food IS a theme park
We had a case of wanderlust this week, and instead of getting out the passport and packing, we just hopped over to spend the day in Epcot. Our journey started with some time spent in Future World, followed by a trip around the World Showcase. And boy, did we find a lot new eats and buys for you on this “trip”!
Epcot
Wow, are we EVER glad to say “Welcome!” to Choza de Margarita — here at long last!!!
Choza de Margarita (originally announced as Choza Tequila) is the brand new outdoor margarita bar opening TODAY right next to Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion. Once upon a time, we could all pick up a margarita — or two 😉 — at the small, thatched roof Mexico Margarita Stand during a World Showcase stroll. But when the neighboring Norway Pavilion expanded to add new Frozen-themed attractions, we were saddened to learn that the humble little kiosk would be closed to accommodate construction in that area.
The operative word in that sentence, of course, is “WERE.”
Because CHOZA IS OPEN!!!
Choza de Margarita sign
Choza de Margarita is located directly adjacent to the Pavilion’s pyramid. And its design details are fitting to its location. If you remember the ol’ Margarita Stand, then you’ll recall the little thatched roof placed atop a kiosk that held just a couple of Cast Members at any given time.
Well, the thatched roofing still sets the scene at Choza de Margarita, but this new spot can definitely hold more than a few people at once! [Read more…]
Hello, friends! We’re back with another DFB Video today, and we would love it if you would join us on a Food Tour of Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion!
Cheers from the Mexico Pavilion!
Now, you likely already know about our love for La Cava del Tequila… and we’ll definitely be hitting it up in our video today! But we’re also talking about some other spots… like where you can score some delicious Mexican candy and chocolates, and a couple of primo places where you can watch the IllumiNations spectacular while enjoying some terrific eats. We’ll also fill you in on a place you might want to skip when you’re planning what you want to NOSH ON or NOT in Epcot’s Mexico! [Read more…]
We’ve sure been doing some talking about Epcot lately, what with the 2017 International Food and Wine Festival starting in less than a month (!!!) and some sneaky peeks happening over the past few weeks.
But lest we get lost in a sea of future Marketplace Booths, there is plenty happening in the here and now, too. And one of the places it’s ALWAYS happening is La Cava del Tequila inside the Mexico Pavilion of World Showcase.
This cave full of liquor features one of my absolute favorites with the Avocado Margarita, which remains near the top of my Drinking Around the World list. It’s creamy, surprisingly refreshing, and fully satisfying on a hot day. But if you’re looking to stray outside the list of tried and true favorites, with over 70 types of tequila you can easily find something new-to-you!
So let’s head on down to La Cava, inside the Mexico pyramid. And remember, you can queue up to grab your drinks To-Go; or you can wait for a table to open up at this cozy little spot.
Entrance into La Cava del Tequila
But if you do choose to sit a spell, you can’t beat the atmosphere. Low lighting, lots of stone and brick work, beautiful murals showcasing the tequila-making process, and carved chairs help this place feel right at home in the beautiful Pavilion while still having a vibe unique to anywhere else in Disney World. It’s a great little getaway. [Read more…]
In October, we shared photos of new construction walls popping up just beside Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion.
Construction Walls by the Mexico Pavilion
And we were SUPER jazzed, because that meant we were finally able to speculate about a new outdoor bar to replace the stand that once provided tasty Margaritas to thirsty passersby on their way around World Showcase. [Read more…]
Remember when the popular little Margarita Stand in the Mexico Pavilion closed early this summer to make way for the Frozen attraction construction in Norway?
Former Mexico Margarita Stand
Plenty of us were sad to see it go. Even though our top prize for Margaritas goes to La Cava del Tequila (which is tucked inside the Mexico Pavilion’s pyramid), many of us carry a soft spot for the home to those layered Fiesta Margaritas that were a go-to Mexico stop during an attempt at Drinking Around the World! [Read more…]
Recently, I met some friends for a cozy dinner at La Hacienda de San Angel in Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion.
My last visit to La Hacienda proved to be just about the best yet. While my earliest visits to the dinner-only restaurant were largely hit and miss, my experiences during the last couple of years have been very positive.
But you never know when things can shift and change. After all, this is Disney World — not exactly known for being consistent when it comes to dining quality. And La Hacienda is pricey. Does it continue to be worth it?
Let’s head in for dinner and you can see for yourself.
We arrived on time for our 6:30 advance dining reservation and checked in. We requested a window side table, and they were happy to accommodate us. It only took a little longer to be seated.
La Hacienda de San Angel in Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion
If you haven’t been inside La Hacienda before, be sure to take a look around during your visit, and review the back story. In a nutshell, the restaurant is supposed to be the rambling home of an artistic family, and they’ve opened it up to guests. Seating is a mixture of booths and table/chair combos, all of which are comfortable and inviting. [Read more…]
Who’s up for an adventure? Because we’ve certainly got one for you!
I know we can all agree on one thing: there is nowhere better to grab a Margarita than La Cava del Tequila in Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion.
The staff there is warm and friendly. The surroundings are beautiful and cozy (and cool!!). And the handcrafted margaritas are some of the best, most interesting versions of this beloved cocktail that you can get anywhere. And if you’ve tried to indulge in a visit here, then you know this for sure: La Cava is always PACKED.
But here’s the thing. La Cava isn’t satisfied to leave things the way they are. They’re always developing the next hot trend, the next new thing.
And today, we’re going to talk about something that would be adventurous anywhere. But when you put it within the framework of a Disney Park?
Salts and Pineapple Margarita
Amazing.
Time to check out La Cava’s newest offerings — Rim Salts in a variety of over the top combinations, new Margaritas, new spirits, and more. Ready? Here we go! [Read more…]
The biggest news around Epcot’s World Showcase is the debut of TWO new Frozen-themed attractions in the Norway Pavilion.
On June 21st, Frozen Ever After (the Pavilion’s brand new dark ride) and the Royal Sommerhus Anna and Elsa Meet and Greet location made their official debut!
So, what are we doing at La Cantina de San Angel in the Mexico Pavilion instead? Well, Mexico is the next door neighbor to the Norway Pavilion in World Showcase. And to say that crowd levels have increased in the area might just be the understatement of the century. With so many guests arriving in the early morning hours thanks to the updated 9:00 am opening of the Norway Pavilion, expanded food options are also a new necessity in the vicinity.
Norway’s Counter Service option, Kringla Bakeri og Kafe, is also now open at 9:00 am. (School Bread for breakfast?! YES, please!!) And there are a few new additions there that we will check out in an upcoming post.
But since the offerings at La Cantina are all new, we made our pit stop here before taking on THIS wait time (yes, and then some!) for Disney World’s newest attraction.
Wait Time for Frozen Ever After on Opening Day
Back to that later… we’ve got some eating to do first! [Read more…]
It’s the end of an era! My friends, today, May 31st, is your LAST CHANCE to raise a glass full of Frozen Margarita from the Margarita Stand in Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion.
Margarita Stand
For years, this spot located outside the Pavilion’s pyramid structure has served up Lime, Strawberry, and Mango Frozen Margaritas to thirsty guests. (Including the potent multi-colored Fiesta margarita!)
However, La Cava del Tequila has announced via their Twitter account that the location will be closing, and today is its last day. [Read more…]
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