Photo Credit: Odysseyonline.com
You don’t need a passport to enjoy an authentic Cinco de Mayo experience! Join us as we explore the Mexican Pavilion in the World Showcase at Epcot in Disney World.
Are you one of lucky ducks visiting Orlando this week? (That’s one GREAT Mother’s Day treat!) If you are enjoying the Disney parks during your Orlando vacation, make sure you set aside Thursday, May 5 for Epcot. Not only is Epcot fabulous, you and your family can enjoy an authentic Mexican experience on Cinco de Mayo! Now, who gets to do that?!?
But first things first……how do you get to Mexico? We’ve got you covered. As you enter Epcot and pass Spaceship Earth, veer to the left. You enter the World Showcase by turning left or right….turn left! The Mexican Pavilion is the first country on the left and it overlooks the Seven Seas Lagoon.
Mexico is the first county you will pass by in the World Showcase. It is quite popular, and rightly so! You will hear the mariachi music as you approach the Showcase. The smell of tortillas wafts in the warm air and greets you as you approach. Let the fiesta begin!
So, here’s the scoop on the Mexican Pavilion:
- 2 restaurants with table service
San Angel Inn Restaurante
Hacienda de San Angel - 1 restaurant with counter service (Can you say grab-n-go margaritas?!?)
La Cantina de San Angel - 1 bar (it’s family friendly, too!)
La Cava del Tequila - Shopping – an authentic, “open air” Mexican street market
Plaza de los Amigos - A boat ride. (Yes, this pavilion has it ALL! And, the boat ride is indoors!)
The Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros
The marquee pyramid first comes into site as you “enter” Mexico. The Mexican Showcase offers guest experiences inside the pyramid and outdoors overlooking Seven Seas Lagoon.
The La Cantina de San Angel is directly across from the pyramid’s entrance and is a super popular area. The price points are reasonable. Seating is available under covered patios overlooking Seven Seas Lagoon.
Photo Credit: InsideTheMagic.net
La Cantina de San Angel is the best place to purchase a margarita to sip on as you stroll through the World Showcase. Now, here is the Take It To The Tailgate Tip just in time for Cinco de Mayo: have one member of your party scout out a table while others get in line to order/carry food back to said table. We have never, ever been fortunate enough to actually score a table at La Cantina de San Angel. But, that has not stopped us from enjoying the tacos, music and atmosphere!
Next, onward and into the pyramid! The entrance is directly across from the cantina. As you enter, you will pass native Mexican artwork and lots of cold, refreshing air! Yep, this is a great county to duck into if you need a break from the Florida heat!
As you enter the main area you will find yourself under a star-studded Mexican sky….and in the middle of Plaza de Los Amigos a replica of a Mexican street market.
Photo credit: Mouseplanet.com. Photo by Frank Anzalone
It’s breathtaking. The vendors are patient as you try on sombreros, ponchos, gaze at leather goods and silver jewelry. Toss a coin into the wishing well while you are there, too!
If you made reservations at the San Angel Inn Restaurante for Cinco de Mayo supper, you have arrived at your destination. The atmosphere is festive, the food is enjoyable, and the scenery is like none other.
Photo credit: Jeff B
As with any theme park, table service equates to higher prices. That said, we found the San Angel Inn prices comparable to chain restaurants on International Drive in Orlando. Let’s just say the atmosphere is definitely worth it and the meals are divine. So, indulge!
The queso fundido is a great appetizer to split as a family. It is a blend of creamy, melted cheeses, Poblano peppers and warm flour tortillas for easy dipping. The kiddos will love playing with the tortillas as they sop up the cheese sauce. The children’s menu offers a taste of authentic Mexican food for your little ones on Cinco de Mayo with wide appeal.
After dining & shopping, make sure you saunter over to the boat ride!
The entrance to the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros is also inside the pyramid.
Photo credit: Disneyworld.disney.go.com
This boat ride is incredibly family friendly (a.k.a. not scary) and features everyone’s favorite….DONALD DUCK! In true Disney fashion, the animatronics provide a backdrop of adorable entertainment.
For those of you who wish to sample true Mexican tequila this Cinco de Mayo, let us introduce you to La Cava del Tequila. It is near the San Angel Inn….they boast over 70 varieties of tequila and offer flights for sampling.
Photo Credit: http://www.lacavadeltequila.com/
Now, if a late supper is your fancy, perhaps you should consider reservations at Hacienda de San Angel. The Hacienda is really good for lunch (hello, air-conditioning!) but it truly shines later in the evening. The picturesque windows directly overlook the Seven Seas Lagoon. We have heard that it is THE place to view the Illuminations Fireworks Show. Make your reservations accordingly!
Enjoy your Cinco de Mayo at Epcot, hombre! Ole!
Photo credit: Disneyworld.disney.go.com
If you want to cook up your own Cinco de Mayo fiesta, check out my 35 Cinco de Mayo recipes!
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