Epcot Flower and Garden Festival

This event was lovely, I loved all of the magical topiaries created for it, they made for some great picture opportunities! Epcot isn’t our favorite park, but this made it a little more special. :)

We made our annual pilgrimage to the festival on Friday ⁵⁄₆. Started out mid morning and still got a good parking space within walking distance to the main entrance. The crowds were fair for a Friday and we were able to get around without worry. We even were able to snag lunch at the Rose and Crown with a 10 minute wait. Had to pinch myself as it usually takes longer. After 5 hours at the park we had it and the drive back to the resort was effortless.

This was my second year being here during the Flower and Garden festival and I love seeing what they make out of plants. This year, my favorite was the Phineas and Ferb. They’re just awesome to see.

This is the best time to visit Epcot in my opinion. There are topiaries everywhere that they have grown into Disney characters. Plus, they have special concerts though out the event. If you are into taking gardening classes they do that too.

I’ve lost count of the number of years that I’ve attended Epcot’s Flower & Garden Festival. It’s the most beautiful time of year to visit Epcot with all the brightly colored blooms and the amazing topiaries located throughout the park. In recent years the festival has gotten even better with the addition of the food kiosks (or as they’re officially called, the Outdoor Kitchens). Personally I like the menus available at Flower & Garden even better than what’s offered at Food & Wine. There may not be as many kiosks, but I find the dishes more appealing and the quality to be better. My absolute favorite dish is the potato and cheddar cheese biscuit with smoked salmon tartare at the Cider House. It disappeared last year and I was extremely happy to see it back again this year. A few other standouts are the jerk spice grouper (La Isla Fresca), the pork ribs with roasted corn salad (The Smokehouse), and the shrimp and grits (Florida Fresh).

We finally got around to going to this event this year. The food was delicious but there are not as many options as the Food & Wine festival, which is fine for most people but with the theme of this event, there’s not a lot of options for those that aren’t crazy about vegetables. I don’t consider myself a picky eater because I’ll try almost anything, but I’m just not someone that craves veggies like other people do.
We definitely enjoyed what we did eat. I always love the Smokehouse near the American pavilion and I also find this concert series better than Food & Wine. We also thoroughly enjoyed the La Isla Fresca stand that was new this year. We tried 3 things from there (short ribs, jerk grouper, tres leches) and they were all mouth watering.

The butterfly exhibit is not what it used to be. The topiaries are awesome. I wish to bring back the panda the one in the China Pavilion. The flower and Garden Festival is more about food and wine festival than about flower and Garden. Let’s face it hardly anybody gonna bonsai plant while on vacation at Disney World. There wasn’t much flowers on exhibit. The orchids were impressive. What definitely be back but not for the flowers.

Love this event every time! Thrilled to have been back in the area in time for this event. We headed to the park over the weekend, and the weather was absolutely perfect. There are a variety of photo op stations starting at the front entrance area. If you’re an annual pass holder — do this! You get free digital downloads of these images, so take advantage when /​where you can!
Each of the pavilion areas had their own special showing of native plants and flowers that were each excellent. I particularly liked the Japan and United Kingdom areas.
As an added bonus, this event offers you the chance to sample small plates and drinks from each of the pavilions. There are separate little buildings with food on offer and the menus are posted at the front of the line. You can of course pay by cash or card here — note: they also take the Disney giftcards at the stations!
Overall: A
Love this event, and will be back year after year! :)

I’ve been to Food & Wine but never F&G. They had several of the food kiosks around with offerings that were different than food and wine. What they did have looked good and those that we tried were very good. My favorite was the currywurst in Germany.
While they certainly had plants and flowers all over, I was expecting to find more. It felt more like Food and Wine lite to me — which is not a bad thing.

Epcot Flower and Garden Festival takes place every year at Epcot from March until May. The main characteristic of the Flower and Garden festival are the beautiful topiaries that are created throughout the park. In addition the water banks are also beautifully decorated with flowers.
In recent years, the Flower and Garden Festival has become a miniature Food and Wine Festival. There are booths set up around the world showcase offering a variety of tapas portions of food and small servings of wine and beer. I highly recommend the Fleur de Lis in France which is a slushy style cocktail with cranberry juice and St. Germain. My boyfriend was less than impressed with the duck confit at the same booth. This festival does have the size or variety that Food and Wine does, but that is okay because it is a different festival.
There is also a concert series that goes with this festival. Many of the acts are from the 1960’s and 1970’s, so before my time. Thus, I enjoy the Eat to the Beat series at Food and Wine more since they are mostly 1990’s bands.
Flower and Garden is superior to Food and Wine in that the park just looks beautiful and the crowds, especially at the beginning and the end of the festival are much more tolerable. All in all this is a wonderful time of year to visit Epcot.

Well it’s not as awesome as Food and Wine Festival but it’s getting better every year! Epcot is beautiful during this time of the year because of all the gorgeous flowers planted throughout the park. The topiaries are incredible! If you’ve never seen them before they will amaze you but if you’ve been here in years past… they end up being the same topiaries in the same sections of the park every year. I’m glad they do two new ones every year but maybe we could mix it up a little with the others. You can find most of the princesses in France, lady and the tramp in Italy and Peter Pan in England. It’s just sometimes I’d like a surprise. One thing that did surprise me this year was the Jungle Book sand sculpture promoting the new movie. You can find this at the Outpost.
Recently they have added food booths. Everything sold is under $ 7 and is mainly fruits, veggies and protein. Not too much junk food like food and wine festival. I tried the Vegetable & White Bean «Naanwich» at the Urban Farm Eats booth and loved it!!! It came topped with quinoa, pesto and tomatoes! I tried some of my friend’s peach wine from the same booth and we’re both on the lookout to buy our own bottles. The peach flavor was so delicious and strong! I love that the pineapple promenade booth had pineapple wine and cider! You have to try one if you’ve never had it before! Over at the Smokehouse booth, you should skip the Grapefruit Pale Ale it tastes like an IPA but without the grapefruit flavor. Get the Funky Buddha Hefeweizen instead! I’m so happy they brought back the Potato & Cheddar Biscuit with smoked salmon tartare at the Cider House
Booth. I love the salmon mixed with the cheddar biscuit! And the best part of all is full size beers are back! No more tiny cups unless you’re getting a flight.
While you’re here check out the butterfly garden and one of the concerts at the American Pavilion. Not as many booths as food and wine but still plenty to do!

5 stars for my new FAVORITE Disney festival. I knew there would be topiaries, but I didn’t realize it would be like Food and Wine Festival with so many booths for small bites and drinks. F&W used to be my favorite festival, but Flower and Garden has taken the #1 spot in my heart.
I was impressed by all of the plants and so happy with all of the food options. So much more fresh and vegetarian/​vegan friendly options than what was served at Food and Wine, spring weather, and less people! Grab a passport (and your free passholder art if you’re a member) and head around the world.
My favorites were:
— Tiki Torch at Joffrey’s– slushy and sweet
— Vegetable and white bean naanwich and watermelon salad with pickled onions at Urban Farm Eats (such a delightful outdoor eating spot!)
— Pineapple soft serve (a MUST for a vegan treat)
— La Vie en Rose Frozen Slush at Fleur De Lys– GET THIS! So tasty!
I’m looking forward to coming back another time before the end of the festival and trying other things.

I remember going to Epcot during Flower and Garden years ago and wondering what the big deal was (a few new topiaries, more flowers and some little displays about gardening) and thinking why was this a big deal and that they should add some stands like Food and Wine. Years later they finally added food, and booze, and I anxiously await the event from the day Food and Wine ends and Flower and Garden (Food, Flowers, Wine and Gardens/​Food and Gardens Spring Sister) begins.
This year as soon as the menu’s posted I was pumped, they finally brought back Frushi, an item I have (much to the annoyance of my friends) been anxiously waiting for it’s return.
Urban Farm Eats– My fiancé and I grabbed the Seared Pork Tenderloin (with mushroom ragout, spring vegetables and marble potatoes) {$ 6.00} and I know this will be one of our favorites this round. The pork was tasty, tender and a decent slice of pork but to me the real stand out was the veggies and marble potatoes that were cooked to perfection, fresh, flavorful and again a good sized potion. I also got the Avive Natural Peach Sparkling Wine {$ 8.50} which I can’t wait to get a bottle for home. It was sweet, refreshing and had a delicious peach flavor.
Pineapple Promenade– We grabbed the Spicy Hot Dog with Pineapple Chutney and Taro Chips {$ 7.00}, a Pineapple Soft-​serve {$ 4.50} and a Pineapple Soft-​serve with Parrot Bay Coconut Rum {$ 10.00}. The Pineapple Soft-​serve is always delicious, just like the popular Dole Whip from Magic Kingdom, and with the Coconut Rum… heavenly! Unfortunately this Hog Dog was one of the worst things I have had at any stand at EPCOT, and after we both tried a bite, we tossed it despite the $ 7.00 we spent. We read the Spicy Hot Dog and we thought spicy hot dog, the pineapple that would be sweet and taro chips that would be salty and thought this would be delicious but instead got a spicy hot dog, with spicy pineapples on top with a spicy mayo type sauce with salty taro chips. If you love your mouth being assaulted by spice, get it. If not, stay away… far away.
The Smokehouse– This was what my fiancé came for, and he was rewarded with some great BBQ! We grabbed the Pulled Pig Slider with no Slaw {$ 6.25}, Smoked Pork Ribs {$ 6.50}, Beef Brisket Burnt Ends Hash with no Pickled Jalapanos {$ 5.75} and the Beer Flight (Funky Buddha Floridian Hefeweizen, Orlando Brewing Company Uncle Matt’s Organic Grapefruit Pale Ale, 3 Daughters Rod Bender Red Ale and Shipyard Maple Bacon Stout) {$ 11.50}. The Pig Slider was his least favorite, but still delicious and tender, the Smoked Pork Ribs were tender, fell off the bone and had a great crisp on the outside and the Burnt Ends Hash was by far his favorite with great flavor, soft delicious hash and a great sized portion. They have three different kinds of BBQ sauce (Hot, Sweet and Carolina) for you to use on your own which to me is great as everyone has different opinions on what good BBQ sauce is. I do not suggest the beer flights as we only liked 2 (the Funky Buddha and Shipyard) while the other 2 were too spicy and nothing about the Grapefruit Ale tasted like Grapefruit.
Hanami– FRUIT SUSHI (FRUSHI)!!! I have been dreaming about this item for years hoping they would bring it back, and finally I can enjoy this plate again. If you don’t know what Frushi is it is Fresh Seasonal Fruit rolled in Coconut Rice, served over Raspberry Sauce, sprinkled with Toasted Coconut and Whipped Cream on the side {$ 5.25}. This year it completely lived up to my expectations and I think it is safe to say I will continue to get this item ever visit. I also got the Beef Teriyaki Udon {$ 5.95} which was rich and delicious.
I can not wait for my next visit and to try some of the places we skipped due to being full or saving room for other items!

To me this is the best annual event at EPCOT. It’s beautiful. The landscaping at EPCOT, and at all of Walt Disney World, is delightful, by seeing EPCOT with its extra blooms and the topiary characters is absolutely delightful. I love this event. It’s my favorite. I’ve been there the last three years and I’ll absolutely check it out again in 2016. I especially like the Butterfly garden. Well, I especially like it all. Topiary Beauty and the Beast in France. The garden center. The unique souvenirs like a Mickey troll for your garden. It’s great, but the park is extra beautiful during this event.

Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival up and exceeded my expectations.
I mean, I didn’t expect much, but I anticipated a few flower arrangements, you know, whatever.
But wow, it was so much more. In the 5 days we spent at Disney I think we went back to Epcot probably 4 times (practically daily).
The flowers were more than just ‘arrangements’, they were masterpieces. Every spare inch of ground was covered in flowers, in decorative objects, and anything else to make Epcot even more beautiful. There were hedge/​flower sculptures of every Disney character you can think of.
And, there was food. Food and drink. Oh my gosh. I’ve never been during the Food and Wine Festival, but I can’t imagine it topping the Flower Festival. On top of all the country booths throughout Epcot on an everyday basis, they added extra stalls, like «Florida Fresh» or taco stands, and whatnot. Each mini-​stand had maybe 4 food options and a couple drink options.
Seriously, unreal. I am not much of a child at heart, but I could gladly spend my days in Epcot during this festival.
(I did notice a few reviewers complaining about the cost. I’m not going to lie, I would probably agree. I got to go as part of a contest, so admission was free and I had a food GC, so my review would probably be a bit different if I had to pay for things. Hey — I’m on a budget too! If you can afford it, it’s worth it. But do some financial logistical planning before you consider it. Be aware of the fact that this is EXPENSIVE, especially if you want to try all the food. And trust me — you want to try all the food.)

Had a great time at the Flower and Garden Festival. Extra food booths set up around the park, floral displays, playgrounds, butterfly gardens, etc. The floral arrangements are very impressive
We loved our visit.

I enjoy going to Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival. This is my second favorite festival at Epcot, after Food and Wine, of course. There are many different Disney themed topiaries and some are repeated from the year before, but I still enjoy going to see them. I don’t have a green thumb– so this is the only way I can enjoy seeing different plants and trees that are lively and thriving unlike the plants at my home.
There are special booths set up during this festival with a limited time only menu of food and beverages. We tried a flight of beer at the Smokehouse, located in America as well as the sausage. The flight of beer was delicious. I enjoyed the Floridian Hefeweizen and Billy’s Chillies the best. I have a high tolerance for heat, so if you don’t, I do not recommend the Chillies beer. The sausage was meh, it wasn’t anything spectacular. We plan on coming back before May 17^th, when the festival end, and REALLY go around the world and taste and drink everything else.
Overall, it’s Disney. I’m never disappointed. I would recommend coming during the time after Easter, but before Memorial day weekend to avoid the crowds, if you can. Enjoy the topiaries, food, drink and Florida sun!

I’ve been to Epcot countless times — I enjoy it immensely so I’m always up for something that will augment my experience there. I was in Disney last October for the food and wine festival and enjoyed it, so I was looking forward to seeing what the Flower and Garden festival had to offer.
There are a lot of different touches Disney does to make the festival unique. The old Wonders of Life pavilion is converted into the festival center where they have some gardening exhibits and films, a large shop, and seminars about horticulture. There are many stands throughout the World Showcase selling various products and décor for your garden — neat things you wouldn’t be able to find in Epcot usually. Like the food and wine festival, some of the countries have booths set up selling tastings and alcohol respective to their country. You should also pick up a passport so they can stamp it for you as you go from station to station. My favorite part of the festival had to be the topiaries throughout the park. Disney did a great job with them and they really add to the whole feel of the festival.
I’m glad I was able to come down to experience the flower and garden festival — it definitely added to my love of Epcot!

The Flower and Garden Fest is a «must see» for everyone.
It seems like every year Epcot out itself from the previous year. Though there used to be magnificent rose gardens when you entered and I haven’t seen them in the past couple of years.
The highlight to me is the incredible topiaries through out Epcot. Just when you think you’ve seen the best… ooops…there’s another one. They are all in the shape of Disney characters and are so imaginative. It takes the care takers quite some time to build the wire inside the topiaries just right and then train the branches to grow in the correct configure. It just boggles my mind. Then there are the flower gardens which are stunning. Annually I enjoy also the Butterfly Gardens where you can find all types of Florida garden type of butterflies. Then there are the gardening classes and gardening lectures which are all quite informative. There’s great free concerts on the weekends and ohhh. the food stands. My fave food this year was the Duck Confit… so delectable.
An interesting addition the last 2 couple of years has been the Cranberry Boggers. Watch them «push» the cranberries along and gab with them about how cranberries are dried!

************** REVIEW #900 **************
900 reviews and I am just now writing about the Flower and Garden Festival?! I really thought I had written about this a long, long time ago. Shame on me! But, since I like to write about something special for my milestone reviews, this is perfect because other than the Food and Garden Festival, it’s my favourite time of year at Epcot!
When you first walk into the front of Epcot, you will see that particular years sign announcing the Food and Wine Festival and so many beloved Disney Characters all brought to life as huge topiaries using beautiful flowers. I’m always so excited to walk in for the first time each year to see the new «theme» at the front of the Park.
As you walk through Epcot you’ll see topiaries everywhere. Some are new and some they use for several years. But even if it’s some of the same ones, they are still just as amazing to see time and time again.
The festival runs every year from about the first week of March through about mid May. The exacts dates do change each year, but that’s the general time span that you can be at the festival.
In addition to all the beautiful character topiaries you will see throughout the entire Park, there’s a lot more going on. They have interactive play areas for the kiddies, they have concerts on the weekends, they have different presenters giving gardening tips, etc. in the Expo Center, and they always have some stars from HGTV.
You’ll also find some unique items to purchase during the festival for your garden. Ever wanted a Mickey gnome? You’ll find one here this time of year. =) And that’s just one example.
The past couple of years they have added food kiosks throughout the World Showcase like they do during the Food and Wine Festival. Granted, there aren’t as many kiosks are there are during the Food and Wine Festival, but it’s still a very nice addition to the Flower and Garden Festival.
If you’re planning a Disney vacation and you love gardening or you have a great love for flowers, you may want to think about planning your vacation during this time of the year. The springtime is also a wonderful time to visit Disney because the weather is usually pretty great… warm, but not scorching hot yet.
Hubby and I have been going to this festival for years and years. We always look forward to it and we’ll continue to come in the future year after year after year!