EPCOT used to be Disney’s sophisticated park—the place you’d go to explore the world without ever leaving Florida. It was classy, calm, and full of culture. But lately, that image has taken a serious hit. Guests are calling it “The Drunkest Place on Earth,” and judging by recent reports, they’re not exaggerating.
What was once a futuristic park dedicated to learning and innovation has turned into a place where drinks outnumber attractions. Families expecting a refined Disney experience are finding something far less magical: adults stumbling, shouting, and, in some cases, getting sick right in the middle of the park.
From Vision to Vacation Gone Wrong
When EPCOT opened in 1982, Walt Disney’s idea was to showcase global harmony and forward-thinking innovation. Over time, that purpose shifted into something entirely different. Now, EPCOT is better known for its “Drink Around the World” challenge—an unofficial tradition where guests down cocktails, beers, and wine from every country in the World Showcase.
A glass of champagne in France, sake in Japan, tequila in Mexico—it all sounds fun until you realize how quickly the atmosphere changes after a few too many. Add in year-round festivals and you’ve got a recipe for trouble.
Festivals Fueling the Chaos
The EPCOT festivals are a huge part of the park’s charm, drawing crowds for themed food booths, limited-time entertainment, and collectible merchandise. But they also invite heavy drinking, which is becoming harder to manage.
The International Food & Wine Festival, for example, has turned into an unofficial pub crawl. Guests move from one booth to the next with drinks in hand, and as the day goes on, things can get out of control. Families who remember quiet walks through the pavilions now find themselves dodging rowdy guests. Many longtime visitors say it feels more like Bourbon Street than Disney World.
Guests Share Their Breaking Point
Visitors aren’t shy about describing what they’ve seen. One guest recalled, “The sheer amount of drunken behavior today was just insane. I saw three different adults vomiting, people stumbling, swearing, and having too many arguments to count. The stupid ‘Drunk at EPCOT is the best kind of drunk’ shirts are everywhere.”
Another added, “Some guy was so drunk, he barfed into the garbage can halfway through the line. You could tell it wasn’t his first time.” Social media is filled with similar complaints, and it’s starting to affect attendance. Some families are even avoiding EPCOT entirely, saying, “While we enjoy the festivals, we avoid EPCOT on weekends at all costs.”
Disney’s Next Move
For Disney, this puts them in a tough spot. Alcohol sales generate substantial revenue, but the company also takes pride in being a family-friendly destination. When parents have to shield their kids from intoxicated guests, that reputation takes a hit.
Fans have suggested possible solutions, including drink limits, restricted alcohol zones, or increased security during festival weekends. Something has to give because Disney can’t keep ignoring what’s happening. EPCOT is still an incredible park, but its image is slipping.
Restoring the Family Magic at EPCOT
Disney doesn’t need to ban alcohol altogether, but it does need to set new boundaries. EPCOT can celebrate global culture without turning into a party zone. A few simple changes—tighter control, stricter enforcement, and a reminder of what the park stands for—could bring it back in line with Walt’s original vision.
The occasional glass of wine in Italy or beer in Germany shouldn’t be the problem. It’s the ongoing chaos that’s staining Disney’s family name. If Disney wants EPCOT to remain the heart of World Showcase wonder, it’s time to clean up the mess—literally and figuratively.
