum Wine or Sake at Katsura Grill. For non-alcoholic refreshment, try a bottle of Ramume -- flavored Japanese soda.
Food: Japan has one of my all-time favorite table service restaurants, Tokyo Dining at Epcot. If you need a place to sit down and relax, this is a great option because you can order sushi à la carte for under ten bucks a roll.
Morocco
Drink: Casa beer is the only authentic beer on draft at Tangierine Cafe -- other than that, nothing stands out as a must-have, so save yourself for France.
Snack: The baklava at Tangierine Cafe is dynamite, as is the Shawarma Platter ... but I doubt you're that hungry!
France
Drink: I'm sure you've heard about the Grey Goose Slushie at Les Vins des Chefs de France. The reviews are right, it's pretty awesome. Definitely one of those drinks you can miss, even at ten bucks a glass.
Snack: ANYTHING from Boulangerie Patisserie.
United Kingdom
Drink: Everyone goes for beer in the UK (for good reason), but I've heard excellent things about Pimm's Cup and the Welsh Dragon at the Rose and Crown Pub.
Food: Fish and Chips probably sound good about now. The ultimate bar food.
Canada
Drink: Oh Canada! What are we going to do with you? The last stop is a bit lackluster -- but that might be a good thing! Moosehead or Labatt Blue are about as good as it gets.
Snack: Sadly, Canada stopped selling the best World Showcase snack years ago -- the Beaver Tail! I've heard there's a petition to bring it back. You're pretty much out of luck if you need a snack, but getting back to the UK or France is just a stone's throw away. I would suggest a fine meal at Le Cellier for another occasion; e.g., when not eating and drinking around the World Showcase. The Mushroom Filet is that good.
Clearly, you want to be responsible on your trek around the world -- so don't overdo it! Thankfully, Disney has complimentary transportation to get you safely back to your Walt Disney World resort.
Special thanks to Walt Disney World for providing me with a complimentary park hopper ticket during the #DisneyGlobalEvent. All opinions are my own.
Theresa says
I don't drink, but fun pictures!
Anne - Mommy Has to Work says
I'd love to visit one day!
Annie @ Mama Dweeb says
This is such a creative and fun way to experience Disney as an adult 🙂 I haven't ever been to Disney, but when I do go, I hope to get a few fun drinks 🙂
Cat Davis - Food Family Finds says
You've got me feeling ridiculously hungry right now. How in the world do you walk through all of those places and not try a little something of EVERYTHING? I think I'd need a week just to sample all of the food.
Tesa @ 2 Wired 2 Tired says
I wanted to do more eating last time we were in Epcot but it was really hot and we had the kids. Next time though I'm definitely trying the school bread. Sounds delicious!
Becca @ Mama B says
I LOVE eating my way around the world at Epcot!
Kathleen says
Japan has a great CS restaurant and the food is so good! I love snacking around Epcot.
Courtney says
Food and fun, that's the life. I love trying different food.
Jennifer says
I'm not a huge drinker but I still can appreciate this list. I love going to Epcot for the food alone
Tricia Nightowlmama says
how fun. Theres so much to do and see and eat you'd have to go back again and again just to experience it all
Carrie with Children says
EPCOT is the perfect place to drink (and eat) around the world. So many good things to experience there! The UK is probably my favorite - such a great atmosphere there!
Rachel @ following in my shoes says
THIS makes Disney sound really, really fun (I've never been).
Jenn @therebelchick says
Oh how I love Epcot!
Kenda @ Remaking June Cleaver says
I haven't been to Epcot since I was a child - but this makes me want to set up a trip for my kids!
Zippy Sandler says
I've done the "drink your way around the world" challenge ONCE. OMG, I was blasted by the end of the world tour.
nicole @WriteSpell says
Excellent post and I agree whole heartily!
Billie says
Wow that would be such an incredible eating/drinking adventure.
Marcie W. says
These are some amazing finds! Hubs and I could spend an entire afternoon just trying all of the amazing Epcot food. Someday for SURE!
Toni @ A Daily Dose says
I can not wait to go here in September. I don't drink alcohol really but I am all about the food LOL. My husband appreciates a good beer so he will be trying some of those I am sure.
Colleen says
Maybe because I don't drink and am so much a creature of habit I've never enjoyed Epcot though I think if I went without the kids and really got a chance to enjoy the countries it might be fun.
Ty @ Mama of 3 Munchkins says
I don't drink very much, but those photos look beautiful. Great shots!
Tammy says
France and Mexico were my favorite places to stop to eat when I was younger.
debrap says
This looks like a wonderful time!
Apryl @ Christian Clippers says
Looks like so much fun!
Canadian Mom Blogger says
Looks like fun, and you're so cute!
Donna says
I'm not much of a drinker, but the eating part sounds fun! 🙂
Notorious Spinks says
Food heaven.... I most def would be all over the sushi rolls!
Virginia from That Bald Chick says
The food sounds heavenly!
Emily @FamilyNLifeLV says
Wht a wonderful list! Thank you!
HilLesha says
Sounds like a fun place to be!
Cindy Orley says
What a fun list! Thanks!
Kelly says
It sounds like a gastronomical wonderland. The Green Tea Plush slush sounds tasty.
Bud McGinty says
First of all, you walked the Epcot circle in the wrong direction. Everyone knows you do Epcot counter-clockwise... Duh.
Second, perhaps your life revolves around booze, but please understand that that is more to life than taking a few shots.
For an article titled "Best Epcot Snacks" it would be interesting to hear a bit more about actual solid substances. "Eating and Drinking around Epcot's World Showcase" should probably include more than a casual mention of the actual food available. Otherwise, maybe you should rename the article "I Got Drunk at Epcot".
So a few points on the food...
What was you favorite food item in Canada-land? What made it unique? How is Canadian food different from US food (assuming that Martin Short is not your server).
You mentioned fish and chips in England-land. Was there anything else of value on the menu? Were the fish and chips authentic? Do you even know?
In France-land, you say "anything". What does that mean? Why is it all so good? What makes France-land so amazing from a culinary perspective?
In Morocco-land, you mentioned baklava and shawarma. What made these so good? Is there anything else worth eating? Any comment on how cool it would be to own a fez?
You did say that the sushi rolls in Japan-land were well priced. Is that the only positive aspect to Japan-land? Did you maybe find find any of the food in the shop below the restaurant to be worthwhile?
Regarding America-land...
Really? Nothing there worth eating? You have tried it all and none of it is palatable?
And the pizza in Italian-land is the best on the property. Is it even better than the pizza in Japan-land? Do they really serve any other pizza on the property?
Apparently Germany-land is all about beer and pretzels... Actually, you may be right on this one.
Is China-land nothing more than a bad Chinese restaurant? Or is this the kind of food one would actually find in China? Could you find items like Stinky tofu and Chicken Feet on the menu? Or was it all Chow Mien and General Tsoa's Chicken?
How about Norway-land? I am sure that they eat something in Norway. What was the menu like?
And finally Mexico-land. You are likely surprised to learn that the crunchy shelled "taco" is actually American food, and has nothing to do with the traditional Mexican meal. What else did you discover here? Did this parallel a dining experience in Mexico City, or San Diego?
If you are going to claim to provide details regarding a food experience in Epcot, then for crap's sake, provide details regarding the Food Experience at Epcot. Life isn't all about booze.
Stefanie Fauquet says
Thanks for your thorough comment!
Shelly says
I love the flavored Japanese soda.The original ramune flavor is lemon-lime mixed with 35 flavors of ramune.