I don’t know about you, but this time of year I start longing for spring. Hands down, it’s my favorite season. If I had my way (and tons of money), I would celebrate spring’s arrival every year by going to Disney World. Those of you lucky enough to be headed there for a visit any time between March 5th and May 18th will get to enjoy the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival!
Confession time. I am a horticulture hater. Horticulture – being “the art or practice of garden cultivation and management” (Google dictionary) – is not an activity for me. I really do appreciate the bounty and beauty other gardeners achieve. I only dislike it because I am among the horticulturally impared. My thumbs are not even a tiny bit green. It’s even a longstanding joke at my house. Raymond’s sister once had some small decorative garden signs for labeling herbs – she asked Raymond if he thought I would like to use them – his answer? “As tombstones maybe.” Yeah, yeah, go ahead and laugh. So knowing that I am no good at gardening (and not all that interested in learning how to get better) – why do I love the Flower and Garden Festival so much? It’s just fantastic, that’s why! And if you haven’t paid it much attention before, it’s time you gave it a closer look.
What does Flower and Garden have to offer people like me?
- First of all, the absolutely amazing topiaries. I don’t need to know how to make one, but I am in awe of the creativity, the whimsy, and the magical beauty of the Disney
Character topiaries spread throughout Epcot during this event. And there are new ones added every year – for example, Kermit and Miss Piggy will make their debut in 2014. - Flower Power Concert Series. Some serious talent is on hand at Epcot in the Spring! Acts this year include The Guess Who (March 7-9), Gary Lewis and the Playboys (March 14-16), The Alan Parsons Live Project (May 16-18) and more (Chubby Checker & the Wildcats, The Village People and Paul Revere & The Raiders). What could be more fun than having having all the World Showcase food and beverages on hand for a concert!? And speaking of food….
- Special Food Booths! I am all about eating and drinking my way around the World in Epcot! Special booths will be set up around the World Showcase offering new culinary delights this year such as “Piggylicious Bacon Cupcakes” – now who wouldn’t want to try one of those
babies? - Butterflies! I’m not just talking about the ones attacted to the beautiful gardens either. During the Flower and Garden Festival, you have the chance to visit Tinker Bell’s Butterfly House. This is a great exhibit for all ages.
If you’re not me. There are some other things going on you might enjoy.
- HGTV Design Celebrities will host seminars throughout the Festival each Friday through Sunday.
- DIY Tips and Tricks – presentations by a lineup of garden experts go on daily in the Festival Center (World Showcase).
- Let your children burn off some energy in the Cars themed garden and playground.
But WAIT! There’s more! Additional details and information will be available at Disney’s website as we get closer to spring.
What’s your favorite part of Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival?
Again, a great post! I experienced the Flower & Garden festival in 2008 and while I hadn’t planned my trip around the event, I thought it would be neat to see it. In fact it was a lot of fun! I’m not a horticultural enthusiast myself (though I keep dreaming of a vegetable garden), but as you say, it’s really about a LOT more than that. They do their best to make sure there’s plenty to entertain everyone! It’s not QUITE as good for me as Food & Wine, but it is definitely worth going when you can!