By now, you probably heard of the “Drink Around the World” challenge at Epcot. It’s an unofficial game where park guests attempt to have one (or more) alcoholic beverages in each of the eleven World Showcase pavilions. Although it can be a fun way to sample an imported drink that represents each country’s culture, it is also expensive and not exactly fun for all ages. Luckily, there are plenty of other ways way to explore each pavilion. While drinking around the world certainly can be fun, next time you are at Epcot’s World Showcase, try some of these different challenges!
1. Drink (a Non-Alcoholic Beverage) Around the World
Sure, this is still a “Drink Around the World” challenge, but if you are traveling with people under 21 or would prefer to have a more relaxed walk around Epcot, you can try a different type of drink around the world. For this challenge, find an exotic beverage in each pavilion that is non-alcoholic. You would be surprised how many sodas, teas, and coffee variations you can find.
For example, the Joy of Tea stand in China sells teas and smoothies you will probably not find anywhere else in Walt Disney World. You can also find various citrus flavored sodas in Italy’s gelato kiosk and non-alcoholic mixed drinks in Morocco’s juice bar. Don’t forget to walk around the many gift shops in each pavilion – you may be surprised to find some bottled juices and sodas that you can bring home! Not only is this challenge fun, but you can always find an extra cup and share your drinks with your friends and family.
2. Snack Around the World
World Showcase is known for having some of the best restaurants and food kiosks on Disney property. Not only can you find traditional theme park snacks like popcorn and ice cream, but you can try some unique snacks from around the world. That is why snacking around World Showcase can be so fun. All you have to do is kind a food kiosk or stand in each country and order something different. Countries like Norway and France both have excellent bakeries where you can find some really unique and tasty pastries, while France and Italy have ice cream and gelato stands with flavors you don’t normally find in average American ice cream shops.
For something more filling, you can also get fish and chips in the UK or sushi in Japan. For something on the go, get a pretzel from Germany or funnel cake from the American Adventure, so you can snack while still walking around. Besides, you will definitely find lots of prepackaged snacks in each store, which is great to bring home or save for later. If you have more of a sweet tooth, you can turn this challenge into “Desserts Around the World.” These snacks are perfect for sharing, and if you try something in each country you probably will be full enough to not need a dining reservation later at night.
3. Candy Around the World
Image: Disney
This challenge is great for friends and family who couldn’t make the trip to Epcot. In this one, you find a candy from each pavilion’s stores. Not only is it easy to bring this home to share (if you can wait that long), it is relatively cheap. You can find some great caramel treats in Germany’s Karamell-Küche, spicy, chili infused candy in Mexico’s various stands and kiosks, some really unique flavored candy at Japan’s Mitsukoshi, and lots of chocolate around France, Italy, and the UK. This is also a great challenge if you want to try something risky or out of the ordinary. Some candies come in large bags, so everyone can try a piece. If you are unsure of what to get, ask a Cast Member and they will be able to help you pick one you will enjoy.
4. Interviews around the world
Image: Disney
How many languages do you think are spoken around World Showcase? You might be surprised by the real number. There are several dialects spoken in China, and you might be able to find Cast Members who speak an indigenous language in Mexico and Canada. Norwegian is similar to Swedish and Danish, and some Cast Members can speak all three. A fun way to find out how many languages are really spoken is to just ask around! Pick a simple phrase like “Hello, my name is…” or “Nice to meet you,” and ask Cast Members how to say it in their native language. Bring a notebook and they may be even willing to write it down for you. Stop in every country and ask a Cast Member or two. A good place to stop is one of the Kidcot stations, where there are always Cast Members willing to share something about their country and their language. See how many ways you can learn to say the same phrase!
Image: Disney
If you notice a Cast Member who doesn’t look too busy, you can dive deeper into this challenge and ask them about their country and how Epcot represents it. Many international Cast Members are university students, so ask them what they are studying or what they hope to do when they graduate. Of course, you never want to ask anything too personal, but you would be amazed at all the different stories you will hear from Cast Members. You don’t even have to go out of your way to do it. While dining at a restaurant, ask your waiter what their favorite home-cooked meal is, or ask a cashier what they recommend you buy as you walk around a store. See how many people you can talk to and if you can learn something about a Cast Member’s country that you wouldn’t have learned by stopping and chatting for a few moments.
