Epcot Center - Around the World (in beer): Mexico/Norway
Thursday, October 22, 2009 by Allen
Note: This is part 2 of a series documenting the countries of Epcot Center and the beer they serve.
Each area at Epcot is designed to resemble the art, architecture, and feel of the native country. In addition, the employees at each country actually call that country their home in real life. It must be true since I saw their hometown displayed on their nametags, they spoke in accents, were wearing traditional garb, and just "looked the part" (not trying to be racist or stereotype anyone, it's just fact). All these details make it feel like you are literally walking across borders into a foreign country. Granted, the entire environment is sterile and fake but it's fun anyway. The first 2 stops on our journey around the world began in Mexico and Norway (?? clearly Epcot Center was not thinking geography when they designed the place).
First stop, Mexico! In the shadow of the Mayan Temple replica, the country of Mexico was out on display. It was actually lunch time so the line for tacos and drinks was really long. We decided to pass some time in the shops and within the Mayan Temple.
The Mayan Temple was a cornucopia of... shops. And a restaurant. Oh well, what do you expect, culture?? This is still Disney. We passed on the beers here due to the lines but got a $9 frozen margarita instead. Whatever. I decided there wasn't anything I'd miss here. If you like Mexican beer, drink Pacifico and be done with it. Most Mexican beers (Corona, Tecate, Dos Equis, Modelo, Sol) are all very similar to me, pretty much your standard light lagers. But since Mexican food is quite savory, they seem to complement the food very well. My theory is further proven!
Next was Norway, Mexico's next door neighbor (at Epcot at least). At this point, I was itching to begin my journey through the world of beer. The first thing we see as we cross the borders of Mexico into 90 degree-Scandinavia is a beer kiosk! They serve $7.50 tall cups of Carlsberg. I was surrounded by statues of Vikings. There was a building labelled "Vikings". The girl serving had blonde hair and blue eyes. Everything was made out of wood. There was a huge 6'7" guy in one of the shops. I knew I was in Norway...
The Carlsberg, while a good quantity, was alright. The good parts were that it was refreshing on a hot day, with a bit of that "Stella/Heineken" euro skunky flavor. A little sweet and bitter but nothing special. First country down, just 9 more to go!
Each area at Epcot is designed to resemble the art, architecture, and feel of the native country. In addition, the employees at each country actually call that country their home in real life. It must be true since I saw their hometown displayed on their nametags, they spoke in accents, were wearing traditional garb, and just "looked the part" (not trying to be racist or stereotype anyone, it's just fact). All these details make it feel like you are literally walking across borders into a foreign country. Granted, the entire environment is sterile and fake but it's fun anyway. The first 2 stops on our journey around the world began in Mexico and Norway (?? clearly Epcot Center was not thinking geography when they designed the place).
First stop, Mexico! In the shadow of the Mayan Temple replica, the country of Mexico was out on display. It was actually lunch time so the line for tacos and drinks was really long. We decided to pass some time in the shops and within the Mayan Temple.
Mexico?
The Mayan Temple was a cornucopia of... shops. And a restaurant. Oh well, what do you expect, culture?? This is still Disney. We passed on the beers here due to the lines but got a $9 frozen margarita instead. Whatever. I decided there wasn't anything I'd miss here. If you like Mexican beer, drink Pacifico and be done with it. Most Mexican beers (Corona, Tecate, Dos Equis, Modelo, Sol) are all very similar to me, pretty much your standard light lagers. But since Mexican food is quite savory, they seem to complement the food very well. My theory is further proven!
This is Mexico - Disney style!
Next was Norway, Mexico's next door neighbor (at Epcot at least). At this point, I was itching to begin my journey through the world of beer. The first thing we see as we cross the borders of Mexico into 90 degree-Scandinavia is a beer kiosk! They serve $7.50 tall cups of Carlsberg. I was surrounded by statues of Vikings. There was a building labelled "Vikings". The girl serving had blonde hair and blue eyes. Everything was made out of wood. There was a huge 6'7" guy in one of the shops. I knew I was in Norway...
Viking?
The Carlsberg, while a good quantity, was alright. The good parts were that it was refreshing on a hot day, with a bit of that "Stella/Heineken" euro skunky flavor. A little sweet and bitter but nothing special. First country down, just 9 more to go!
Is Norway where the water ride is? If so, did you RIDE it?
No, the World Showcase doesn't have rides. That's why kids HATE it. Disney characters come out for photos though. Kids LOVE that.
Dude, when I was a kid, there was ONE ride, it was like a water ride or something in the dark. It must still be there...it musts!
I was right. You missed OUT!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maelstrom_%28ride%29
Yeah you're right - I remember it being awesome too (the backwards part). We didn't ride it this time. Missed out INDEED!