I’ve been going to Disney World pretty much since I could walk, and that means I’ve got a good grip on what my “must-dos” are in every park.

And, although both Disney World and myself have changed here and there over the years, there are typically some things I always have to do no matter what. Ask me again in another 10 years and I’m sure my answers will change — but as someone who has been going to Disney World for 30 years, this is my ultimate ritual at EPCOT.

I’ve been lucky enough to visit Disney World pretty frequently over my lifetime and there are just some rituals I can’t escape (not that I’ve ever truly tried). While some didn’t become rituals until I was legally allowed to partake in them, I can’t stop myself from doing these things pretty much every time I’m in the best Disney World park. Yep, I said it.

Ride Spaceship Earth

I know, I know — how could someone who goes to Disney World so often fall victim to the trap that is Spaceship Earth? The line for this ride can sometimes get a little chaotic since it’s the first one you come across when entering from the front of the park. People see a ride and get in line, and in this case. It’s me. I’m “people.”

BUT Spaceship Earth is a classic and no matter how much it creaks and sounds like it’s going to break down at any moment, I still love it. There is a caveat here, though, I’m not waiting in the line if it’s more than, say, 20 minutes. I’ve got another important ritual that often takes precedence over Dame Judy Dench (just kidding Judy, you’re an icon!) and if you’ve learned anything about me since you started reading this, you can probably see where this is going.

Get a Margarita from Mexico

The age-old adage states that Mexico is the best World Showcase pavilion to start out in, and who am I to upset the ancestors? I shall honor them by beelining toward the nearest margarita. Depending on crowd levels, the temperature, and my general disposition on any particular day, I’ll either stop by Choza de Margarita or the Holy Grail of tequila bars, La Cava del Tequila.

Choza is a great option if you’re looking for a frozen margarita, but they’ve got some solid options on the rocks as well. I love the El Diablo, which is made with Lalo blanco tequila, Dos Hombres mezcal, fresh lime juice, agave, cucumber-jalapeño juice, and a hibiscus salt rim. The line can get pretty long here, though, and it’s mostly out in the sun.

La Cava del Tequila can also draw quite a long line since it’s such a popular spot, but more often than not that line is inside the Mexico pyramid, in the air conditioning. There are quite a few different margaritas and tequila-based drinks here, but my favorite is La Paloma made with Lalo blanco tequila, Fever Tree grapefruit soda, fresh lime, Dos Hombres mezcal and a Tajín chile-lime powder rim. While not technically a margarita, it’s incredibly refreshing without being overly sweet!

You can also get a few different margaritas at La Cantina de San Angel, but they’re pretty basic. They’ll still do in a pinch, though!

Stroll Around World Showcase

Now that I’ve taken care of an incredibly important task, my next move is to stroll around World Showcase and see where the wind blows me. EPCOT is all about vibes in my opinion, so I’ll generally stroll into a pavilion or two depending on what I’m feeling. Maybe I want to grab some lefse from the Norway Pavilion or grab a pretzel from Germany — the World Showcase is my oyster and I would be a fool to pass up a good opportunity when I see it.

The Fez House in the Morocco Pavilion — along with the little bazaar area in the back — are also some top choices to sit and chill for a bit. They’re often quiet places to relax and can provide some shade on a hot day, too. Don’t sleep on the sangria for two at the little bar back there, either! But, no matter what sort of vibes I’m feeling at EPCOT on any given day, there are two pit stops I’ll always make part of my ritual.

Pit Stop at House of Good Fortune

Tucked away in the back of the China Pavilion is the House of Good Fortune. This not-so-little shop is home to some of the coolest souvenirs and merchandise in all of EPCOT. Looking for a bamboo hat? They’ve got it. Want an expanding fan to cool yourself off with? They’ve got that. Oh, you wanted to come home from Disney World with a real Chinese sword or even some expensive jade dragons? You can do that, too — thanks to the House of Good Fortune.

I could seriously spend hours in here just looking through all the different items. You can find Chinese candy, snacks, tea, clothing, and so much more. Plus, it’s air-conditioned!

Pit Stop at Mitsukoshi

Over in the Japan Pavilion, you’ll find a somewhat similar shop called Mitsukoshi, which is a Japanese department store. Like House of Good Fortune, Mitsukoshi is a haven for all sorts of goodies like katanas (not signed by Randy Jackson, unfortunately) and kimonos (yes, even ones for your dog). There’s lots of Sanrio and Studio Ghibli merchandise, along with plenty of Nintendo items, too. This is also where you’ll find a pick-a-pearl experience that can be fun for kiddos.

In the back of Mitsukoshi, there are plenty of snacks, candy, matcha, mochi, sake, and more — along with quite the selection of Japanese tea sets and chopsticks. You’ll also find a section dedicated to Japanese incense, including a scent that reminds me of Pirates of the Caribbean. It’s called Aqua by Nippon Kodo and comes in a blue box!

A Ride on the Greatest EPCOT Attraction (This is a straight-up fact because this is my ritual and I make the rules here!!!)

Living with the Land is, without a question, the greatest EPCOT attraction. You may disagree, but you’d be wrong (just kidding, but we all know I’m right). No matter what sort of EPCOT day I end up having, I always make time for Living with the Land. This relaxing boat ride through the Land Pavilion greenhouses is not only serene but as a self-proclaimed plant lady it just strikes a special chord with me. Plus, you can’t deny that the pan flute solo is a certified banger.

If you love Living with the Land like I do, consider booking the Behind the Seeds tour that takes you behind the scenes of this ride. It’s actually one of the more affordable Disney backstage tours!

In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest updates, tips, tricks, and more Disney World news you need to know!

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Do you have a ritual you always do when you’re in Disney World? Tell us in the comments.