By Fantasmic Diva
Everyone has heard that it either can’t be done or it shouldn’t be done, I’m talking about drinking around the world at EPCOT. Note: this is only for those over the age of 21 in the US. I am here to tell you it can be done and you don’t have to feel awful, inebriated or seriously drunk afterwords. I am also going to advise that you know your own limits when you do this. My advice…if you are going to take on the challenge, do so with friends that you trust and make an ENTIRE day out of it. By this, I mean basically never leaving the World Showcase Lagoon area. I advise using about 10 or 12 hours if you can. To do this, you will have to begin before most people would touch an alcoholic beverage to their lips, but hey…if you want to finish by the end of the day, do it. Also, pick a day when they have extra magic hours at night, this will allow you to start later in the day. You can take on this challenge any time of the year, but after living in the WDW area during the Food and Wine Festival at EPCOT, I advise doing so then. The drinks are smaller, more varied and cheaper. If you want to do the challenge twice, it might be fun to do it once during and once outside of the Food and Wine Festival.
Now for the preparation, EAT BREAKFAST!!! If you don’t start on a full stomach, you will be drunk before lunch time. You need something in your stomach to absorb the alcohol you are consuming. Bring a water bottle and refill it often. You have no idea how much better you will feel during the day and the following day if you remain hydrated, it will prevent what could be a serious hangover…and no one wants to be hungover in Disney World. I advise taking on the challenge in pairs or groups of three and sharing the drinks. That way…you get to taste and drink all the drinks without stumbling through Norway by 11 am. During the normal season, there are 11 countries in EPCOT, that’s 11 beverages…I know I cannot drink that much in one day on my own and I don’t think it’s advisable. You don’t want to find out by being escorted from the park that you didn’t quite know how much liquor you could hold. I recommend making lunch and dinner stops/reservations. Remember…keep food in your stomach and snack along the way. Also remember…you can order drinks with meals…have a beer in Germany and a glass of wine in Italy or France.
General Tips: Check out the menus beforehand. Know what you like to drink. For example, I strongly dislike tequila…making Mexico a bit of a challenge, however…they serve sangria so I’m good. I dislike scotch, so cider it is in the U.K. Know your limit, I cannot stress that enough. If you think you might be getting close, take a break. There are plenty of places to relax in EPCOT. Have a cup of coffee from the new Starbucks or go to one of the many films in the pavilions. Take a time out and drink some water during your break. SHARE…if you drink all of this yourself, you are going to regret it. It’s not worth the bragging rights. If you want those…just do the challenge with friends and leave out the sharing part when you brag about your accomplishment. The drinks in EPCOT are incredible and you want to remember your journey around the world, make sure you can! Also…it’s fun to wear one of the goofy t-shirts available online during your day. Take lots of pictures, one of you with each drink is fun. It can be done and it can be done safely. Most importantly, DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE. If you drive to the parks, leave plenty…more than plenty of time to sober up before leaving the property of have a designated driver. Or better yet…take Disney transportation. If you are staying on property, it is free anyway.
The challenge can be fun if done safely and in a fashion in which all parties can remember the day. Have a good time drinking around the world, but be safe! If you question whether or not you can do it, you can try it at home, making the drinks throughout the day. Sharing in the parks is definitely the safest and least expensive way to go…I see no downside here!
