Florida Guide > Disney Parks
WORLD SHOWCASE - MEXICO
When you visit Epcot, in Orlando, Florida, do try to visit the various countries which make up the World Showcase. Eleven countries are represented here, on the shores of the beautiful ‘World Showcase Lagoon, ’ where the evening firework and laser show takes place. World Showcase is made up of Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, America, Japan, Morocco, France, the United Kingdom and Canada. Accessed via a bridge, World Showcase opens each day at 11. 00 am, and offers a wide range of experiences, including boat rides, movies, restaurants and shops, together with exhibitions and displays of such things as acrobatics.
The first country you will come to as you stroll round the lake in a clockwise direction is Mexico, and you can’t miss it, as it is dominated by a huge Mayan pyramid, which reflects the architecture of the pre-Colombian era, and is based on an Aztec Temple of Quetzalcoatl, who is the god of life. Along the entrance stairs you can see large serpent heads which represent Quetzalcoatl. It is from a small room at the top of this pyramid that the nightly ‘Reflections of Earth’ firework show is controlled.
Inside, there is a gallery which displays various artefacts from many periods in Mexico’s history, and beyond that is a formal portico and the Plaza de Los Amigos, which represents a twilight lit Mexican market place. Here you can shop at the various colourful carts and shops which sell Mexican pottery, jewellery, clothing and leather items, plus souvenirs such as silver jewellery, worry dolls, sombreros and pinatas. If you are lucky, you might even be offered a performance from a strolling ‘mariachi’ band, a traditional Mexican street band, which adds to the authenticity.
The whole building is quite dark inside, but this only adds to the atmosphere, and it provides a wonderful backdrop for a smoking volcano. Here you can savour the traditional food of Mexico at the San Angel Inn Restaurant. Regional Mexican dishes which feature seafood, chicken and beef are served in traditional Mexican sauces. Lunch and dinner can be eaten here, in a restaurant that overlooks an indoor lagoon and the plaza, and has tables lit by lanterns.
Outside, there is an outdoor cafe, the Cantina de San Angel, which serves tacos, churros, tostados as well as margaritas and Mexican beer. It’s a great place to watch the firework and laser show, if you can find a seat.
Mexico also offers a new attraction, the ‘Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros, ’ and this can be accessed from a boarding area to the side of the plaza. The boat ride features Donald Duck and his friends from the 1944 animated movie ‘The Three Caballeros. ’ You might even be lucky enough to see Donald Duck dressed in a sombrero, signing autographs.
For those who need to use a wheelchair all areas of Mexico are accessible.
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