Disney is a magical place. This week, I sacrifice my body and sobriety to write a detailed review of the infamous "Drinking Around the World Challenge." Epcot has 11 countries: Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, America, Japan, Morocco, France, England and Canada. The only rule of the challenge is that you have to drink one drink in each country in one day. Can I do it? Let's find out.
Mexico - Buzz Factor: 0/10
Our journey begins in Mexico, where the best thing you can do to cool off is get a delicious frozen margarita from the margarita kiosk. They had strawberry, lime and mango, but I opted for a swirl of all three, and it was quite delicious. They have an indoor area where you can buy novelty Mexican knick-knacks, and there is also a slow ride which showcases Mexican culture. They also have non-frozen margaritas, plenty of tequila and Dos Equis. Overall, Mexico was pretty solid.
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Norway - Buzz factor: 0.5/10
So I sort of cheated a little bit in Norway. I could tell you the drink you see me with below you is a Carlsberg, but it would make me a liar. I brought a Dos Equis to Norway, and called it my Norwegian drink. The only two things they had available at the drink kiosk in Norway were Carlsberg and Aquavit. I'm not a fan of Carlsberg, and I've never actually tried Aquavit, but a friend of mine once described the flavor as Satan's tears. So I figured I'd pass on that offer.
China - Buzz Factor: 1/10
China has a wonderful little kiosk called "The Joy of Tea." I opted for a drink called "Tipsy Ducks in Love," which consists of coffee, chocolate, Jim Beam and whipped cream on top. Needless to say, it was absolutely delicious. They also serve, you guessed it, tea. Other beverages include Peach Snap, which has schnapps and vodka, Canto Loopy, which has vodka and cantaloupe juice, a Mango Gingerita, Tsing Tao beer and plum wine. This was probably the most delicious drink of the day.
Germany - Buzz Factor: 2/10
Germany has what they refer to in German culture as a "Biergarten." I've been told the biergarten is the popular choice to grab a drink in Germany. While in Germany, I opted for the König Ludwig Weissbier. It was surprisingly sweet, with notes of citrus, clove, and even banana. Germany is also a popular stop for food, if it's bratwurst or pretzels, you can't go wrong. This was also the part where I started to notice slight decreases in my inhibitions. I talked to a good few strangers in Germany. Very interesting people. Overall, Germany is another great stop in the Epcot World Showcase.
Italy - Buzz factor: 3/10
I'm not sure if it was just unimpressive, or if the alcohol started taking effect, but Italy had an underwhelming appearance. At first, I kind of thought I was still in Germany until I saw a cart selling Limoncello. I decided that my drink would come from that cart, only I bought a Moscato. It came in a pretty small glass. As soon as I started to drink it, entertainers came out and started twirling and throwing flags, which was interesting to watch. It almost makes up for it's overall unimpressive presence. The Moscato was finished quickly, and then I moved on to the land of the free and the home of the brave.
America - Buzz factor: 5/10
America has literally everything you think it would. Burgers, fries, coffee, donuts, ice cream, Bud Light, and an interesting exhibit on American history. I was really excited to get a craft beer from Block & Hans, but alas, it was about 1:30 p.m. at this point and they didn't open until 3 p.m. So I opted for a Sutter Home Chardonnay from a different kiosk. It was a bit dry for my palate, but the challenge must go on.
Japan - Buzz factor: 5.5/10
Japan was another quick country. They had a sushi stand that also served beer slushies, sake and plum wine. Since Sake is disgusting, I went with the plum wine. It was very sweet and delicious. I also got the combo sushi, which came with two pieces of California roll, one piece of salmon nigiri and one piece of shrimp nigiri. It was pretty tasty, but the value wasn't that great since it cost six dollars.
Morocco - Buzz Factor: 6/10
Morocco is where I REALLY started to feel it. I went to this nice restaurant that had a bar service and ordered a drink called Tangier's Breeze, which consists of peach vodka, Midori and pineapple juice. It was pretty strong, which also probably contributed to the buzz factor. I was supposed to come to Epcot with a friend, but I had to reschedule the day, and we were unable to find a day where we could both come, so I came by myself. When I was about halfway done with my drink, I called my friend and informed him of how much fun I was having.
France - Buzz Factor: 7/10
Unfortunately, there will be no photo of France. I ordered my beer from a kiosk in France. It was a fancy French beer called Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc. I find myself having trouble remembering what it tasted like. The reason for not having a photo (aside from the buzz factor) is because I started talking to these two folks from Michigan who told me their story about when they drank around the world. They asked me if I started in Canada, and when I told them I started in Mexico, they expressed their disbelief, thinking people didn't actually ever make it this far. Then I realized that I only had 2 more countries left, and I myself was in disbelief.
England - Buzz Factor: 8/10
Things started getting kind of hazy here. I ordered a Magner's pear cider, which was very tasty. All I remember of England is that I was saying cheers to literally everyone else who had a drink in their hand. At this point I probably developed a little bit of red on my forehead from the sun. I wouldn't say it's bad enough to be classified as a burn though. I also had an auto-filter setting on my phone.
Canada: Buzz Factor: 9/10
My friends from France told me that when I finally made it to Canada, I had to ask for the "end of the world beer," which is formally called La Fin Du Monde. I couldn't tell you what it tasted like, but it was strong — it clocked in at 9 percent alcohol. I made small talk with the server, telling her that I know a couple of people in Canada. I also ended up talking to this woman and her son, both of whom had done the challenge before. This was it. My final drink. I made it to the end of the world. (Side note, I was really happy to see the clouds because it was HOT.)
BONUS!
I decided it would be a good idea after all that alcohol to ride test track. Here is the result.
