Discover Disney’s EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival: Topiaries, Kitchens, and Attractions
If you’re planning a visit to Walt Disney World this spring, there’s one event you won’t want to miss: the EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival. From March 1st through July 5th, EPCOT is transformed into a stunning showcase of colorful blooms, fragrant flowers, and impressive topiary sculptures featuring some of your favorite Disney characters.
One of the most exciting aspects of the festival is the upcoming release of the outdoor kitchens, which are sure to tantalize your taste buds with their creative culinary creations.
Topiary Displays, Exhibits, and Gardens
One of the most captivating aspects of the EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival is the stunning topiary displays. These impressive sculptures feature some of your favorite Disney characters, including Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Pluto, and many more. These topiaries are spread throughout the park, so you’re sure to come across them as you explore.
But the topiaries aren’t the only highlight of the festival. There are also many exhibits and gardens to enjoy. From the Goodness Garden Butterfly House to the English Tea Garden, the exhibits provide insight into the world of gardening and showcase some truly impressive floral arrangements.
Overall, the topiaries, exhibits, and gardens are a major draw for visitors to the festival and are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Ready to Plan a Vacation?
Outdoor Kitchens
If you’re a foodie, you won’t want to miss the Outdoor Kitchens at the EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival. These kiosks feature a wide variety of small plates and beverages inspired by spring flavors and fresh ingredients.
Some of the must-try dishes include the shrimp and grits at the Florida Fresh booth, the lobster mac and cheese at the Northern Bloom booth, and the beef brisket burnt ends and smoked pork belly slider at The Smokehouse booth. For dessert, be sure to stop by the Honey Bee-Stro booth for the lavender honey mustard-marinated chicken flatbread or the honey tandoori chicken flatbread.
And let’s not forget about the drinks! The festival features a wide variety of unique cocktails, craft beers, and wines. Be sure to try the Watermelon Cucumber Slushy at the Florida Fresh booth, the Maple Popcorn Shake at The Smokehouse booth, and the Tropical Freeze at the Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company booth.
With so many delicious options to choose from, the Outdoor Kitchens are a food lover’s paradise. Be sure to come hungry and ready to indulge in some of the best flavors of the season.
Extra cost for the EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival?
One of the most common questions people have about the Food and Wine Festival is whether there’s an extra cost to participate. The answer is yes and no. While admission to EPCOT is required, there’s no additional cost to visit the festival itself. However, if you want to sample food and drink from the various booths around the World Showcase, you’ll need to purchase items individually.
If you’re planning to do some “drinking around the world” at EPCOT, it’s important to budget accordingly. Prices can vary depending on what you order, but as a general rule, you can expect to pay between $8 and $15 for a single serving of beer or wine, and between $10 and $15 for a mixed drink or specialty cocktail.
As for tipping, it’s always appreciated but not always expected at EPCOT. If you’re dining at a table-service restaurant like Akershus Royal Banquet Hall or Biergarten Restaurant, a gratuity of 18-20% is generally appropriate. However, if you’re just grabbing a snack or a drink from a counter-service location like Joy of Tea or Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe, tipping is optional.
Is the EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival Worth It?
If you’re debating whether to attend the EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival, let’s take a moment to analyze whether it’s worth it.
Pros:
- Beautiful Scenery: The topiaries, exhibits, and gardens are simply stunning. You’ll see Disney characters come to life in the form of foliage and blooms, making for a magical experience.
- Outdoor Kitchens: The food and drink offerings at the festival are not to be missed. From small plates to craft cocktails, there’s something for everyone.
- Additional Entertainment: In addition to the regular EPCOT attractions, the festival offers live entertainment, special exhibits, and interactive experiences that can only be found during the festival.
Cons:
- Crowds: The festival draws a lot of visitors, so be prepared for long lines and crowds at popular exhibits and kitchens.
- Cost: The festival is included with park admission, but you’ll need to budget for food and drink purchases. As mentioned earlier, prices can add up quickly, so plan accordingly.
Overall, the EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival is a must-see event for Disney fans and garden enthusiasts alike. The stunning scenery, delicious food and drink offerings, and additional entertainment make it a unique and worthwhile experience. Just be prepared for crowds and budget accordingly.
Do You Need a Full Day at EPCOT?
If you’re planning to attend the EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival, you may be wondering whether you need a full day to experience everything the park has to offer. The answer depends on your priorities and how much you want to see and do.
If you’re a serious foodie or a lover of all things horticultural, you could easily spend an entire day exploring the festival offerings alone. However, if you’re more interested in the park’s attractions and rides, you may be able to hit your must-see spots in a half-day or less.
To make the most of your time at EPCOT, it’s important to prioritize and plan ahead. Consider making a list of your must-see attractions and experiences, and try to map out a rough itinerary for the day. Don’t forget to factor in time for meals, bathroom breaks, and rest periods, especially if you’re visiting during the hotter months.
Ready to Plan a Vacation?
Conclusion
The EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival is a must-visit event for any Disney fan. With stunning topiary displays, beautiful exhibits and gardens, delicious food and drinks, and exciting attractions and entertainment, this festival truly has something for everyone.
Although the festival can be crowded and there may be extra costs involved, the experience is well worth it. Visitors can immerse themselves in the magic of Disney while enjoying the beauty of nature and the delicious tastes of different cuisines from around the world.
Don’t forget to plan ahead and make the most of your visit by checking out the festival dates and details, exploring the different attractions and restaurants, and indulging in some of the must-try dishes and drinks at the Outdoor Kitchens.
Whether you’re a long-time Disney fan or a first-time visitor, the EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival is an unforgettable experience that is sure to create lasting memories.
