EPCOT has always been one of Disney’s most celebrated theme parks, blending innovation with cultural exploration.
While it was originally conceived by Walt Disney as a futuristic city to showcase new technologies, the park has transformed over time into a space that not only celebrates innovation but also brings the cultures of the world together. One of the standout features of EPCOT is the World Showcase, an area that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the food, architecture, and traditions of countries from around the globe.
A Walk Through Global Culture at EPCOT
The World Showcase features 11 national pavilions, each offering a taste of a different culture, with intricate replicas of the country’s architecture and authentic experiences. Visitors can travel from Mexico to Canada, exploring each pavilion’s unique offerings. The pavilions currently include Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, the United States, Japan, Morocco, France, the United Kingdom, and Canada. For example, guests can stroll through the Mexican pavilion, which features a traditional pyramid and a boat ride that explores Mexican culture, or wander through the Japanese pavilion with its serene gardens, koi ponds, and delicious Japanese cuisine.
EPCOT’s World Showcase makes Walt Disney’s dream of creating a space to appreciate diverse cultures come to life. Guests can savor international cuisine, enjoy cultural performances, and shop for authentic goods while getting a sense of what each country represents. It’s an experience that invites visitors to learn, enjoy, and connect with the world around them.
Club Cool: A Global Tasting Experience
Another beloved feature at EPCOT is Club Cool, a unique and interactive attraction where guests can sample sodas from around the world for free. Sponsored by Coca-Cola, Club Cool offers visitors the chance to try out drinks that are rarely seen in the U.S., and its offerings are constantly changing. Some of the most well-known beverages include Beverly, an Italian soda with a notoriously bitter taste, and Fanta Pineapple from the Philippines, a sweet and tropical treat. These drinks are an unexpected and fun addition to any EPCOT visit, providing a break from the usual theme park food and offering a quirky way to experience international flavors.
Club Cool is not just about the drinks, though—it’s an experience in itself. The offerings often include sodas from places like the Dominican Republic, Russia, Madagascar, and Korea, ensuring that guests get to sample beverages they might never encounter back home. It’s an extra layer of fun to EPCOT’s already immersive global adventure, and it keeps guests coming back to see what new flavors will appear next.
Related: Parents Let Child Pee Into Strangers’ Soda at Disney World
Missing Flavors: The Absence of Royal Wattamelon and Sour Plum Tea
However, visitors to Club Cool have recently noticed that some of their favorite beverages are no longer available. The Royal Wattamelon from the Philippines, a sparkling drink known for its sour watermelon flavor, has disappeared from the drink dispensers. This follows the earlier removal of Suan Mei Tang (Sour Plum Tea) from China, which was also taken off the menu. Now, all of the dispensers for these drinks are covered with black stickers that say “Please Try Another Flavor,” leaving guests to wonder if and when they’ll be back.
While Disney has yet to release any official explanation for why these drinks have been removed, it’s not the first time Club Cool has experienced changes to its drink offerings. In April 2023, the only beverage left in the machines was the infamous Beverly from Italy. While it’s unclear whether the missing sodas will return, visitors can still enjoy the remaining options, which include Beverly from Italy, Bon Bon Anglais from Madagascar, Viva Raspberry from Moldova, Country Club Merengue from the Dominican Republic, Sprite Cucumber from Russia, and Minute Maid Joy Apple Lychee from Korea.
New Changes and Merchandise Offerings
In addition to the drink changes, Club Cool underwent a makeover in 2021, moving to a new location next to the Creations Shop at EPCOT. The updated space offers guests an even more streamlined experience while continuing to serve its iconic beverages. Along with the drinks, Club Cool also offers a selection of Coca-Cola-branded merchandise, perfect for those looking to take home a souvenir from their international soda-tasting adventure.
The recent switch from paper tasting cups to clear plastic cups also marks a shift in the way the attraction operates. Although some of the flavors are temporarily unavailable, Club Cool remains a popular and unique experience at EPCOT, inviting guests to explore a variety of sodas from around the world while taking a break from the park’s other activities.
While EPCOT’s World Showcase continues to showcase the best of global culture, Club Cool is a lighthearted and refreshing way to explore different tastes while cooling off and enjoying the international flair that defines EPCOT. Even with some of the drinks missing, Club Cool remains a must-see stop for anyone visiting EPCOT, offering a fun, quirky addition to the park’s already incredible cultural journey.
