There’s Always a Random Crowd of Adults Around the EPCOT Exit. Here’s Why.

Welcome to EPCOT, where Every Person Comes Out Tired –that’s the official acronym, right? Well, we can tell you that EPCOT definitely does NOT stand for Every Person Comes Out Thirsty; between the seasonal foodie festivals (that serve tons of specialty drinks) and the free soda you can drink at Club Cool, you’ve got plenty of beverage options.

While many love strolling through the World Showcase with a nice, cold drink in hand, there’s one important rule stopping people from drinking outside the World Showcase.

Have you ever noticed a crowd of adults standing around by the EPCOT International Gateway park exit? Is there some kind of secret club that meets by the park exit? Do they know something we don’t know?

EPCOT is somewhat famously known as the place to “drink around the world.” Guests who are brave enough to take on the task of drinking around the world begin by picking a country in the World Showcase (Mexico is the correct place to start, by the way) and ordering a drink. Then, they make their way around the World Showcase, and, well, you know the drill — they drink!

Now, say you make it all the way around the World Showcase, and you’re ready to head back to your hotel. Maybe you take the exit by the International Gateway (over by the Skyliner). Well, don’t expect to take any open drinks out the door; you can’t leave the park with your drink! In fact, guests aren’t allowed through the tapstiles, on Disney transportation, or the parking lot if they have an open container.

This is how the infamous “chug at the gate” phenomenon was born. We’ve seen guests try to leave EPCOT with a drink in hand, only to be stopped right before they exit. (Why do you think there’s a Cast Member standing by the exit, huh?) Instead of tossing those precious — and pricey — drinks, guests often down their glasses in a few quick sips before leaving the park.

If you’re wondering, the same rule applies in all four parks — it’s just more common in EPCOT thanks to all those drinks in the World Showcase.

While we’re on the subject, this rule applies to a few other places, too. Disney does not allow open beverages at indoor character meet-and-greets (like the Anna and Elsa meet-and-greet in EPCOT) or indoor attractions.

So, next time you find yourself strolling through Disney World with a drink in hand, make sure it’s finished before you try to leave the park! Otherwise, you might find yourself in the gate-chugger club by the exit. In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more.

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Have you ever been stopped at the exit? Let us know in the comments!