How to Drink Around the World: EPCOT World Showcase 101
- Madison Wulf
- Jan 25
- 7 min read
Updated: a few seconds ago
If you've been scrolling TikTok lately, you've probably seen the videos: groups of friends in nostalgic Disney gear, stumbling progressively from country to country as they attempt to sample drinks from all 11 pavilions at EPCOT's World Showcase in ONE day.
I'll be honest: I used to think "drinking around the world" at EPCOT was just another overhyped Disney adult trend. Then I actually went for my sister's birthday in January 2026.
Eleven countries. Eleven drinks. One unforgettable day that required way more strategy, stamina, and planning than I ever expected. From this experience I learned a lot, and I'm going to give you the complete rundown on how to tackle this bucket-list experience like a pro. Be sure to save this guide if you plan to drink around the world at EPCOT's World Showcase!
Drink Around the World: EPCOT World Showcase
How Much Money Do I Need to Drink Around the World at EPCOT?
Let's talk numbers because Disney is not cheap, and it seems to get more expensive every year. Based on our actual spending, here's what you should budget (in 2026).
Total Budget: $500-700 per person for ONE Day (including park admission)
What to Save For | Breakdown | Estimated Cost |
EPCOT Park Ticket | 1 Per Person | $140-200* |
Drinks (11 Countries) | $13-16/drink x 11 | $145-175 |
Snacks & Food (throughout the day) | Small plates at 5-6 countries | $80-120 |
Souvenirs | EPCOT Passport ($20) + Optional merch | $50-150+ |
*Ticket prices vary by season and day of the week. Check Disney's website for current pricing.
Money-Saving Tips:
Bring your own snacks and a refillable water bottle (Disney allows this!)
Share drinks and food with your group at some pavilions
Consider the Disney Dining Plan if you're staying on property
The reality? Most drinks at World Showcase run $13-16, with specialty cocktails during festivals sometimes hitting $18 - like the Viking Hot Chocolate in Norway. You'll also definitely want to eat throughout the day (trust me on this), so budget for at least 5-6 small plates or snacks at around $8-15 each.
Understanding the Scope: This Isn't a Half-Day Activity
Let's talk logistics because this is important: World Showcase is HUGE.
The full loop around the lagoon is 1.2 miles, and that's not counting the walking you'll do inside each pavilion. With 11 countries to visit, lines at each drink location, time to eat, browse shops, and take photos, you're looking at a solid 6-10 hour commitment.
Here's the reality check: you cannot effectively drink around the world AND do everything else EPCOT has to offer in one day. For reference, if you truly want to accomplish drinking around the world you need to be okay with skipping everything in the front of the park (map image below).
Could you try? Sure. But you'd be rushing through World Showcase without enjoying it, and trust me there is a lot more to do than just drink.
My recommendation: Dedicate your entire day to World Showcase. If desired, hit a couple of rides in the morning before World Showcase opens at 11 AM if you want, but once you start your drinking journey, commit to it. This is a marathon, not a sprint.
Plan for 30-45 minutes per country minimum. That might sound like a lot, but by the time you:
Wait in line for drinks (lines get LONG during peak hours)
Order and receive your drinks
Find a spot to sit and enjoy them
Take photos
Use the restroom
Browse the shops or watch street performers
...you'll understand why rushing ruins the experience.
What to wear: This is crucial. You'll be on your feet for 8+ hours, so wear your most comfortable walking shoes. I'm talking broken-in sneakers or supportive sandals—save the cute Disney shoes for another day.
Why Timing Your Visit Around EPCOT's Festivals is Everything
Here's an insider pro tip, and it's a big one: if you're serious about drinking around the world, plan your trip during one of EPCOT's four seasonal festivals. This is non-negotiable if you want a unique and memorable experience.
EPCOT's Four Festivals:
International Festival of the Arts (January-February)
International Flower & Garden Festival (March-July)
International Food & Wine Festival (July-November)
Festival of the Holidays (November-December)
We went during Festival of the Arts, and the additional marketplace booths scattered throughout World Showcase transformed the experience. Each festival adds 15-30 extra food and beverage kiosks with unique, limited-time offerings you won't find during regular park hours.
Why festivals matter:
MORE food and drink options means better variety
Special entertainment and activities throughout the day
Incredible atmosphere with decorations and live music
Important note: There are a few weeks each year between festivals when EPCOT runs with no special events. In my opinion, these windows make drinking around the world significantly less exciting. Check the festival calendar before booking your trip. Going during an off season can have the extra advantage of smaller crowds.
What Time Can You Start? Understanding World Showcase Hours
This is crucial: World Showcase doesn't open when the rest of EPCOT opens. While the main entrance and Future World attractions typically open at 9 or 10 AM (depending on the day), World Showcase doesn't open until 11 AM.
My recommended timeline for the perfect day:
9:00 AM: Arrive at EPCOT, grab coffee, hit 1-2 rides in the front of the park
10:45 AM: Start walking to World Showcase, use the bathroom, take a group photo at the entrance
11:00 AM: Be at your starting pavilion (Mexico!) ready to order
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM: Leisurely make your way around all 11 countries
7:00-8:00 PM: Grab a proper sit-down dinner at your favorite pavilion
8:30-9:00 PM: Find a good spot for the nighttime spectacular (fireworks)
This gives you 8 hours to visit 11 countries without rushing—that's about 45 minutes per pavilion with some buffer time. You'll have plenty of opportunities to sit, rest, people-watch, and actually enjoy the experience.
The fireworks at the end of the night are absolutely stunning, by the way, and even better with a slight buzz. Don't skip them if you can swing it.
Where Should You Start in EPCOT World Showcase: Mexico or Canada?
This is a hot topic in the EPCOT community, and you'll find passionate arguments for both sides. But I'm here to tell you why starting at Mexico is the superior choice (though I respect team Canada's dedication).
Why start at Mexico?
It's indoors and air-conditioned. You're starting your journey in comfort, which matters when you arrive at 11 AM and it's already 85°F outside.
The crowd flow works in your favor. Most people naturally turn right when entering World Showcase, heading toward Canada. Going left to Mexico means you beat the crowds at your first few stops.
Lighter drinks to start. You want to drink from lighter to heavier as the day progresses. Starting with tequila-based drinks or a frozen margarita is the perfect way to ease into your journey, versus starting with heavy beer in Canada.
The pavilion itself is gorgeous. Mexico's indoor pyramid with the boat ride creates an exciting "we're really doing this" moment to kick off your adventure.
The case for Canada: Some people prefer starting at Canada because you end at Mexico, which has the boat ride (Gran Fiesta Tour) that's perfect when you're tired and slightly drunk. Both strategies work—choose what feels right for your group.
My take? Start at Mexico. Walk counterclockwise. End your night in France or the United Kingdom where you can grab dinner (like Fish and Chips) and be close to the fireworks.
EPCOT Passport Stamps: Don't Miss Out On This
You can pick up an official EPCOT Passport at most merchandise locations throughout World Showcase, and at each pavilion, there's a stamp station (Kidcot Fun Stops) where you can get your passport stamped. It's completely free once you purchase the passport, and it makes for an amazing keepsake from your trip.
There's something deeply satisfying about collecting all eleven stamps as you make your way around the world.
Pro tip: Get your passport stamped BEFORE you order your drink at each pavilion. After a few countries, you might forget, and there's nothing worse than realizing at the end that you missed Morocco or Germany.
Bonus: The Best Souvenirs From Your Journey Around the World
Beyond the memories (and the slight hangover), there are some fantastic souvenirs you can pick up during your drinking-around-the-world adventure:
EPCOT Passport: As mentioned earlier, this is a free activity offered in each country and makes for an amazing keepsake with stamps from all eleven countries.
Country-Specific Gifts: Each pavilion has unique items you can't get anywhere else. Morocco has beautiful lanterns and tea sets, Japan has matcha, anime merchandise and chopsticks, Germany has cuckoo clocks and beer steins, France has wine and perfume—the options are endless.
Photos: Don't underestimate the power of PhotoPass. Disney photographers are stationed throughout World Showcase, and the photos they take are professional quality and make for amazing memories. Plus, when you're several drinks in, you'll appreciate having someone else handle the camera.
Conclusion: The Adventure of a Lifetime
Drinking around the world at EPCOT is more than consuming eleven drinks in one day—it's about experiencing different cultures, trying new flavors, spending quality time with friends or family, and creating memories that'll last long after any hangover fades.
My sister's birthday trip during Festival of the Arts at EPCOT was unforgettable. We laughed until our faces hurt, tried drinks we never would have ordered otherwise, and experienced Disney in a way that feels sophisticated and adult while still maintaining that childlike sense of wonder.
Is it challenging? Absolutely. You'll walk miles, spend hundreds of dollars, and probably wake up sore the next day.
Is it worth it? One hundred percent yes.
The key to successfully drinking around the world is preparation, pacing, and embracing the experience. Don't rush. Don't skip the food. Stay hydrated.
Whether you're celebrating a milestone, having a reunion with friends, or just checking something off your bucket list, drinking around the world at EPCOT is an experience everyone should try at least once.
Just remember to start at Mexico, get your passport stamped at every pavilion, pace yourself with food and water, and most importantly—enjoy every single sip and step of the journey.
Cheers to your future adventure around the world. May your drinks be cold, your feet be comfortable, and your memories be unforgettable!
