Flower and Garden Epcot Festival Introduction and Overview

I was invited to a media preview of the Flower and Garden Festival, however all opinions are my own.

The ultimate Disney fan’s spring getaway is the International Flower and Garden Festival. This festival is amazing, because it brings even more beauty to the many green areas of Epcot, but it also sheds some light on the gorgeous landscaping and horticulture Disney does year round.

Epcot is now famous for its many festivals throughout the year. It’s hard to go there and find, just the park and it’s regular attractions without the augmentation of festival hype. That’s alright with me though, because Epcot Festivals have become one of my favorite parts of visiting Disney World; and I have a soft spot for Flower and Garden, because it speaks to one of the most basic yet overlooked aspects of the park.

International Flower and Garden Festival Tours

Love it or hate it, people come to Epcot to learn. They do it in a fun way, of course, but education has always been the premise that Epcot was built on. Whether you are exploring the wonders of the world in Soarin’ or learning how to design the most fuel efficient car, the basic principles of Epcot are preserved in even the most thrilling attractions.

The best way to get more out of Epcot is to sign yourself up for tours that provide in depth knowledge. You can get your feet (and everything else) wet, discovering sea life underwater. You can take a walking tire of Disney’s Agricultural facility, and you can take Flower and Garden specific tours as well.

Explore a stunning tea garden in the UK pavilion 1 1/2 hours before the World Showcase opens for just $20 and finish the tour with tea and scones. Our you can tour the garden on your own throughout the day for free, without the tea and scones.

The Gardens of the World Tour is an $85 tour guided by a Disney horticulturist. This is a big deal. If you’re not on board, just think about the roles horticulture has played in Disney Parks. This is definitely the place to learn more about the insights and impact of horticulture. You can also glean your own gardening and landscaping tips over the course of the three hour tour. This tour is for adults and accompanied minors 12 years and older.

Festival Gardens

While the Gardens of the World Tour gives background and behind the scenes info on gardens in the World showcase, there are plenty of gardens, exhibits and topiary displays to admire. There are how to garden exhibits and habitats including a butterfly house near the Imagination Pavilion. Find popular Disney Characters in engaging tableau created from topiaries. See a Troll in Norway, a dragon in China as you explore more than two dozen topiaries during the Flower and Garden Festival.

In Future World you can learn a lot from the habitats of pollinating creatures such as butterflies, bees, and gourd dwelling purple martins. Disney Nature has also paid tribute in honor of their new movie Penguins, with a penguin sculpture made from reclaimed garbage found in the ocean. This can be found in Future World West, near the Seas with Nemo and Friends.

Check out our video on what to expect:

The Gardens of World Showcase

The World showcase is known mostly for the many restaurants and shops, not to mention the shows and attractions. But there are gardens of the world that go largely unnoticed throughout the year. This is the time they get the attention they deserve and there is even more to be discovered!

Mexico

Bromeliads, Tropical Rainforest Garden

China

Bamboo Garden, Chinese Zodiac Natural Sculptures

Germany

Alpine Container Garden

Italy

Garden Italiano (Tuscan kitchen garden)

Japan

Bonsai Collection

Morocco

Urban Spice

United Kingdom

English Tea Garden, Shakespeare Garden

Outdoor Kitchens

One of the biggest aspects to any Epcot festival is the outdoor kitchens providing small plates and beverage pairings around the park. These are located around the world showcase and in Future World along the walkways to World Showcase from Future World West. Don’t miss out on a single dish. Pick up a passport as you enter the park and pick out the food you really want to try. The Outdoor Kitchens open at 11:00 with Future World, so if you arrive at Epcot for the 9:00 opening of Future World, you will have some time.

Garden Rocks Concert Series

All festival long there will be big performances at the American Gardens Theater from acts like: War, Flock of Seagulls, Peabo Bryson, Herman’s Hermits, former members of ELO, TobyMac, Sister Sledge, Don Felder and so many more!

The shows are included with admission but space is limited. There are 3 shows nightly and you can secure reserved spot by booking a dining package with any Epcot table service restaurant.

International Flower and Garden Festival Merchandise

At Mouse Gear and other retail locations you will find cute new lines of Festival merchandise, including apparel such as Minnie’s Gardening Party, Mickey’s Gardening Shed, Violet Lemonade colored merchandise (mouse ears!), Figment festival logos, and Donald with Spike the bee.

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