Today’s article is written by Disney Vacation Specialist, Patricia Mickus
of Magical Memories Travel.

Epcot allows guests the opportunity to see the world (or at least 11 countries) in a day.  My family always enjoys visiting each pavilion and learning about the customs of other cultures.  With over 25 restaurants you can broaden your kid’s palate by sampling a variety of international cuisines.  The World Showcase traveler only needs to wear a pair of decent walking shoes to travel the 1.1 miles around the lagoon, while encountering authentic restaurants representing the flavors of Morocco, Mexico, Norway, China, France, Japan, Germany, Italy, Canada, and the United Kingdom.  Executive Chef for Epcot, Jens Dahlmann puts it best.

“Authenticity and tradition were two key words when we embarked on the search and planning for our restaurants.  Our goal is to stall each World Showcase restaurant with people form the country represented, so when you’re in Germany’s Biergarten, for instance , you hostess will greet you and take your order as if you’re in Hamburg or Munich”.

One of our favorite family activities while at Epcot is tasting different sweets and desserts the World Showcase offers.  A list of our family favorites include:

• France – Chocolate Crepes
• Germany – Black Forest Cake
• Norway – School Bread
• Morocco – Baklava
• Canada – Maple Crème Brule
• USA – Funnel Cakes
• Japan – Shaved Ice
• United Kingdom – Sticky Toffee Pudding
• China – Caramel Ginger Ice Cream
• Italy – Gelato
• Mexico – Churros

Nothing is better than a free cold drink in the hot Florida sun.  Before you start your culinary adventure make sure you check out Club Cool located near Innoventions West in Future World.  Disney has partnered with Coca-Cola to offer samples of various Coke products that are not available in the U.S. These sodas were recently highlighted as favorites from these countries.

• China – Xingmu (Smart) Watermelon
• Israel – Kinley Lemon
• Thailand – Lychee Mello
• Japan – Vegitabeta
• Costa Rica – Fanta Kolita
• Germany – Mezzo Mix
• Mexico – Lift Apple
• Mozambique – Krest Ginger Ale
• Italy – Beverly

Make sure everyone in your group tastes the Beverly from Italy.  The description on the dispenser reads:  “Beverly, with its bitter flavor, is a popular non-alcoholic aperitif that stimulates the appetite before dinner.” Quinine is the key ingredient that gives the Beverly it’s distinctive bitter flavor.  My boys will never forget their father’s reaction to his first sip.  The look on his face was unforgettable.  Make sure you have your camera ready.

Patricia Mickus, who believes you can have a DIsney vacation of a lifetime and maximize your vacation dollars no matter what your budget, lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and sons.

Contact Patricia at patricia@magicalmemoriestravel.com, by phone at 703-539-2668 or 1-888-908-7718 ext  130 or click here to request a quote from Patricia for your next Walt Disney World vacation!