Update: We’ve added some additional menu information for Spice Road Table and Tutto Gusto, in addition to the La Cava del Tequila menu!
We have got BIG news for you today out of Epcot!
We all love sampling and drinking our way around Epcot’s World Showcase, right? Well, things just got a little more interesting on that front, with the introduction of After Hours Wind Down!
Epcot After Hours Wind Down!
After
you enjoy Illuminations over World Showcase Lagoon (yep — AFTER the park closes!), purchase a ticket and choose from four of World Showcase’s hottest spots for drinks and small plates! (We’ve got a sample menu for you at the bottom of this post, so keep reading!)
Tickets are available today for dates starting Thursday, April 17, and running through mid-September on select nights.
Choose from the following spots in Epcot:
- La Cava del Tequila in the Mexico Pavilion
- Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room in the UK Pavilion
- Spice Road Table in the Morocco Pavilion
- Tutto Gusto in the Italy Pavilion
This is a hard ticketed event. The price for admission to Epcot After Hours Wind Down is $35 per guest, and entitles the guest to one beverage and a selection of light snacks. Tax and gratuity are not included in the cost.
After guests enjoy their included tasting, they’re free to stick around and enjoy the venue until 11 p.m.
We think this is going to be huge! Advance Dining Reservations are available 180 days out, so we definitely recommend that you take advantage of them if you’re interested. I know I am!!
While we are still awaiting to hear the full menus for all of the venues, we did manage to get our hands on menu information for La Cava del Tequila. 😉 We have a few details about some of the other menus as well.
At La Cava, guests will enjoy a sampler of the following dishes:
- Ceviche Acapulqueño (Shrimp cocktail Acapulco Style)
- Tlacoyo de Puerco (Marinated Pork served over a grilled corn dough, garnished with mixed greens and crema)
- Tostada de Tinga (Shredded chicken served on a tostada, garnished with mixed greens, creme fresco and avocado)
On the drinks front, guests can enjoy a choice of the following:
- Tequila flight
- Shot of Tequila Ambhar Blanco
- Shot of Tequila Partida Reposado
- Shot of Tequila Casa Noble Añejo
- Shot of Mezcal Sombra Blanco
So far, at Spice Road Table, we know that guests will enjoy a menu that “may include Lamb Sliders, Chicken Rolls, or Moroccan Sausages paired with a White or Red Wine Flight.” And over at Tutto Gusto, we expect to see an offering that “may include traditional cured meats, cheeses, and Italian Antipasti paired with Italian wine flights.” We’re still awaiting word from the offerings at Rose and Crown, and we will share them with you as soon as we can.
Keep in mind that to enjoy After House Wind Down, regular admission to Epcot is required AND separate admission for the Wind Down is required, and is not included in the regular ticket price. After Hours Wind Down begins immediately after the conclusion of Illuminations.
We’ll be trying out this exclusive, after hours event as soon as possible, and we can’t wait to tell you all about it! Read more and book at DisneyWorld.disney.go.com/dining/epcot/after-hours.
Will you be purchasing tickets for After Hours Wind Down at your favorite Epcot watering hole? Leave a comment and tell us which spot you’ll enjoy first!
Rhianne says
Sounds like a great idea! Silly question, but will they be likely to still run buses like they do for extra magic hours?
Dana says
Oh. My. God. This is the best thing EVER! I really wish we were going to Disney this year, but it will have to wait until next spring. I can’t wait!
Cd says
Seems expensive for one drink and a taste menu
Alyssa says
Just reserved mine for Tutto Gusto May 11th. The menus for Tutto Gusto, La Cava, and Spice Road are all available on the Disney website, just not R&C.
Josh says
This sounds cool, but I just hope that they don’t try to shove everyone else out right after the fireworks end. My family and I enjoy spending a bit of time roaming around MouseGears while waiting for the rush to slow down.
Cathy Michaels says
This is a Grand idea! I love strolling through the park as it closes for the evening. So quiet, so serene, a way to grasp the whole Illuminations experience. Thank you for this wonderful courtesy to all the guests.
I love EPCOT!
Katherine says
What about EMH? If it starts at 9:20, but WS is open nonetheless to 11:00pm, what’s the incentive??
Kim says
I just booked Cava del Tequila for two weeks from tonight! Can’t wait. This is a GREAT idea! Am I correct in assuming you aren’t limited to the one drink? Can you order more if you purchase the additional drinks?
Tricia says
Sign Me up… Now just how to pick a night for the Sept Trip.
Oh and which place.
Erin says
Looks fun, but I have a few questions:
Any word on whether kids are OK at this? Is there a kid price since they won’t be drinking alcohol? Are there beverage options for adult who don’t drink booze?
Mike Venere says
The Disney site has a brief description of what is available for the “Wind Down.”
For example for Tutto Gusto it says:
Gusto Plate with Italian Wine FlightAn Italian Wine Flight paired with a plate of Assorted Cold Cuts, Cheeses, and Vegetables
Tricia says
My guess is that this won’t be offered when Epcot has the EMH. Just the days that they are open regular times.
Lynn says
I’m all for extras at any price. However hard tickets are not usually ‘in addition to’ tickets. These venues will be the only thing open, so really all your $35 gets you is a small plate a drink and the opportunity to be in WS after hours. Wondering around being able to take pictures in an almost empty WS is the only apeal for me. If it is a popular program it may not even be a good photographic opportunity.
Kat Lewis says
Hmmm…it must be an EPCOT ticket? Or any of the Disney Park Tickets? Not really going to be worth it if I’ve already spent all day there.
Patrick says
Disney introduces a new way to pay twice for admission to the same park in the same day! #firstpartiesnowthis
Patrick says
@Katherine, I bet it’ll only be offered on non-EMH nights.
Katherine says
Patrick: I’m all for this is it means paying $35 to stay in WS and continue drinking even when the rest of Epcot is closed. I’m not a fan of paying $35 to get into Rose and Crown while Epcot is still open…
Angela says
A.J. – Do you gather that your $35 admission gets you into all four of the venues listed, or just one? I’m hoping all four, because it would be fun to do a little after hours bar crawl along the World Showcase Lagoon!
Bobby says
I would rather just go back to the resort and enjoy some down time sitting by the pool.
Karrie says
I know La Cava Tequila sometimes closes before Illuminations even starts.. We found that out at times when we’ve been there the past few years…. So nice it’ll be open for a chance to wind down with those awesome margaritas!! 🙂
Katherine says
Angela: Just one. It lasts 30 minutes, but you can stay and enjoy the lounge until 11PM
Julie says
Was able to see all the menus for the event except Rose and Crown.
Gigi says
@Julie – Where did you see the other menus? I’d love to book for our trip in May, but want to pick something with the best wine and snack combination.
Emily says
EPCOT only has EMH at night once a week, usually on Fridays, so I don’t see that as much of a big deal. Sounds cool, but pricey as per usual. I wonder if the shops will stay open in Future World…
Gigi says
Never mind…I found them! Just took a few more clicks than I thought.
Robbie says
The Disney app has the menus dr each restaurant on there, just go to the page for each individual place
Mark D. says
Spice Road:
Tingis Sampler
Lamb Slider, Harissa Chicken Roll, and Morroccan Mreguez Sausage
Chocolate Pyramid
Mediterranean Wine Flight
White or Red
Tutto:
Gusto Plate with Italian Wine Flight
An Italian Wine Flight paired with a plate of Assorted Cold Cuts, Cheeses, and Vegetables
Maria Anne Poirier says
My thought is – this is dumb. They’re essentially getting you to pay $35 to have extra magic hours in one location on non EMH evenings. For $35 you can order a whole meal with a drink during regular business hours. Disney is getting you to pay more on top of regular admission just to say later and have a drink and a bite?? I’m sorry, I just don’t see the appeal.
Daniel says
This is epic! I hope they have vegetarian options and/or a way to order more than one drink
Vina McLeod Rudolph says
It sounds interesting, and the food sounds interesting, but for $70 a couple, it isn’t worth it. We’re annual pass holders & DVC.
Barry says
This doesn’t sound like that great of a deal to me. You really aren’t getting that much for your extra $35. For $35 you could get a pretty good meal at a lot of the resort restaurants after Epcot closes–why not just wander over to the Boardwalk or the Swan and Dolphin for late night snacks?
Peggy says
Great idea, but sounds pricey to me after already paying a bundle to enter the park. Probably not by Disney standards though.
Trisha says
Can someone post the menu for Rose & Crown? I’m not seeing it. =/
izzi says
This would be really cool if you didn’t need an epcot ticket to get in. Which wouldn’t be practical anyway, I know. I’d be surprised if this lasts but it’s an interesting idea. I do wish more of the places were open during/after Illuminations. Last time we enjoyed treats for the bakery in France, we purchased them right before the fireworks, and we sat and ate them at a table nearby after the show was over. No one tried to kick us out, we stayed at least 25 minutes.
Jacky says
I guess I’m one of the few that thinks this is a rip off. For $35 you can go to one of the resorts and eat at one lounges, or restaurants. I really don’t see the appeal.
Dan says
Please tell me its adults only!
Venessa Hinojosa-Wright says
Rip Off! Big woop if you can stay until 11. Not worth it! We just priced it out for spice road and if we were to get those things individually, it would cost the same. Maybe not to save but to stay late and spend more money after you’re drunk yes? Haha
karen says
Let’s hope that no kids will ruin the after hours experience. They have the run of the place most of the time. Disney needs to remember its the adults who keep them in business paying for these trips not the kids. And Night life is so needed here at Disney parks
Marie says
Just booked the La Cava del Tequila for my September trip. I know it’s expensive, but it’s my first ever trip to Disneyworld and I want to pack in as much as possible! I’ve booked it for a night where I’m spending time in a Water Park/Downtown Disney in the day, so I’ll have packed in 3 different places in 1 day 🙂
Carter says
@Dan -Amen, brother. That’s what I was thinking as well. I would imagine not many people would bring their kids to this, but you never know these days. Parents think it’s appropriate to prop their sniveling little kids at the bars at any time of night. I know everyone is saying it is a “rip off” but I wouldn’t go that far. You get a less crowded, relaxed environment. Food and drinks… and if you throw no kids in, then I am sold. I have always said they need to start offering some more adult only events and areas.
Diane says
If all you want is pictures of an empty park, just hang out after Illuminations. The cast do not chase you out…lol I agree $35 seems a bit steep, but as I recall the T. Flight was $17 a few yrs ago and the Tinga was @ $11, so it’s not that big of a stretch…I guess.
Dave D says
Disney is shameless when it comes to trying to new ways to generate revenue. Shameless. This is absurd. An extra $35 plus for a tiny plate and one drink? It’s laughable. And we just bought into Disney Vacation Club so we are Disney fans. I’m just not buying into this latest idea of theirs. But from the sounds of it, many are.
Keith says
Damn Carter, you come across as really disgusted by children….you must be a hell of a guy!
Dawn says
Can’t you already stay after the park closes by reserving the last seating at any WS restaurant?
Patrick Riley says
Perfect timing! We’re checking into the Yacht Club in 3 days (Wed 4/16). Well definitely be hitting up Mexico for this! Will post some pics and a review afterwards. Can’t wait, thanks for the tip!
Patrick says
Just booked Cava for 4/17!
Patrick R. says
Just booked Cava for opening night, 4/17. Will try to post review /pics afterwards.
Tank says
Agree with those that have an issue with cost. $35 is a heck of a mark-up for a drink and an appetizer. I’ll just walk over to the Crescent Lake area.
Carol says
I don’t get the excitement I love Epcot but $35 for a drink and appetizer? Umm…. And after you finish you can do what? Buy more drinks Epcot will be shut down
I am sticking to my current method of buying a drink just before Illuminations and sitting there enjoying it while watching people race out of the park Then I do my nice easy walk to the gate
Connie Haviland says
@Vina McLeod Rudolph…I agree with you. We are DVC members and to think that this would cost us $70 + my adult son = $105 for a drink and appetizer…that is way too much. I could take the money and have a really “wind down” time at the resort and not have to deal with the crowd that may not care how much they spend on a trip nor deal with getting the ride back to the resort. And remember, you have to make reservations. How many people are they planning to do this on these nights and what if the only night you are going to be at Epcot, you can’t get a reservation. I am not sure this is going to be on my agenda..but hey, I know people will pay no matter what.