I had been toying with the idea of doing a Drinking around the World Showcase when we took Mikes parents to Epcot. And yes, they were fine with this theyre great to be around, a lot of fun, and they like it when I loosen up a bit! They also joined in a little, not trying something at every country, but just when it caught their eye.
We started at Canada, having an impromptu lunch at Le Cellier. That will be in another report. Here I had the Chateau Ste Michelle chardonnay ($7.75) and Johannisberg Riesling ($6.25). I enjoyed both very much, especially the Riesling, which I also have in my fridge at the moment. Our fabulous server recommended the Riesling to me without mentioning the winery, and I was happy to see that it was Chateau Ste Michelle. The chardonnay wasnt as buttery as Ive had before, but it actually went very well with the chicken sandwich I ordered. The Riesling was crisp and fruity, and may have even had a hint of floweriness in the beginning. I recommend trying anything from this winery, and there are quite a few restaurants around Disney that serve them.
Next up was the United Kingdom, where I decided to go ahead with the rest of the WS for drinks. Mikes mother, Linda, and I hemmed and hawed over the beer cart at the beginning of the pavilion, and after talking with a lovely couple from Liverpool, she ordered the Strongbow cider ($5.25). After trying a sip, I did the same! It was a terrific drink, nothing like any American hard cider that Ive had. The first taste is appley, and then its refreshing, smooth, and bubbly. No beer taste at all, thankfully. Its a bit strong, but I always consider that an asset with Disneys prices. You get an entire bottle, poured into a plastic beer cup.
Next was France, and after going through the perfume gardens, we wandered into the wine shop. After checking the menu there, Linda and I both had the Discovery Wine Flight ($6.00). Unfortunately, I wasnt writing much down, but it had a chardonnay, a rose, and a red Beaujolais. Of the three, I liked the rose the best, as did Mike, who was tasting everything I tried, now that Im thinking about it. The red had a nicely fruity nose, with full body, and I enjoyed it as well. We wanted to head into the pastry shop, but it was very busy and we were still full from lunch.
Moving on, we came to Morocco. I stopped first into the Tangierine Café to go back to the beverage and dessert area. Mikes parents were perusing the dessert case, and Im sad to say they didnt try anything here. I had the white Moroccan wine ($4.00). It was different from other wines that Ive had, and not really in a good way. This was the only beverage I didnt enjoy. I should have had one of the coffees, but it being so hot, I wasnt in the mood for a hot beverage yet.
We landed in Japan next, and the first thing that Terry, Mikes dad, asked was Is there a bar here? so we headed up to the Matsunoma Lounge. Ive never been here, but it was a very peaceful resting spot. We sat down and were brought menus and a sushi list. Both are short, and the menu has some appetizers, tempura entrees, and drinks. Linda and Terry had drinks with Captain Morgans rum, blackberry brandy, and juices ($5.50). Linda unfortunately knocked hers over about 1/3 of the way into it, and our server thankfully brought her another. I had a Midori cocktail ($6.75, I think), trying to have a drink or alcohol actually from the country I was in. Both of our drinks were excellent. I also had an avocado roll ($4.25), and Linda and Terry had the shrimp tempura appetizer ($5.00). Both of those were great as well, and well have to head over to the Tempura Kiku at some point.
American Adventure - I dont drink beer, so I skipped this country. The pavilion bores the heck out of me, anyway. I made up for it with a caramel apple martini at the Kona Café later that evening. Hey, caramel apples are American, arent they?
By the time we came to Italy, I couldnt quite stomach another glass of wine. Id had the limoncello in the past, and it is EXTREMELY strong. Youll get your $5 worth out of that shot. We wandered through the stores here, and Mike and I hopped over to the stand to buy a bellini ($6, perhaps? The details started to get fuzzy), and a cannoli ($3.95). The bellini was a peach nectar and sparkling wine drink, and it came mixed in a bottle, much like you can find other mixed drinks in bottles in stores. It was very refreshing and pretty to look at. The cannoli was excellent, with chocolate chips in the filling. The pastry wasnt greasy at all, and the filling was thick and rich. Linda had an Italian margarita ($6.75), which she declared too sweet, and didn't drink much of it. I think Mike finished it up for her.
When we came to Germany, I was ready for some wine again. I didnt think I could handle the shots here. I decided on the White Wine Flight #2 ($10.25), which one of the girls brought over to the tables inside the wine shop. She poured each individually, which kept them chilled, and gave us time to enjoy each wine. I say us because at this point, Mike was sharing more than just a sip of my wines. Each of the four were enjoyable, especially the last. It had a long name, which I will write down the next time were there. It had a warm feeling to it, even though it was chilled, and the Cast Member serving us said that it had a bit of a cinnamon taste to it. The Germany pavilion has a lot of choices, and even if you dont drink beer, youll be able to find something to drink.
In China, Mike and I walked over to the Lotus Blossom Café while Mikes parents sat down. A younger Cast Member had a menu of new bubble teas, and we had a very pleasant conversation with her while we were ordering. We chose the new chocolate bubble tea ($3.29) and the Chinese wine ($4.00), which ended up being plum wine. The bubble tea wasnt alcoholic, but it was very refreshing and light, with large black tapioca pearls at the bottom. They didnt have much of a taste, but I liked the texture of them, somewhat like gummy bears. The wine was thick and sweet, and I liked it a lot. Linda compared it to cough syrup, but she doesnt like sweet wines. Dont pick this one if you dont, either.
In Norway, of course we had to stop at Kringla Bakeri og Café, because weve never been! I chose the Viking Coffee ($5.75. With coffee liqueur and Baileys not very Norwegian, but I dont drink beer), and we decided to try a pastry. I was looking at the cloudberry horn, but Mikes eyes went to the school bread. School bread ($2.29) it was! I chatted with the woman at the register while the Mike took a picture of the food. The man behind us said that his chocolate cake was jealous since we took our foods picture, and asked Mike to take a picture of his food as well! The Cast Member I was talking to said that she was sad that the Ringnes beer was gone, and that they were hoping to try to get it back by August. This was a fun country, and well come back sometime when Im sober to try more pastries. The school bread had a somewhat savory taste to the bread portion (almost garlic, perhaps?), which sounds odd, but went fantastically with the vanilla custard filling and coconut on top.
Finally at our last country, Mexico, I decided to go for another Fiesta Margarita ($7.25). Mike sent my drunk self to hold a table for the rest of them while they ordered lime for Terry, and kiwi for Linda. Since I had had quite a bit to drink already, my margarita tasted great. I dont think that when Im sober, but that tends to happen. It was a good way to end the drinking tour. Terry wanted something light to eat, so Mike went to get him a Plato del Nino ($3.49) at the Cantina. It was a very small beef burrito, 12-15 chips, and a small soda. A decent plate if you want a small snack at a good price.
I had a wonderful time Drinking Around the World. I have a few tips, though:
1. Dont do it alone. Its much more fun if you at least have one person with you, even if theyre not drinking. You also need some sort of transportation back to where you live or are staying.
2. Eat a few snacks along the way. Itll help keep you on your feet.
3. Have someone else handle your money. Mike took care of this for me, and I greatly appreciate it now.
4. Talk with the Cast Members! Ask them what they like to eat and drink. At the very least, youll hopefully get a nice conversation.
5. The most important tip dont do this if its your first time at Epcot. You will miss quite a bit of the park. I dont remember some things that we did at the end, which is fine as we go often. But only do this if youre comfortable with missing some attractions.
Photo gallery
We started at Canada, having an impromptu lunch at Le Cellier. That will be in another report. Here I had the Chateau Ste Michelle chardonnay ($7.75) and Johannisberg Riesling ($6.25). I enjoyed both very much, especially the Riesling, which I also have in my fridge at the moment. Our fabulous server recommended the Riesling to me without mentioning the winery, and I was happy to see that it was Chateau Ste Michelle. The chardonnay wasnt as buttery as Ive had before, but it actually went very well with the chicken sandwich I ordered. The Riesling was crisp and fruity, and may have even had a hint of floweriness in the beginning. I recommend trying anything from this winery, and there are quite a few restaurants around Disney that serve them.
Next up was the United Kingdom, where I decided to go ahead with the rest of the WS for drinks. Mikes mother, Linda, and I hemmed and hawed over the beer cart at the beginning of the pavilion, and after talking with a lovely couple from Liverpool, she ordered the Strongbow cider ($5.25). After trying a sip, I did the same! It was a terrific drink, nothing like any American hard cider that Ive had. The first taste is appley, and then its refreshing, smooth, and bubbly. No beer taste at all, thankfully. Its a bit strong, but I always consider that an asset with Disneys prices. You get an entire bottle, poured into a plastic beer cup.
Next was France, and after going through the perfume gardens, we wandered into the wine shop. After checking the menu there, Linda and I both had the Discovery Wine Flight ($6.00). Unfortunately, I wasnt writing much down, but it had a chardonnay, a rose, and a red Beaujolais. Of the three, I liked the rose the best, as did Mike, who was tasting everything I tried, now that Im thinking about it. The red had a nicely fruity nose, with full body, and I enjoyed it as well. We wanted to head into the pastry shop, but it was very busy and we were still full from lunch.
Moving on, we came to Morocco. I stopped first into the Tangierine Café to go back to the beverage and dessert area. Mikes parents were perusing the dessert case, and Im sad to say they didnt try anything here. I had the white Moroccan wine ($4.00). It was different from other wines that Ive had, and not really in a good way. This was the only beverage I didnt enjoy. I should have had one of the coffees, but it being so hot, I wasnt in the mood for a hot beverage yet.
We landed in Japan next, and the first thing that Terry, Mikes dad, asked was Is there a bar here? so we headed up to the Matsunoma Lounge. Ive never been here, but it was a very peaceful resting spot. We sat down and were brought menus and a sushi list. Both are short, and the menu has some appetizers, tempura entrees, and drinks. Linda and Terry had drinks with Captain Morgans rum, blackberry brandy, and juices ($5.50). Linda unfortunately knocked hers over about 1/3 of the way into it, and our server thankfully brought her another. I had a Midori cocktail ($6.75, I think), trying to have a drink or alcohol actually from the country I was in. Both of our drinks were excellent. I also had an avocado roll ($4.25), and Linda and Terry had the shrimp tempura appetizer ($5.00). Both of those were great as well, and well have to head over to the Tempura Kiku at some point.
American Adventure - I dont drink beer, so I skipped this country. The pavilion bores the heck out of me, anyway. I made up for it with a caramel apple martini at the Kona Café later that evening. Hey, caramel apples are American, arent they?
By the time we came to Italy, I couldnt quite stomach another glass of wine. Id had the limoncello in the past, and it is EXTREMELY strong. Youll get your $5 worth out of that shot. We wandered through the stores here, and Mike and I hopped over to the stand to buy a bellini ($6, perhaps? The details started to get fuzzy), and a cannoli ($3.95). The bellini was a peach nectar and sparkling wine drink, and it came mixed in a bottle, much like you can find other mixed drinks in bottles in stores. It was very refreshing and pretty to look at. The cannoli was excellent, with chocolate chips in the filling. The pastry wasnt greasy at all, and the filling was thick and rich. Linda had an Italian margarita ($6.75), which she declared too sweet, and didn't drink much of it. I think Mike finished it up for her.
When we came to Germany, I was ready for some wine again. I didnt think I could handle the shots here. I decided on the White Wine Flight #2 ($10.25), which one of the girls brought over to the tables inside the wine shop. She poured each individually, which kept them chilled, and gave us time to enjoy each wine. I say us because at this point, Mike was sharing more than just a sip of my wines. Each of the four were enjoyable, especially the last. It had a long name, which I will write down the next time were there. It had a warm feeling to it, even though it was chilled, and the Cast Member serving us said that it had a bit of a cinnamon taste to it. The Germany pavilion has a lot of choices, and even if you dont drink beer, youll be able to find something to drink.
In China, Mike and I walked over to the Lotus Blossom Café while Mikes parents sat down. A younger Cast Member had a menu of new bubble teas, and we had a very pleasant conversation with her while we were ordering. We chose the new chocolate bubble tea ($3.29) and the Chinese wine ($4.00), which ended up being plum wine. The bubble tea wasnt alcoholic, but it was very refreshing and light, with large black tapioca pearls at the bottom. They didnt have much of a taste, but I liked the texture of them, somewhat like gummy bears. The wine was thick and sweet, and I liked it a lot. Linda compared it to cough syrup, but she doesnt like sweet wines. Dont pick this one if you dont, either.
In Norway, of course we had to stop at Kringla Bakeri og Café, because weve never been! I chose the Viking Coffee ($5.75. With coffee liqueur and Baileys not very Norwegian, but I dont drink beer), and we decided to try a pastry. I was looking at the cloudberry horn, but Mikes eyes went to the school bread. School bread ($2.29) it was! I chatted with the woman at the register while the Mike took a picture of the food. The man behind us said that his chocolate cake was jealous since we took our foods picture, and asked Mike to take a picture of his food as well! The Cast Member I was talking to said that she was sad that the Ringnes beer was gone, and that they were hoping to try to get it back by August. This was a fun country, and well come back sometime when Im sober to try more pastries. The school bread had a somewhat savory taste to the bread portion (almost garlic, perhaps?), which sounds odd, but went fantastically with the vanilla custard filling and coconut on top.
Finally at our last country, Mexico, I decided to go for another Fiesta Margarita ($7.25). Mike sent my drunk self to hold a table for the rest of them while they ordered lime for Terry, and kiwi for Linda. Since I had had quite a bit to drink already, my margarita tasted great. I dont think that when Im sober, but that tends to happen. It was a good way to end the drinking tour. Terry wanted something light to eat, so Mike went to get him a Plato del Nino ($3.49) at the Cantina. It was a very small beef burrito, 12-15 chips, and a small soda. A decent plate if you want a small snack at a good price.
I had a wonderful time Drinking Around the World. I have a few tips, though:
1. Dont do it alone. Its much more fun if you at least have one person with you, even if theyre not drinking. You also need some sort of transportation back to where you live or are staying.
2. Eat a few snacks along the way. Itll help keep you on your feet.
3. Have someone else handle your money. Mike took care of this for me, and I greatly appreciate it now.
4. Talk with the Cast Members! Ask them what they like to eat and drink. At the very least, youll hopefully get a nice conversation.
5. The most important tip dont do this if its your first time at Epcot. You will miss quite a bit of the park. I dont remember some things that we did at the end, which is fine as we go often. But only do this if youre comfortable with missing some attractions.
Photo gallery
Like you, I enjoy wine and have thought of drinking wine around the world. I knew they had wine flights in Germany, but I wasn't aware that France also had wine flights. I look forward to trying theirs in a future trip.
I've thought that doing the Drinking Around the World sounds like a lot of fun - especially if you are with a group - and your review makes me even more anxious to try doing it!
. I'm not as young and stupid as I used to be.
