I’m BACK and its great to be back! After 2 long and cold years in Michigan, my family made the journey back to Central Florida. While living in Michigan put us near family and friends, our love for Florida and all things Disney makes this the perfect place to put down roots. Speaking of roots…spring has sprung here at Walt Disney World and what a beautiful sight it is! Nowhere is it more so than at the 23rd annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. This festival – extended this year to a full 90 days – reminds us of why we adore this breathtaking season and spring time in Florida.
The festival is not only a visual wonder, it is jam-packed with educational presentations, free concerts and gardening exhibits. Learn new techniques to grow herbs and vegetables, how to construct backyard habitats, take in the vibrant fragrance of flowers and spend the day sampling a variety of delicious seasonal food offerings. One of my favorite parts of the festival are the beautiful topiaries scattered throughout the parks landscape. From classic characters to some of our new favorites, the attention to detail is amazing. See princesses from far off lands and colorful characters from the big screen, brought to life by the amazing Imagineers at Disney. The photo ops are endless and a highlight for kids. And to celebrate the National Parks Service centennial anniversary, there is a special Ranger Mickey topiary.
A big highlight for kids this year is the interactive, musical themed playground, Harmony Gardens. Mickey Mouse is there, serving as leader of the band, surrounded by his “Fab Five” pals. The play area includes shaded areas for parents to relax and climbing structures for kids to burn off their energy. Another play area, located near Test Track, is Cactus Road Rally Garden Radiator Springs interactive play zone. Here kids can also check out topiaries of Lightning McQueen and Mater amidst a garden of unique and delightful cacti.
For my family, the Butterflies on the Go exhibit is a must do. Learn about the lifecycle of butterflies, walk the pathway surrounded by beautiful flowers, rock gardens and waterfalls. All while surrounded by free flying butterflies. My mom and I spent opening day at the festival with my boys and most of our time was spent here. And we cannot wait to go back and see all the changes happening with nature.
If you are hungry for more, check out the outdoor kitchens offered during this years festival. From Pear Cider-brined Shredded Corned Beef in the United Kingdom to Beijing-style Candied Strawberries in China, the offerings are fun and flavorful. Don’t forget to try my favorite, the pineapple soft serve at the Pineapple Promenade, served with our without the rum!
The festival will be hosting Fun Fresh Weekends, starting in April. This special dates offer something for everyone to enjoy.
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Art in the Garden Weekend: April 1 to 3, 2016
View nature through the eyes of “Plein Air” artists and appreciate one-of-a-kind Disney works of art on display within the World Showcase from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
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New! Outdoor Family Fun Weekend: April 8 to 10, 2016
Reap the benefits of sharing quality time together at select Festival gardens. As a bonus, animal specialists from Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be presenting an exhibit on how bugs play an important role in helping a garden thrive. Check it out at the Festival Center from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
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Earth Day Weekend: April 22 to 24, 2016
Celebrate the place we call home, where you can enjoy interactive activities, discoveries and more! Plus learn about the efforts to protect coral reefs and other marine life at The Seas with Nemo & Friends®―a special tribute to the amazing creatures that dwell in our vast oceans.
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Florida Fresh Weekend: April 29 to May 1, 2016
Explore the bounty of the Sunshine State from Apalachicola to Zellwood at this Festival Center-based event.
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Florida Federation of Garden Clubs: May 6 to 8, 2016
Marvel at amazing flora designs that defy description inside the Festival Center from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
No matter when you decide to visit the festival, there is always something colorful to see and do. Make sure to pick up your festival guidebook upon entering the park. Here you will find an outline of all the activities, topiaries and food offerings.
From my family to yours, enjoy spring at EPCOT!
Hope to see you there!
Love your review of the Flower and Garden Festival. We actually went this year in May for the first time ever and it was a refreshing treat! I had been to Food and Wine Festival before and I really enjoyed all the displays, vendors and beautiful flowers!