The Flower & Garden Festival is underway! I’ve said it before, and I’m sure I’ll say it a few more times before June 3. This is my favorite time of year at Epcot. That’s because the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival has started! I love this festival, in part because it can change each time I visit. Make sure that you pick up a map and a Festival Passport when you enter the park, these will help you to navigate. Here are a few things that you won’t want to miss.
Topiaries
Bo Peep joins Woody this year In some ways, the topiaries are what the Flower & Garden Festival is all about. Bo Peep has joined Woody and Buzz this year. They’re in a new location, they’re now keeping watch over Bo Peep’s Playground Training Grounds. Miss Piggy and Kermit have returned, they’re located near each other in France. One of the most popular topiaries is Lady and the Tramp. They’re still located in Italy, but they’ve been moved closer to the water.
Outdoor Kitchens
Trowel & Trelis There are several new Outdoor Kitchens this year, and plenty of returning favorites. Trowel & Trellis is my own new favorite. It’s plant based, but don’t let that stop you. If you’re looking for the Orange Bird Sippy Cup that everyone seems to be walking around with, head to The Citrus Blossom. It comes filled with Orange Cream Slushy, and costs $14. An alcoholic version of the slushy is available, but you can’t get that in the cup.
Garden Rocks
The Garden Rocks schedule There are some great concerts this year. I’m not going to tell you who because I don’t want you to take my place in line. There are three shows each night; 5:30, 6:45, and 8:00. Okay, you can find the lineup here. Save me a spot…even though saving spots isn’t allowed.
Scavenger Hunts
Do you see Spike? Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration takes place the entire festival. It costs $6.99 to play (if you want the prize), but even if you don’t buy a map you’ll still probably see Spike in several places. There will be a second scavenger hunt, Egg-Stravaganza, starting April 5 and running through Easter.
Butterfly House and Purple Martins
There’s plenty of information in the Butterfly House I’ll admit it, I’m a bit obsessed with The Goodness Garden Butterfly House. I love seeing how many new butterflies there are each time I visit. Another thing that I will check each visit is the Purple Martins. These birds migrate 3,000 miles from Brazil each year. If you’re at Epcot on a Tuesday or Friday stop by the area at 11:00 when someone will be on hand to answer questions. It’s really interesting stuff. If you like gardens, there are several to explore during the festival.
Lady and the Tramp have moved For me, those are my highlights of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival this year. It runs daily through June 3, and many things are included with park admission. If you’re going, remember that weekends tend to be more crowded during the festivals. That doesn’t mean that you won’t have fun, because there is so much going on.