¡Hola amigos! ¿Come están ustedes? I hope this finds you all well this week. I realize that I’m posting this week’s WHAT TO DO WEDNESDAY on a Thursday, and if you’re astute you noticed I missed MUNCHY MONDAY this week as well. It has been a week of life highs and lows. Sadly, my husband’s aunt passed away unexpectedly, and we spent the early part of the week celebrating her beautiful life and attending her funeral services. A day later, we celebrated our first wedding anniversary!! It’s been a busy week with very little time for writing until now.

So this week on WHAT TO DO WEDNESDAY (ahem, Thursday…) I want to take us to Mexico in the World Showcase at Epcot. Hugged around a beautiful lagoon, the World Showcase is home to eleven countries. Mexico is first on the leftmost side as you approach the World Showcase from Future World. Colorful and celebratory, with plenty to see and experience, I always look forward to visiting Mexico.

As you approach Mexico you are welcomed by an Aztec inspired pyramid with warm terra cotta colors and splashes of turquoise. The landscape surrounding the pyramid is rich and thick. As you step inside, you will notice expressive, wood carved animals in bright, vibrant colors. These fantastically carved animals are from the Oaxacan culture, and are an important part of Mexican Folk Art. Many beautiful carvings are on display with details about their history and significance. Often, there is an artist working at a table surrounded by carved animals of all shapes and sizes. Further inside, you will enter the Plaza de los Amigos. I love the ambiance of the plaza. It is perpetually just past twilight, and twinkling lanterns suspended overhead glow softly upon a Mexican marketplace. Fountains trickle water, creating relaxing, peaceful background sounds. Carts and tiendas (shops) feature jewelry, glassware, leather goods, clothing, instruments, books, sombreros, and many authentic merchandise items for sale.

In the back of the Plaza de los Amigos, you can find the entrance to the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros. This charming boat ride is a cultural tour of Mexico with a fun twist created by the three caballeros: Donald, Ponchito, and José. Lovable Donald Duck is missing, so Ponchito, and José go in search of him and you are along for the ride. Unbeknownst to them, Donald is off enjoying the Mexican culture; trying on sombreros, snapping pictures, listening to a mariachi band, and taking an ocean swim. This ride is very kid friendly and there usually isn’t much of a wait, even during peak seasons.

If you’re hungry there is plenty of opportunity to grab a taste of Mexico.  San Angel Inn Restaurante, a Table Service restaurant, is located in the Plaza de Los Amigos set amongst a Mayan pyramid and smoking volcano.  A second Table Service restaurant, La Hacienda del San Angel, offers a flavorful menu and beautiful views of the World Showcase Lagoon. If you want to try a flight of tequila, La Cava del Tequila in the Plaza de Los Amigos offers a variety of tequila tasting options as well as Mexican beers, wines, and light snacks. If you’re looking for something quick and easy, try the Cantina de San Angel. There you’ll find treats such as margaritas, tacos, empanadas, nachos, and guacamole. ¡Ole!

We always have a good time having a margarita, trying on sombreros, and relaxing on the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros. Keep an eye out, if you’re lucky you may be able to see a live mariachi band or meet Donald Duck. Donald often appears in Mexico for meet and greets wearing a colorful sombrero and serape. It’s a great opportunity to snag an autograph and pose for a unique photo!

Until next time, ¡Hasta luego amigos!