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Credit: Disney / edited by Inside the MagicIs EPCOT Losing Its Magic? The Growing Controversy Over Drinking Around the World
For decades, EPCOT was known as the intellectual heart of Walt Disney World. It was a place where families gathered to celebrate human achievement, explore global cultures, and look toward a hopeful future. However, as we move through 2026, the conversation surrounding the park has shifted from innovation to intoxication.
A recent investigative report by the Wall Street Journal has put a spotlight on the “Drinking Around the World” phenomenon, sparking a heated debate among fans, families, and travel experts about the current state of the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow.
What began as an informal challenge among Disney Adults has evolved into a dominant subculture that many feel is at odds with the park’s original mission. From custom-made matching shirts to social media influencers documenting every cocktail across the eleven international pavilions, the World Showcase has increasingly become a destination for a boozy, high-energy party atmosphere that some say is ruining the experience for everyone else.
The Rise of the World Showcase Bar Crawl
The concept of Drinking Around the World is simple: guests attempt to consume an alcoholic beverage in every pavilion of the World Showcase, starting in Mexico and ending in Canada (or vice versa). While Disney does not officially promote the “challenge,” the resort has certainly leaned into the trend.
The park’s rotating schedule of festivals, such as the International Food and Wine Festival, has made alcohol more accessible than ever, with temporary kiosks serving as convenient “refueling stations” between permanent bars.
The Wall Street Journal report highlights that this trend has fundamentally changed the “uniform” of the park. In years past, you might see families in matching Mickey ears; today, you are just as likely to see bachelorette parties in shirts that read “I’m the Reason We’re Only in Italy” or “Drinking Around the World: Most Likely to Get Kicked Out.”
While many participate responsibly, the sheer volume of drinkers has led to an uptick in rowdy behavior that is becoming harder for Disney to ignore.
The “Chilling Effect” on Families
For parents bringing young children to EPCOT, the experience is becoming increasingly unpredictable. The report cites numerous accounts of guests witnessing “Disney Adults” yelling, stumbling, and in some cases, becoming physically ill in public areas. The 1.2-mile promenade around the World Showcase lagoon, once a scenic stroll, now feels to some like a global-scale frat party.
The issue isn’t just the behavior itself, but the impact it has on the park’s atmosphere. EPCOT was designed to be an educational experience. When a pavilion like Japan or Morocco is crowded with guests who are more interested in the alcohol content of their drink than the cultural history of the building, the educational value is diminished. Many parents now report that they intentionally avoid the World Showcase after 4:00 p.m., particularly on weekends, to escape the rowdiest crowds.
Disney’s Financial Dilemma
Why hasn’t Disney cracked down on the rowdy behavior? The answer, as the Wall Street Journal suggests, is largely financial. Alcohol is one of the highest-margin products in the theme park industry. A specialty margarita in the Mexico pavilion can cost upwards of $18, while a souvenir beer in Germany often exceeds $15. When guests are motivated to buy 11 drinks in a single day, the revenue for the company is staggering.
Furthermore, as the cost of a Disney vacation continues to climb, the company has increasingly relied on the “Disney Adult” demographic—adults without children who have high disposable income. This demographic is more likely to spend heavily on premium dining and beverages. Cracking down on the “party” vibe of EPCOT risks alienating a group of guests that helps keep the park’s profit margins high, even as attendance for domestic families fluctuates.
The 2026 Outlook: Policing the Magic
As we move through 2026, Disney is facing increasing pressure to find a balance. The company has already implemented some subtle measures to manage guest behavior. There have been reports of an increased security presence in the World Showcase during festival weekends, and some individuals wearing “matching shirts” with offensive language are being turned away at the front gates due to the park’s dress code policy.
However, many argue that Disney needs to go further. Suggestions from the community include implementing a “two-drink limit” per pavilion or creating “dry zones” within the World Showcase where alcohol isn’t permitted. Others suggest that the “park hopping” rules should be adjusted to prevent guests from spending the entire day drinking in other parks before arriving at EPCOT for a night of heavy consumption.
The Debate: Is it Still a Family Park?
The controversy has divided the Disney fan base. One side argues that EPCOT is a park for everyone, and as long as guests are paying for their tickets and staying within the law, they should be allowed to celebrate in whatever way they choose. They point out that for many adults, the ability to enjoy a high-end cocktail while exploring the world is what makes EPCOT unique and worth the high price of admission.
The other side argues that Disney is, and should always be, a family-first destination. They believe that once a park feels unsafe or inappropriate for a five-year-old, Disney has lost its way. The Wall Street Journal’s investigation serves as a sobering reminder that the “Disney bubble” is not immune to the societal shifts happening outside the gates.
As 2026 continues, the question remains: Can Disney maintain its status as a world-class family destination while simultaneously acting as Central Florida’s largest bar? For now, the “Real Life Mary Poppins” days of the park seem like a distant memory, replaced by a neon-hued, cocktail-infused reality that is as profitable as it is polarizing.
What do you think of the drinking culture at EPCOT? Have you noticed a change in guest behavior during your recent trips, or do you think the concerns are overblown? Let us know in the comments.