It’s that time of year when you’re tired of the cold and just want to escape to the warmth. We decided to do just that and go to Walt Disney World for the 2019 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival. The festival is held this year from March 6-June 3. This is the 25th year for the festival and entry is included in the Epcot admission. This is our second year attending and it’s our favorite Epcot festival. Epcot is absolutely stunning this time of year with all of the vibrant colors of the flowers. But the true standout of the festival for us are the topiaries and gardens.

One big piece of advice we have is to make sure you eat a small breakfast before attending the festival. While enjoying the beautiful scenery, ‘treat yo self’ around the world at The Outdoor Kitchens. Outdoor Kitchens are located all around the world showcase and offer a specialty menu of creative cuisine and libations. If you have an allergy or food sensitivity items are marked on the menus with (GF) are gluten/wheat-friendly, those with (KA) are kid-approved and those with (V) are vegetarian. The Outdoor Kitchens open daily from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

There are plenty of activities for the entire family. Enjoy everything from scavenger hunts to interactive play areas. Make sure you stop by the Goodness Garden Butterfly House and observe several species of butterflies. This is also a perfect time of year to watch the purple martins travel to Walt Disney World to raise their young before flying more than 6,000 miles to the Brazilian rainforest. Look for their houses located all around the park.

There is no better way to end the night then to take in a free concert at the American pavilion. Garden Rocks is a concert series rocking nightly at 5:30pm, 6:45pm and 8pm. You can also book a guided tour including Gardens of the World, English Tea Garden, Royal Tea Garden and Behind the Seeds for an extra fee

Is the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival worth attending? Our opinion is yes. Keep in mind weekends are the busiest time to attend. If you have the time try and go during the week. If that’s not an option we still recommend going, just pack your patience. – Catherine and Richard