China is a surprisingly great choice on any “Drink Around the World Showcase” (DAWS) excursion. Not only can you find unique and delicious drinks, but you can also enjoy some authentic meals and snacks. If you’re keeping score, you’ll be able to quickly rack up DAWS points in this pavilion. If your DAWS experience is being done geographically through the World Showcase, you’ll find it a welcome spot after visiting the Norway pavilion which somewhat lacks in food and beverage choices. Don’t forget to read up on Mexico too.
The best choice for both drinks and snacks is the Joy of Tea. Surprisingly, it carries not just tea but also a variety of specialty drinks. Non-alcoholic beverages are as plentiful as the alcoholic ones, so if you need to take a drink break, check out the iced tea slushes. They are excellent on a hot summer day and with snacks. Try the mango green tea slush ($4.65) for something different. Speaking of different, Joy of Tea offers some really unique and interesting alcoholic beverages. If your DAWS excursion is strictly beer, you can check out the Tsing Tao beer ($6.25). Wine drinkers will enjoy the subtle sweetness of the plum wine ($4.99) but will be disappointed in small portion size. The real stars of this pavilion are the mixed drinks. Joy of Tea serves up several cold mixed drinks including: Canto Loopy (with vodka and cantaloupe juice), Peach Snap! (with schnapps), a frozen Green Tea with Plum Wine Slush, and the Mango Gingerita (with vodka and rum). Prices are $7.50 for each of these beverages. The Mango Gingerita packs a strong ginger punch. In fact, when I ordered mine, the cast member asked me if I was OK with strong ginger flavor. She was not kidding! It’s a really unique and different kind of drink though, and certainly well worth trying. In terms of the alcohol to drink ratio, these are quite weak. In fact, it’s difficult to detect in most of the drinks.
Perhaps the best value for an alcoholic beverage in the World Showcase is served at Joy of Tea. It’s the Tipsy Ducks in Love ($8.50). If you are a Starbucks Frappuccino fan, you will love this drink. It’s a frozen concoction of cold tea and coffee blended with Bourbon whiskey and chocolate. And yes, it packs a punch! Cast members are not shy with the Bourbon, so those who are not whiskey fans should look for another drink or try the non-alcoholic version for $5.50.
Snacks are plentiful at Joy of Tea and include Chinese BBQ Pork Buns, Curry Chicken Pockets, and pork and vegetable egg rolls. All are on the Disney Dining Plan as a snack credit. Looking for a large variety of snacks to share with a group or enjoy as a meal? Try the Lucky Combo ($9.98). It comes with all three snack options, as well as a drink and ice cream. That’s a lucky bargain, indeed.
If you’re looking for something more substantial head over to the Lotus Blossom Cafe for lunch or dinner. Lotus Blossom is the pavilion’s quick service location and serves up some tasty Chinese fare. There you can enjoy potstickers and egg rolls for an appetizer. For entree options, be sure to try the Orange Chicken with Steamed Rice and Hong Kong Style Chicken Curry over Rice both $8.49. If you’re interested in beers, Lotus Blossom also has Yuengling Traditional Draft Beer ($5.50) to add to your DAWS list.
For a table service location, visit Nine Dragons for both lunch and dinner. It makes for a great dinner location for groups and for families. It’s a particularly quite location and is often available to dine at, even when other World Showcase restaurants are booked for the evening. The food varies from Cantonese, Mongolian, Szechuan to Hunan style specialties. For the best value, order the Nine Dragons Family Dinner Set where guests choose one soup, one entree, and one dessert.
If you’re looking for more specialty drinks, this is an excellent location. Nine Dragons offers a wealth of them. Try the Shangri-La Blend frozen daiquiri ($7.50) which is a mix of strawberry, mango and rum. Other winners include the Jade Beauty (Vodka, Honeydew Melon Liqueur, Pineapple Juice, Lemon-Lime Soda) and Shanghai Fusion (Light Rum, Cherry Brandy, Plum Wine, Grapefruit and Pineapple Juices). All of the specialty drinks will set you back a reasonable $7.98. The restaurant also carries beer and a variety wines (none particularly authentic). For a nice evening break, stop in for appetizers and cocktails. And don’t forget; if you’re a Tables in Wonderland cardholder, you can get 20% of both food and drink (including alcoholic beverages) at this table service location, making it a good value.
Overall, you’ll find a terrific variety at the China Pavilion—whether you’re embarking on a day long DAWS excursion or a small stop on your Epcot touring day. With all of the drink and food options, you’ll think you’re in Shangri-la!
When Sarah isn’t sharing planning tips about the Walt Disney World Resort, you can find her at the Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW where she writes dining reviews and shares tips and tricks about dining at Disney with a special diet.
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Glad you enjoyed the article! The drink definitely won’t have much of a tea taste to it 🙂
I hate tea, but i may actually try the tipsy duck drink! Thanks for the info!