What Makes the Mexico Pavilion at EPCOT a Must-Stop?

No matter how many times we say we’re going to “pace ourselves” at EPCOT, we always (ALWAYS!) end up in Mexico first. Maybe it’s the glowing pyramid, the mariachi music, or the siren call of a frozen margarita, but one thing’s for sure, we’re definitely *not* skipping it.

With its perfect mix of lively energy, great food, and an air-conditioned escape inside the pyramid, Mexico is one of our favorite pavilions to slow down, sip something delicious, and soak up the vibes.

In this guide, we’re sharing everything we love about the Mexico Pavilion, including:

• Hidden gems inside the pavilion (there’s more than just drinks, we promise)
• Tips for avoiding long lines and crowds (because nobody wants to wait 30 minutes for a margarita)
• Where to find entertainment and the best places to sit and chill
• The best places to grab a drink or a snack (because you can’t go wrong with guac and tequila)

So whether you’re stopping in for a quick drink or making Mexico your home base for the night (no judgment), here’s how to do it right.

What Makes the Mexico Pavilion a Must-Stop?

We’d like to say we come to Mexico for the culture, the history, the immersive theming. And while that’s technically true, but if we’re honest, it’s mostly about the food, the drinks, and the fact that we can pretend we’re on a luxurious vacation in Cancún instead of melting in the Florida sun.

• The best air-conditioned escape in World Showcase (The pyramid is basically EPCOT’s version of a VIP lounge.)
• Mariachi Cobre’s live performances (We always stop and watch. It’s a rule.)
• A boat ride that requires zero effort (Gran Fiesta Tour is an almost always nearly no-line, no-stress vibe.)
• Amazing food and drinks, no matter your budget (From quick guac and margaritas to fancy dining, Mexico delivers.)

There is clearly a reason this pavilion is always busy!

Things to Do in the Mexico Pavilion (Besides Drinking)

Believe it or not, there’s more to do in Mexico than sip margaritas and wonder if you should buy a sombrero.

Ride the Gran Fiesta Tour

No joke, this is our favorite “I-need-a-break” ride in EPCOT. It’s almost always a walk-on (or a near walk-on), it’s cool inside, and it’s just chaotic enough to be entertaining. We’ve ridden it sober, we’ve ridden it mid-margarita, and we’ve ridden it when we needed five whole minutes to remember we weren’t really in the “real” Mexico. Every time? It delivers.

Catch Mariachi Cobre

This group has been performing at EPCOT for decades, and for good reason. They’re incredible. Even if you’re just passing through, stop for a song or two.

Browse the Marketplace Inside the Pyramid

If you want souvenirs that aren’t just Mickey ears, the Mexico pavilion is the place to look. You’ll find handmade crafts, colorful blankets, and Day of the Dead figurines that make you feel extra cultured for buying them.

Best Spots to Sit & Chill in Mexico

Mexico is lively, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find a good place to sit and take a break.

• The shaded tables near La Cantina – Great for people-watching and sipping a drink.
• Inside the pyramid – Cool, dark, and full of little nooks where you can pretend you’re in an old Mexican marketplace.
• The standing tables across from Choza de Margarita – If you want to be near the action but still have a place to set your drink down, this is the move.

Pro Tip: The pyramid is a great place to cool off, but it can get crowded. If you need a real break, grab a drink and head toward the quieter tables by La Cantina.

Where to Eat & Drink in the Mexico Pavilion

Mexico has options. Whether you want a casual snack, a full sit-down meal, or just a margarita (or three), here’s what we recommend:

If You’re Just Here for the Drinks

Let’s not pretend otherwise, most people come to Mexico for the margaritas. And we support that with our whole hearts.

• Choza de Margarita (Outdoor margarita stand with fast service and classic flavors.)
• La Cava del Tequila (Indoor tequila bar with legendary margaritas and surprisingly great guac and queso.)
• La Cantina de San Angel (Quick service with solid drinks and tacos, so you don’t regret your life choices later.)

Pro Tip: If we’ve learned anything from years of making “hydration” stops in Mexico, it’s this: the Choza line moves faster, but the La Cava A/C is worth the wait. If the Florida heat is winning, we’re heading straight for that glorious air-conditioned tequila cave.

Mexico is where we most often start our Drinking Around the World journey (or double back when we realize one margarita wasn’t enough). If you’re new to this chaotic yet glorious EPCOT tradition, check out our Ultimate Drinking Around the World Guide for everything you need to know, like pacing tips, drink rankings, and strategies that will keep you from regretting your life choices by the time you hit France.

If You Want to Snack While You Sip

Drinking Around the World without snacks is a rookie mistake. Here’s what we reach for when we need something to balance out the tequila:

• Guacamole at Choza de Margarita – A little spicy, a little sweet (thanks to the mango and pumpkin seeds), and perfectly shareable.
• Empanadas at La Cantina de San Angel – Crispy, cheesy, and just heavy enough to keep you going.
• Nachos at La Cantina – A solid choice when you need more than just a snack but don’t want to commit to a full meal.

Pro Tip: If you think you don’t need food before your second margarita, you’re wrong. We’ve tested this theory, and let’s just say…we now always get food first.

If you’re looking for more EPCOT snacks worth stopping for, from underrated festival bites to iconic must-haves, check out our Best Snacks at EPCOT guide. Because let’s be real – snacking around the world is *just* as important as drinking around the world.

Festival Booth in Mexico

During EPCOT festivals, Mexico usually has its own outdoor food booth near the front of the pavilion, and it’s almost always a fan favorite.

You can expect bold flavors, boozy drinks, and sometimes spicy surprises (we’ve definitely been caught off guard by a salsa or two).

• Festival of the Arts Booth Menus
• Flower and Garden Festival Booth Menus
• Food and Wine Festival Booth Menus
• Festival of the Holidays Booth Menus

Pro Tip: The food here is usually solid, but it’s the drinks that steal the show. Tequila-based cocktails are pretty much guaranteed.

Keep Exploring the World Showcase

Love wandering World Showcase as much as we do? Check out our full guides to every pavilion:

• Mexico Pavilion – (this post!)
• Norway Pavilion – Viking Coffee, Frozen Ever After, and more.
• China Pavilion – Gorgeous gardens and underrated drinks.
• Germany Pavilion -Beer, pretzels, and big festival energy.
• Italy Pavilion– Wine flights and romantic vibes.
• American Adventure Pavilion – BBQ, craft beer, and live music.
• Japan Pavilion – Sake, sushi, and stunning views.
• Morocco Pavilion – Mint tea, mosaic vibes, and the best place to slow down.
• France Pavilion– Cocktails, pastries, and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.
• United Kingdom Pavilion– Pubs, pints, and maybe your new favorite hangout.
• Canada Pavilion – Beer flights and the prettiest gardens in the park.

Final Thoughts: Mexico Is Always a Good Idea

Mexico is where we start strong, sometimes make questionable choices, and always, without fail, end up talking about how much we love this pavilion. Whether we’re splitting nachos, sipping an avocado margarita, or dramatically singing along to Mariachi Cobre (it happens), Mexico just hits different.

Best margarita? The Avocado Margarita at La Cava.
Best snack? Guacamole at Choza de Margarita.
Best non-drinking activity? Gran Fiesta Tour because Donald is #1.

So next time you’re Drinking Around the World, don’t just rush through Mexico on your way to the next stop. Take your time, sip your margarita, and enjoy the moment.

Tell us what you think

And that’s it! All the ins and outs of the Mexico Pavilion’s best drinks and snacks. Do you plan to try one of our recommendations? Did we leave your favorite off the list? We value your input, even (or especially) when it differs from ours. Plus, we know other readers appreciate varying perspectives, so please take a second to drop your thoughts in the comments!