February 28th thru May 27th, 2024 🌼🌱🌹🌞
I had the pleasure (and luck) to experience the EPCOT Intl. Flower & Garden festival…twice this year!
I visited WDW in early April and early May. Let me say, April was practically perfect in every way! The weather was gorgeous & crowds were low-moderate. That’s how I DO Disney! May, of course, was a little warmer (and more humid). Crowds picked up a little bit, but it was still a good time to visit!
This EPCOT FESTIVAL continues to be my absolute favorite! 2 Words: Character Topiaries! Discover spring gardens, interactive experiences, and exclusive merchandise! It’s definitely a festival for all your senses. Music lovers will want to check out the Garden Rock Concert Series!
Lastly, I say it every year…my must-do every single festival is the scavenger hunt. And of course, there is a TON of delicious eats & fun drinks. Read on for more info and my reviews.
The HIGHLIGHT! Character Topiaries
💚New this year: Groot (he plays music!!) from Guardians of the Galaxy, Asha, Valentino & Star from Disney Wish, and Miguel & Dante from Coco (this has a projection at nighttime).
Donald Duck, Figment, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto & Chip n Dale, Woody, Bo Peep & her Sheep, Simba & Friends, Pumbaa & Timon, Goofy, Winnie the Pooh & Friends, Tinker Bell, Peter Pan, Captain Hook, & Tick Tock Croc, Bambi & Friends, Beauty & the Beast, Lumiere & Cogsworth, Kermit the Frog & Miss Piggy, Lady & the Tramp, Snow White & Seven Dwarfs, Pandas, Anna & Elsa, Troll, Buzz Lightyear, Tiana, and Encanto characters: Mirabel, Antonio, Isabela & Luisa.
PIXIE PRO TIP: Prior to your trip, make a list of some of the Food Booths and menu items that you’d like to try. When you get to EPCOT, grab a Flower & Garden Festival Passport and start your tasting adventure! ~ I also recommend purchasing a re-loadable wristlet gift card, such a cute souvenir & really helps to keep you on budget. I picked up this adorable sleeping Spike the Bee gift card.
2024 Outdoor Kitchens
- Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company
- Connections Eatery
- The Land Cart
- Refreshment Port
- Swirled Showcase
- Florida Fresh
- Honey Bee-stro
- Pineapple Promenade
- Northern Bloom
- The Citrus Blossom
- Fleur de Lys
- La Isla Fresca
- Tangierine Cafe: Flavor of the Medina
- Hanami
- Funnel Cake
- Magnolia Terrace
- Primavera Kitchen
- Bauernmarkt: Farmer’s Market
- Lotus House
- Refreshment Outpost
- Trowel & Trellis
- Jardin de Fiestas
- Brunchcot
- EPCOT Farmers Feast (3 seasonal offerings: early bloom, springtime, & summer solstice)
Many of the menu items are repeats from past festivals (a few of my favorites) but lots of new eats & drinks, too!
RECOMMENDATIONS & REVIEWS:
BRUNCHCOT
- Avocado Toast with Marinated Tomatoes & Plant-based Cheese Crumbles on Toasted Ciabatta💗💗💗💗 Absolutely delicious. Fresh, flavorful and just a lovely bite for breakfast.
- Coffee Cocktail: 💗💗💗💗Joffrey’s Coffee with Milk, Vanilla Vodka, Kahlua Coffee Liqueur. This was outstanding: no skimping on the alcohol here but yet so drinkable.
Let me say I’ve also enjoyed the Fried Cinnamon Roll Bites & the Froot Loops Shake from previous festivals. They were both available this year, too. If you have a sweet tooth or kids, these treats are for you!
United Kingdom
Topiaries: Peter Pan, Captain Hook & Tick Tock Croc, Winnie the Pooh & Friends, Tinker Bell. Be sure to walk further back in the England Pavilion to see some additional cute topiaries: isn’t this “Dumbo” adorable?!
Spike the Bee Scavenger Hunt: Camellia.
Gardens: English Tea, Shakespeare, Topiary Heritage
There was a new* cocktail available at the UK beer cart: Scottish Thistle: Fords Gin with lemon and blackcurrant-cucumber syrup garnished with cucumber (slushy drink). I’m not a fan of gin or cucumber-y drinks. So, it was a No for me.
Canada
Topiary: Geese
Northern Bloom:
- Beef Tenderloin Tips, Mushroom Bordelaise Sauce, Whipped Potatoes with Garden Vegetables 💗💗💗💗💗 Another winner. Tender beef, decadent sauce which makes for a perfect salty, earthy pairing. One of my favorites every year.
Popcorn Cart:
- Peach Smash: Canadian Club Whiskey with Lemon, Peach Puree, and Ginger. 💗💗💗This was good (not great). The ginger was too much, I wanted more peach. I prefer the Ottawa Apple which is available year-round.
France
Topiaries: Beauty & the Beast, and Lumiere (he lights up at nighttime) & Cogsworth (he moves)
Garden: France Bouquet Garden
Spike the Bee Scavenger Hunt: Rose
Fleur de Lys: * I had these items at previous festivals…but did get the Croissant this year.
- La Vie en Rose Frozen Slushy: Vodka, Grey Goose L’Orange Vodka, St. Germain Liqueur, White & Red Cranberry Juice 💗💗💗 One of my faves in France, and it’s so pretty. Combo: sweet, tart and floral.
- Croissant au Fromage de Chevre, Herbes et ail Rotie: Croissant with Goat Cheese, Herbs & Roasted Garlic 💗💗💗Very Good, like the combo of tangy goat cheese with mellow roasted garlic. I enjoyed it with my sweet slushy.
- Beignet Caramelise, Fourre Creme Vanille, Glace au Caramel Fleur de Sel: Caramelized Beignet filled with Vanilla Cream and glazed with Caramel Fleur de Sel. Decadent, rich and so yummy. This is so big and good to share. 💗💗💗💗
Germany
Topiaries: Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs
Garden: Miniature Garden. New* Gnome Garden.
Bauernmarkt: Farmer’s Market
- Toasted Pretzel Bread: with Black Forest Ham & Melted Cheese. 💗💗💗💗 One of my favorite eats from this festival. Salty goodness.
- Apfelschaumwein: Sparkling Wine & Apple Liqueur. Lovely, as always. Great drink for sweet wine lovers & pairs nicely with any of the food items. 💗💗💗
- Potato Pancakes with Applesauce. 💗💗 Average, I don’t go out of my way to get this.
Mexico
Jardin de Fiestas
BEST of the FEST
- Sope de Chilorio: Guajillo Pepper-braised Pork on Fried Corn Shells with Black Beans, Shredded Cabbage, Crema Mexicana, Queso Fresca, and Chives. 💗💗💗💗💗Mexican food is always my favorite…and this WINS for yummiest “savory eat” of the fest. I devoured this! It was absolutely perfect. So flavorful, a little spicy, and cooked beautifully. I ordered this in April and May!
I skipped the Tamale and Flan…but again, both sounded good. The margaritas on the menu weren’t my thing: Lychee or Floral (cherry, mezcal, hibiscus). I did get the Craft Mexican Beer…okay, but nothing special.
Garden: Extraordinary Orchids, Desert Garden & Tropical Rainforest Garden
Topiary: Miguel & Dante
Morrocco
Tangierine Cafe: Flavors of the Medina!
- Pomegranate Mimosa 💗💗💗 💗 Ah, sweet and lovely. It’s becoming a tradition for me.
- Mediterranean Flatbread with Chermoula, Roasted Vegetables, Artichoke, Olives & Feta💗💗Just okay for me, a little too much going on. Too salty. Meh.
Spike the Bee Scavenger Hunt: Pepper
Garden: Spice Garden
Topiary: Kermit the Frog & Miss Piggy (between Morocco & France)
Japan
Hanami. The Frushi is back! It’s always a festival favorite. 💗💗💗 My kids like this.
Topiary: Dragon
Garden: Bonsai Garden, Shishi-odoshi & Kokedema Garden
Spike the Bee Scavenger Hunt: Iris
Italy
Primavera Kitchen:
- Italian Margarita with Tequila and Limoncello 💗💗💗💗 One of my favorite drinks at EPCOT. It’s a perfect drink on a hot day. It’s a good choice for “sweet” drink fans.
I skipped this food booth this year since we had dinner at Via Napoli. Highly recommend this restaurant! EVERYTHING was amazing: pasta, salad, appetizers, wine…and top-notch service.
Topiary: Lady & the Tramp
Garden: Garden Italiano
Spike the Bee Scavenger Hunt: Tomato
American Adventure
Magnolia Terrace: I loved the gumbo last year…so of course I ordered it this again year!
- Spicy Chicken Gumbo with Andouille Sausage and BEN’S ORIGINAL Long Grain & Wild Rice. Absolutely fantastic dish. Everything about it was delicious! Super Spicy and sooo goood. BEST of the FEST for me! 💗💗💗💗💗
- Bayou Cocktail: Spiced Rum, Coconut Rum, Fruit Punch, and OJ. 💗💗💗 It’s sweet, strong and tastes like I should be at the beach. Yummy!
Topiary: Tiana
Spike the Bee Scavenger Hunt: Magnolia
China
Topiary: Pandas
Garden: Bamboo Garden. New* China Penjing Garden.
Lotus House.
- House-made Cheesy Crab Wontons 💗💗💗💗 Deep friend wontons with crab & cheese. I love crab rangoon, or that’s what I call these. Everyone in your group will enjoy this snack.
Additional Kitchens that you might Enjoy:
Funnel Cake, with Powdered Sugar, Vanilla Ice Cream, Strawberries, Whipped Cream, Strawberry Glaze & Strawberry Crunch. Who can resist a funnel cake at a theme park?
Trowel & Trellis (hosted by Impossible) plant-based eats, rumor has it the Soy-glazed Sticky Ribs with Green Onions & Peanuts were yummy. The Chocolate Mousse Terrarium with Matcha Crumble & Chocolate Soil…was an insta-worthy choice.
Refreshment Outpost, Pineapple Skewer with Tajin is a fan favorite.
- Lavendar Martini: Boyd & Blair Potato Vodka with lavender & lemon💗Oh Boy was this strong & floral! I wouldn’t get it again…plus, the hot/humid weather made this tough to drink. Also, I do not particularly enjoy “potato”-based vodkas.
Honey Bee-stro
- Chicken & Waffles: Crispy Chicken and a Honey Sweet Cornbread Waffle with Whipped Honey Butter and Spicy Honey. 💗💗💗💗Sweet, spicy, savory… perfect combo & it was phenomenal. Just get this!! Totally kid friendly, too. It was a little sticky/messy, but so worth it. Bathrooms are nearby to wash up.
Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Co. locations also featured an Iced Berry Chai Latte, Iced Honey Jasmine Latte, Citrus Frosted Iced Tea and Tropical Frosted Iced Tea. Did you know that one of the “magical extras” you get with your Disney Vacation Package is 20% off at all Joffrey’s locations!!
Pineapple Promenade, DOLE WHIP lovers this is your booth! 🍦🍍Citrus Blossom is also a fan favorite and where you’ll find the Orange Bird Sipper.
WINNER: BEST OF THE FEST
Swirled Showcase
Liquid Nitro Honey Mascarpone Cheesecake with Fresh Honey, Granulated Honey and Honey Mead Blueberry Compote: 💗💗💗💗💗OMG, this was dreamy, heavenly, and absolutely delicious! Such a cool presentation…pun intended. I loved the unique texture and how cold it was. LOVE LOVE. I ordered this in April and May! If you like honey & cheesecake, this should be top priority!
Now about this Scavenger Hunt! Find Spike the Bee hidden amongst the gardens throughout the park. He’s one busy little bee.
🐝Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration Scavenger Hunt
The Map with stickers was $9.99. The prize was a choice of a mini cornhole: Spike the Bee, Butterflies, Orange Bird or Coco!! Which one would you take home? I chose Spike the Bee for my kids and did a giveaway in my Enchanted Nook Facebook group for the Orange Bird prize.
FYI: You can also participate in the Garden Graze. Foodie scavenger hunt! Purchase any 5 of these menu items: Impossible Farmhouse Meatball, Florida Strawberry Shortcake, Coconut Tres Leches, Plant-based Buffalo Chicken Tender Poutine, Potato Pancakes, Seasonal Fruit Parfait, Grilled Street Corn, or Avocado Toast from the Garden Graze locations, collect your stamps, and then head to Pineapple Promenade for your prize & treat! It’s a Souvenir Cup with Dole Whip Lime with lemonade & mango smoothie mix in this cute collector cup.
Looking for some entertainment? The Garden Rocks Concert Series was back! Nightly at 5:30, 6:45 and 8:00 pm. 🎉🎶Popular acts will have LONG lines.
*Dining Packages are also available Fridays through Monday. Book in Advance along with your ADRs. Each package includes: (1) guaranteed seat per person to 1 concert performance on the same day; the concert time will be assigned at the time of booking. An appetizer, entrée and dessert or one (1) full buffet (where applicable), along with a non-alcoholic beverage at participating restaurants: Akershus, Biergarten, Coral Reef, Garden Grill, Le Cellier, Spice Road Table and Rose & Crown. Same day dining packages are available at Regal Eagle Smokehouse.
You will also find interactive experiences! 🦋Blossoms of Fragrance by Scentsy! Be sure to stop by Butterfly Landing (you’ll often find Pooh Bear outside catching butterflies). The little ones will enjoy the camp-themed Play Garden. New this year: PB & J Garden by Smucker’s Uncrustables…plus, you could grab FREE sandwiches! How awesome is that!
Last, but not least…exclusive merchandise! This year’s themes included Orange Bird, Disney~Pixar Coco, Butterflies, and Spike the Bee (Annual Passholder).
Want to experience the 2025 Flower & Garden Festival vacation? 🪻
Email me 📧angiebaycura@d2travel.com, I’d love to help you plan your 🍊🌼Walt Disney World getaway! Now’s the TIME to book your trip…new discounts for early 2025 dropped yesterday!
Enchantingly Yours🥀, Angie Baycura
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Enchanted Nook 