Walt Disney World Epcot adds Tequila Bar

With Soarin', Turtle Talk and Nemo and Friends attractions successfully lining up visitors at Epcot, Walt Disney World planners are turning attention to the park's other lineup of attractions - involving sushi, tequila and pasta.

Numerous culinary changes are under way at Epcot, which might be the only theme park in the world where food and drink compete with shows and rides. The Walt Disney World theme park has its share of attractions, but it also features a dozen full-service restaurants where average checks run $20 to $40 a person or more.

From 1998 through last year, the dining lineup at Epcot's World Showcase went almost unchanged. Now, three new restaurants are on the way, several others are being expanded or renovated, and menus are being rewritten throughout the park to encourage more healthful cooking styles.

The more extensive renovations are bringing some of the restaurants in line with the latest concept in the theme-park business - creating "immersive experiences." Epcot Vice President Jim MacPhee said the park is seeking more "interactive dining" experiences that can provide more show-style cooking in the dining room, such as the Japanese teppanyaki style, or more interaction with Epcot's other attractions. "I think this is what guests expect now, with more of the interactive experiences in our restaurants," MacPhee said.

Among the changes are new restaurants in Italy and Japan, and changes at the eatery in China. Mexico's restaurant has already been expanded with a new menu. Next, Mexico will get a tequila bar and outdoor waterfront seating so visitors can see the nighttime Illuminations show on the lagoon, MacPhee said.

Source: Herald Wire