For longtime experts, “Drinking Around the World” at EPCOT used to be pretty simple. You’d start in the Mexico pavilion and grab a margarita before (hopefully) slowly making your way around World Showcase in one piece. But EPCOT is constantly changing — and that includes the rules for “Drinking Around the World.”

Whether you’ve recently been to EPCOT or you’re going for the first time, it’s never a bad idea to brush up on the rules! In this case, we’re talkin’ unspoken rules about “Drinking Around the World”, and these are tidbits the DFB team agrees are important to know if you plan to participate in this popular Disney World pastime.

Of course, there are the obvious rules, like pacing yourself…and the written-in-stone rules, like don’t become belligerent. For this one, we’re going over six NEW unspoken rules you’ll want to know before your next booze-filled marathon around World Showcase!

1. Consider Going Booze-less!

In an era when Disney has been more mindful of diets than ever before, it makes sense that mocktails are EVERYWHERE at Disney World — including EPCOT! If you’re choosing not to drink alcohol for whatever reason, you can absolutely still drink around the world with mocktails!

Many festival booths during festival seasons and permanent restaurants now offer creative non-alcoholic beverages that are layered in flavor, presented with fun little decorations, and offer plenty of reasons to skip the hard stuff. “Drinking Around the World” is now inclusive for all ages, tastes, and beverage preferences.

2. Be Open-Minded

You’ve been getting the same margarita, beer, cocktail, or frozen drink for years. Honestly, we fall into that habit time and time again. Tradition is tradition for a reason, right? It works. But here’s the thing: Disney adds new drinks all the time, and you’re missing out by ignoring that fact.

This is especially true with the rotating festivals throughout the year. We’re talkin’ new cocktails, updated recipes, and drinks that shouldn’t work but absolutely do. Disney is always trying to one-up itself, and if you’re always sticking to the same list, you could be missing out on something better.

It’s never a bad idea to treat Drinking Around the World like an exploration again. You might just find the next drink you refuse to move off of.

3. Pace Yourself for Monetary Reasons

Hey, so inflation isn’t just a thing that affects your grocery stores. Disney World is constantly getting more expensive, and that includes EPCOT’s drinks.

While drinks are pricier, portions haven’t necessarily grown, and so every little thing adds up. We’re not telling you to stop “Drinking Around the World,” but you should plan smarter by making fewer stops, sharing drinks with your party, or prioritizing drinks that give you more volume/quality. Otherwise, get ready to break the bank and spend hundreds of dollars per person.

4. You Don’t Have to Do This in EPCOT Anymore

Looking for a real hot take? EPCOT isn’t the only place to do drinking tours at Disney World anymore.

Disney Springs has an incredible variety of bars, lounges, and restaurants that offer fantastic drinks — both mocktails and drinks of the alcoholic kind. In fact, an added bonus to drinking in Disney Springs is the opportunity for more seating in a relaxed environment. Additionally, other Disney Parks like Disney’s Animal Kingdom have quietly become a hotspot for cocktails — serving up creative drinks and immersive environments in places like Nomad Lounge.

When in doubt, look at menus, prices, and thematic offerings elsewhere versus just sticking with EPCOT. You are sure to find solid options no matter your preference.

5. Garden House Is Finally Worth the Stop**

In years past, we had no issue skipping EPCOT’s Garden House in the Japan pavilion. It felt cramped, chaotic, and not worth the long wait. However, the redesign makes a huge difference.

Crowd flow is much better now, and it’s easier to see what’s being offered. Now, it’s definitely worth a visit and yet another “Drinking Around the World” option.

6. Skip the Cardio — Camp Out at Tutto Gusto Instead

Alright, so I’m going to level with you. One of the dumbest things you can do is murder your feet when blisters are already forming. Unfortunately, this is easy to do when you’ve had a few, and your body isn’t laboring the way it normally does. You may feel great, but I can promise you your feet won’t be in the morning. The solution? Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar in the Italy pavilion.

It’s indoors and air-conditioned, so you can beat the heat and get comfy. Kick your feet up and still get your fill with nine or 12 drinks. Treat yo’ self without trekking miles of concrete! Here, you can sip wine and cocktails, enjoy small bites, and skip the chaos outside. Honestly? This is an ELITE way to “Drink Around the World” if you want to give your body a break.

“Drinking Around the World” continues to evolve with more options, higher prices, and more necessary strategic planning. Fortunately, we continually test new practices each week to bring you the best and most up-to-date tips available. Continue to follow us here at the Disney Food Blog to stay in the know, and from all of us here at DFB, let me say…”Happy drinking!”

The SECRET To Getting Your Money’s Worth When Drinking Around the World at EPCOT

Share your best “Drinking Around the World” tips in the comments below!