Epcot's Flower and Garden Festival Guide - 2018

2 years ago I attended the Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival and I immediately fell in love. From the beautiful topiaries, to the sweet aroma of the gardens and the farm to table dishes, it was really hard for me to find something I didn’t love. This festival has quickly taken the hearts of many and I can’t wait to share some tips and photos with you, so you can maximize your experience.

All you need to enjoy most of the festival is admission to Epcot. Topiaries will greet you along the way to the World Showcase where you will encounter the majority of activities, outdoor kitchens, and gardens.

This year there were 15 outdoor kitchens to choose from, offering small bites and drinks ranging from $4.00-$12.00 that fit a certain theme or culture. Some items can also be purchased with Disney Dining plan snack credits. From year to year, many menu items remain the same with slight variations but this year they debuted a whole new kiosk.

If you want to fully immerse yourself in the experience attend one of the demonstrations or stay for their Garden Rocks™ Concert Series which is included in your admission.

This year we get the festival in all its glory from February 28th to May 29th. Don’t forget to pick up your Garden Passport at the park entrance (they’re usually off to side with the maps) or pick it up at any outdoor kitchen. As you experience the different kitchens and activities, mark them off with the corresponding sticker. It’s incredibly satisfying to mark things off the list but don’t be dismayed they are also very helpful. Each passport details the location of each topiary, garden, outdoor kitchen menu and line up of the concert series ensuring you don’t miss a thing.

Tip: Keep yours for your scrapbook or memory box. I always love looking back to see how much the festivals have changed over the years.

Disney has created various “play gardens” or playgrounds in various spots and several designated gardens that are both interactive and educational for the whole family to enjoy. These include the Butterflies on the Go, Nature Works Everywhere and Backyard Habitat, all listed inside your passport.

My favorite part of the whole festival is of course - the food. Since Epcot releases the menus online, we try to prioritize the dishes we want to purchase in advance to maximize our time and money while at the park. Our rule of thumb is to spend our money on items we haven’t tried before. Not that we don’t love the Mexican or Italian outdoor kitchen but we try to experience as many new dishes or cuisines that aren’t easily accessible to us since we are on a budget. But of course, there's an exception to every rule.

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The Smoke House Barbecue and Brews

Our favorite dish from Flower and Garden this year is the Beef Brisket Burnt End Smoked Pork Belly Slider with Garlic Sausage, Chorizo, Cheddar Fondue and House-made Pickle ($7.25). I couldn't even tell you exactly what I loved about it, just that all the flavors and textures came together perfectly and they their brisket was seasoned perfectly- I really hope this makes a comeback next year!

We also tried the Beef Brisket Burnt Ends Hash with White Cheddar Fondue and Pickled Jalapeños and it also was really good!

Beef Brisket Burnt Ends Hash with White Cheddar Fondue and Pickled Jalapeños – $6.50

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Cider House

As I said, there is an exception to our try everything once rule and for me it's the Lemon Scone with Crème Fraîche and Mixed Berries ($4.25.) Surprisingly, it's very light and not too sweet. It's the perfect dessert to have if you're feeling full. We also tried the Florida Beer Company Caribé Pineapple Tropical Hard Cider ($4.50), it was so light and refreshing on a hot Florida afternoon.

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The Berry Basket

Spring time in Florida means Blueberry and Strawberry season, and I couldn't wait to dig into these berry inspired dishes. The lamb chop with Quinoa is a must, all the flavors come together to give you a healthy and refreshing dish. The Warm Wild Berry Buckle was also incredible! The warm cake was very soft and not too sweet and I loved how it absorbed some of the gelato.

Warm Wild Berry Buckle with Pepper Berry Gelato - $4.50

Lamb Chop with Quinoa Salad and Blackberry Gastrique ($7.25)

Twinings Green Tea Berry Mint Julep (Non-alcoholic) - $4.25

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La Isla Fresca

Caribbean inspired dishes that are filled with seafood and bright flavors are honestly so delicious! We opted for the Conch Salad and the Shrimp Skewer and the shrimp was definitely a winner. I've never had a conch salad before, and I am not disappointed I tried it because it was very tasty, but not one I'd break my rule for.

Sugar Cane Shrimp Skewer with Steamed Rice and Coconut Lime Sauce ($6.25) & Caribbean Conch Salad with Mango, Papaya and Pickled Red Onions ($5.25)

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The Honey Bee-Stro

This new addition to Flower and Garden Festival was a big hit this year. Being a Floridian, one of the things I enjoy most is the delicious honey our state has to offer with Orange Blossom being my absolute fave so I couldn't wait to try their dessert & dessert drink. The cheesecake was amazing, I truly enjoyed every bite but I was not impressed with the Honey Peach Cobbler Freeze, it just didn't taste like very much to me.

Local Wildflower Honey-Mascarpone Cheesecake with Orange Blossom Honey Ice Cream garnished with Fennel Pollen Meringue Kisses (V) - $4.75

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Pineapple Promenade

No trip to Disney is complete without stopping for some Pineapple Dole Whip. Although this is a crowd favorite, I have to say it is delicious but it is very very sweet. A little too syrupy sweet for a hot summer day, it did not sit lightly in my stomach. I hope I can still come back to Disney after saying this unpopular opinion ;)

Pineapple Soft-Serve (V) – $5.00

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Florida Fresh Always showing love to my own state. I stopped at this kitchen 2 years ago, skipped it last year but I'm happy I decided to go back. I've had the Watermelon Slushy before which is very refreshing, but I had heard good things about their Shrimp and Grits and it did not disappoint.

Spicy Blackened Shrimp and Stone-ground Cheddar Cheese Grits with Brown Gravy and Local Sweet Corn Relish – $6.57

Key Lime Tart with Toasted Meringue – $4.50

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Bauernmarkt: Farmer’s Market German food is comfort food involving of carbs, beers and warm desserts. This Cheese Strudel with berries was everything I hoped it would be. I wasn't lying when I told you there were a whole lot of desserts involved ;)

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For me, the beauty of Flower & Garden lies within the details around Epcot. Even if you don't spend a lot of time or money eating in the outdoor kitchens, there are so many sights to take in. I truly appreciate the beauty in the variety of gardens from flowers, to veggies, bonsai trees and more - just take your time to wander.

What is your favorite part about Epcot Flower and Garden?