Looking to visit Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival? We’ve got you covered with Orlando Mom Collective insider information from a local’s point of view!
A Mom’s Guide to Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival 2022
Whether you’re looking to make a girls’ trip or a family fun day out, I’m going to share with you the best food, drinks, attractions and more for this year’s Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot! I’m a self-proclaimed Epcot fan, and so I’m super excited to share with you my experience.
The Details
First of all, let’s go over some basics.
When is the Flower and Garden Festival? Now through July 4, 2022! All day, every day at Epcot.
Why should I check out Flower and Garden Festival? Gorgeous flowers and topiaries, a butterfly garden, delicious food and beverages, live music, new garden merchandise, and the regular Disney rides, attractions and magic Epcot offers on a daily basis!
Do I have to buy a ticket to Epcot? Yes, you need a valid one-day, park hopper or annual pass to attend Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival for each person in your party, excluding children 2 and under. (Children 2 and under get into Disney for free!)
Flower and Garden Festival: The Food
Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival offers food that’ll delight people of ALL ages. Let’s start with one of the kid-approved items my own son loved and is inspired by Disney’s Encanto.
Arepas topped with Melted Queso Fresco
My son, who’s a picky eater, ate these up in no time. I tried a bite of the arepas, located at La Isla Fresca between Morocco and France, and there’s a saltiness to the arepas that is so, so delicious! Be sure to check out this Flower and Garden offering for kiddos who might be on the pickier side.
Mom Tip: the photo above is from Spice Road Table, but be aware there is NO “kid food” at this restaurant in Morocco. Instead, I’ll grab something kid friendly, such as these arepas which are across the path from Spice Road Table, and then sit down at the restaurant as normal. I love Spice Road Table, so I do what I gotta do!
These delicious bites also come with two topic options: chorizo or shrimp, crushed avocado aji, and tomato sauce. Yum, yum, YUM!
Fruit Loop Shake (non-alcoholic)
I mean…just look at this masterpiece. This kid-friendly shake located at Epcot Sunshine Griddle near Test Track is inspired by a beloved childhood cereal and has delicious written all over it! This might be a great dessert option or a snack when kiddos start complaining about all that walking and the Floridian heat. (It’ll happen. Count on it!)
Char-Grilled Bison Rib-Eye with Creamy Leek Fondue, Roasted Carnival Cauliflower, Romanesco, and Port Wine-Goat Cheese Butter
Calling all meat lovers! This dish, located at Epcot Farmers Feast near Test Track, is one I personally experienced and it was GOOD. My husband echoed the same opinion.
Hibiscus Lemonade Cocktail, featuring Islamorada Brewery & Distillery Hibiscus Gin
This enticing cocktail is located at Epcot Farmers Feast near Test Track and comes with an edible hibiscus flower. I had it. It was delicious. Highly recommend for an adult beverage!
Flower and Garden Festival: The Attractions
The must-see attraction at Flower and Garden Festival, in my opinion, is the Butterfly Garden. This is located slightly past the Land when you’re walking from the entrance. When you walk in, you’re greeted by a plethora of different butterfly types, as well as a butterfly-friendly garden, information on butterflies, and a little house where butterflies are coming out of their chrysalises. It’s a delight to walk through and I would recommend NOT missing out on this experience.
There’s also a playground near the entry of the World Showcase (where the countries begin). I didn’t snap a picture of it (blogger fail!!) but it’s a fun break for your kiddos to run around and get some energy out and for parents to sit down and take a break.
There’s a free concert series offered at Flower and Garden Festival in the American Pavilion, which features a variety of musical genres and is fun for the whole family! Here’s the full list of artists, but be sure to check before you go.
Finally, the topiaries and gardens are also so, so incredible at this festival. I love looking at the precision and effort that went into making Epcot bloom each year!
The Garden-Friendly Merch
Calling all gardeners and plant lovers! The Flower and Garden Festival’s merch might have you bringing home a few new items from your trip to Epcot this year.
Personal favorites, you ask? The Plant Lady hat, the Good Natured tote, and the cute yellow rainboots, which are new this year! You can find these pieces and more at the Festival Shops around the World Showcase.
Flower and Garden Festivals: Tips from a Mom
Disney trips with kids used to stress me out to the point where it felt more like a burden to go rather than a day to be remembered. However, over the years, I’ve discovered there are a few things you can do to make a Disney trip with kiddos fun, enjoyable and EASY.
Let’s begin.
Grab one of these babies and load it up with your predetermined budget for the day. It’s a gift card that can be reloaded and comes with a band that can fit around your wrist. It saves so much hassle trying to get out your purse each time you grab food, beverages or merchandise, AND can be a way to stay on budget when going to Disney.
Get your free festival passport, which allows you to check off the food and beverages you’ve enjoyed. My son loves being “in charge” of the passport and checking off items. One more way to keep the kiddos engaged!
Kids snack. A lot. I pack a few in my bag and a cold bottle of water so that I’m not spending money on excessive snacks and $3.50 bottles of water.
Speaking of bags, ditch the purse and go for a backpack. It’s so. much. easier. I have an insulated one that keeps items cool and it’s way more comfortable than having a purse on my side the whole day.
All the “Regular” Epcot Magic, Too!
Don’t forget, Epcot is still Epcot during festivals, so you still have fun rides to enjoy, such as Soarin’ and Test Track, and amazing restaurants, such as Spice Road Table and Le Cellier.
Want more Disney tips and tricks? Check out these articles!
Top 8 Disney Rides for Kids Under 44 Inches
