It’s time we had a real conversation about the growing issue of irresponsible drinking at EPCOT, particularly in the context of the “Drinking Around the World” trend. While EPCOT is a magical destination that celebrates cultures, innovation, and global cuisine, it has also gained a reputation for its alcohol offerings.
For many visitors, grabbing a drink in each country of the World Showcase has become a fun tradition, but the trend is starting to get out of hand. Instances of excessive drinking, disruptions, and inappropriate behavior are becoming more frequent, and it’s time we address the issue head-on.
Irresponsible Drinking
By now, you’ve probably seen videos floating around of park guests acting inappropriately after having one too many drinks. One notable incident involved a woman hopping off the Gran Fiesta Tour boat ride in the Mexico Pavilion, causing a scene and disrupting the experience for everyone around her. It’s clear that she was oblivious to the chaos she was causing, likely due to her level of intoxication.
Unfortunately, this isn’t an isolated event. More and more instances like this are being reported, highlighting the growing issue of irresponsible drinking at EPCOT.
Imagine this: It’s your child’s first visit to Walt Disney World. You’ve been waiting years to experience the magic as a family, but suddenly, you’re faced with an intoxicated guest shouting and causing a scene. For little ones, witnessing this behavior can be confusing, even frightening, and it can shatter the immersive magic that Disney works so hard to create.
While some guests may consider EPCOT an “adult” park because it doesn’t have as many kid-centric attractions, this logic misses the point. EPCOT is a family-friendly theme park, filled with characters like Mickey, Remy, and Frozen’s Elsa and Anna, all of whom appeal to young children. The World Showcase may offer alcohol, but it’s still designed to provide an educational and entertaining experience for guests of all ages.
Alcohol: The Unofficial Mascot of EPCOT?
For years, EPCOT has embraced the “Drinking Around the World” trend as a part of its culture, but there’s a difference between enjoying a few drinks and letting it spiral out of control. Alcohol seems to have become the unofficial mascot of the park, overshadowing other aspects of the experience. On a Friday or Saturday night, especially during festivals like the Food & Wine Festival, it’s not uncommon to see groups of guests stumbling around, visibly intoxicated, sometimes to the point of being sick in the restrooms or on the walkways.
The truth is, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of “Drinking Around the World.” With each country offering its own unique cocktails, beers, and wines, it feels like a fun challenge. But when large groups of visitors don matching T-shirts that proudly declare their mission to drink in every country, things can quickly go downhill. What starts as a lighthearted tradition can quickly turn into rowdy, disruptive behavior that impacts the experience for everyone else—especially families with children.
The Impact on Other Guests
When drinking crosses the line from fun to excessive, it negatively affects the magic for others. Take the woman on the Gran Fiesta Tour, for example. Toward the end of the viral video, you can hear someone, possibly another guest, telling her to stop or face the consequences. While it’s easy to understand the frustration, it’s important to remember that escalating situations with intoxicated guests can be dangerous. Instead of intervening, it’s always best to notify a cast member who is trained to handle these situations safely.
The problem lies in the unspoken pressure some guests feel to drink their way through all 11 countries of the World Showcase. Whether it’s peer pressure, the excitement of being on vacation, or the desire to complete the “challenge,” guests sometimes drink more than they can handle. As these behaviors increase, it raises the question: Is EPCOT still a place where families can enjoy a peaceful, immersive experience, or is it becoming more like a bar crawl with Disney theming?
Enjoying EPCOT Responsibly
Let’s be clear no one is saying you can’t enjoy a drink at EPCOT. In fact, the variety of international beverages is part of what makes the World Showcase special. However, there’s a difference between sipping a margarita in Mexico and downing drinks in every pavilion without regard for how it affects your experience or the experience of those around you.
Disney encourages guests to drink responsibly, but enforcement seems to be lacking. This leads to a rise in disruptive behavior that could easily be avoided. While it’s fun to indulge in the different drinks from around the world, it’s important to remember that EPCOT is not an adults-only park it’s a place where families come to make memories. Disrupting those memories with drunken antics is far from magical.
How You Can Help
If you’re planning to “Drink Around the World,” do so responsibly. Pace yourself, hydrate, and be aware of your limits. The World Showcase offers so much more than alcohol. Take the time to enjoy the cultural experiences, try the delicious food, and appreciate the live entertainment. And if you see someone who has had too much to drink, notify a cast member rather than confronting them directly.
For those seeking a more adult-focused Disney experience, consider heading to Disney Springs, where the nightlife and bar scene are more suited for letting loose. EPCOT is a theme park, not a nightclub, and it’s up to all of us to help preserve its magic.
Final Thoughts
“Drinking Around the World” can be a fun and unique part of the EPCOT experience, but it’s important to remember that there are families, children, and other guests who deserve to enjoy the magic just as much as you do. Responsible drinking is key to ensuring that everyone has a magical time at Walt Disney World. Let’s keep EPCOT a place of discovery, wonder, and respect for all guests.
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We went once during the time the Food and Wine festival was at Epcot and since then my family and I have always avoid Epcot during the food and wine festival. So many people were getting drunk AND THIS WAS DURING THE DAY. I hate to have been there in the evening hours!!!!! There weas one person wgho was bragging about how they were going to try every drink available!!!! It is time to stoip encouraging it.
As a passholder & attended Food & Wine numerous times, day & night, I’ve never seen any stupid behavior , I don’t drink at all but if you think it’s unruly, don’t go
Disney needs to step up and stop this problem.
Perhaps a police presence. Banning people from the parks who cause a problem . Something needs to be done .
We have been coming to the World since 2001. The Food and Wine time has deterred us from coming during it. People who want to consume alcohol need to wait until the evening at a restaurant or bar off property. Disney should be what it was intended to be, a place for families and children of all ages, a respite from the “real” world without the concern for possible inebriated individuals. There are so few places to find joyfulness. Please make Disney one again.