Eating and Drinking Around the World at Epcot

I wanted to spend my birthday eating and drinking around the world at Epcot, but COVID had other plans!

This is my first attempt at eating and drinking around the world at Epcot – AND I FAILED. Or rather, COVID symptoms hit me hard around noon. I was nauseous for a little bit and just tried to keep out of the sun. I just kept drinking water to stay hydrated and moving.

What is Drinking Around the World in EPCOT and How Do You Do It?

Drinking Around the World is exactly what it sounds like—and also somehow more organized chaos than you expect. At EPCOT, you’ll sip your way through the 11 World Showcase pavilions, trying a signature drink from each country as you make a full loop around the lagoon.

There’s no official checklist, no rules handed to you at the gate, and no cast member monitoring your progress (probably for the best). Most people start in Mexico and work clockwise, but you can absolutely start wherever the vibes feel right. Each pavilion has at least one cocktail, beer, wine, or specialty drink tied to that country—think margaritas in Mexico, beer in Germany, wine in France, and cocktails with a tropical kick in the Caribbean-inspired pavilions.

How you do it is totally up to you. Some people:

• Split drinks with a partner to pace themselves
• Stick to beer or wine instead of cocktails
• Drink in only a few countries instead of all 11
• Pair drinks with snacks or small plates

The key to enjoying it (and remembering it) is pacing. EPCOT is huge, Florida heat is real, and the walk between pavilions is longer than it looks on a map. Treat it like a relaxed tasting tour, not a race.

How Much Does Drinking Around The World Cost?

Short answer: it adds up quickly.

On average, expect drinks to cost anywhere from $10 to $18 each, depending on the pavilion and the type of drink. Cocktails usually sit at the higher end, while beer and wine are slightly more budget-friendly.

Here’s a rough breakdown:

• Beer: $10–$13
• Wine: $11–$15
• Cocktails: $14–$18

If you were to buy one drink in all 11 countries, you’re realistically looking at $120–$160 per person—and that’s before food, tax, or impulse snacks (which absolutely will happen).

Ways to keep costs under control:

• Share drinks with your travel partner
• Skip a pavilion or two
• Stick to beer or wine instead of cocktails
• Focus on your must-try countries instead of all 11

Drinking Around the World is less about checking every box and more about enjoying the experience. Whether you make it halfway around or all the way through, doing it intentionally will always beat doing it expensively and exhausted.

Epcot, located at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, is known for its World Showcase, which offers visitors the opportunity to experience the culture, cuisine, and architecture of different countries from around the world.

Here’s My Attempt at Eating and Drinking Around the World at Epcot

And yes, we started at Canada. You fools who start in Mexico are crazy, haha.

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Canada

Conclude your culinary adventure in Canada at Le Cellier Steakhouse, a popular table-service restaurant known for its delicious steaks and Canadian specialties. Reservations are highly recommended for this dining experience.

United Kingdom

Rose & Crown Dining Room is a table-service restaurant located in the United Kingdom pavilion, serving British pub fare like fish and chips, bangers and mash, and shepherd’s pie. Pair your meal with a pint of beer or cider!

We ordered the scotch egg to share. I got my first glass of champagne – happy birthday to me – and Zack ordered a beer.

We walked through the gardens for a little bit, then checked out the Disney App and it showed that the wait times for Ratatouille were only 30 minutes. The ride was shut down for some time in the morning, so we didn’t make it a priority to get to France quickly. But once we saw that it was back up and running, we walked as quick as we could to get in line!

France

Les Chefs de France is a must-visit table-service restaurant in the France pavilion, offering classic French dishes like escargots, coq au vin, and crème brûlée. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, head to the artisanal bakery Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie for delicious pastries and desserts.

The wait for Ratatouille was around 40 minutes for us. When we got in line, the line behind us started growing pretty quickly, so small win for us! After the ride, I ordered a standard crepe with butter and sugar from La Crêperie de Paris. I paired it with a glass of champagne. I don’t think Zack ordered anything to drink or, at least, I didn’t take a photo of it.

After we ate in Morocco, I circled back to France and ordered the La Vie en Rose frozen slushy from Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie.

Morocco

Spice Road Table is a popular table-service restaurant in the Morocco pavilion. Enjoy Mediterranean-inspired dishes like hummus, falafel, and kebabs while taking in the stunning views of the World Showcase Lagoon.

I ordered this delicious Pomegranate Mimosa from Tangierine Café and the Mediterranean Flatbread with za’atar, artichokes, olives, mozzarella, and feta cheese. The flatbread was featured during the 2022 Flower and Garden Festival – definitely one of the favorite things I ate that day!

Japan

Visit the Japan pavilion and indulge in sushi, tempura, and other Japanese delights at the table-service restaurant called Teppan Edo. For a quick bite, try the Katsura Grill, which offers sushi, udon noodles, and teriyaki dishes.

I didn’t eat or drink anything in Japan. At this point in the day I was getting hit pretty hard with COVID symptoms. Here’s a picture of the Dante statue – which wasn’t even anywhere close to Japan, haha.

United States – eating and drinking around the world at Epcot

If you’re looking for American comfort food, head to The American Adventure pavilion and dine at the Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue. This quick-service restaurant offers BBQ classics such as ribs, smoked chicken, and pulled pork.

I was so hot – and sweating profusely – that we went inside the Regal Eagle restaurant just so I could catch some cool air. My stomach was turning and I couldn’t cool down. We probably stopped for about an hour until I felt like I was ready to go back outside. Zack got me cold water bottles to put on my back and neck.

Italy

Tutto Italia Ristorante is a popular table-service restaurant in the Italy pavilion, serving authentic Italian dishes like pasta, risotto, and seafood. Adjacent to Tutto Italia is Via Napoli, a pizzeria known for its wood-fired pizzas. Grab a slice or share a whole pizza with your group.

Zack found a little stand, Gelateria Toscana, that was serving Italian Margarita and Stracciatella gelato. I also found a shaded spot to keep out of the sun while he was waiting in line. I had a little bit of the gelato, but wasn’t feeling like drinking or eating anything still.

Germany

Visit the Biergarten Restaurant in the Germany pavilion for an immersive dining experience. This buffet-style restaurant offers a wide selection of German dishes such as bratwurst, sauerkraut, pretzels, and schnitzel. Don’t forget to try some German beer!

Because I still wasn’t feeling up for more food, we walked through the shops to keep us out of the sun. Here’s a picture of the Lion King, which was on the other side of the park, haha.

China

At the China pavilion, you can enjoy a variety of Chinese cuisine at the Nine Dragons Restaurant, a table-service restaurant that offers dishes ranging from Kung Pao chicken to Mongolian beef. For a quick snack, stop by the Lotus Blossom Café for egg rolls, pot stickers, or orange chicken.

Still keeping my sickness at bay, we didn’t eat anything in China. We roamed through the shops, saw Mulan, and kept on moving.

Norway

Head to the Norway pavilion and dine at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, a table-service restaurant offering a character dining experience with Norwegian-inspired cuisine. Try dishes like salmon, meatballs, and traditional desserts like krumkake.

I really wanted to try some sweets from the Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe, but decided it was best to still hold off until we get to our reservations.

Mexico

We made a reservation for the Hacienda De San Angel restaurant because it’s my birthday, but we didn’t think the food options were anything special versus what we saw people eating from the quick-service restaurants. We split a tlayuda and had margaritas.

I rebounded somehow and ended up having three margaritas? Haha, two were from within the pyramid at La Cava del Tequila (one of those might be Zack’s, so I might’ve grabbed a photo).

Tips for planning the Perfect Epcot Food Crawl

Planning the perfect Epcot Food Crawl can be an exciting and delicious adventure. Here are some tips to help you make the most out of your experience:

Research Epcot’s Dining Options: Familiarize yourself with the various dining options available at Epcot. Look into the different countries in the World Showcase and the diverse cuisines they offer.

Create a Priority List: Make a list of the food items or dishes you definitely want to try during your food crawl. Prioritize based on your preferences and dietary restrictions.

Map out Your Route: Epcot is quite expansive, so it’s helpful to plan a route to ensure you cover all the countries and food stops you want to visit. Consider starting from one end of the World Showcase and moving systematically through each country.

Share and Sample: To maximize the number of dishes you can try, consider sharing meals or snacks with your companions. This way, you can sample a wider variety of flavors without getting too full too quickly.

Pace Yourself: With so many delicious options, it can be tempting to overindulge. Pace yourself to avoid feeling overwhelmed or too stuffed. Enjoy each dish and take breaks between stops to savor the experience.

Time Your Visit: Consider the time of day and crowd levels when planning your food crawl. Early afternoon or evening hours may be less crowded, allowing you to move around more easily and enjoy the ambiance.

Use Mobile Ordering: Take advantage of mobile ordering options available at Epcot. This can save you time by avoiding long lines and allow you to optimize your food crawl itinerary.

Consider Festival Seasons: Epcot hosts various festivals throughout the year, such as the International Food & Wine Festival and the Flower & Garden Festival. Check the festival dates and plan your food crawl during these times to enjoy additional food booths and special offerings.

Stay Hydrated: Don’t forget to hydrate yourself throughout the food crawl. Carry a refillable water bottle or make use of drinking fountains available in the park.

Epcot Dining

Let’s explore the incredible dining options that make Epcot a food lover’s paradise!

Epcot dining offers a wide range of options to cater to various tastes and preferences. Here are some of the dining options available at Epcot:

Table-Service Restaurants

Epcot features several table-service restaurants where you can sit down and enjoy a full meal. Some popular options include:

• Le Cellier Steakhouse (Canada Pavilion): Known for its delicious steaks and Canadian specialties.
• Akershus Royal Banquet Hall (Norway Pavilion): Offers character dining experiences with princesses.
  Teppan Edo (Japan Pavilion): A teppanyaki-style restaurant where chefs cook right at your table.
• Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria (Italy Pavilion): Known for its authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas.
• Coral Reef Restaurant (The Seas Pavilion): Enjoy your meal while observing a stunning underwater view of a living coral reef.

Quick-Service Restaurants- A Quick Bite of Deliciousness

Epcot also offers an array of quick-service dining options that cater to diverse tastes. From the tangy flavors of La Cantina de San Angel in Mexico to the savory delights of Sunshine Seasons in The Land pavilion, you’ll find a wide selection of quick and satisfying meals to fuel your Epcot adventure.

Epcot also offers various quick-service dining options, where you can grab a meal on the go or enjoy a casual dining experience. Some popular quick-service locations include:

• Electric Umbrella (Future World): A quick-service spot serving burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
• Sunshine Seasons (The Land Pavilion): Offers diverse food stations with a range of options including Asian, Mexican, and American cuisine.
• Tangierine Café (Morocco Pavilion): Features Middle Eastern cuisine with dishes like shawarma, falafel, and hummus.
• Katsura Grill (Japan Pavilion): Serves Japanese-inspired dishes like sushi, udon noodles, and teriyaki.
• Outdoor Food Kiosks: Epcot hosts various outdoor food kiosks and booths during festivals like the International Food & Wine Festival and the Flower & Garden Festival. These kiosks offer small plates, snacks, and beverages with a global flair.

World Showcase Restaurants – A Global Gastronomic Journey

Epcot’s World Showcase is home to 11 pavilions, each representing a different country. From France to Japan, Mexico to Morocco, every pavilion offers authentic dining experiences that transport you to the heart of their respective cultures. Savor the rich flavors of classic dishes, from French escargot to Mexican street tacos, and indulge in the artistry of each pavilion’s unique cuisine.

Character Dining

Epcot provides character dining experiences where you can meet beloved Disney characters while enjoying a meal. Some options include the Garden Grill Restaurant (The Land Pavilion) and the Princess Storybook Dining at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall (Norway Pavilion).

Snack Stands and Refreshments

Throughout Epcot, you’ll find snack stands and refreshment carts offering items like popcorn, ice cream, pretzels, and beverages.

I FAILED at Eating and Drinking Around the World at Epcot

Overall, we missed five countries. FIVE! I have to do this again AND actually complete it!

Have you tried eating and drinking around the world at Epcot? How did you day go? Let me know how your adventure went in the comments below!

Katie

Be sure to check out these blog posts for more Disney travel tips and inspiration!

• How to Plan Your First Trip to Disney World
• 5 Tips for a Magical Disney World Vacation
• 50+ Epcot Instagram Captions to Make Your Posts Shine
• One Day at EPCOT: The Ultimate Itinerary for First-Timers

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