Once upon a time there was virtually no alcohol served in the parks. Then as options for consuming alcohol began to creep into table service restaurants, it became obvious to Disney that this was an untapped (forgive the pun) source of revenue. There is huge profits to be made selling beer, wine, mixed drinks, and hard liquor. As more and more locations made alcohol available, more and more park visitors availed themselves to the more readily available drinks. It all started small and was eased into the mainstream park culture. Easily accepted as alcohol was increasingly phased in.
Responsible drinkers hailed alcohol in the parks, while many other were indifferent... Nothing seemed to present any negative effects.
As negative drinking issues increased, the problems became much more noticeable.
The ultimate promotion for alcohol... The Epcot Food & Wine festival.
Promotions included "Drinking yourself around the world" (world showcase). Endless choices for beer, wine, mixed drinks, and hard liquor were at every turn as you walked around world showcase. More than 30 plus locations. So it was easy to enjoy whatever you wanted, and as much a you wanted. And while most people drinked responsibility there were those that over indulged... others drank too much, ranging from being mildly annoying to out right drunk. Not fall down drunk, although I'm sure this happened sometimes, but openly rude and obnoxious, freely using foul language and making a nuisance of themselves to all the other guests. That's what drinks do.
Not withstanding, Disney has a training program for serving alcoholic beverages, this is easily circumvented. One person taking their order/ money, and another giving out the drinks... all in a hurried up effort to keep the long line moving quickly. Not very conducive to monitoring the demeanor of the guest or how much people are drinking. Add to this the fact that the guests move on to multiple locations as they drink themselves around the world, this virtually negates any attempts to monitor them. Plus, many times drinks are purchased by one person that seems okay, and then are given to those that have already had too much to drink. Disneys response to appease guests that were offended by the drunks and their behavior, Disney Instituted a maximum two drinks per guest per visit to any kiosk. Given that there were 30 plus different places to buy more alcohol... a 2 drink limit did nothing to solve the issues. But there was the illusion that Disney was doing something... But that was simply it... an illusion... For nothing controlled those wanting to over indulge in getting drunk. The Food and Wine Festival was commonly referred to as the beer and wine drunk Fest.
Not withstanding, Disney has a training program for serving alcoholic beverages, this is easily circumvented. One person taking their order/ money, and another giving out the drinks... all in a hurried up effort to keep the long line moving quickly. Not very conducive to monitoring the demeanor of the guest or how much people are drinking. Add to this the fact that the guests move on to multiple locations as they drink themselves around the world, this virtually negates any attempts to monitor them. Plus, many times drinks are purchased by one person that seems okay, and then are given to those that have already had too much to drink. Disneys response to appease guests that were offended by the drunks and their behavior, Disney Instituted a maximum two drinks per guest per visit to any kiosk. Given that there were 30 plus different places to buy more alcohol... a 2 drink limit did nothing to solve the issues. But there was the illusion that Disney was doing something... But that was simply it... an illusion... For nothing controlled those wanting to over indulge in getting drunk. The Food and Wine Festival was commonly referred to as the beer and wine drunk Fest.
The Promotion...
Being cast members were had the opportunity to go into the parks and Epcot as much as we wanted, and enjoyed Epcot at night countless times. Epcot is beautiful at night.
But the Food & Wine Festival, while enjoyable to many, became a drunk fest on Friday & Saturday evenings. So we personally witnessed those guests that got drunk, were obnoxious, rude, and would freely use foul language. I truly believe Disney turn a blind eye to the negative impact of those that had too much to drink. Disney security which should have increased was generally no where to be found. Area managers were just as scarce. So basically there was no monitoring or control over drinks until they became so offensive that security finally had to do something about them. Walking around world showcase we would see no less than 10-15 people/groups that clearly should have been cut off from alcohol several drinks ago... But we're not. Not a very friendly family atmosphere. But, alcohol is big bucks. So it was easy for Disney to mostly turn a blind eye to all that was going on until it was completely out of hand. Guests relations was flooded with complaints frequently about the drinking/ drunks throughout world showcase. Apologies was the remedy, but did nothing to resolve the issue. And so it continued. We avoided Epcot on Friday & Saturdays during any festivals. When we finally find an area manager... They did not address the problem, but said they would advise security. Unstandable... but they should have monitored the incident waiting for security... But they did not. As we watched and waited.. security never showed up. Giving the drunks, 6 in their group, continued drunken behavior. Again ... Sad.
The local newspapers reported the problem, but articles all faded away quickly... Unlike problem with the drunks.
Responsible drinking guests relish alcohol in the parks. Those that are offended and appalled by the drunks want things to change. In reality, there could be no positive changes... because there is no effective monitoring... and probably never will be... even if Disney makes an effort.
And while my personal experience is perhaps a bit dated... It seems that Epcot drinking, and over drinking, still remains a problem.
Sad to say... Alcohol is big business. And it's not only, NOT GOING AWAY... but getting all the more integrated into the parks.
But that's just my perspective.
