Five Things to Know About Mexico in the World Showcase

The Mexico pavilion in the World Showcase at EPCOT opened October 1, 1982, as one of the nine original pavilions. Today there are a total of 11, but Mexico may be one of the best, offering a ride, lots of entertainment, plenty of dining choices, many shopportunities, and a place to meet Donald Duck!

1. More than an impressive pyramid, the pavilion honors Mexican history.

If you enter the World Showcase by coming past the Odyssey Pavilion, the Mexico Pavilion Pyramid is a “wienie,” the object that dominates your view and pulls you forward. Thirty-six feet tall, it draws inspiration from several actual structures of ancient Mesoamerican civilizations.

The Mayan inspiration comes from the pyramid El Castillo in Mexico’s Yucatan state. Another nod goes to the Aztec temple of Quetzalcoatl at Teotihuacán, an ancient city in the state of Mexico and now a UNESCO World Heritage site. And you’ll find Quetzalcoatl, also called the Feathered Serpent, represented on the huge work of art that seems to be blocking the stairs to the top of the pyramid. This panel is based on wall paintings at Teotihuacán. In addition to honoring Mexico, the pyramid’s exterior is a tribute to the work of the Imagineers whose attention to detail is astounding.

The wow factor doesn’t end on the outside. When you enter the pyramid, you’ll find a small museum area featuring items from different eras in Mexican history. And then you enter the beautiful Plaza de los Amigos, set on the shores of a river, where the bustling marketplace conducts business under a perpetual nighttime sky. “Beautiful” is the only word to describe it, and even that falls short of capturing the atmosphere you encounter which is unique among the pavilions in the World Showcase.

2. There’s muchas cosas (many things) to do!

As you enter the pyramid, take your time passing through the Mexico Folk Art Gallery. Currently, on display is an exhibit entitled, “Remember Me!”, La Celebración del Día de Muertos. The exhibit “captures the beauty and spirit of the Day of the Dead holiday.” It features papel picado (intricately cut pieces of colorful paper) and decorative skulls made of sugar. Also on display are pieces of pre-Hispanic art.

The iconic sculpture, Bridal Couple, is not to be missed. And there’s even a Mirror de los Muertos that lets you turn yourself into a skeleton! Tap your Magic Band, follow the prompts on screen (it’s easy!) and presto! You’re in the land of the dead!

Mexico has a Kidcot Fun Stop, too. Located in each international pavilion in EPCOT, kids can collect cards with information about the culture of each nation. Get them all, and you receive a special completion card.

The one thing most folks know (or should!) about the Mexico pavilion is the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros. In case you missed the memo, that’s Donald Duck, José Carioca (the parrot), and Panchito (the Mexican charro rooster) all from the 1944 Disney film “The Three Caballeros”. There’s seldom a long wait, and it’s a fun boat ride, especially when you’re looking for a spot to cool off on a hot day. A big plus: the view as you drift down the river past the San Angel Inn Restaurante is wonderful.

Finally, outside the pavilion, you can meet Donald Duck wearing his serape, just like in the Three Caballeros. And if all this isn’t enough, you can play DuckTales World Showcase Adventure on the Play Disney Parks app.

3. Enjoy entertainment galore!

EPCOT offers a whole world of entertainment and performers, and Mexico is one of the most fun places to enjoy this. In the plaza outside of the pyramid, you’ll find Mariachi Cobre, a 12-piece band playing traditional music from Jalisco, Mexico. Members of the 12-piece band play guitars, trumpets, violins, and other instruments. Several times a day, the group performs your favorite songs from the animated Disney film, Coco. Another popular musical group is Marimba de las Américas. This trio of musicians plays songs from Latin America, arranged for – you guessed it – marimba and guitars.

Times for both groups are listed in the My Disney Experience app. (And while you’re outside, it’s worth noting there’s a not-so-obvious semi-circular path you can wander along featuring plants native to Mexico. The orchids in particular are wonderful to behold.)

4. Places to eat – and drink – abound!

There are two Table Service restaurants and one Quick Service eating spot in the Mexico pavilion, plus a pair of margarita purveyors.

Choza de Margarita is known for – yup – margaritas with all sorts of variations. Non-alcoholic options are available, along with snack items like tacos or chips. The margaritas are solid, but no better than you’ll find at your standard Mexican chain restaurant. Inside the pyramid, it’s another story. La Cava Del Tequila is famous for its drinks, including the Avocado Margarita and the shimmering Lily. No reservations are accepted and it’s often hard to grab one of the few tables here, mostly because of the ambiance. But eat before you arrive because chips and queso is about all the food you’ll find.

If you’re looking for more substantial fare, great views are found Inside at the lovely full-service San Angel Inn Restaurante. Open for lunch and dinner, diners can sit under the evening sky alongside the river to watch folks on the Grand Fiesta Tour float by. Lunch is an easier reservation here than dinner which can be harder to come by unless you plan in advance.

Moving back outside, La Cantina de San Angel and La Hacienda de San Angel sit right next to each other, both with terrific views of the lagoon and the nighttime EPCOT show “Luminous The Symphony of Us”. The Cantina is one of the top-rated Quick Service locations in EPCOT, with a menu of friendly and familiar Mexican favorites that are well-prepared.

5. The shopping is muy bueno, too.

You’ll find plentiful places to shop for souvenirs throughout your tour of Mexico. Inside the pyramid is La Princesa de Cristal featuring Arribas Brothers crystal and glassware. Also inside is La Tienda Encantada, the place to find fine jewelry and more, all with a Mexican flair.

The “open air” market Plaza de los Amigos in the middle of the pyramid offers a little bit of everything: sombreros, baskets, some apparel, toys, candy, home goods and even piñatas. If you like to browse, this is the place for you! And lastly, outside the pyramid at a small stand is Ring Carvers. Ordering a personal initial ring is a popular souvenir; place your order as you start around the World Showcase, and it should be done when you finish your tour!

The Bottom Line.

Of the 11 nations represented in the World Showcase, Mexico is one of the most colorful and liveliest. From the contagious street music and tempting cuisine to the ambiance inside the pyramid, it’s a great way to start your trip around the “world.” And bonus tip: if, like me, you have trouble remembering the order of the nations, as moving clockwise I remember this mnemonic: “Mickey Noticed Cinderella Gracefully Interacting Alongside Joyful Minnie Fans Under Castle.” You’re welcome.

Have you toured Mexico? What did you like best? What surprised you? Let us know in the comments.