Jump to content

I’ve Been a Disney World Fan for 30 Years. This Is My Ultimate Ritual at EPCOT


Recommended Posts

I’ve been going to Disney World pretty much since I could walk, and that means I’ve got a good grip on what my “must-dos” are in every park.

2023-wdw-epcot-spaceship-earth-stock-atm

EPCOT

And, although both Disney World and myself have changed here and there over the years, there are typically some things I always have to do no matter what. Ask me again in another 10 years and I’m sure my answers will change — but as someone who has been going to Disney World for 30 years, this is my ultimate ritual at EPCOT.

Click here to subscribe

I’ve been lucky enough to visit Disney World pretty frequently over my lifetime and there are just some rituals I can’t escape (not that I’ve ever truly tried). While some didn’t become rituals until I was legally allowed to partake in them, I can’t stop myself from doing these things pretty much every time I’m in the best Disney World park. Yep, I said it.

Ride Spaceship Earth

I know, I know — how could someone who goes to Disney World so often fall victim to the trap that is Spaceship Earth? The line for this ride can sometimes get a little chaotic since it’s the first one you come across when entering from the front of the park. People see a ride and get in line, and in this case. It’s me. I’m “people.”

2023-wdw-atmos-epcot-monorail-spaceship-

EPCOT

BUT Spaceship Earth is a classic and no matter how much it creaks and sounds like it’s going to break down at any moment, I still love it. There is a caveat here, though, I’m not waiting in the line if it’s more than, say, 20 minutes. I’ve got another important ritual that often takes precedence over Dame Judy Dench (just kidding Judy, you’re an icon!) and if you’ve learned anything about me since you started reading this, you can probably see where this is going.

Get a Margarita from Mexico

The age-old adage states that Mexico is the best World Showcase pavilion to start out in, and who am I to upset the ancestors? I shall honor them by beelining toward the nearest margarita. Depending on crowd levels, the temperature, and my general disposition on any particular day, I’ll either stop by Choza de Margarita or the Holy Grail of tequila bars, La Cava del Tequila.

2022-wdw-atmosphere-epcot-world-showcase

Mexico Pavilion

Choza is a great option if you’re looking for a frozen margarita, but they’ve got some solid options on the rocks as well. I love the El Diablo, which is made with Lalo blanco tequila, Dos Hombres mezcal, fresh lime juice, agave, cucumber-jalapeño juice, and a hibiscus salt rim. The line can get pretty long here, though, and it’s mostly out in the sun.

2024-wdw-atmo-epcot-world-showcase-mexic

Choza de Margarita

La Cava del Tequila can also draw quite a long line since it’s such a popular spot, but more often than not that line is inside the Mexico pyramid, in the air conditioning. There are quite a few different margaritas and tequila-based drinks here, but my favorite is La Paloma made with Lalo blanco tequila, Fever Tree grapefruit soda, fresh lime, Dos Hombres mezcal and a Tajín chile-lime powder rim. While not technically a margarita, it’s incredibly refreshing without being overly sweet!

2022-wdw-atmosphere-epcot-world-showcase

La Cava del Tequila

You can also get a few different margaritas at La Cantina de San Angel, but they’re pretty basic. They’ll still do in a pinch, though!

Stroll Around World Showcase

Now that I’ve taken care of an incredibly important task, my next move is to stroll around World Showcase and see where the wind blows me. EPCOT is all about vibes in my opinion, so I’ll generally stroll into a pavilion or two depending on what I’m feeling. Maybe I want to grab some lefse from the Norway Pavilion or grab a pretzel from Germany — the World Showcase is my oyster and I would be a fool to pass up a good opportunity when I see it.

2024-wdw-atmo-epcot-world-showcase-space

Spaceship Earth as seen from EPCOT’s World Showcase

The Fez House in the Morocco Pavilion — along with the little bazaar area in the back — are also some top choices to sit and chill for a bit. They’re often quiet places to relax and can provide some shade on a hot day, too. Don’t sleep on the sangria for two at the little bar back there, either! But, no matter what sort of vibes I’m feeling at EPCOT on any given day, there are two pit stops I’ll always make part of my ritual.

Pit Stop at House of Good Fortune

Tucked away in the back of the China Pavilion is the House of Good Fortune. This not-so-little shop is home to some of the coolest souvenirs and merchandise in all of EPCOT. Looking for a bamboo hat? They’ve got it. Want an expanding fan to cool yourself off with? They’ve got that. Oh, you wanted to come home from Disney World with a real Chinese sword or even some expensive jade dragons? You can do that, too — thanks to the House of Good Fortune.

scallion-radish-crackers-epcot-house-of-

Scallion Radish chips

I could seriously spend hours in here just looking through all the different items. You can find Chinese candy, snacks, tea, clothing, and so much more. Plus, it’s air-conditioned!

Pit Stop at Mitsukoshi

Over in the Japan Pavilion, you’ll find a somewhat similar shop called Mitsukoshi, which is a Japanese department store. Like House of Good Fortune, Mitsukoshi is a haven for all sorts of goodies like katanas (not signed by Randy Jackson, unfortunately) and kimonos (yes, even ones for your dog). There’s lots of Sanrio and Studio Ghibli merchandise, along with plenty of Nintendo items, too. This is also where you’ll find a pick-a-pearl experience that can be fun for kiddos.

wdw-epcot-world-showcase-japan-pavilion-

Sake at Mitsukoshi

In the back of Mitsukoshi, there are plenty of snacks, candy, matcha, mochi, sake, and more — along with quite the selection of Japanese tea sets and chopsticks. You’ll also find a section dedicated to Japanese incense, including a scent that reminds me of Pirates of the Caribbean. It’s called Aqua by Nippon Kodo and comes in a blue box!

A Ride on the Greatest EPCOT Attraction (This is a straight-up fact because this is my ritual and I make the rules here!!!)

Living with the Land is, without a question, the greatest EPCOT attraction. You may disagree, but you’d be wrong (just kidding, but we all know I’m right). No matter what sort of EPCOT day I end up having, I always make time for Living with the Land. This relaxing boat ride through the Land Pavilion greenhouses is not only serene but as a self-proclaimed plant lady it just strikes a special chord with me. Plus, you can’t deny that the pan flute solo is a certified banger.

2024-wdw-epcot-living-with-the-land-behi

Living with the Land

If you love Living with the Land like I do, consider booking the Behind the Seeds tour that takes you behind the scenes of this ride. It’s actually one of the more affordable Disney backstage tours!

In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest updates, tips, tricks, and more Disney World news you need to know!

7 Things You Should Always Eat at EPCOT According to a Food Editor

Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.


DFBGuide-ShortCode-Image-1.png

Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.

Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!

Do you have a ritual you always do when you’re in Disney World? Tell us in the comments.

The post I’ve Been a Disney World Fan for 30 Years. This Is My Ultimate Ritual at EPCOT first appeared on the disney food blog.

View the full article

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...