Ready to Spring into action!

Although I am still reveling in Christmas spirit and our Chicago Winter Wonderland, I am finding myself longing for the moment when Spring has sprung! 
 
Two years ago was my very first opportunity to experience Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival and I would totally recommend this event to everyone!   The Flower and Garden Festival has always been held as a welcome to the spring and the months of March, April and May in Epcot show that Spring is ready!!!

This years dates are:  March 6th - June 3rd, 2019
 
Here is a sneak peek of what you can look forward to!!!

​Children’s Play Areas
Throughout Epcot there are children’s playgrounds set up in the theme park.  ​All three areas were specifically designed for children 2 – 5 years old with play equipment and a lawn area for children to spread out and run around.  One of the areas also had a separate section for older children to play and explore.

Often multiple locations!!!

​- outside one of the MouseGear entrances (the large Disney souvenir shop in Future World)

​- outside Morocco (in the World Showcase)

​- along the walkway between Future World and the World Showcase (as you move towards England and Canada)

NOTE:  These play areas are not supervised by Walt Disney World personnel – you would need to stay with your children as they play.  ​

​

​Flower!!....ooopps...I mean Flowers!!!!
Of course, at the Flower and Garden Festival you would expect to see flowers -- but these are amazing!  If you go early in the season – you have the opportunity to see the flowers as they have just been planted.  By the end of the season – you get to see the full blooms – neither time will disappoint.
 
Scattered throughout the theme park are gorgeous hand – fashioned topiaries designed after everyone’s favorite Disney characters.  You can also wander through beautifully designed gardens and talk with floral specialists who are stationed around the displays!

Family activities
Set up throughout Epcot there are also a variety of fun activities that the whole family can participate in!

 “Eggstravaganza”
In the past, there has been an egg hunt.  Hidden throughout the World Show case are 12 eggs (these are larger than I anticipated – about a foot high) painted as Disney characters.  You can purchase a map before you enter the World Showcase and turn the afternoon into a scavenger hunt!  If you are able to find all 12 eggs, you can claim a prize at the end of your search! ​

​Butterfly tent
I was also able to spend some downtime inside a butterfly tent.  Set up along one of the walk ways was an enclosed tent; families could enter and enjoy an afternoon butterfly encounter!  All types of butterflies flew around the tent –sometimes landing on you! Inside, there are stations detailing information about the different species; you can leisurely wander the tent searching for your favorites!!

Dining
One of my favorite parts of this springtime event was the Outdoor Kitchens.  The Flower and Garden Festival is almost like a mini Food and Wine Festival – with fewer crowds!!  There are different food stations sprinkled throughout the World Showcase – each one with a menu seemingly more enticing than the last!  My absolute favorite was the “Florida Fresh” kiosk where I tried the shrimp and stone ground grits with andouille sausage, sweet corn, tomoatoes and cilantro (GF) for $6.50, AND it was even Disney Dining Plan snack eligible!!!

​I totally recommend having family members split up and try foods from the different kiosks – that way everyone can try a sample of everything!

Evening Entertainment
If you are lucky enough to attend the festival on a weekend, you can enjoy the “Garden Rocks ™ concert series.  As the sun sets, this is a fun way to end the day – grab a snack and a drink and settle down for live entertainment that is included in your admission!
​
Some artists have included:  Gin Blossoms, The Pointer Sisters and Expose – I can’t wait to see the 2019 line up!!! 

Another option (for an additional price) would be to reserve a spot at one of the evening dessert parties.  You are situated in a reserved location near the lake.  As the sun sets,  you can enjoy hot chocolate, desserts, fruits and cheeses and then view Illuminations, Epcot's fireworks and lightshow. 

​So, “while the weather outside is frightful…”----as you sit and snuggle into your comfy chair, under your comfy blankie – you can start to dream about the spring and your next visit to Walt Disney World’s Flower and Garden Festival! ​

P.S. – I totally want to see pictures of your favorite topiaries (you totally know mine!!!)