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Search Results for: epcot festival

VLOG: 2020 EPCOT Festival of the Arts

16 February 2020 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Epcot Festival of the ArtsWe’ve done a preview video of the 2020 Epcot Festival of the Arts, but we thought we’d go back and share our experience. This time we took part in the paint by numbers mural and completed the Figment Scavenger Hunt that takes place with each ArtfulEpcot Festival.

 

If you haven’t been, here’s a rundown of all there is to see and do at the Epcot Festival of the Arts:

Art: This festival features so many different kinds of Disney art – Chalk Art in 3-D by artists, Paint-by-Numbers mural that you get to paint each day. Disney artists are there sharing their creations in print, postcard and original canvas form. Different artisans showing how art can be added to scarves, shirts, even bicycle-powered spin art this year.

Food: As with all the other Epcot festivals, there are various food booths or kiosks offering unique treats. With this Artful Epcot festival, they try to make the food items more artistic, either deconstructing a classic dish, or theming it after a famous art style.

Merchandise: Ear hats, spirit jerseys, MagicBands, plush…all the usual suspects are at this festival. You can find unique Figment designs for the Festival of the Arts. Each year they try to switch up Figment’s look for another art style. You can see more of the Festival exclusive merchandise in our Epcot Art Festival Preview

Disney on Broadway: Each year we are treated to Broadway stars singing their current or former Disney on Broadway roles, or other Disney favorites as solos and duets. This is one of my favorite parts of this festival.

Here’s our latest vlog – where we get creative with the Paint by Numbers mural, and find some Figment art with the Figment’s Brush with the Masters scavenger hunt!

 

 

We hope you enjoy our 2020 Epcot Festival of the Arts vlog! Have you been to the Epcot Festival of the Arts? What was your favorite part? Tell us in the comments below! Also be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to know when we upload a new video or podcast!

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Filed Under: Disney Parks, Resorts, & Entertainment, Videos, Vlogs, Walt Disney World Tagged With: 2020 Epcot Festival of the Arts, Artful Epcot, Artful Epcot 2020, ArtfulEpcot, Epcot Art Festival, Epcot Festival of the Arts, Epcot Festival of the Arts vlog, Epcot video, Epcot vlog

VLOG: 2020 Epcot Festival of the Arts Preview!

14 January 2020 by Chris Ryan Leave a Comment

We take a look at some of the exciting new things coming to 2020 Epcot for the Festival of the Arts, and see special appearances by Gavin Lee and Imagineer Tom Fitzgerald!

 

Disclosure: Disney hosted us for this event, but these opinions are our own!

Filed Under: Disney Special Events, Videos, Vlogs, Walt Disney World

2020 Epcot Food & Wine Festival Merchandise Preview

25 August 2020 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Along with the newest Disney Dooney & Bourke 2020 Epcot Food & Wine Festival bags, some new merchandise was revealed today. Lucky for purple-hearted people like me, this include LOTS of Figment designs! This was from a media preview today, so I don’t have all the pricing, but this gives you an idea of what your “must-haves” may be for this upcoming Festival, which starts September 1, 2020.

I really love almost all of the designs, and it’s usually hit or miss for me. The designs, and the styles of merchandise really seem to check off all the boxes. Scroll through the gallery below and see what your favorites are. You can enlarge any photo by clicking on it. Thanks to Brooke G. McDonald on instagram for her photos from the event today.

Disney Dooney and Bourke Epcot Food and Wine 2020
Disney Dooney & Bourke 2020 Food & Wine designs
Epcot Food and Wine 2020 merch
Adorable Figment merchandise
Epcot Food and Wine 2020 merch
Passholder exclusive 2020 Epcot Food & Wine merchandise
Epcot Food and Wine 2020 merch
Figment salt and pepper shaker
2020 Epcot Food & Wine merchandise
More Figment merch
2020 Epcot Food & Wine merchandise
Epcot Food & Wine 2020 merchandise
Epcot Food and Wine 2020 merch
Mickey & Minnie designs
Epcot Food and Wine 2020 merch
Food & Wine Festival merchandise
Epcot Food and Wine 2020 merch
Taste the World merchandise
Epcot Food and Wine 2020 merch
Figment mug and ornament
Epcot Food and Wine 2020 merch
Epcot Food & Wine 2020 merchandise
2020 Epcot Food & Wine merchandise
Figment leggings!
2020 Epcot Food & Wine merchandise
Epcot Food & Wine 2020 cheese board and wine glasses

 

Any favorites? I don’t know if I can pull them off, but I kind of love those leggings!! I will definitely have to pick up quite a few Figment items. At the very least the long-sleeve shirt. Well enough about ruining my wallet, share your picks with me in the comments below or let me know on social media! You can follow me here:

FOLLOW THE ZANNALAND FAMILY ON SOCIAL MEDIA, WATCH OUR VIDEOS, VLOGS AND PODCAST TOO: 
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Filed Under: Disney News, Latest News, Walt Disney World Tagged With: 2020 Epcot Food & Wine Festival, 2020 Epcot Food & Wine Festival merchandise, Disney Dooney, Epcot Food and Wine Festival, Figment, Figment merchandise, Food & Wine Festival merchandise, FreshEpcot, Passholder exclusive merchandise, TasteOfEpcot

2020 Disney Dooney & Bourke Epcot Food & Wine Festival Designs

25 August 2020 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Hey there folks! Remember when I used to post all the latest and greatest Disney Dooney & Bourke bag designs? So much has happened since I was able to keep up with that and it’s gone from a handful of designs to seemingly hundreds, with new purses for each festival, new film, character and more! I am going to return to my roots here and make every attempt to keep up with these latest and greatest designs. Of course, there are now so many other partnerships now as well, Coach, Vera Bradley, Loungefly, etc. and I’ll do my best to keep up with those too. That said, let’s jump right back into it with the very newest Disney Dooney & Bourke designs for the 2020 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival!2020 Epcot Food & Wine Dooney & Bourke

Right now, EPCOT has reopened with limited hours, and a sort of mix of the Flower and Garden and Food and Wine food booths, called the Taste of Epcot. The Food and Wine Festival is returning, and will begin on September 1, 2020. With it of course comes new Festival merchandise items! We’ll have those in a separate Epcot Food & Wine Festival Merchandise post.

This Festival will of course be very different, with the global pandemic of Covid-19 still in play. Mask and social distancing requirements, and Park Pass reservations needed to even get into EPCOT in the first place. We will leave it up to you to decide when the time is right to return to the parks. I will say some of my family members and friends have returned and been very impressed with the safety measures in play. It really does depend on the guests, the number of guests, and the cast members ability to enforce the rules, so your mileage may vary.

Disney Dooney & Bourke 2020 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival designs will appear later in September. We’ll keep you posted as soon as we see they have arrived, along with pricing. Here are the three designs we now know about, with thanks to Brooke G. McDonald on instagram and Chip & Co. for the use of their photos (click to enlarge any photo):

Disney Dooney and Bourke Epcot Food and Wine 2020
Disney Dooney & Bourke 2020 Food & Wine designs
Disney Dooney and Bourke Epcot Food and Wine 2020
Wallet clutch, crossbody and satchel design
Disney Dooney and Bourke Epcot Food and Wine 2020
Wristlet/wallet
Disney Dooney and Bourke Epcot Food and Wine 2020
Close up of crossbody
Disney Dooney and Bourke Epcot Food and Wine 2020
Satchel
Disney Dooney and Bourke Epcot Food and Wine 2020
Dooney & Bourke logo plate
Disney Dooney and Bourke Epcot Food and Wine 2020
2020 Epcot Food & Wine Festival hang tag
Epcot Food and Wine 2020 merch
Adorable Figment merchandise

Don’t forget to check shopDisney.com for sales of select current released Disney Dooney & Bourke purses and peruse Zannaland’s Disney Dooney & Bourke page with the original lineup of handbag photos and info.

Merchandise Hotline number for Walt Disney World Resort: 407-363-6200 or 407-828-1451.

*DisneyStore.com links are affiliate links. That means it costs you nothing extra to click or buy but if you do, I get a small commission. Thanks for reading!

 

Filed Under: Disney News, Latest News, Walt Disney World Tagged With: 2020 Epcot Food & Wine Festival, Disney Dooney, Disney Dooney & Bourke, Disney Dooney Food and Wine, Disney handbags, Disney Merchandise, Dooney & Bourke Epcot Food & Wine, Epcot Food and Wine 2020

VLOG: A Quick Preview of the Festival of the Holidays at Epcot!

23 November 2019 by Chris Ryan Leave a Comment

We visit Epcot’s World Showplace to get a quick preview of the upcoming events and things coming soon during the Festival of the Holidays this year. Featuring very special guests, CHIP AND DALE!

Disclosure: Disney hosted us for this event, but these opinions are our own!

Filed Under: Disney Holidays, Disney Special Events, Videos, Vlogs, Walt Disney World

Up the Waterfall: The History of Epcot’s Festivals

15 September 2019 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

https://zannaland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/AUDIO-ONLY-03-Festivals-of-Epcot.mp3

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It’s hard to imagine a time before Epcot Festivals, especially if you just started going to the park in the last 20 years. In this week’s Up the Waterfall episode, we discuss the history of festivals at Epcot. Why they came about, how they’ve changed over the years, and what we think of all the never-ending festivals at one of our favorite parks. Times have certainly changed since 1994 and the first ever Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, in fact there are now 4 main festivals taking place in Epcot throughout the year.

Epcot Flower and Garden Festival

Listen in, or watch as we discuss all the festivals, our favorite parts and not-so-favorite parts. We’d love to hear your thoughts on Epcot Festivals too! Do you like the festivals in Epcot? What’s your favorite part and what do you like or not like about those festivals? See what we think on this week’s episode.

Here’s a link to the EPCOT VIP Lounges I mentioned in this episode, if you’d like to see!

This is our third episode for the Up the Waterfall podcast, you can subscribe on the Apple Podcast app (we’d LOVE a review so more people can discover our little show!), watch and subscribe on YouTube.com/zannaland where you can give us a thumbs up, comment, share and hit the notification bell to make sure you never miss another video.

Thanks as always for watching, listening, and reading! We hope you enjoy and if you do, share the love so we can keep bringing you more fun topics!

Click here to download.

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Filed Under: Disney Parks, Resorts, & Entertainment, Disney Special Events, Top Stories, Up the Waterfall Podcast Tagged With: Eat to the Beat, Epcot Festival of the Arts, Epcot Festival of the Holidays, Epcot Festivals, Epcot Flower and Garden Festival, Epcot Food and Wine Festival, Flower Power Concert Series, Garden Rocks, Up the Waterfall, Up the Waterfall podcast

EPCOT International Festival of the Arts – A Must Visit!

15 February 2017 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Epcot Festival of the ArtsI love a good festival. Art, Food, Renaissance, Fools, I’m always up for a festival. I’ve written many times before about the various established Epcot festivals. Originally begun to bolster lower attendance weeks at Walt Disney World, the first modern, well-promoted festival at Epcot was the International Flower and Garden Festival, which began in 1993. I missed the first couple of years, but when I moved down in 1995 and began working for Walt Disney World, it became a tradition to attend. The Flower and Garden Festival always revolved around Mother’s Day and back then, Disney provided a free photo op (much like they also used to at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party). It became a Mother’s Day tradition to attend with my mom, enjoy all the fun topiaries and floral displays, dine in France, and get our photo taken together. Also in 1995, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival began. I remember how exciting those first years were; being able to stroll around World Showcase and sample smaller bites from countries that may not have a full pavilion, but have some great flavors to offer. It was a fun time.

Now, there are very few “low attendance times” at Walt Disney World. People now plan their visits around the festivals, in order to try the food items, or take part in the many seminars and sessions offered. Another addition over the years was runDisney appearing on the scene, with some races around the festivals, making it even more well-attended. And, of course, Epcot drinking teams also became a thing, giving Food & Wine bit of a reputation for drunken hordes roaming the World Showcase Promenade. That is not to say these festivals are not still enjoyable, just that they have considerably changed over the years, and become an entity unto themselves. As a local, it’s still fun to go on a weeknight and try the foods, or perhaps splurge on a dining event offered. My husband and I did the Parisian Afternoon last year and had a lovely time. There is always something new to see or experience, so you really can get out of the festivals what you want.

Figment TopiaryEnter #ArtfulEpcot. Quietly sauntering into the festival scene in the middle of January this year, the Epcot International Art Festival became an INSTANT hit. And I do mean instant. There was very little info provided about this festival far ahead of time. We saw a few photos of “artsy food” which, yes, looked amazing, but I don’t think I was alone when I thought, “oh, it’ll be Food & Wine in February…” and also wondered how they would pull off these artistic food creations under the usually extreme conditions of festival food booths. Then, I walked into Epcot the first Friday it opened, saw a perfectly crafted Figment topiary, complete with two tiny wings, eyes big and yellow, horns of a steer…he really was a lovable fellow. Sorry, it’s impossible for me not to break into song when discussing Figment. Anyway, I sort of fell in love, again, with Epcot.

Of course it was more than just a Figment topiary to make me appreciate this new festival. I attended an event which highlighted the various food creations, merchandise, and entertainment offerings within the festival. Every cast member on hand who spoke about their area of expertise was so passionate and excited. That excitement was contagious, and I soon realized this was something very different from just another festival. As we strolled around Epcot, I saw more and more reasons why this was going to be a big hit.

There are many different types of Disney fan out there. I’ve spoken about what kind I am before, and though there are most certainly no wrong or right type of fan, there are many others like me, who love the history of the Walt Disney Company, the pioneering advances and different thinking that made it succeed, even while it was doomed to fail. We Disney history nerds love the original concept, hopes, and ideals that EPCOT Center stood for both in Walt’s initial idea, and the 1982-1994 incarnation of the theme park once known as EPCOT Center. I have professed my love for this park endless times. That park doesn’t really exist today, but you can see glimpses and sparks of it if you know where to look. As an EPCOT Center fan, it’s completely normal and acceptable behavior to stare at wall carpet, marvel at the ride system within Universe of Energy (Ellen’s Energy Adventure), or watch Impressions de France on repeat, while the rest of the park may be lining up for characters or Frozen or Test Track. That is not to say we can’t also enjoy some of the park’s current lineup. It is to say, we miss original EPCOT and all that it represented to us.

Epcot Festival of the ArtsWhat the Epcot Festival of the Arts has done is found the perfect mix, to entertain the masses, and delight those who dearly miss what EPCOT once was. How? Well, for starters, the entire design of the festival speaks to EPCOT in a modern way. Muted, watercolor style images of park icons, including the original EPCOT Center logo, make my 1980’s heart sing. Figment is the “mascot” of the festival, but not in an annoying, or out of place way. He represents the very spirit of art, appearing in each World Showcase country, in a work of art hailing from the country you are in, only Figment-ized. A perfect way to get kids (and adults) interested in art and seek out more knowledge about the pieces featured, the countries, and art in general. This “scavenger hunt” featuring Figment is actually available as a paid activity. You purchase a Figment’s Brush with the Masters Scavenger Hunt map for $6.99 from several possible locations, and then match the Figment artwork to the artwork featured in the World Showcase pavilions. Turn in your map when you’re done, and you’ll get a prize. It’s fun either way!

Figment Scavenger Hunt
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Epcot Festival of the Arts

Speaking of art, there are not one but two mini-galleries of original and concept art at the festival. Artists, Imagineers and Disney Legends Herb Ryman and Mary Blair have their artwork displayed within (another EPCOT Center holdout) the Odyssey restaurant. There we can see huge versions of Ryman’s original concept art for EPCOT and its Future World pavilions, as well as a selection of  Mary Blair’s South American-inspired art pieces. Also within the Odyssey are free – yes FREE – informational sessions from topics like the animation ink and paint process, to different types of tea. There are also paid sessions on specific art topics which include take-home items from the lesson too. As you stroll around World Showcase, there are also classes like origami making or anime drawing in Japan, various chalk displays around the world, and fun photo ops where you become part of a famous work of art. Animation Academy, once held at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, also makes a reappearance in Innoventions during the festival.

Epcot Festival of the Arts
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Epcot Festival of the Arts

The hit of the festival since it opened has been the Paint By Numbers Mural found between Future World and World Showcase. You are given – again, completely free – a tiny cup of paint and a paint brush and told to paint anywhere from 3-5 (depending on how busy it is) squares matching your color to your number. For the first few weekends, it was a Future World image, the full size version of what is available at character meets as the backdrop in the front of Epcot. Last weekend, the mural design was changed to a World Showcase image, which was also a big hit. When the murals are completed, they are changed out for blank canvases and guests can start all over again. It is sponsored by Glidden’s line of Disney-inspired paint names, so that adds for a fun connection.

Epcot Festival of the Arts
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Epcot Festival of the Arts

The seven “Food Studios” (see full list of menu items at that link)as they call the food booths at this event, may be small in number, but the varied items almost all take a unique spin on a classic food item, or highlight favorites with an artistic twist. My favorites were the Classic Reuben, which looks anything but classic with it’s futuristic “rye curl” in place of traditional bread, and the Scallop with Chorizo found in America at The Artist’s Table. Oh, and don’t forget the jaw-dropping Piet Mondrian-inspired cake at Pop Eats! as well as adorable “chocolate easels” which are an edible work of art in the form of Figment, Mickey and Pluto, or Mary Blair designs. (Click to read full captions below)

Epcot Festival of the Arts
Classic Reuben with Shredded Corned Beef, Thousand Island Dressing, Pickled Red Cabbage and a Rye Curl
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Pan-Seared Scallop with Chorizo, Roasted Red Pepper Coulis and a Parmesan Crisp (GF)
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Wild Mushroom Risotto, Aged Parmesan, Truffle Shavings and Zinfandel Reduction (V)
Epcot Festival of the Arts Deconstructed Sweet Potato Pie
Deconstructed Purple Sweet Potato Pie, Salted Caramel, Bourbon-soaked Cake and Marshmallow Whipped Cream
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Trio of Savory Croissant Doughnuts: Whipped Herb Cream Cheese with Sea Salt (V) Chicken Mousse with Fresh Herbs & Everything Bagel Seasoning Spicy Tuna with Sriracha Mayonnaise and Sesame Seeds
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Sous Vide Venison with Butternut Squash Purée, Pomegranate Reduction, Pickled Turnip and Juniper Berry Powder (GF)
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Callebaut Belgian Sipping Chocolate Flight: White, Milk, Dark (non-alcoholic)
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Deconstructed Breakfast: Twinings® Spiced Apple Chai Tea Shake with Maple Bourbon Cream, a Waffle Crisp and Candied Bacon (also available in non-alcoholic)
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Almond Frangipane Cake layered with Raspberry Jam and Chocolate (photo by Disney)
Figment Chocolate Easel
Chocolate Figment Easel

Bridging the gap from classic art to modern, there are also many booths around World Showcase, featuring Disney artists and local artisans alike. Many of the artists are on hand to sign their work. It’s a great way to build your art collection with some originals or prints and meet your favorite artists at the same time.

Epcot Festival of the Arts
Artist Joey Chou signs his work

To top off all that this festival has to offer, at the end of the day, Disney on Broadway Concert Series stars appear at the American Gardens Theatre three times a night, perfoming hit songs from the ever-growing catalog of the Disney Broadway productions. As a huge Broadway musical fan, these shows were the perfect fit. I’ve seen two sets of performers and every show was incredible. Such amazing talent. The shows always seem to have a full house too, so I think this series has been very well received.

Epcot Festival of the Arts Broadway
Epcot Festival of the Arts

Word has spread fast online about this incredible festival, which has quickly become my favorite of the Epcot festival lineup. Every aspect of Artful Epcot fills me with joy, and I hope it returns for years to come, running all week long instead of just long weekends. My only fear is that this charming, quaint, interactive festival that offers so much for so many, will lose that charm if it expands too much. However, I’ll put my confidence in the designers behind the scenes to ensure that doesn’t happen. Part of what made the Festival of the Arts such a success is the way it mixed history with present day, classic with modern, and just enough included opportunities that you don’t feel like you have to shell out premium prices (other than a ticket to the park), to experience all this festival has to offer.

Herb Ryman Epcot Concept Art

There is just one weekend left to the Epcot Festival of the Arts, so I urge you to get down there, get some paint on your hands and chocolate on your face and ENJOY! If you’ve been, I’d love to hear what your favorite part of the festival was or what you hope is added next time around.

Filed Under: Disney Parks, Resorts, & Entertainment, Disney Planning, Disney Special Events, Family Travel, Top Stories, Travel Tagged With: Artful Epcot, ArtfulEpcot, Disney art, Disney Dining, Disney festivals, Epcot, Epcot Art Festival, EPCOT Center, Epcot Festival of the Arts, Figment, World Showcase

Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival 2016 Sneak Peek

1 March 2016 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2016
Ranger Mickey at the Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2016

As much as I enjoy the unique foods offered at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival each year, it’s no secret that I actually prefer the Flower & Garden Festival by leaves and mounds (see what I did there? horticultural puns!). In all seriousness, it really is my favorite Festival, especially with the addition of the outdoor kitchens. Seeing new topiary creations each year, in addition to the old favorites always makes for great visits to Epcot, and fun photo ops, ensuring you explore and visit even some forgotten areas. Additionally, with the spring season at hand, the food options at the outdoor kitchens (now in their 4th year at the Festival), are lighter, more focused on vegetables and organic and locally sourced ingredients. The menus are fresh (there’s a reason they use #FreshEpcot as the hashtag for the Festival) and not too heavy, just perfect for strolling the park in the springtime.

This year, the Flower & Garden Festival runs from March 2 – May 30, expanding from 75 days last year, to a full 90 this year. Festival Horticultural Manager Eric Darden explained that they are prepared and excited for the challenge of a 90-day festival. With the previous length, they had 2 separate plantings to keep the gardens looking bright and full. This year, they may have to do 3 sets of plantings for some of the displays, ensuring no matter when you visit, the flowers will look as wonderful as day 1. Also new this year, is a new topiary character, Ranger Mickey, who, along with Chip n’ Dale, help celebrate the National Park Service’s 100th Anniversary. I loved these new topiaries and of course, awareness of our amazing National Parks is always a good thing.

We were treated to a preview of some of the menu options as well as some of the areas which were still under construction. Set to open tomorrow, March 2nd, everything will be revealed and ready to go at park opening. Until then, enjoy some photos and further information on 23rd annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival!

(Hover over photos to read captions)

Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2016
Beef Teriyaki Udon tossed on the grill with Soy and Ginger
Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2016
Shrimp and Stone-ground Grits and Andouille Sausage, Sweet Corn, Tomatoes, and Cilantro
Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2016
Seared Pork Tenderloin with Mushroom Ragout, Spring Vegetables, and Marbled Potatoes
Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2016
Charles de Ferre and Monin Prosecco
Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2016
Watermelon and Feta Salad
Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2016
Land-harvested Field Greens with Apples, Dried Blueberries, Stilton Cheese, and Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2016
Burnt Ends Beef Brisket Hash with White Cheddar Fondue and Pickled Jalapeños
Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2016
Burnt Ends Beef Brisket Hash with White Cheddar Fondue and Pickled Jalapeños
Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2016
Cremoso al Pistachio – Pistachio Cream, Strawberries and Mascarpone Cream
Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2016
Mezze Lune Primavera! Egg Pasta is stuffed with Ricotta and Spinach and served in a Creamy Sauce with Spring Vegetables and Pecorino Cheese
Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2016
Watermelon Cucumber Slush with Hendrick’s Gin
Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2016
Currywurst getting sprinkled with curry spices
Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2016
House-made Potato and Cheddar Cheese Biscuit with Smoked Salmon Tartare
Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2016
McKenzie’s Black Cherry Hard Cider and Sonoma “The Pitchfork” Organic Pear Hard Cider
Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2016
Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2016
Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2016
Currywurst with Paprika Chips
Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2016
French Macaron with Chocolate Fudge and Raspberry Jam
Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2016
Chocolate art from France
Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2016
Orlando-made Ricotta Cheese, Cahaba Farms Micro Onions, Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Balsamic, along with Country Pate and House-made Pickles
Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2016
Orlando-made Ricotta Cheese, Cahaba Farms Micro Onions, Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Balsamic, along with Country Pate and House-made Pickles
Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2016
Honey Baklava from Morocco
Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2016
Jerk-spice Chicken with Mango Salsa, Chayote, and Green Papaya Slaw with Lime-Cilantro Vinaigrette
Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2016
Key Lime Wine, Tropical Sangria, and Pineapple Wine from Florida Orange Groves Winery
Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2016

 

Of the samples we tried, I was most in love with the Shrimp and Grits and the Burnt Ends – so, so good and the flavors are ridiculous. I also really liked the Currywurst, which I guess used to be at Sommerfest, but I never tried it there. The Jerk Chicken was also a winner. I thought I had tried gin in my past and not been a fan, but mixed with the Cucumber Watermelon Slush, I really loved it. I would totally get this when I go back to the Festival. Of course the Festival Passport is back, and you can get stamps at every kiosk around the World Showcase. You can view all the menus, topiary checklist, Garden Rocks performers, and all the Festival info online before you go.

Here are some of the topiary and garden photos from our sneak peek. We’ll have more throughout the run of the Festival on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and in future posts here.

2016 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival
Sunburst garden behind Spaceship Earth
2016 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival
Floating flowers and flower quilt
Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2016
I just love Chip ‘n’ Dale with their sandwich
2016 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival
Ranger Mickey
2016 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival
Minnie and Pluto topiary
2016 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival
Bambi, Thumper, and Flower
2016 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival
Baby pineapples by the Pineapple Promenade
2016 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival
Eeyore’s tail is the cutest
2016 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival
T-I-double G-ER
2016 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival
Rabbit
2016 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival
New this year: the interactive Harmony Gardens musical playground, which features the Fab Five topiaries on a smaller scale.
2016 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival
Kids will be able to play with drums, xylophones, chimes, and jungle gyms
2016 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival
We saw it under construction but it will be open 3/2
2016 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival
We were able to pot a plant, similar to the gardening seminars held in the Festival Center during the Flower & Garden Festival
2016 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival
Some previews of the Festival merchandise
2016 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival
Festival tumbler
2016 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival
2016 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival
2016 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival
2016 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival
How cute is this Donald figurine with Chip n’ Dale?

 

Will you be visiting during the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival? What are you most looking forward to seeing and trying? We can’t wait to get back for more!

Filed Under: Disney Parks, Resorts, & Entertainment, Disney Special Events, Top Stories, Walt Disney World Tagged With: Epcot, Epcot Flower and Garden Festival, Epcot flower quilt, Epcot merchandise, Epcot Outdoor Kitchens, Epcot topiaries, Flower & Garden Festival 2016, FreshEpcot, Ranger Mickey

Why Epcot’s Flower & Garden Festival is My Favorite Food & Wine Festival

3 March 2015 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

Epcot 2015 Flower and Garden FestivalThe Epcot Flower and Garden Festival is entering its 22nd season at the Walt Disney World Resort. I’ve been attending from the start, and it’s always held a lovely place in my heart as a fun way for Epcot to show its colors in a unique way. When the rest of the world is craving spring in all its glory, even those of us in Florida are ready for some color, butterflies, and all that spring promises with each new year. Growing up, I used to love going to the New England Flower Show each year (now called the Boston Flower & Garden Show). We’d drive into downtown Boston from our suburb of Sharon, Mass, usually with snow still on the ground. Seeing the displays, the exotic flowers, plants and trees that you didn’t normally get to see in New England, along with the accompanying scents, was a highlight for me as a child.

Epcot’s Flower & Garden Festival, while not very similar to what I grew up with, showcased what Walt Disney World was known for, topiaries, beautiful flowers and animated characters brought to life. Originally, the Festival had a special Mother’s Day Brunch, and on that day you would receive a carnation at the turnstiles (still a tradition as of last year, although the turnstiles are no more) as well as a free “Mother’s Day Photo” taken in a different location each year. That was an annual tradition for my mom and I, and we usually continue it, although the free photo is no more. We still dine in Epcot each Mother’s Day and enjoy the various flower displays and gardening showcases Epcot puts together, now in partnership with HGTV and many other sponsors.

The extensive topiary displays have grown, as well as adding many DIY examples of home gardening ideas and inspiration to take back home, whether that is local, or in a completely different climate zone. The Festival Center, housed in the former Wonders of Life pavilion, offers gardening demonstrations and classes for those wanting to learn how the experts make it happen.

The Flower & Garden Festival has changed quite a bit over the years, with one of the biggest changes coming two years ago, with the addition of Epcot Kitchens around the World Showcase promenade. These kitchens highlight different fresh grown menu items, drinks and desserts, some of which have become instant hits. I’ve really come to love these options even more than the Food & Wine Festival that rolls around in the Fall. There are a lot less “drinking around the world” groups during the Flower & Garden Festival, and the focus on the foods is really specific to locally grown flavors and fresh, unique items. And while you can still get something like bbq brisket, you can also enjoy items that almost leave you refreshed and not weighed down by sauces and ingredients we have come to associate with the Food & Wine Festival. Most things at the Flower & Garden Festival (aptly given the hashtag #FreshEpcot this season), are made with spring vegetables, fruits and lighter items to match the season. It’s a kind of “Food & Wine Light” Festival, which, when paired with the other displays and demonstrations, makes it a perfect way to ring in spring at Epcot.

This year, I was again treated to a preview of the Flower & Garden Festival with some other local media. We met with Festival horticulture manager Eric Darden and Carla Shuman, a Disney World landscape architect. Some gardens seemed to be a little less far along than last year’s tour, but then we have been dealing with several cold snaps and yes, even freezes here in the central Florida area. I know, it’s nothing compared to what I left back home in Boston, but then again, I left all of that behind for a reason! While some of the old favorites are back again at the Festival, there are some new topiaries as well as new plants being used this year which I’m very excited to see in full bloom.

One of the newest additions this year is the use of succulents to many of the displays. Heather told us that in the past, they’d been afraid to use succulents, because they don’t do well in Florida summers, but since the Festival won’t be on display in the summer, they decided they could use them. I’m a little obsessed with succulents, I think they are so unique-looking and can really make a fun landscape of textures and colors, so I was thrilled to see these little babies out on display. Carla said that some of the displays they already had out were affected by the freezes, but that they had already been replaced and everything looked great. I can’t wait to check out the entirety of Epcot and look for the various succulents on display. They are used quite a bit in the Cars area, with a newly themed section called Cactus Road Rally, which really fits into the theme of the original Cars film.

Speaking of films, you may have heard of Disney’s little indie release called Frozen, which is of course featured prominently in topiary form at the entrance to World Showcase from Future World. I’m wondering if a little Olaf won’t appear before the end of the Festival. I do hope they end up lighting the topiaries once the Festival officially opens on March 4. I recently saw the new Frozen short in front of Disney’s Cinderella, out March 13, and it actually is pretty cute. The new dress colors of the sisters in Frozen Fever make me happy (for now…).

Part of the Cars area garden – the Cactus Road Rally features cactus and succulents
More succulents
Love the color and plant choices here
The flower quilt has giant flower images with Mickey heads
The Butterfly Garden features all new wider walkways this year
Farmer Minnie and Mickey stand at attention
Everyone’s favorite sisters…right?
The flower beds match Elsa’s wintery aesthetic while Anna has bright flowers
The Urban Farm area features unique things like these black tomatoes
Urban Farm pineapples, which were a popular plant around the Festival this year
Aquaculture at Urban Farm – fish waste becomes plant fertilizer
Mike & Sulley return in the Monsters U play area
Monster-looking plants in the playground
Hook is looking dapper this year
Be sure to look up for Pan
Tick Tock Croc is always fun
Winnie the Pooh in the UK
English Tea Garden
Belle and her Beast in France
La Belle France
Beef Brisket Burnt Ends from the Smokehouse
Kale Salad from Urban Farm Eats
Cachapas corn cake from Botanas Botánico
Quinoa patty naanwich from Urban Farm
Some of our preview samples
Blueberry Lemon Curd Tart from Florida Fresh
Coconut Tres Leches
La Tizana from Botanas Botánico
Strawberry filled Marshmallow Macaron from France
Inside the Macaron

 
Also new this year is an area called Botanas Botánico Outdoor Kitchen, located between the France and Morocco pavilions, which will showcase treats like Cachapas with Farmer’s Cheese, a sweet yellow corn pancake, and Seafood Ceviche with shrimp, scallops and grouper with mango and avocado. Also, a new drink called La Tizana, a non-alcoholic punch finished with fresh fruit that can become an adult beverage with a splash of Santa Teresa RHUM Orange Liqueur. We were able to sample the Cachapas and the La Tizana, and I think they will both be great hits. The Cachapas were mild and comforting; a snack you could enjoy any time, and not feel as bad, because, hey, corn. To counteract all of that…healthy stuff…be sure to try the Coconut Tres Leches dessert. Holy wow that was ridiculous. I had to stop myself at two (okay, four) bites because I could feel my pants getting tighter with each one. SO. GOOD.

Other items we were able to try were the new Beef Brisket Burnt Ends Hash with White Cheddar Fondue and Pickled Jalapenos, from the Smokehouse. This had a great flavor, but in my opinion not as good as the pepper bacon hash from last year’s Food & Wine Festival. Also new from the Smokehouse is the Smoked Debreziner Sausage with House Made Kraut and Mustard. I’m not a huge sausage and kraut fan, so this was nothing to write home about to me. We also sampled the returning Shrimp and Grits from Florida Fresh, which was heavenly. For some reason, in my recent “better eating” lifestyle, I’ve been craving Shrimp and Grits like nobody’s business. I should probably avoid this booth for fear of ordering breakfast lunch and dinner there.

At the Urban Farm Eats kitchen, new this year is the “Naanwich” with Quinoa Patty, Arugula Pesto and Roasted Tomatoes. I loved this. Any time I can eat vegetarian and know it’s going to taste amazing is a must-do for me, and this did not disappoint. Honestly, I would order this over the Burnt Ends Hash, but maybe that’s healthy me talking. I did feel guilty eating naan, but good bread will always be my weakness! We also tried the new Kale Salad, with Dried Cherries, Almonds, and Goat Cheese with White Balsamic Vinaigrette which was nice and refreshing, depending on the price, I would totally order this again for a healthier option.

Also sampled was the Macaron Guimauve à la Fraise, a Strawberry Marshmallow Macaron from France. It’s almost too pretty to eat. Almost. Finally, the Florida Blueberry and Lemon Curd Tart. This was so refreshing. The blueberries were gigantic and so juicy.

I can’t wait to head back and try the rest of the new and returning items and stroll around the World Showcase lagoon with some delicious eats. I’ll be updating as I try more foods and drinks during the festival. I’m also excited to view the completed garden and topiary displays, including the Healing & Health Garden near The Land pavilion, featuring ancient medicinal plants including garlic, aloe, chamomile, fennel, mint and others. Plants used to develop modern prescriptions will be papaya, periwinkle, turmeric, yew, thyme and valerian. And the new Shakespeare Garden at the United Kingdom pavilion will feature roses to represent Romeo and Juliet. Also in the garden: rosemary from Hamlet, lavender from The Winter’s Tale, plus representations featuring poppy, lily, honeysuckle and willow. A literary fan’s dream garden.

I’m sure I’ll have more coverage as the Festival runs from March 4 – May 17, 2015. Until then, follow along on twitter, instagram and facebook for more photos and updates.

Thank you to Disney for inviting me to the hard hat preview tour I attended, and the food and drink samples provided. Opinions and thoughts are my own.

 

 

Filed Under: Disney Dining, Disney Special Events, Top Stories, Walt Disney World Tagged With: Epcot, Epcot Flower and Garden Festival, Epcot Flower and Garden Festival 2015, Epcot Outdoor Kitchens, Epcot Seasonal Events, Fresh Epcot, FreshEpcot

2014 Epcot Food & Wine Festival Inspired Disney Dooney and Bourke Bags

17 September 2014 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

NOTE: Click here —> If you’re looking for the 2020 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Dooney and Bourke Bags.

Yet another new Disney Dooney & Bourke design will soon be on the shelves in Epcot this time. Inspired by Epcot’s annual International Food & Wine Festival, these bags offer a darker option to go with your Fall or Winter wardrobe. Similar to the bags released at the Epcot Flower & Garden Festival, these bags will be available at the Festival Center, beginning September 29. I will update further when I get a confirmation of the prices for these new bags. Here is the new pattern and styles that will be available – all images ©Disney

Epcot Food & Wine Dooney & Bourke

 

Epcot Food & Wine Dooney & Bourke

More from the Disney Parks Blog today:

When designing the new colorful pattern, Disney Design Group artists were inspired by marketing artwork featuring Chef Mickey Mouse. Three of the items will contain a unique leather hangtag that has the event logo (the wristlet will not have this hangtag). I love the subtle designs used on these new bags as sometimes less is more.

The four new items will be released at the Festival Center in Epcot starting September 29.

The Festival Center is located between the Universe of Energy and Mission: SPACE pavilions in Future World. We will have these items on display in that location when the event kicks off on September 19. This Dooney & Bourke collection will not be available on our Disney Parks online store at this time.

 

Don’t forget to check DisneyStore.com for sales of select current released Disney Dooney & Bourke purses and Zannaland’s Disney Dooney & Bourke page with ALL handbag photos and info.

*DisneyStore.com links are affiliate links, which means it costs you nothing extra to click or buy, but if you do, I get a small commission. Thanks for reading!

 

Filed Under: Disney Merchandise, Walt Disney World Tagged With: designer bags, designer purses, Disney bags, Disney Dooney, Disney Dooney & Bourke, Disney Merchandise, Disney purses, Donald, Dooney & Bourke, Epcot Food & Wine Fesitval, Food & Wine Dooney

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