5. Passed out

I know, I know. You would never drink heavily enough at Walt Disney World, or anywhere else, to pass out. You’ve certainly never woken up in a gutter (well, that one time on Bourbon Street doesn’t count). But at some point during your drinking around the world game, you just felt an overwhelming compulsion to take in the American Adventure…and a cast member had to wake you up and tell you to leave when it was over. If you’re not the napping type, yet you suddenly had the irrepressible urge to close your eyes for a few minutes, it just might have been from the alcohol.

6. Had a protein spill

Granted, not everyone who drinks around the world ends up leaving an unfortunate mess behind. But it is more common than you would think. Central Florida has a well-earned reputation for unbearable heat and humidity, especially during the summer months. Alcohol is dehydrating, making it much more likely for drinkers to fall victim to heat exhaustion. All the elements are in place for losing your lunch, especially if you get a sudden surge of liquid courage and decide to take on the Orange side of Mission: Space.

Keeping Your Cool

Maybe you never tried drinking around the world, but you think it sounds like fun. Or perhaps you’ve experienced some or all of these horrible moments, but you want to try again. Maybe you only made it halfway around and you’re eager to finish the mission. Here are some things  that can help. But remember…only you know your alcohol tolerance and the condition of your liver. Providing these tips does *not* constitute assurance that you won’t succumb to alcohol poisoning along the way. Drink at your own risk.

- A full stomach

Don’t even think about drinking around the world on an empty stomach. Have a healthy, filling meal with plenty of protein, fat, and complex carbs before you begin. Heavy imbibing plus hunger is a recipe for disaster.

- Lots of water

As every frequent drinker knows, water can help you avoid a hangover. But when you are drinking a lot in the heat and humidity, water can also help you avoid some of the nastier public effects of your consumption. As a general rule, have a glass of water after every drink. If you feel thirsty, drink more water, not alcohol.

- Salty snacks

Salty snacks help replenish your electrolytes, which are depleted by both heavy drinking and sweating. Grab a bag of pretzels or some popcorn after every couple of drinks.

- Sharing drinks

There are 11 countries in the World Showcase (don’t even try to drink around the world during Food and Wine, when the number of options more than doubles), and 11 drinks is a lot for even the most seasoned drinker. Drinking is always more fun with a friend or two, so take turns choosing the drink and split them all. You won’t get nearly as wasted, and if you also take turns paying, you’ll save a great deal of money as well.

- Taking breaks

The World Showcase is open, on average, 10 hours per day (11am till 9pm). The body metabolizes, on average, one drink per hour. You’re not in the local dive bar, slamming back shots, you’re in one of the most highly themed places on Earth. Slow down, sip rather than guzzle, and take the time to look around. Plan to spend the entire day on your quest, and you might even discover some hidden gems.