For priority seating in the San Angel Inn call 407 939 3463
There are 11 countries in the World Showcase, Mexico is the 1st if you are going clockwise around the lagoon.
As you enter Mexico you cannot fail to be impressed by the Giant Pyramid that sits high on the skyline. It is modelled after an Aztec Temple of Quetzalcoatl (the god of life) at Teotihuacan. Quetzalcoatl is represented by the large serpent heads along the entrance stairs. Climb the steps and enter a gallery of artefacts from different periods of Mexican history, this then leads you into a dimly lit and very atmospheric Mexican market selling traditional silver jewellery, sombreros, blankets, ponchos, shawls, crafts, toys, leather bags and wallets and even tequila!
Behind the market is the San Angel Inn Restaurante, step into this Old Mexico style rancho, that is modelled on a hacienda that dates back to 1692. It serves traditional Mexican food such as Queso Fundido – melted cheese with chorizo and chiles with flour tortillas, Nachos, Mole Poblano - Grilled chicken breast served over a bed of chicken morsels, carrots, chayote chills, with the classic sauce of spices and a hint of chocolate Mahi-Mahi a la Veracruzana - Grilled fillet of mahi-mahi, prepared with capers, olives, Spanish onions and tomatoes, seasoned with white wine and spices, served with chipotle pepper mashed potatoes and wonderful margaritas!
There is also a boat ride, “ El Rio del Tiempo” - The River of Time - this very gentle ride is suitable for all ages and depicts the history of Mexico from the Mayans and Aztecs through to modern times. There are lots of dancing dolls and puppets – if you like “It’s a small World” at Magic Kingdom, you’ll love this.
Just before the entrance to this ride there is a large area for Mexico’s Kidcot station, where children can make a mask and also send a video postcard.
Located outside the pyramid is the Cantina de San Angel – this is counter service Mexican food with dishes such as Plato Combinacion - chicken taco, beef burrito and a quesadilla served with black refried beans and Mexican salsa. Wet Burrito - soft flour tortillas filled with beef, served with lettuce, tomato, black refried beans, sour cream and Adobo Sauce. Tacos al Carbon - flour tortillas filled with grilled chicken, onions and peppers, served with black refried beans and Mexican salsa – there is also a frozen Margarita bar.
To the right of the Pyramid is a semi circular path that is home to beautiful orchids and other tropical plants.
Even if you don’t plan on eating here it’s well worth a visit.