Epcot Flower & Garden Festival celebrates spring

By Visit Florida

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Happy

Spring in Central Florida means the flowers are in bloom at Epcot at Walt Disney Resort. From farmto-table treats to classic tunes, the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival offers many reasons to celebrate the season.

1.THE

Flowers

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Nature comes alive each spring in Florida, and the Epcot Florida & Garden Festival is the place to see it all. The stars of the festival are the flowers, and you’ll find them all around Epcot. The Floating MiniGardens – 225 planters drifting on the lakes between Future World and World Showcase – are photo perfect, especially if you manage to catch the monorail in the shot.

Over 100 topiaries, created especially for the festival, take the forms of popular Disney characters, like Anna and Elsa from “Frozen.” These incredible “living statues” are located all around World Showcase and Future World. Be sure to grab a Garden Passport, so you’ll know where to find your favorite character.

2.THE FOOD AND DRINKS

Like the wildly popular Epcot International Food & Wine Festival held each fall, the Flower & Garden Festival brings the flavors of spring to guests with 13 outdoor kitchens. Sample some smoked swine at The Smokehouse: Barbecue and Brews where you can try freshly smoked pork ribs, as well as beef brisket. Wash it down with Florida craft brews from Funky Buddha and Orlando Brewing Company.

Savor the slings of the Sunshine State at the Fresh Florida kitchen, which features locally-sourced farmto-table ingredients and favorites like shrimp and stone-ground grits with andouille sausage.

It’s a good idea to take a look at the food and wine offerings the day before you visit so you can pick out what you want to try in advance. Plan your day accordingly, as some of the food lines can get a little long.

3.CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES

Aside from the usual attractions at Epcot, there’s plenty for kids to do during the Flower & Garden Festival. The Butterflies on the Go exhibit gives guests of all ages a chance for a close encounter with several species of butterflies. And if you’re really still, one may land on you.

The festival has two interactive play areas, including Cactus Road Rally located near Test Track. Fans of the "Cars" films will recognize the topiaries of Lightning McQueen and Mater outside the colorful play area.

4.THE MUSIC

This year’s Gardens Rocks Concert Series has something for everyone with groups like Daughtry, Smash Mouth, Blue Oyster Cult, The Pointer Sisters, Switchfoot, Kool & The Gang, Casting Crowns and more. The live performances start every evening at 5:30, 6:45 and 8 during the Flower & Garden Festival.

While the concerts are included with admission to Epcot, the limited seating at America Gardens Theatre can fill up quickly. Be sure to arrive early so you can get a great seat. 