Terrific Tuesdays: Exploring Mexico at Disney World

 The Mexico Pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase offers both indoor and outdoor experiences.  The large pyramid  is a model of the Aztec Temple of Quetzalcoatl in Teotihuacan, Mexico.  As you enter, you will see Mexican woodcarvers and artists working in a Folk Art Gallery.  Further on there are vendors in a street market selling authentic Mexican jewelry, blankets, pottery and clothing.  

It is always twilight in the Mexican village with twinkling stars and an active, smoking volcano in the distance.  As you proceed into the pyramid, you’ll find a restaurant with regional Mexican dishes.  The San Angel Inn offers chicken, beef and seafood served with rice and Mexican sauces.  This restaurant is on the dining plan and requires one table service credit.  Some of the seating in San Angel overlooks the river that surrounds the volcano.  Passersby on the attraction The Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the 3 Caballeros, are seen in boats along the river.  This is a mild boat ride that takes passengers around the volcano and showing sights and sounds from Acapulco to Mexico City as clips from the 1944 Disney film The 3 Caballeros plays on large screens.

Also inside the pyramid is a hot spot for the 21 and over crowd.  La Cava del Tequila serves specialty drinks and beer along with chips, salsa, queso, guacamole and shrimp cocktail.  

Outside there are two other dining options. Both offer great views of the World Showcase Lagoon.  La Hacienda de San Angel is a table service option that offers  a very authentic Mexican fare.  The interior is reminiscent of a true hacienda.  Located alongside this restaurant is a quick service restaurant called La Cantina San Angel.  Here you can grab a quick taco, nachos or even a famous churro.  There is outside seating available here.

Live entertainment in the Mexican Pavilion consists of 2 true, 12 piece Mariachi band.  Brothers, Randy and Stephan Carillo, have been members of this band since it formed in 1971 and have been performing at Epcot since it opened.  The band can be found at various places inside the pyramid or along the paths of Mexico.  Be sure to check the times guide for exact time and place of performances.

One small detail is that the operations booth for Epcot’s nighttime fireworks show, IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, is held in the top of the pyramid. You can see the window, if you look closely, from the street below.  Mexico is known for everything spicy, be sure not to miss this country as you travel along the World Showcase.

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Shannan is a mom that was born and raised in rural Tennessee. She tells us: “I live with my husband and 3 of our 5 children. Travis is 24 and is father to my grandbabies, Emma and baby Judson. I can’t wait to start sharing Disney with them. Dusty is 22, Clay 12, Zachary 10 and Erin is 8. I clean houses to make money to fund my magical trips. I went to Disney the first time as a teen and couldn’t wait to start introducing my own children to the magic. We took our 3 youngest in 2004 and that started it all. We have been 3 times since then and have our first Christmas trip planned for this December. Usually my parents accompany us on the trip and I have to research and plan for things that will suit various ages in our party of 7. Each time I go, I try new experiences in lodging and dining so I can share it with friends and family that seek my advice on trip planning! Disney is definitely my first choice in vacation destinations. Hopefully there is a Disney surf and turf vacation in our future!“