EPCOT’s Mexico Pavilion is hosting a sold-out culinary event, “The Spirit of the Mexico Pavilion: A D23 Experience,” on March 11, 2026, exclusively for D23 Gold Members. The event will feature San Angel Inn’s original 1982 menu, premium tequila tastings, and specialty cocktails for $349 per person, excluding park admission. The quick sellout highlights the power of nostalgia and exclusive experiences for longtime EPCOT visitors.
What’s Included
The $349 ticket covers several experiences within the Mexico Pavilion. The La Cava Experience provides a private guided tasting with Tequila Ambassador Humberto Soto featuring six premium agave spirits from blanco to aged tequilas, plus artisanal mezcal. You get chips and guacamole, a keepsake “Agave Connoisseur Club” pin, and a commemorative tequila cocktail glass with La Cava Tequila logo etched by Arribas Brothers.
At La Cava del Tequila, guests enjoy “The Aztec Eagle,” a D23-exclusive cocktail created with The Walt Disney Archives. The drink honors Walt Disney receiving the Order of the Aztec Eagle from the Mexican government during his 1943 Mexico City visit.
The centerpiece is San Angel Inn’s dining experience with a menu created specifically for this event featuring beloved items from the restaurant’s 1982 opening. Guests select appetizer, main course, and dessert from the tasting menu and receive a San Angel Inn margarita. Each attendee gets a replica of the original 1982 San Angel Inn menu as a keepsake.
Event credentials are provided to all participants, likely serving as collectible items for D23 members who treasure documentation of special Disney events.
The Original EPCOT Menu Returns
The most interesting part of this event is recreating dishes from San Angel Inn’s 1982 menu. Disney has not shared which specific items will be served, so fans are left guessing about which popular dishes might be included.
Restaurant menus change frequently based on ingredients, tastes, and feedback from guests. What seemed authentic in 1982 might be quite different from what San Angel Inn serves today. The original menu probably showed what American theme park guests in the early 1980s expected from Mexican food, which may not match what is seen as authentic now.
For Disney fans curious about how theme park food has changed, this event offers a look into EPCOT’s early dining ideas. The Mexico Pavilion was meant to showcase Mexican culture to guests who may never visit Mexico. The original menu choices show what Disney thought would appeal to audiences in 1982.
D23 Gold Member Exclusivity
This event shows the exclusive experiences available to D23 Gold Members. These members pay annual fees for access to special events not available to general Disney fans. The $349 ticket sits on top of the D23 Gold Membership cost and required EPCOT park admission. Which means total investment could easily exceed $500 per person.
The rapid sellout suggests D23 either limited tickets significantly to maintain exclusivity or demand exceeded expectations. Either way, instant sellout creates mystique, making the event feel special for those who secured tickets while generating envy among those who missed out.
Park Admission Not Included to EPCOT
Attendees need a valid EPCOT park admission for March 11, which is not included in the $349 ticket. You can purchase separate single-day tickets, use multi-day passes, or access through Annual Passholder benefits. Parking is also not included. Since March 11 is a Tuesday, it may be a slower park day, but planning is still necessary. Out-of-town D23 members should consider hotel costs, flights, and other expenses in addition to event and park admission.
Why This Matters for EPCOT
The appeal lies in its connection to EPCOT nostalgia, as the park has changed significantly. Many long-time fans lament the loss of original attractions, feeling that the park has strayed from its educational vision. Recreating the 1982 San Angel Inn menu taps into this nostalgia and evoking memories for day one EPCOT fans.
Its quick sellout indicates that Disney should explore more culinary history events. Potentially offering similar dining experiences from the opening days of Disney World to attract D23 members and food enthusiasts.
What’s Next
D23 members who missed this event should watch for announcements about future culinary experiences. The rapid sellout proves demand exists. Making it likely Disney will create additional opportunities, even if not identical to this experience.
Following Disney news sources helps ensure you don’t miss announcements when tickets become available. Many exclusive events sell out within hours or minutes of going on sale, so being ready makes the difference between attending and missing out.
