While drinking around the world remains an integral part of the EPCOT experience, many guests are approaching things in a more responsible way. Keep that in mind for your next visit.
Grand Marnier Orange Slush
According to Time Magazine, “a 2023 survey from Gallup found that the share of adults under age 35 who say they ever drink dropped ten percentage points in two decades, to 62% in 2021-2023 from 72% in 2001-2003” meaning that as members of Gen Z come of age, they’re drinking less than their predecessors. Experts have attributed this to various factors, including changing laws, altered patterns of socialization, and a better awareness of the potential adverse health effects of alcohol.
So, how does this affect Disney? Well, as alcohol consumption numbers decrease, the number of guests overindulging while drinking around the world will go down with it. As someone who has been visiting and writing about Disney for years, I’ve seen my fair share of guests who’ve gone a bit overboard, and personally, I don’t mind seeing that kind of behavior disappear somewhat.
The risks of indulging in alcohol at EPCOT should be clear, but to reiterate, they can involve everything from getting sick in the park to engaging in behavior that angers other guests and garners the attention of Disney security. Heck, if nothing else, is it really worth having so much to drink that you don’t remember a day at a theme park that cost — at MINIMUM — $119?
Beer flight
Now, that’s not that you can’t still enjoy a “Drink Around the World” style day at the park. You can try and limit alcohol intake, perhaps replace it with mocktails, which offer the same kind of unique flavor combinations.
Pirna Prix Mocktail at EPCOT in Disney World
And, of course, if you’re going to imbibe alcohol — or even just sugary alcohol-free drinks — be sure to drink a lot of water and stay hydrated.
Water Fountain Refill Station
Drinking around the world at EPCOT is changing. Stay tuned to DFB for more on how Disney World is changing.
4 Rules You’re Accidentally Breaking in EPCOT
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I drink around the world every time I am in Epcot. Everyone is just so chill. I have only seen someone so intoxicated that they couldn’t really do anything but sit for a bit. That was many years ago when I got into a drinking contest with some Irishmen that were visiting for the weekend. We hot through the world 2 1/2 times before it was down to 2. I won $20. 🤪
I’ve noticed the issues are more common on Friday/Sat nights. In November I recall a strong puke smell from Germany but overall I think even those who drink around the world are mostly respectful and in control.
A few years ago, my husband got something in his eye so we went to First Aid in Epcot. Whilst he was out back getting his eye washed out, I chatted with the nurse manning the front desk and asked if she’d had a busy day. It had been fine but added that because it was evening Extra Magic Hours, it would get really busy later because people drinking around the world always seemed to have more accidents. She didn’t seem happy about it.
I have to admit, whilst we were there one Saturday evening in 2019, I felt very uncomfortable with all the drinkers. The atmosphere was so different to the day. I was pleased that I no longer had a small child in a pushchair as I wouldn’t want to bring them into that environment. We try to avoid Friday and Saturday evenings at Epcot since then. One of the reasons Pleasure Island was shut down was because of the behaviour of drinkers. This has just moved those same drinkers to Epcot.