Top 5 Things To Love about Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion

Epcot's World Showcase is one of our favorite spots to spend an afternoon (or three) when visiting the Walt Disney World Resort. There is always something new and fun to discover, but there are also tried and true favorites in each pavilion. Today we're heading to one of our favorite spots, the Mexico pavilion.

What do you love most about the Mexico pavilion?

The Mexico pavilion is unique in that aside from the outside dining on the lagoon and a few shops, the rest of the pavilion is inside the Mesoamerican pyramid that is the centerpiece of the pavilion. When you enter the pyramid, you'll walk past a display of Mexican artwork and soon find yourself in the middle of a Mexican marketplace at twilight.

There are many reasons why we love the Mexico pavilion but today we'll stick with the Top 5 things we love most. And not surprisingly, a few of the items on the list have to do with food or drink!

5. La Cantina de San Angel: On most visits we'll start our tour of World Showcase in a counterclockwise manner, starting in Mexico first. Why? Well, because if it's close to lunch time we love stopping in Mexico for lunch at La Cantina de San Angel. We love this al fresco dining spot for a quick lunch (or dinner). The views of World Showcase Lagoon are great and the food will fill you up for your journey around World Showcase. Dishes include Tacos de Carne, Empanadas de Queso (a personal favorite!), and Nachos topped with ground beef, black beans, cheese, and jalapenos.

Empanadas from La Cantina de San Angel

4. Shopping at El Ranchito Del Norte: Shopping in Mexico is always an adventure and we love stopping by the outdoor kiosk in the pavilion to try on a sombrero. The kiosk is located across the walkway from the pyramid, next to Hacienda de San Angel. If you are buying a frozen margarita at the margarita cart just turn around and you'll be looking at the El Ranchito kiosk. In addition to the requisite sombreros you'll also find other traditional Mexican souvenirs including pinatas and maracas.

If you're looking for jewelry, you'll find the Ring Carvers booth next door to the kiosk. At this booth you can pick out a ring and they will carve your initials or name into the ring in about 15 minutes. This is a rather unique Disney souvenir and you can choose from brass, sterling silver, and 14K gold rings.

Find some great souvenirs in Mexico

3. La Cava de Tequila: If you're looking for a great margarita you'll want to take some time to visit La Cava de Tequila located inside the pavilion's Mayan pyramid. This fan-favorite watering hole is home to some of the best (and most creative) tequila-themed drinks on property. La Cava serves up more than 100 varieties of tequila in addition to 12 different and delicious margaritas including the Avocado Margarita and the Tamarind Margarita. Seating is limited but this is a must-visit spot for us! And if you're looking for a quick snack to go with your tequila flight or margarita we suggest ordering some queso and guacamole.

Avocado Margarita at La Cava

2. San Angel Inn: The pavilion's original table service spot, San Angel Inn Restaurante, is located inside the pyramid and is loved perhaps more for its ambiance than its food. The restaurant is reminiscent of a 17th century Hacienda and guests dine "outside" in the courtyard. The restaurant has a slight romantic vibe thanks to the dim lights and the view of the River of Time from the nearby Gran Feista Tour attraction. If you're lucky you'll get a table by the water and you can wave to guests as they sail past the restaurant. The food is sometimes hit-or-miss (and is rather pricey), but on a good day you'll get a nice meal in a beautiful setting.

We love the atmosphere at San Angel Inn

1. Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros: With the closing of Maelstrom in Norway last year, World Showcase is somewhat lacking in attractions that aren't films or other shows. But you can still hop on a boat and sail the River of Time on the Gran Fiesta Tour! This attraction was originally El Rio del Tiempo and took guests on a journey through ancient, colonial, and modern Mexico. In 2007 the original attraction closed and Donald, Jose Carioca, and Panchito were added when the attraction reopened a few months later as the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros.

The attraction features live-action footage from Mexico and animation inspired by the 1944 film The Three Caballeros. Kids will definitely enjoy this ride but the grownups might need to stop at La Cava afterward!

The Gran Fiesta Tour is a lot of fun!

The Mexico pavilion is a great place to spend some time shopping, dining, and enjoying a margarita! What is your favorite part of Epcot's Mexico pavilion? Let us know in the comments.

Many thanks to the Disney Food Blog for use of their photos.