8 Tips for Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival

I love to visit Disney World when a festival or special event is going on because it’s like getting a bonus since most of the activities are included in the price of admission.  Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival at Walt Disney World is one of those festivals.  This year the festival runs from March 6-June 3, 2019.  During the festival, Epcot comes to life with beautiful topiaries, stunning gardens, outdoor kitchens (food kiosks), interactive play areas for kids, evening concerts and presentations.

  

1. Take in the Topiaries

Disney horticulturists design and assemble approximately 100 topiaries and additional gardens throughout the park.  The topiaries provide a beautiful and colorful backdrop to the festival.  

2.  Taste Scrumptious Small Plates at the Outdoor Kitchens (food kiosks)

Located around the World Showcase are 15 Outdoor Kitchens that feature garden-grown foods and food inspired by spring.  I am a big fan of Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival, so I love that Disney has brought food kiosks to the Flower and Garden Festival.  There are many food options and several non-alcoholic drinks that will appeal to children.  It is a great time for adults and children to sample foods that are new to them or outside their comfort zone as the portion sizes are small.

3. Attend a Free Garden Rocks Concert

Plan to attend one of the free concerts held at the America Gardens Theaters at 5:30pm, 6:45pm and 8:00pm.  Since the theater is outside, even if it is full, you can still enjoy the music in the area around the theater. 

4. Take in a Gardening Presentation

Each weekend, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the Festival Center is full of activities including hands-on demonstrations, presentations and meeting specialists.  Check out the weekend guide to see what is happening when you visit. 

5. Involve the Kids

The festival is not just for adults, there are plenty of activities for children too.  This year the festival includes play areas, play gardens, and a butterfly house.  Don’t forget there are plenty of food and drink options for the kids at the Outdoor Kitchens.  

6. Get Your Garden Passport Stamped

Pick up a complimentary Garden Passport at the Festival Center, any Disney Vacation Club Information Booth at Epcot or at any Outdoor Kitchen.  You can get your passport stamped at each Outdoor Kitchen and check off which items you tasted.  It makes a great free souvenir from your trip!

7. Look Up and Down

You never know where the horticulturists will place a topiary, so be sure to look up.  But also look down!  Even the smallest area at Epcot is decorated for the Flower and Garden Festival.  The miniature trains in Germany look like they are having their own flower festival.

8.  Plan Your Trip

Spring is a great time to visit Walt Disney World, however, to experience lower crowd levels be aware of Spring Break and Easter when booking.  In addition, the weekends will be more crowded due to locals visiting.

While most of the festival events are included in your Epcot admission, there are some experiences that require separate purchase or admission fee.

I hope these tips help you and your family enjoy this years’ Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival.

Looking for more posts about Disney World?  Try these Unique Souvenirs, Best Rides for Preschoolers, 10 Ways to Photograph Cinderella’s Castle, Tips on How to Afford a Trip to Disney World, 5 Tips for Taking Young Children to Disney World and more.

*Photos were taken Spring 2015 and Spring 2012