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Epcot Flower and Garden Festival

Up the Waterfall: The History of Epcot’s Festivals

15 September 2019 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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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 Flower & Garden Festival 2016 Sneak Peek

1 March 2016 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

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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!

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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

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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.

 

 

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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

Behind the Scenes Preview of the 2014 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival

28 February 2014 by Suzannah Otis 5 Comments

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2014 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival
New Epcot Flower & Garden Festival logo design map and passport book for 2014

Today I had the honor of attending a small preview of the 21st annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. Hard to believe this is the 21st year, but it is! The Flower and Garden Festival is officially old enough to drink, which is great, because this is the second year that the festival is incorporating food and beverage kiosks and serving unique alcoholic selections amid the topiaries and gardens. More on that later, but for now, let’s discuss rest of the festival, which has really received a reboot this year, in my opinion.

We met with Festival horticulture manager Eric Darden and horticulture manager Heather Will-Browne, who’s also a Disney flower and color palette expert (as well as an *original* opening year Cast Member, celebrating her 43rd year at Walt Disney World!). It was really interesting to hear exactly what goes into the planning, development and construction of the topiaries and garden areas. Eric clued us in about the inspiration for the main entrance topiaries, which he said they have been designing to pay homage to original Disney animated shorts. This year, he said they changed their character looks, basing them on the recent computer animated character designs and making them much more realistic. Rather than having no faces or synthetic facial features, they constructed plant-life faces this year and it really makes a difference in the overall design. The topiaries look sharper, cleaner and much more fun.

Mickey, Minnie and Pluto

New at the Festival this year (that was available for us to see):

  • Gardener’s Palette over by Innoventions East. This color garden features different plantings based on the four seasons, showcasing the colors available to grow, and when open, will also have a kids coloring station.
  • Hummingbirds at Home behind Mouse Gear where the tall birdhouses are. Members of the National Audubon Society are hoping to attract at least one nesting pair of hummingbirds this season, by placing feeders and hummingbird friendly flowers around this garden. Society members are currently tracking the hummingbirds migration and will update their current location daily, so be sure to stop by and check in. I’m really excited by this and hope to see these tiny little guys flitting about! You can also hear presentations from the National Audubon Society in the Festival Center, so check your guide.
  • Mike & Sulley’s Monstrous Garden takes last year’s showcase topiaries of Mike Wazowski and James P. “Sulley” Sullivan from Monster’s University and placed them in the kids playground area, which was Oz the Great and Powerful themed last year. The entire playground is Monster themed from the jungle gyms to the artificial grass featuring giant monster footprints. It’s a really cute area, and like last year, features shaded seating areas for parents while the kids play. I loved listening to the soundtrack from Oz last year, so I’ll be interested to hear the music selections this time around.

Kermit and Miss Piggy Topiary

  • Kermit and Miss Piggy Topiaries in between Italy and Germany, celebrating the opening of Muppets Most Wanted in theatres March 21 – and the all new Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs gang have been updated as well. There is also the first ever topiary photo opportunity with Goofy and a topiary soccer ball, in the Donald and Goofy garden between Future World and World Showcase.

There are a few other new areas this year, and of course the food options, or Outdoor Kitchens, which I’ll post about after the official opening of the Festival on March 5. Until then, I hope you enjoyed this little taste of what’s to come. I’m quite excited about the Festival this year and can’t wait to head back, enjoy the flowers, food, and concerts too.

Here’s a gallery of some of gardens we saw today:

The color wheel in garden form
Color garden
Hummingbird Habitat
Mater topiary under construction
Dad Gum!
Dad Gum Dad Gum!
Kids playground behind Mater
Instructions for the kids activity at Mater’s playground
Lightning McQueen in a new location this year
Lightning McQueen
The Goofy and Donald garden topiary photo op
The Goofy and Donald garden topiary photo op
A topiary soccer ball will be by Goofy for guest photos
Donald topiary
Mike and Sulley
Sulley print!
New Snow White, with a face!
The Seven Dwarfs
The rest of the Seven Dwarfs
Kermit and Miss Piggy
Kermit and Miss Piggy

Check back for more posts and info on the 2014 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival soon!

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Filed Under: Disney Special Events, Top Stories, Walt Disney World Tagged With: #EpcotInSpring, 2014 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, Disney topiaries, Epcot, Epcot Flower and Garden Festival, Epcot in Spring, Epcot topiaries, Flower and Garden Festival, Walt Disney World

Nightime Magic at Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival

12 March 2013 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

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The 20th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival has really outdone itself this year with the addition of dining and drinking options at 12 booths around the World Showcase. In addition, there are some special nighttime effects for many of the topiaries, making the Festival a must-visit, day and night. I was so enchanted by a few of these displays, I had to create a special post to share the photos I took at night. I hope you enjoy the gallery of nighttime magic at the Flower and Garden Festival!

Fab 5 topiaries at night

 

Click to enter a slideshow of the images below:

Epcot Flower and Garden Festival at night
The monorail station has projections of the Flower & Garden logo, flowers, and butterflies on the monorail track
Fab 5 topiaries at night
The fab 5 still look great at night
Mickey topiary at night
Mickey is ready for a BBQ
Pluto topiary at night
…and so is Pluto!
Phineas and Ferb topiary at night
Phineas and Ferb have color-changing LED lights around them
Tow Mater topiary at night
Tow Mater
Lightning McQueen topiary at night
Lightning McQueen
Epcot's Garden Retreat at night
The Garden Retreat is a lovely seating area, day or night
Tinker Bell topiary at night
Tinker Bell and Periwinkle are the hit of the nighttime gardens
Tinker Bell topiary at night
Color-changing LED lights at the base accent the green laser lights on the fairies
Tinker Bell topiary at night
I could spend all night here!
Tinker Bell topiary at night
Close-up of sparkly Tink
Oz the Great and Powerful Garden
The Oz garden sign looks wonderful at night
Monsters University topiary
The Monsters University scene looks just as great at night
Monsters University topiary
Mike Wazowski, with braces!
Monsters University topiary
Monsters University topiary
Monsters University topiary
Monsters University topiary
Monsters University topiary
Monsters University topiary
Monsters University topiary
Monsters University topiary
Sully’s back spikes
Monsters University topiary
I love the shadows cast by the Monsters University gate
Monsters University topiary
Close-up of monster hands
Moose in Canada pavilion at night
Lit up moose in the Canada gardens
Beauty and the Beast topiaries at night
Beauty and the Beast
Beast topiary at night
Beast is a little scary as a close-up!
Lotso topiary at night
Lotso looks very happy, but I’d watch out for him…
Lady and the Tramp topiary at night
Lady and the Tramp
China dragon topiary at night
The dragon in China spits mist
China dragon topiary at night
I think the dragon in China should be there year-round
Norway troll topiary at night
A friendly troll?

 

Oz garden poppies
Hand-blown glass poppies in the Oz garden are beautiful at night!

 

Which display is your favorite at night? Mine is definitely Tinker Bell and Periwinkle – the fairy music playing in the background is the perfect touch!

Make sure you see our other posts on the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival!

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Filed Under: Disney Special Events, Photos From the Parks, Top Stories, Walt Disney World Tagged With: China pavilion, Chinese dragon, Daisy Duck, Donald Duck, Epcot, Epcot at night, EPCOT Center, Epcot Flower and Garden 2013, Epcot Flower and Garden Festival, Epcot in Spring, Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, Goofy, Italy pavilion, Lady and the Tramp, Lotso, Mickey Mouse, Mickey topiary, Mike Wazowski, Minnie Mouse, Monsters University, Night gardens, Norway pavilion, Norway troll, Periwinkle, Phineas and Ferb, pluto, Sully, tinker bell, topiaries, topiary, World Showcase

Epcot’s 20th Flower & Garden Festival in Full, Delicious Bloom!

12 March 2013 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

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Epcot International Flower & Garden FestivalThis year marks the 20th annual Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, held in both Future World and World Showcase around Epcot, and known for its larger-than-life topiaries of our favorite Disney characters and scenes. This year is a little different, however, because the creators of the festival have added a big bonus this year, in the form of 12 booths featuring Spring-inspired culinary dishes and fruit-infused beers, wines and other adult beverages, as well as some non-alcoholic options. As a fan of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, I think this is a wonderful addition. With 12 booths, it’s not overwhelming to World Showcase, and the offerings are completely unique and new to the Flower & Garden Festival. This addition of food and wine was 5 years in the making, and I think worth every minute of planning. The items offered are focused on fresh, light flavors, or those reminiscent of the coming summer – as found in the Smokehouse area of the American pavilion. I haven’t had a chance to try all the options yet, but so far my favorite was the “Frushi” or fruit sushi – fresh fruit rolled inside coconut rice. It’s not too sweet, it’s just perfect!

As far as the drink options, the biggest buzz is for the Dole Whip with a shot of Siesta Key spiced rum. I gave this a try – for research purposes of course – and it was a very unique experience. Unless you are a huge fan of rum by itself, I recommend mixing it all up so it’s like a frozen drink vs. trying to drink the rum alone. My favorite adult offering of the festival is the sparkling brut with elderflower syrup, found in the German booth. It was so yummy! I’ll let you discover your own favorites as you stroll around the World Showcase promenade – but don’t forget to visit the Festival Center where the Intermissions Cafe has its own set of drinks and snacks to try.

Dole Whip with Rum

With the addition of the food and wine selections, the Flower & Garden Festival also borrows the passport which is so popular during the Food & Wine Festival. Guests can pick up a Garden Passport at the Festival Center (make sure to get your first stamp there!) and then get a stamp at each garden location and food booth around the festival. It’s a fun activity for adults and kids alike!

Speaking of kids, my 4 year-old tested out all of the kids play areas and gave his thumbs up for the Radiator Springs garden and the Oz garden, both featuring some really fun playground equipment to climb, jump, and explore, as well as comfy seating for parents to supervise. The Tinker Bell and Friends Butterfly House is a perfect theme for the butterfly gardens, and a great learning opportunity with chrysalis collections and new butterflies emerging daily.

Radiator Springs garden

Also be sure to check out the Festival Center over in the former Wonders of Life pavilion, for some great hands-on demonstrations and seminars from the festival sponsor, HGTV. I got to see a sneak peek of some of the seminars from HGTV stars, and guests were learning about some great planting tips and even getting to plant their own little garden starter. The Festival Center also features the fun new Epcot Flower and Garden merchandise for the 2013 – including the Vera Bradley and Disney handbag preview.

Later today I’ll be featuring some of the amazing nighttime gardens, which are another plus this year at the festival and gives some areas an entirely different look than in the day. Until then, because of the sheer number of topiaries, food, play areas, and more at the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival, I made a flickr set to share all the photos I took. I didn’t include photos of everything…you’ll need to get over to Epcot and check out all the delicious fun in person! Right now there over 200 photos in the see. Enjoy!

 

Monsters University topiary
Here’s a sneak peek at the topiaries at night!

And don’t forget the Flower Power concert series, featuring some classic acts which are the perfect accompaniment to the flowers and food found around Epcot. I got a chance to meet Micky Dolenz of The Monkees, and he was thrilled to be a part of the concert series, and hopes to return each year. I hope to see you around the World Showcase lagoon and all of Epcot, enjoying all there is to see at the 20th International Flower and Garden Festival!

Epcot Flower & Garden Festival

 

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Filed Under: Disney Dining, Disney Special Events, Top Stories, Walt Disney World Tagged With: Disney characters, Dole Whip, Dole whip with rum, Epcot Flower and Garden 2013, Epcot Flower and Garden Festival, Epcot Food and Wine Festival, Flower and Garden Festival, fresh fruit, frushi, Future World, kids play areas, Oz garden, Radiator Springs Garden, smokehouse, Tinker Bell butterfly house, topiaries, World Showcase

NEW Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival Merchandise!

7 March 2013 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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Flower and Garden Festival

This Wednesday was the first day of Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 2013 and I was, of course, very excited to check out the new merchandise! Every year the festival features some newly designed merchandise while also bringing back old favorites. Even though our weather here in Orlando has been on the cooler side lately the festival merchandise really gives you that spring feeling!

Flower and Garden Festival
Strawberry Mickey Mouse Ears $19.95
Flower and Garden Festival
Ladybug Minne Mouse Ears Headband $22.95
Flower and Garden Festival
Flower and Garden Festival 2013 Women’s Minnie T-shirt
Flower and Garden Festival
Flower and Garden Festival 2013 Kid’s T-shirt $21.95
Flower and Garden Festival
Flower and Garden Festival 2013 Adult T-shirt $24.95
Flower and Garden Festival
Flower and Garden Festival 2013 Mickey “Mow and Grow” T-shirt
Garden Festival Bag
Flower and Garden Festival 2013 Mickey Tote $4.95
Garden Festival Bag
Flower and Garden Festival 2013 Minnie Drawstring Bag $21.95
Garden Festival Mug
Flower and Garden Festival 2013 Mickey/Minnie Coffee Mug $12.95
Garden Festival
Flower and Garden Festival 2013 decanter $16.95
Garden Festival Print
Flower and Garden Festival 2013 Official Print $39.95
Garden Festival Magnet
Flower and Garden Festival 2013 Magnet
Garden Festival stone
Mickey Mouse “Welcome” Garden Stone
Garden Festival statue Grumpy
Flower and Garden Festival Grumpy Garden Statues $29.95
Garden Festival statue Dopey
Flower and Garden Festival Dopey Garden Statues $29.95
Garden Festival statue Tinker Bell
Tinker Bell Garden Stepping Stone $34.95
Garden Festival statue Tinker Bell
Tinker Bell Garden Statue $49.95
Garden Festival statue Pin
Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival 2013 Jumbo Pin LE 500 $54.95
Garden Festival statue Pin
Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival 2013 Minnie Mouse Pin LE 5000 $15.95
Garden Festival statue Pin
Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival 20th Anniversary Pin $14.95
Garden Festival statue Pin
Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival 2013 Lady & Tramp Pin LE 5000 $14.95

 

 

 

 

The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival will be held from March 6 – May 19. The place with the best selection of Flower & Garden merchandise is the Festival Center, but you can also find some merchandise around World Showcase and inside Mouse Gear. We’ll be featuring an upcoming post in the next few days covering all the beautiful topiaries and the new food and drink booths added this year, so stay tuned!

So which Flower and Garden merchandise are you most excited to purchase? I will definitely be picking up a pair of LadyBug Minnie Mouse Ears!

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Filed Under: Disney Merchandise, Disney Special Events, Top Stories, Walt Disney World Tagged With: Disney, Disney Merchandise, Disney News, Disney parks, Disney Special Events, Epcot, Epcot Flower and Garden 2013, Epcot Flower and Garden Festival, Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, flower and garden, Flower and Garden Festival, flower and garden festival 2013, flowers, garden, gardening, Mickey ears, Minnie Mouse, shopping, special event, Walt Disney World, World Showcase

Photo Highlights of the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival

24 April 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Vibrant colors come alive in Epcot

The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival has been a family favorite for years, so of course this year was no different. Below are some of my favorite flowers and topiaries. I’ve left some displays out so you can discover them on your own when you visit. If you have the chance, make your way to Epcot and take in the sights and scents!

Be sure to check out the workshops and merchandise locations too for some great info and home garden ideas. There are fun activities for the kids and informative ways to take better care of our world, one garden at a time. The Flower Power Concert Series also offers a fun way to relax and enjoy the day with some sounds from the past.

The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival runs until May 20, 2012

As always, click any photo to see full-size.

Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Breathtaking orchids at the Mexico pavilion
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Another favorite of mine is always the Chinese dragon
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Be sure to check out the tiny Flower & Garden Festival at the Italy miniature train set
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Snow White and the Seven Dwarves outisde of the Germany pavilion
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Frozen rum drink and iced coffee in Haiti
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Menu offerings in the Haiti section
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
You can learn more about crops grown in Haiti, including coffee
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Haiti is a new addition to the Flower and Garden Festival
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Lotso just wants a hug!
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Woody and Buzz are hanging out in an “Alphabet garden” at the America pavilion
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
The bonsai trees are always a favorite of mine
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Bonsai trees in Japan
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Mrs. Potts and Chip in France
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Cogsworth and Lumiere topiaries
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Beast and Belle greet guests in the France pavilion
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Pooh and the gang outside of the UK pavilion
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Baby pineapples!
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Water Wise Fruit and Vegetables garden
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Chimpanzee sand sculpture – couldn’t fit it all in one shot!
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Close-up of Chimpanzee sand sculpture
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Kids play area on the walkway to World Showcase
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
The famous floating flowers, so pretty!
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Vibrant colors come alive in Epcot
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Captain Hook and and the Crocodile
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Butterfly topiary outside Bambi’s Butterfly Garden enclosure
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Gorgeous peacock topiary and flowers
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Dancing elephants! – Epcot Springs to Life
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Dancing ostriches from Fantasia
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Fantasia – Sorcerer Mickey topiary
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
More Fantasia mushrooms
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival entrance – mushrooms from Fantasia
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Sorcerer Mickey welcomes you to the Festival
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Filed Under: Disney Planning, Disney Special Events, Walt Disney World Tagged With: Disney annual events, Disney flower festival, Disney photos, Disney Special Events, Epcot, Epcot Flower and Garden Festival, flower displays, Flower Festival, Flower Power Concert Series, flowers, garden ideas, home garden, Photo Tour, Spring, Spring flowers, topiaries, vibrant colors

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