With comfortable temps, mouthwatering cuisine featuring fresh flavors, and the incredible Disney topiary sculptures and colorful blooms everywhere you look, the Flower and Garden Festival might be our favorite time to experience EPCOT.
EPCOT's International Flower & Garden Festival is one of four annual festivals held at Walt Disney World in the EPCOT theme park. You can expect to experience beautiful Disney character topiaries, gardens, butterflies, outdoor kitchens, entertainment, demonstrations, and more! It is arguably the most beautiful festival at Walt Disney World, with over 30 million blooms!
The F&G Festival is held from March through June (2023 dates have not been released). Below are some pro tips that will help you make the most of your time at the festival!
Book your park reservation!
Walt Disney World requires a park reservation to enter the park (in addition to purchasing your ticket). With the festival's popularity, you don’t want to catch yourself unable to enter the park because there isn’t availability.
Visit the festival Monday through Thursday.
Crowds tend to be less during these days, avoiding the weekend crowds of locals wanting to smell the flowers at the festival.
Plan to arrive early.
With all there is to see, you will want to ensure you have enough time to experience it all!
Grab a Festival Passport.
Inside, you will find a complete guide to the festival, including food locations and menus, merchandise previews, entertainment, and more!
Come hungry!
With all the outdoor kitchens, you will want to taste the culinary excellence from all around the World Showcase and entrance to Future World.
Take your time and savor the experience.
There is so much to see at the festival, including beautiful gardens, topiaries, and entertainment. Make sure to take the time to… well… stop and smell the roses.
PACKING YOUR PARK BAG
As you pack your park bag for the day, I recommend a few not-so-common items that will make your day attending EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival run smoothly … and make you look like a seasoned Disney pro!
Reusable Silicone or Metal Straws with Case
You may already be aware, but Walt Disney World has shifted away from plastic straws. This has left many finding themselves with soggy paper straws before they’ve finished their drink. Since this festival will feature many outdoor kitchens, you will want to be prepared with a straw that will stand up to all the yummy drinks you will enjoy.
Reusable Utensils with Case
If you are conscious about your plastic waste, you will want to bring your own reusable utensils. These are readily available in most stores in the outdoor, kitchen, or camping sections. It’s also one less thing to grab while you juggle a plate and drink on your way to find the nearest table.
Wet Wipes
Most come equipped with hand sanitizer, but wet wipes are
just as important during the festival. You will want them to wipe down the many surfaces that you will be snacking on top of.
Pen
We recommend grabbing a Festival Passport when you get to EPCOT to see all the festival menus, merchandise, activities, and entertainment. You can then use your pen to mark the items you are interested in and check off the ones you have already done. Want a challenge? Try to check off one food or drink item from each outdoor kitchen at the festival!
Antacid
While drinking and eating unique foods from around the World Showcase is a lot of fun, sometimes it can result in … well … heartburn or upset stomach. Whether the culprit is a spicy dish or sweet cocktail, you don’t want a little discomfort to ruin your time. Come prepared with antacid!
Food Containers or Food Baggies
With all the food sampling, you may find yourself too full to finish a dish. Don’t waste it!! Throw it in a container or baggie, and keep going. It will make for a great snack later while waiting for the bus or back at your resort.
There you have it. You are sure to have a wonderful day enjoying all that the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival has to offer when you come prepared.
If you're ready to plan your next Walt Disney World trip during EPCOT's Flower and Garden Festival, we'd love to help!
In addition to purchasing your tickets and accommodations through Where To Go Travel Co, we also help you:
navigate all of the Enchanting Extras that Disney provides
give you park strategies, so you maximize your park time
connect you with reliable private transportation
help you with dining reservations
and offer you concierge-level service, so you never have to sit on hold.
To work with us:
Schedule your consultation: https://calendly.com/wheretogotravelco
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Enjoy the magic and memories on your next Walt Disney World vacation.