EPCOT has 11 pavilions that showcase different countries around the world, each one unique and offering up cultural food, drinks, and shopping. It can be a little overwhelming knowing where the best spots are to eat and drink and what you need to see and what you can skip. For the next 11 weeks, I will feature one pavilion a week and show all of you Insiders what there is to see and do and eat in each country. It’s going to be so much fun, and I can’t wait to take all of you Insiders on this exploration! First stop…the Mexico pavilion.
I remember the first time I saw the Mexico pavilion a few years ago, I was in total awe of the 36-foot-tall pyramid modeled after the Aztec Temple of the Feathered Serpent located in the ancient holy city of Teotihuacán (“The City of the Gods”), near modern-day Mexico City. There’s not as much outside of the pyramid, but the inside is magic!
Dining
Of course, everyone loves Mexican food! One of the most popular dining spots is the San Angel Inn, which resides inside the pavilion. The restaurant is modeled after a 17th-century hacienda at the base of Mayan ruins. To dine at this in-park table-service restaurant, you need a confirmed dining reservation for the total number of guests—regardless of age. This spot serves up delicious lunch and dinner options. Start with zesty appetizers like tortilla soup topped with avocado, cheese, and tortilla strips. Then, delight in steak, chicken, and fish entrées served with such sauces as chipotle pepper, chocolaty mole, and green tomatillo. End your meal with creamy Bavarian mousse, or cheesecake covered in caramel sauce!
The other dining option is at La Hacienda de San Angel, which is outside of the pavilion with a fantastic water view! Guests wanting to dine here will also need to make reservations. Grab a margarita and feast on vibrant flavors from regions around Mexico under colorful globe lamps and star lanterns. Corn tortillas are house-made each day, and fresh salsas—ranging from sweet to spicy—are prepared with chipotle and serrano peppers, mangos, and more. Their guacamole is also out of this world!
The Mexico pavilion also offers the La Cava Experience. A certified Tequila Ambassador will be your host, and you will learn the history and sample the tastes of the Mexican spirit! The cost of this experience is $150 per person, plus tax and a service charge. Let your Academy Travel Agent know if you would like to add this experience to your next vacation!
Rather grab a margarita to go? Choza de Margarita has you covered! This stand outside the pyramid serves up some amazing blended or frozen margaritas, and they also serve authentic South of the Border specialties like tacos, empanadas, and chips and guacamole!
Attractions
The Mexico pavilion is one of only two pavilions in the World Showcase that has an actual ride! It’s an incredibly cute and underrated attraction called Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros, inspired by the 1944 Disney film The Three Caballeros. On this ride, you can take in the sights of Mexico and the antics of 3 feathered amigos on a gentle boat ride through the Mexico Pavilion. Walt Disney World officially describes this ride:
Donald’s disappeared south of the border, and it’s up to the other 2 caballeros from the musical trio—Panchito, the Mexican charro rooster, and José Carioca, the Brazilian parrot—to find him.
Cruise down the Rio Grande on a dark boat ride past some of the most famous sights and cities in Mexico. Is that the missing mallard climbing a Mayan pyramid in Chichen Itza?
Hilarity and hijinks ensue as the birds go in hot pursuit of their wayward friend throughout this fun-filled ride for all ages.
Shopping
When you the pavilion and make your way down to ground level, you will be in awe by the music that fills your ears and the sights you take in. Different carts sell authentic Mexican merchandise, such as folk art and hand-crafted jewelry, and food you can take home with you as souvenirs, or just for yourself!
Entertainment
Mariachi Cobre is absolutely fantastic and performs 25-minute sets as a traditional Mariachi band. They have become a staple of entertainment in Epcot’s World Showcase. When Mariachi Cobre is not performing occasionally Viva Mexico will fill in.
Be sure to stay tuned for next week where I will take you on an exploration to the next pavilion in the World Showcase at EPCOT-Norway!
Are You Ready to Book Your Next Vacation Today?
Be sure to call your Academy Travel agent today for more information and help with booking your next vacation! Because here at The Kingdom Insider, we have plenty of resources for you, just a click away! We have an incredible team of dedicated Disney experts and Travel Planners at Academy Travel. They are ready to help you plan out every detail of your vacation, so you don’t have to worry! Call Your Travel Agent to Book, find a travel agent here, or visit AcademyTravel.com
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