EPCOT's Hidden Adventure: Drinking Around the World

Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, offers visitors or "guests" of every age innumerable entertainment options. Theme parks, water parks, shopping and dining-Disney always has something planned. But one of the more interesting pursuits at Walt Disney World wasn't planned by the Imagineers. And in reality, it really doesn't take much planning at all. It's called Drinking Around the World.

The premise is simple: start at one end of the World Showcase and sample adult beverages from around the world. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Walt Disney World, a brief overview. The World Showcase is the name for the part of EPCOT that highlights the culture of a number of representative countries. Each country introduces guests to examples of indigenous architectural design, shops featuring native products, traditional entertainment, and restaurants and kiosks featuring local delicacies. The countries surround a large lake, aptly named World Showcase Lagoon.

The journey begins when you and your fellow travelers, the more the merrier, turn left after crossing the bridge that separates Future World from the World Showcase. First stop: Mexico.

As one might expect, Mexico's specialty is the margarita. One can find margaritas at the Cantina de San Angel, the quick-serve restaurant across the path from the main building. Cantina de San Angel even has a beverages-only line to the left of the main counter. For those who aren't fans of the margarita, one can also choose an ice cold Dos Equis, Mexican beer. For those who like a little variety in their margarita, there's a stand just past Mexico that serves various flavors of slushy goodness. Mix and match your favorite flavors from lime, strawberry, mango and green apple.

The next stop takes visitors from the blistering Mexican climate to the freezing fiords of Norway. At the Kringla Bakeri og Café thirsty travelers can warm up with a cup of coffee enriched with Bailey's Irish Cream. On warmer days a frosty Carlsberg Beer really hits the spot. If you haven't eaten yet, this might be a good time to think about a snack; the bakery serves luscious pastries and sandwiches.

The far eastern shores of China tender an assortment of potable potions. At the Joy of Tea kiosk adventurous tasters can sample the green tea/plumb wine slush or the peach oolong schnapps slush, wonderful on those sultry Florida evenings. Tsing Tao Beer is always tasty and even available on tap, something you don't find every day. For a different Chinese beer taste try the Macau Beer, a delicious pale lager.

With Chinese beverage in hand, take a break in the little garden just past China's main entrance. Here you'll find shady benches and a smoking area, if you're so inclined. As the journey continues, the Africa Coolpost will come into view. Unfortunately, other than the woodcarvings, there's nothing African to sample here. (For great African wine and beer try the lounge or one of the restaurants at the Animal Kingdom Lodge.) This is a good spot to re-hydrate with something non-alcoholic or refresh the palate with some soft-serve ice cream.

The next port of call is Germany, the Holy Grail for beer aficionados. The selection varies by season, but they're all good: Spaten, Becks, Lowenbrau, just to name a few. The lines at the German beer stands can be long at times. If this is the case, there's a place in Germany that's a little off the beaten path, and this spot serves more than just beer. It can't be seen from the square, but beneath and behind the glockenspiel, the big, fancy clock, there's a counter that serves brats, beer, and Germany desserts. But the best part is they also serve Rumplemintz and Jagermeister, ice cold shots of delicious German schnapps. For something back at the hotel or house, Weinkeller, the wine shop, has a great selection of German wines and more scrumptious schnapps.

By now a little something to eat is probably a good idea. Germany features giant, hot pretzels. They're reasonably priced, and they really hit the spot after a few drinks. Also at this point, some entertainment might be in order. Check a timetable for the Oktoberfest Musikanten show, which plays in the restaurant and the courtyard.

Benvenuto! Welcome to Italy, the next stop on our tour around the world. When it comes to choosing a beverage, Italy has several viable choices. First, of course, there's wine, several varieties in different price ranges. Then there's beer: Morettii and Peroni. But for something different try the Italian margarita, made with lemoncello, grappa and lemon/lime mix. This is a very refreshing surprise from an unlikely source.

Now, there is some negotiation as to whether the United States counts when Drinking Around the World. Some say it does, since it is part of the world; some say different. Whatever! Personally, I would rather save room for something more exotic at a later destination; however, be sure to check the timetable for entertainment at the America Gardens Theatre. Depending on what festivals are taking place and what time of year it is, there are some excellent shows to be found in the USA pavilion; including, tribute bands, current pop and rock acts, and oldies performances. If you need something for the show, Sam Adams products can be purchased at the kiosk and at the Liberty Inn.

The Land of the Rising Sun is the next nation on our excursion. Japan offers three beverage options: Kirin beer, plumb wine and hot or cold sake. All of these can be found at either the Kaki Gori kiosk or the counter serve restaurant, Yakitori House. Japan also features a great show, Matsuriza, on the porch of the pagoda. Show times are throughout the day, check the timetable.

Morocco is the only place in EPCOT to get daiquiris, a great way to cool off and cleanse the palate. In the beer department, there's Casa Beer, a Moroccan brew that's not bad. They also have a coffee bar in the back of the Tangierine Café. Here they serve coffee with an assortment of liquor choices. They also serve sangria, wine and mimosas. I, however, prefer the Moraccorita, a blend of vodka, triple sec and lemon/lime slush, crisp and refreshing. Morocco also has one of the best shows in EPCOT: Morockin, featuring traditional, and some not so traditional, instruments and a very talented belly dancer. Once the show has concluded, follow the shadow of the Eiffel Tower to France.

France, like Morocco, has many beverage options. Of course, they have wine; including, some premium vintages and champagne; but they also have some very tasty options. The Grand Marnier Orange Slush is a great alternative to wine and so is the Grey Goose Citron Lemon Freeze, slushy lemon vodka goodness. France does make beer: Kronenbourg 1664, for those who thought they only made wine. Something new in France is Nuvo, a sparkling wine/vodka concoction served with a radiant pink ice cube.

The last two stops on the journey linger on the other side of the International Gateway Bridge. First is the United Kingdom, and the first thing you'll notice is that this is the only stop with an actual bar, excuse me­­­­, pub. The Rose and Crown Pub is a full service establishment with all the beverage options that that title warrants. Their specialty, however, is beer. They have numerous beers on tap and in the bottle. All purchases can be consumed in the pub, or ask for a to-go cup and take it with you. A pianist entertains pub guests; while behind the shops across the street, British Invasion performs all your Beatles' favorites. If the pub is too crowded, as it usually is, there is a beer kiosk outside by the patio seating. The chip shop also serves beer, and the fish and chips is a crunchy treat after a day of drinking.

The last leg of our journey takes us to Canada. Here the beer selection varies, but Molson Canadian is always available. A bigger treat in Canada is Off Kilter, the kilt-wearing band that plays several rocking shows throughout the day.

That concludes our trip. Drinking Around the World certainly wasn't planned by Disney, but it does offer those of drinking age a enjoyable alternative to the usual Disney festivities. Here are some tips for making the most out of your voyage around the world:

• Please drink responsibly: avoid foul language, roughhousing and abusive behavior. remember where you are, The Happiest Place on Earth.
• Remember to eat: there are dozens of snack stands serving tasty treats from across the globe; try something different.
• Stay out of the sun: most people who drink around the world begin in the latter afternoon and stay to enjoy Illuminations: Reflections of Earth.
• Stay hydrated: there are water fountains and water carts al over the place.
• Pick up a map and timetable: bathrooms, smoking areas and show times can all be found in the map and timetable.
• Remember to have fun: during certain times of the year, crowds can be a problem. Just go with the flow. Everyone else wants to have fun too.