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Walt Disney World is opening a tequila bar in Epcot's Mexico pavilion.
Walt Disney World's Epcot theme park is scheduled to debut a tequila bar inside the Mexico pavilion in World Showcase, just in time for the start of this year's Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Although an abundance of alcohol is already available to park guests in Epcot's international restaurants and at kiosks throughout the park, this development begs the question: Is doing shots with the mouse a good idea at a family theme park?
The Imagineers responsible for redesigning the interior of the Mexico pavilion to accommodate the 46-seat tequila bar likely envisioned a docile group of mature adults "appreciating" over 70 varieties of tequila. Yet the effects of over-appreciating tequila are notorious. In a 2008 survey of spirit drinkers, 38% of those polled reported having a bad experience with tequila, and only 7% considered tequila to be a sophisticated or sipping spirit.
Epcot originated as an educational theme park...well, after Disney's attempt to create a Utopian "experimental prototype community of tomorrow" failed. (Celebration, Florida does not count.) Now it appears to be setting its sights on educating park goers about the merits of tequila as a sipping spirit. For those who fail to appreciate tequila properly, however, how will Disney cast members respond? Will the barista cut guests off after a certain number of tequila shots, or will Mickey Mouse wag his gloved finger back and forth when guests have had enough?
Perhaps patrons of the tequila bar will be advised to wear life vests while riding the Mexican boat ride. What will the consequences be for tequila aficionados who brave thrill rides such as Mission Space after lingering too long at the tequila bar? Only one thing is certain at this point: Epcot's new tequila bar will certainly enhance the fiesta mood in World Showcase.
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Comments
Is doing tequila shots with Mickey Mouse a good idea? HELL YES!!!
This just confirmed my next visit to Disney World. Those that can't hang with the mouse just shouldn't go. Suck it, teetotalers!
I don't even drink, normally, and I think this is a fine idea.
Showing children that it's possible to drink responsibly, instead of making drinking a mystery (and therefore desirable) and only be a good thing.
i think the Tequila shots will make dealing with the Stroller Families maybe a little bearable for those of us that enjoy the Parks with out children. Where's the salt!
...mickey mouse doesn't only need to appeal to children...and if he does shots with me, especially tequila, ill be there :)
Bring back the clubs at Pleasure Island! City Walk works like crazy for Universal -- Disney needs to remember there are grownups on their property!
Each shot will probably be $12. It will be too expensive for adults to have too much tequila.
Cuervo Gold has done more damage to Tequila than good, it is 50% grain alcohol. Everyone I know that said they got sick drank this.
Go for 100% Blue Agave Tequila :)
Yes, god forbid we show that spirits can be consumed in a responsible manner. I also agree if you are going to get drunk, there are likely cheaper avenues than buying an Epcot Park ticket and then paying twice what you would normally pay. I did a Scotch tasting in The Rose & Crown last year. Canada is next, they need a bar area by the replica buildings or down by the glacier. I will be there in four weeks to sample tequilla.
EPCOT is not a great place to take young kids in the first place. My kids didn't appreciate EPCOT until they were 8 or 9 years old. It's funny...I was just commenting to a friend about the fact that parents these days seem very aggressive with their kids in strollers inside the parks. Wouldn't it be great if Disney banned strollers from EPCOT? Ahhh...we can all dream...
I love Disney parks just like everyone else. But I have to hand it to them, its the adults with the money and there is only so many times you can pass through the Castle gates and just wish there was a place to experience some adult fun. Just checked out the Tequila Bar and it was great. We had a blast and learned something new. Tell Mickey if he cant handle the Tequila, then send over Snow. She hangs out with 7 guys. My kind of gal.......
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