Wrap Up of the 25th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

The 25th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival has come to an end. In 2018 it ran for three full months, from February 28 through May 28. I was able to go several times this year, and I think that this was the best Flower & Garden Festival yet. Here are a few of the things that made it special for me. There was plenty more to do as well.

Garden Rocks

The Garden Rocks concert series brings in popular acts several days a week. Many of these artists were popular when I was growing up. Since there are three concerts each night that the series is held, everyone gets a chance to see a concert. My favorite by far was Rick Springfield, I’ve been a fan of both his music and his acting since before the Jessie’s Girl days. He gives it his all every show, and obviously loves what he’s doing.

Topiaries

The topiaries are always a fun part of the Flower & Garden Festival, and this year they were spectacular. Some of my favorites were Snow White with all Seven Dwarfs, Lady and the Tramp, and the classic characters at the front of the park.

The Goodness Garden Butterfly House

I’ll admit that this became a bit of an obsession for me this year. I tried to stop by every time I hit the park. The first time I went in was right after the start of the festival. That day there weren’t many butterflies, but plenty of cocoons. It was fun to watch the progress and see more and more butterflies each time I visited. On my last visit a few days before the end of the festival there were only a few cocoons left, but plenty of butterflies. Nature can be an incredible thing.

Outdoor Kitchens

My options were somewhat limited at the outdoor kitchens this year because there wasn’t that wide a variety of vegetarian offerings, but the booths are still always nice to see. My favorite was The Honey Bee-stro Hosted by National Honey Board, because I loved the information leading up to the actual booth. That kitchen was home to the festival’s most popular dessert; Local Wildflower Honey-Mascarpone Cheesecake with Orange Blossom Honey Ice Cream garnished with Fennel Pollen Meringue Kisses.

The dates for the 2019 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival have not yet been released, but as soon as I hear something I’ll let you know. There is no festival at Epcot during the summer months, the next event is The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. That will run August 30 through November 12, 2018. I’ll post more details about that as well when they become available.