Happy Spring Love Bug!
Since we are well into the spring season and approaching summer, I decided what better way to indulge in colorful flowers, gardens, and butterflies (and unfortunately a few April showers) than at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival on it’s last weekend!
If you have never been to Epcot Center at the Walt Disney World resort, you’re in for a sweet treat if you decide to visit during the festival. Epcot is covered in what looks like a floral blanket due to the vibrant and unique flowers that are planted all throughout the park. So what makes this festival so unique? I’ll tell you the best experiences and events to check out for your future visit! Here are the top 5 reasons you should check out the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival!
5. TOPIARIES
The topiaries all over the park are my favorite part of the whole event! There are over 100 (yes, you read that right, 100) topiaries scattered around the park for your viewing pleasure. The beloved characters of several Disney films are recreated with plants which makes for some towering, incredible, towering eye candy. Check out just some of the topiaries they had on display throughout this post!
4. BACKYARD HABITATS
I was truly blown away at how much I learned about building habitats for animals and plants that help our environment. There were many areas that showed how making a backyard habitat, such as a butterfly garden or even planting special plants and koi ponds can not only help us with our environment but to help save animals too. I had no idea butterflies are slowly disappearing, so it was great to be informed of plants that will help them at home. The gardens with these plants and suggestions are absolutely beautiful!
3. TINKER BELL’S BUTTERFLY GARDEN AND BACK YARD HABITATS
This was truly a beautiful sight! Tinker Bell’s butterfly garden includes lush plants and flowers that are covered in beautiful butterflies. These butterflies will flutter around the entire exhibit, and I even saw some land on peoples heads and arms! There are several informational signs throughout the exhibit that explain the life cycle of a butterfly (great for kindergarten kids since it is part of the Florida standards) and there is also a live chrysalis display where the caterpillars are cocooned and ready to break free. If you are lucky, you may see one in action. While I am not a huge fan of flying insects, there is something about this garden that is not only beautiful in sight, but peaceful and calming with it’s vivid colors and flowing fountains.
2. FOOD BOOTHS
Just like Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival, the Flower & Garden Festival also include several food booths with garden fresh flavors. Most of the foods offered include fruits and veggies (plant based foods) which correlates well with the theme of the festival. One item I would recommend is the frushi, which is fruit that is made to look like sushi rolls! Cool huh? If you do decide to try several of the dining options here, don’t forget to get a ‘passport’ book and get it stamped at each booth you try. It will make for a great keepsake! Most of the booths have them, so when you head over to your first one, just ask for one!
Click here to see a list of the variety of dining options that the booths offer!
1. MERCHANDISE
Ahh, here is the fun part, shopping! I love finding authentic and unique Disney pieces that I can take back home with me, and this festival is no exception. While there are several shirts, kitchen utensils, mugs, books, bags, etc., my favorite items available to guests were the mini topiaries and garden statues. Unfortunately, they are very expensive! If you have it in your budget, I would recommend purchasing the Minnie or Mickey mini topiary for your garden at home. There were also bird feeders and statues for the garden adorned with Mickey Mouse as well. The souvenirs are incredibly colorful and unique and are perfect for any garden or flower fan!
Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival will be in full swing until May 30th!
Have you visited the Flower and Garden Festival? Comment below with your thoughts!
XO NAT
Disclosure: All pictures and opinions are my own.
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