Epcot‘s World Showcase is an amazing collection of cultures from around the world. No where else can you experience such variety as you can here. From food and wares to shows and landmarks, you can’t even imagine the painstaking efforts that went into creating World Showcase.
What’s more, each of the countries is staffed with natives, so you really get a feeling of immersion when you talk to them, which you should absolutely do at any opportunity.
Today, we’re going to look at one of the most authentic pavilions in World Showcase: Mexico. There’s a lot to see and do in this pavilion both inside and outside, so let’s take a look at the top six highlights of the Mexico pavilion!
1. The Great Pyramid
Most of what makes Mexico “Mexico” is inside (and technically behind) the pyramid structure. It’s an impressive structure reminiscent of the Aztec and Mayan temples built in Mexico dating back some 3,000 years.
When you step inside, you are immediately in a nighttime market in Mexico. It is cool and dark, and it’s lit with string lighting and street lamps. The vendors are selling their wares like hand-painted sugar skulls, thimbles with pearl in-lays, instruments, clothing, and masks.
This area really feels like a little town in Mexico, and I highly recommend not passing this area by!
2. La Hacienda de San Angel
La Hacienda de San Angel was the second table-service restaurant that Disney built in Mexico. Most World Showcase pavilions have one table-service and one quick-service, so many people wondered by Disney would spend the time, money, and even more so, the space to build a second sit-down place, but trust me- it was worth it!
La Hacienda (which represents a large estate in a Spanish-speaking country) is situated waterfront on the World Showcase Lagoon, and it really feels like a grand house. The views here are fantastic any time of day, but if you can get a seat during IllumiNations, you won’t regret it. The lights are dimmed, and the music from the show is played through the speakers making this one of the most romantic spots to watch the nighttime show.
3. La Cantina de San Angel
La Cantina de San Angel is right next door to La Hacienda. This is Mexico’s only counter-service restaurant, and it is delicious. The menu includes quintessential Mexican favorites like tacos, empanadas, Queso, guacamole, and churros. They also serve Mexican beer, soda, and margaritas.
If you can’t get advanced dining reservations at La Hacienda, try to snag a seat on the patio of La Cantina. It is also waterfront, which means some of the best views of IllumiNations.
4. La Cava del Tequila
La Cava translates to a hole or cellar especially for alcoholic drinks, which is appropriate because La Cava del Tequila is inside the great pyramid, and it feels like a cellar. La Cava del Tequila in the Mexico Pavilion serves mostly tequila, which seems kind of weird since tequila is considered a pretty strong drink. It is, however, a popular and mainstream drink in Mexico.
Here you can try some pretty incredible margaritas including a Magic Blue, an Avocado, Wild Passion Fruit, or Hibiscus. If you’d like something a little stronger, try one of the over 200 top-shelf tequilas, Mexican beer, and wine. You can even try a tequila flight. Don’t go hungry though. The chips with guac and queso are amazing!
5. Gran Fiesta tour Starring the Three Caballeros
The Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros is a classic Disney dark water ride. There’s hardly ever a wait, so you can usually walk right on, but the ride itself is a lot of fun.
It’s appropriate for the whole family because there isn’t anything scary in the ride (drops or loud noises) or with the characters. In fact, kids will love the audio-animatronic Donald Duck and his friends. The ride is in the back corner of the great pyramid, so take a walk around then enjoy this fun attraction.
6. San Angel Inn Restaurante
San Angel Inn is a table-service restaurant inside the great pyramid, which means it’s perpetually nighttime. Remember I said that Mexico is one of the most authentic pavilions in World Showcase? This restaurant perfect represents that claim.
All of the dishes are straight from classic Mexican recipes, and they’re all good. From Pollo a las Rajas to Pescado a La Talla, everyone will be able to find something they like even if you can’t quite pronounce it. There’s even a much more kid friendly menu with things like grilled chicken with rice and veggies, steak tacos, and chicken tacos. For dessert, you can’t miss the Helado de Dulce de Leche. This caramel ice cream is incredible!
What’s your favorite spot in the Epcot Mexico Pavilion?