Why you shouldn’t miss EPCOT’S International Flower and Garden Festival
EPCOT is famous for its festivals. It seems that the park has managed to fill an entire calendar with some sort of reason to eat and drink, and spring is no exception. EPCOT’s International Flower and Garden Festival comes along during a time of the year when most of us have been cooped up all winter and are now ready to get outside and enjoy some sunshine. To help you plan your EPCOT trip, here are some things you don’t want to miss.
The International Flower and Garden Festival is a paired down version of the Food and Wine Festival held each fall at EPCOT. Even though there are plenty of tasty treats to consume, the focus shifts to the spectacular flowers, gardens and Garden Rocks Concert Series that is unique to the park only during this festival.
Flowers & Gardens
Topiaries
Any lifelong Disney Park lover will remember the Disney topiaries. They are a staple of any Disney park and have long been used to enhance the overall park experience. Now, these topiaries steal the show at EPCOT’s Flower and Garden festival. Beloved Disney characters, both past, and present are on display all throughout the park. These topiaries are perfectly manicured down to the finest detail by Disney gardeners. Each one is truly a work of art. Can you find your favorite?
Gardens
I can’t think of a better word to describe the gardens during the festival, except, WOW. They are an absolute feast for the eye as they burst with color. Often these gardens are laid out in integral patterns and immaculately designed. Each garden is unique in its own way and runs the gamut from flower beds, to pots to floating gardens (one of my favorites).
Special tours of some of the gardens are available. Led by a Disney horticulturist, these specialists will take you behind the scenes to show you how they use flowers and other materials to create the gardens and topiaries. They will answer your questions and may even pass along a tip or two to try at home. These tours are in addition to your regular park admission, so an extra charge will incur. To book these tours, visit Guest Relations or call (407)- WDW-TOUR.
Garden Rocks Concert Series
2019 Line-Up
It just wouldn’t be an EPCOT festival without a little music! Concerts are nightly during the festival at 5:30, 6:45 and 8:00 at the American Gardens Theater. This year’s lineup includes everything from Rock to Country, and will not disappoint. Some of the artists to perform include, Rick Springfield, Christopher Cross, John Michael Montgomery, Steven Curtis Chapman, Marshall Tucker Band and many more. Check out the 2019 Garden Rocks line up for dates. These concerts are included in park admission but get there early to secure a seat.
Garden Rocks Dining Package
One of your favorite bands on the schedule and you don’t want to run the risk of not getting a great seat? Then book a Garden Rock Dining Package. Choose from breakfast, lunch or dinner from 15 different dining options. This package also includes priority seating at one of the concerts that evening. The dining packages are in addition to park admittance. A valid park ticket is required. Click here to book your Garden Rock Dining Package.
**Helpful Hint: Book early!! These dinner packages go fast so the earlier you make your reservation, the better.
Outdoor Kitchens
In addition to all the restaurants and quick-serve food options, the EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival offers over a dozen Outdoor Kitchens with unique food and beverage offerings. With locations around World Showcase, these kitchens open daily from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Every year there is always something new to try, and this year is no exception. Make sure you check out the grilled corn on the cob at Trowel and Trellis or the Lobster Tail with Meyers Lemon Emulsion at The Citrus Blossom. Actually, go ahead and have them both!!
Festival Passport
Don’t forget to pick up your Festival Passport. Inside you will find all kinds of information to make your experience complete such as helpful advice, complete concert schedule, activities to do while visiting the park, list of the Outdoor Kitchens and locations of gardens and Disney Character topiaries.
**Helpful Hint: Print out the Festival Passport at home. This will allow you to read over it before arriving at the park and be better prepared for your day. With so many options, it can be overwhelming to try and figure it all out once you are in the park. Then once you get to the park, pick up an actual passport at any of the Outdoor Kitchen locations. You will want to use the stickers inside to mark the things you have done.
EPCOT’S International Flower and Garden Festival runs from March-May and is a great getaway for spring. The weather is wonderful in Florida during this time and sun will melt away the last of those winter chills. Try fantastic foods, delicious drinks and be mesmerized at the gorgeous gardens. Who knows, after your visit you may be inspired to get out into your own yard and practice some of the things you have learned. You just might be a Disney gardener at heart.
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4 Comments
Debbie J
I absolutely LOVE Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival. It is my favorite of all the festivals, even more than Food and Wine. I try to go at least once each year. Over the years I have gotten some great tips for gardening and lots of beautiful pictures. I do wish they would return to offering teaching sessions and demonstrations. I miss seeing creative ways for me to incorporate plants into my yard at home. That being said, I could spend the day in the butterfly exhibit. You post is a great guide for both new and return visitors to the Flower and Garden Festival.
admin
Debbie J, thank for your comments. I love Flower and Garden as well. I specifically enjoy the flowers that they plant around the lakes between the front of EPCOT and World Showcase. I would love to know how they do the floating flowers. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Tracey Skafidas
Thank you for the overview, as we are about to visit the festival in May! I will definitely check out the tours and print the passport ahead of time, thanks for the tips!
admin
Hi Tracey….I am glad that you were able to find some helpful information for planning your trip. I love the Flower and Garden Festival as it has the feel of a baby Food and Wine and doesn’t have the crowds. Have a great trip!!