Mexico’s Cantina Update; new waterfront restaurant under construction
In a follow up to our January 6 posting regarding the possible changes coming to the Cantina at Epcot’s Mexico pavilion, we can now report that early last week the entire area encompassing the outdoor counter service restaurant, and all of the seating surrounding it, has been closed and walled-off.
It has created quite the bottleneck in that part of the World Showcase promenade, but this work has only just begun so it may be something guests will need to expect to encounter for some time to come. In the mean time, you can find a few quick-service options just a few feet away on the other side of the promenade. The same building used for the Food and Wine Festival is now open on a regular basis, I would imagine until the new restaurant opens.
Now this morning we have a report in the Orlando Business Journal that this project is definitely going to be more than just a fresh coat of paint, and perhaps something really exciting…
Cantina de San Angel, a quick-service eatery outside the Mexico pavilion at Epcot, began demolition work this week to prepare for a new 400-seat, waterside restaurant that includes both table service and quick-service options.
Lake Buena Vista-based San Angel Inn LLC, Walt Disney World’s partner on the Epcot pavilion, is razing the existing 3,500-square-foot, 288-seat restaurant and will build a new 12,000-square-foot one set to open by this fall. The project value was not released.
Besides creating a much larger restaurant, it is hard not to be intrigued by the idea of a “waterside restaurant that includes both table service and quick-service options”. It does appear as though the Mexico pavilion is currently the one most aggressively raising its profile. The new tequila bar, La Cava del Tequila, is a terrific addition to the pavilion. But adding an outdoor, waterfront eatery may quickly turn Mexico into a World Showcase gem.
My hope is that the Imagineers responsible for the project recognize that this could be a perfect place to eat and watch Illuminations from. If they make sure the sightlines are good, this would immediately become one of Epcot’s most popular spots. Hats off to the Mexican Pavilion for all they have done to make this a better experience for guests. Let’s hope other pavilions follow suit.






