In what some would call a feast for the senses, the 30th anniversary of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival kicked off on March 5 with a celebration of the Festival of the Arts.
Be prepared to experience impressive displays of breathtaking floral beauty, delightful culinary experiences, and a solid array of festival merchandise. Of course, artistic topiaries are sprinkled throughout the park, offering visitors a glimpse into a magical arena.
Throughout Epcot’s breathtaking landscape, there is something to see and experience at every turn. From the inspirational Moana topiary positioned near the entrance to the park to the newly developed CommuniCore Hall, filled with exotic floral displays, there is a true dedication to the world of blossoming plants and gardens.
Yes, it’s fun for the entire family, with amazing elements for kids of all ages. Scavenger hunts and other interactive activities are scattered throughout. Topiaries of varying sizes, boasting extraordinary hues and unique exotic elements, dot the landscape, representing a world of blossoming nature with nods to Italy, Germany, China, Japan, Norway, Mexico, France, and beyond.
From March 5 through April 6, CommuniCore Hall will offer a wide variety of delectable and enticing dishes at its Farmer’s Feast. The locally sourced farm-to-table vegetables provide a truly fresh and flavorful experience.
From April 6 through May 31, a springtime selection of dishes will include grilled peaches and burrata alongside seared pork tenderloin. For dessert, don’t miss the popular warm corn cookie—a festival favorite.
As summer solstice approaches from May 4 through June 2, the menu will highlight seasonal heirloom tomatoes with fresh mozzarella, grilled beef strip loin, and peach cobbler.
The Land Cart, hosted by AdventHealth, will feature an enticing Mediterranean vegetable wrap and a strawberry fruit bar.
New to this year’s eclectic menu is the Beach Grab, available between World Showcase and the Imagination Pavilion. The soon-to-be festival favorite, Seafood Bake, offers shrimp, mussels, clams, and all the essentials of a classic clam bake. Pair it with grilled street corn on the cob, and finish with the S’mores Bar, featuring fudge brownie, dark chocolate, toasted meringue, and smoked graham cracker—a winning combination, even for those who aren’t traditional s’mores fans.
Beverage offerings have reached an elevated, exotic level, featuring coconut-infused drinks, a Florida Sunshine Smoothie, a hibiscus lemonade cocktail, frozen lemon tea, and a Collective Arts Brewing Spring Pilsner from Hamilton, Ontario.
For those who love fruit in all its forms, a stop at the Pineapple Promenade near the Port of Entry is a must.
Here, visitors can enjoy an amazing array of fruit-based frozen desserts, including a pineapple float, 3 Daughters Brewing Pineapple Cider, and Florida Orange Groves Winery Sparkling Pineapple Wine.
Additionally, there are delightful food kitchens representing individual countries like China, Mexico, Italy, Germany, and more.
With something for everyone, this unforgettable experience is sponsored by AdventHealth, Twinings Tea, Impossible, OFF!, Scentsy, and Ben’s Original.
The official festival dates are March 5 through June 2.
For more information, visit www.EpcotInternational.com.
