You have most likely heard by now of the “Hidden Mickey’s” located through Disney parks and merchandise; well, prepare to meet “hidden magic”, the parts of Disney you just might have glanced over on your previous trips. Each of the four parks in Walt Disney World have their key attractions that, well, attract people. You can almost guarantee a line at such places like Space Mountain, Kilimanjaro Safari, Twilight Zone’s Tower of Terror or Test Track. With each park holding so many various rides, shows and eateries you are bound to have missed something during your trips around “the World”. Here is just one of those hidden pieces of magic you might have missed.
We’ll begin with EPCOT. This first attraction I present you with is not even shown on the current EPCOT map, but it has been a staple in Future World for years. Coca-Cola’s Club Cool (formerly known as Ice Station Cool), is the perfect place to go for a free refreshment. In this area you have the ability to create your own, personalized souvenir bottle or build a cup, but its main attraction in the taste test Coke dispensaries.
Take your taste buds on a trip around the world as you try some samplings of different Coke products sold in different countries. You are provided with small cups with which to try the different flavors, and each tab shows its country of origin and a little blurb about the soda you are trying. There are no characters or dining options here, but it is a great place for a free cool down, and kids always have a great time trying the different beverages.
My favorites were China and Japan’s sodas; and as anyone who has been here will warn you, “Beware the Beverly!” Should you be brave enough to give the Beverly a go, keep this important tip in mind! Save the Beverly for your last drink and pick your favorite soda of the ones you tried as a chaser. You then should prepare that soda to drink straight after the Beverly as to wash down the taste! Also, be sure to have a camera ready to video or to take pictures of whoever is trying the Beverly at the moment. It is a moment you will definitely want documented for laughs later.
Here is the detailed list of what you have to look forward to trying once you arrive!
Smart Watermelon – China
The Chinese name for watermelon, his-kua [pronounced she-gua] means melon from the west, which introduced it to China nearly 1200 years ago. Today, the Chinese population produce 40% of the world’s watermelon crop and consume millions of watermelons each summer.
Kinley Lemon – Israel
Invading Mongols were probably the first to introduce lemonade to the Middle East. Historical records from the 12th century reveal that a drink made of lemons, water and honey was popular among Genghis Khan’s thirsty warriors.
Lychee Mello – Thailand
This unique beverage is very popular in its home country of Thailand. It contains the essence of lychee, a very sweet and juicy grape-like fruit.
Vegitabeta – Japan
The Japanese have long recognized the importance of beverages for both nutrition and heath benefits. In modern Japan, this interest in healthy consumption finds its ultimate expression in “health” vending machines that dispense vitamin drinks like Vegitabeta.
Fanta Kolita – Costa Rica
The sweet quality of this fruity flavor from Costa Rica makes it very popular with children of all ages.
Mezzo Mix – Germany
The best known German beverage is beer. Germans often mix their beer with other beverages to weaken the alcohol content and enhance the flavor. Mixing flavors has also become popular in non-alcoholic beverages like Mezzo Mix.
Beverly – Italy
Drinking an aperitif before dinner to stimulate the appetite is a traditional part of Italian refreshment culture. Beverly, with its bitter flavor, is a popular non-alcoholic aperitif.
Krest Ginger Ale – Mozambique
Ginger has long been used as a medicinal herb throughout Africa so it is not surprising that ginger ale is a popular drink in Mozambique. It is also popular in shebeens, informal bars where it is used as a mixer.
So just to recap, hardly any lines (no one knows about it!), free refreshments in Orlando Florida, plus the opportunity to taste some crazy drinks from places most of us only dream of going to; what are you waiting for? Just walk a little past Innovations West at EPCOT, and you will see it nestled into the back. If you have trouble finding it, just simply ask a Cast Member! And send us your picture trying the Beverly! We enjoy a good laugh as well!
