Visitors to the Mexico Pavilion in Epcot at the Walt Disney World Resort have been enjoying the musical stylings of Mariachi Cobre for over 31 years!  Believe it or not the band's original founder still leads and plays with the group.


Randy Carrillo formed Mariachi Cobre in Tuscon, Arizona in January 1971, over 42 years ago!  In September of 1982 Randy brought his band to Disney World to become the house Mariachi band and perform regularly at the Mexico pavilion.  I doubt he expected the band to still be performing at Epcot 31 years later.  Although band members have changed over the years, Randy has remained involved.



If you look in the background of the pictures of the band performing you can see the posters that are displayed close up above.  The Disney Imagineers do a great job of creating supporting materials, so that the band becomes a part of the history of the buildings and the pavilion.  With Mariachi Cobre, the band really is part of the history of the Mexico pavilion at Epcot.

Don't miss your chance to be entertained by this incredible group of performers, playing traditional folk music from Jalisco, Mexico.

For many who enter Epcot's World Showcase, the Aztec Pyramid is the first landmark that they encounter.  What is not apparent at first glance is all that is contained within the pyramid.  Disney World Guests will find shopping, dining, a tequila bar, and a wonderful boat ride through the history of Mexico.

The design of the pyramid itself is actually influenced by a combination of 3rd century A.D. Meso-American styles.




Epcot Mexico Pavilion
For all that the pyramid offers from the outside it is nothing to compare with what you will find on the inside.  The Disney Imagineers have created a feeling of an outdoor marketplace housed within.  They have successfully combined three different influences on the Mexican culture: Mayan, Toltec, and Aztec in addition to the Spanish influences.





It is a wonderful experience walking through the inside of the pyramid.  By adding the element of night time to the setting it becomes even more special.  The atmosphere seems to be even more festive.

As you stroll the plaza there are numerous items available for sale that were made by Mexican craftsman from various regions of the country.



La Cava del Tequila
One of the newest additions to the pavilion is called La Cava del Tequila.  Inside you will find a very impressive Tequila bar featuring over 100 different tequilas served up by knowledgeable staff.  You can also order "tapas" type foods while you are sampling the tequilas or trying on one their many specialty Margaritas.  Here not only can you sample a wide variety of tequila, but you can also learn about the history and culture of tequila making.




The San Angel Inn
One of the most romantic settings for dining can be found at the San Angel Inn.  Located within the pavilion along the shore of the River of Time the atmosphere and view is wonderful.  Here you can dine on authentic Mexican cuisine in this beautiful setting.






Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
Lastly there is even an attraction to enjoy within the pyramid called the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros.  The attraction is a slow moving boat ride through scenes depicting Mexican history and culture.  Throughout the attraction you will find characters from the 1944 Disney animated film Three Caballeros starring Donald Duck.


The attraction combines traditional animation superimposed over live-action film clips shot in such stunning locales as Acapulco, Chichen Itza, Manzanillo and Mexico City.

There is also part of the attraction that will make you believe that you have been transported to it's a small world with the use of colorful dolls and scenery.


Experience Mexico
While on your Disney World Vacation make sure that you venture inside the impressive pyramid that dominates the skyline of the Mexico Pavilion in Epcot's World Showcase.  With all that it has to offer, this view of Mexico is certainly worth your time.  This also makes a wonderful way to beat the heat of the Florida sun and relax for a while.

One Disney World Restaurant with great ambiance for couples is the San Angel Inn located in Mexico Pavilion in Epcot.

San Angel Inn provides authentic Mexican Cuisine in a romantic setting.  Although it is perfectly acceptable for families to eat here, the low lighting levels lend themselves well to special dinners for couples.

Housed within a giant Aztec Pyramid, the San Angel Inn resides in a perpetual state of night.  The inside of the pyramid is set up to look like a Mexican marketplace under the lights in the evening.  You can see what the marketplace looks like in the picture below.  The flash from the camera makes it look brighter than it actually is.  The lower lighting levels only causes a problem for taking good pictures.  Otherwise it really adds to the festive ambiance.

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  Camerones Al Guajillo - Crispy shrimp with gaurjillo sauce served over potato relish.
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  Pollo A Las Rajas - Grilled chicken breast on a bed of poblano rice, served with a cream sauce of red peppers, onion strips and queso fresco. $24
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  Sirloin Con Chile Relleno - Grilled beef sirloin with chile ancho sauce served with a beans annd cheese stuffed pepper, poblano rive and fried plantains
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  Mole Poblano - Grilled Chicken Breast served over a bed of poblano rice with a classic mole sauce made of spices and a hint of chocolate, sprinkled with mixed nuts.

As impressive as the outer structure appears, it is the interior of the pyramid that really captures your attention and transports you to the culture and feel of Mexico.

Upon entering the pyramid you will encounter displays of artifacts in the Mexican Folk Art Gallery and the colorful woodcarvings called “Animales Fantasicos” that represent the work of Oaxacan craftsman.

Continuing on you discover a colonial plaza that is eternally in a state of twilight. This bustling plaza showcases Mexican goods, shops, and dining.


Find the perfect souvenir amongst the various Mexican items that are available in the marketplace or just browse around to take in the atmosphere.


The San Angel Inn, which sits along the River of Time within the Mexico Pavilion provides one of the best settings for a Table Service Restaurant at Disney World. The outdoor dining feel at night time fits the mood and transports you to Mexico as you enjoy the authentic cuisine.

The recent addition of the nearby La Cava del Tequila allows one to celebrate and experience the tradition and heritage of Mexican tequila making. Here you can choose from over 70 different authentic tequilas and learn more about this uniquely Mexican liquor in the process, from the resident “Tequila Ambassador.”



The Mexico Pavilion is one of only two World Showcase countries that houses a true ride based attraction. The Gran Fiesta Starring The Three Caballeros is a leisurely boat ride that combines scenes from the history and culture of Mexico with the playful nature of Donald Duck and his mis-adventures with The Three Caballeros en route to a performance.


The Spirit of Mexico is captured in the pavilion through the artwork, the food, the shops, and the history that is shared on the boat ride. One of the best ways to learn more is to engage the Cast Members found in the pavilion. They are natives of Mexico and  love to be able to answer questions and share with guests.

This is especially true at the Kidcot station, where Cast Members are happy to answer your children’s questions about life in Mexico and how it may be different from what they are used to. Take advantage of the opportunity to learn a little more about the rich heritage of our southern neighbor.