Experience Garden Graze During The Taste Of EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

Taste of EPCOT International Flower & Garden FestivalThe Taste of EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is going on now through July 5, 2021 at Walt Disney World! If you’re like me, one of your favorites parts of any EPCOT festival are the food booths throughout the park. This year, there are more than 20 Outdoor Kitchens throughout EPCOT offering delicious, fresh foods and beverages created by Disney chefs. If you are wondering how you are going to possibly eat it all, check out the Garden Graze to enjoy a sampling and score a reward. Here’s the scoop on this enticing experience, courtesy of Disney:

Enjoy a variety of fresh Taste of Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival dishes, collect a matching stamp in your Festival Passport for each specially notated menu item you purchase and—when you’ve collected all 5 stamps—bring your Festival Passport to Pineapple Promenade for a bonus, Festival-exclusive prize now through July 5.

Featured Foods on the Garden Graze

  • Grilled Baby Vegetables with Hummus Cream and Red Pepper Coulis – located at Flavor Full Kitchen
  • Boneless Impossible™ Korean Short Rib with Cilantro-Lime Rice, Danmuji Slaw, and Kimchee Mayonnaise – located at Trowel & Trellis
  • Pineapple Skewer with Tajin Seasoning – located at Refreshment Outpost
  • Potato Pancakes with House-made Apple Sauce – located at Bauernmarkt: Farmer’s Market
  • Lemon Magdalena Cake with Fig Compote and Sangria Gel – located at Taste of Marrakesh

Festival-Exclusive Prize (subject to change)

  • Dole Whip and Basil Seed Packet – located at Pineapple Promenade

This activity is fun for all ages and can be completed at your own leisure. You can bring your stamped Passport to EPCOT at any time during the Taste of EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival to complete your graze.

Will you be trying the Garden Graze this year?
Please leave a comment; we would love to hear from you!

The 2021 Taste Of EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival Topiaries And Gardens

One of the best and brightest parts of the 2021 Taste of EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival in Walt Disney World, is the over 30 million blossoms scattered throughout EPCOT. So, for all of you flower lovers out there with a visit to EPCOT planned between now and July 5, 2021, here are all of the must see topiaries and gardens, courtesy of Disney:

Topiaries

  • Sorcerer Mickey Mouse, Broom, Ostriches, Hippo and Mushroom – Main Entrance
  • Woody, Bo Peep and her sheep – Future World West
  • Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Goofy – Between Future World & World Showcase
  • Pluto and Chip ‘n Dale – Between Future World and World Showcase
  • Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Huey, Dewey and Louie – Showcase Plaza
  • Buzz Lightyear – Future World East near Mission: SPACE®
  • Figment – Future World West near Imagination!
  • Topiary Butterflies – Future World West
  • The Three Caballeros (Jose, Donald and Panchito) – Mexico Pavilion
  • Anna and Elsa – Norway Pavilion
  • Troll – Norway Pavilion
  • Dragon Topiary – Japan Pavilion near Torii Gate
  • Pandas – China Pavilion
  • China Zodiac Topiary Garden – China Pavilion in front of Nine Dragons
  • Simba and Friends (Rafiki, Simba, Mufasa and Sarabi) – Future World West
  • Snow White and Dopey – Germany Pavilion
  • Lady and the Tramp – Italy Pavilion
  • Beauty and the Beast – France Pavilion
  • Remy – France Pavilion
  • Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy – Between United Kingdom and Canada Pavilions
  • Peter Pan and Captain Hook – United Kingdom Pavilion
  • Winnie the Pooh and Friends (Rabbit, Eeyore, Piglet and Tigger) – United Kingdom Pavilion
  • Tinker Bell and Fairy Houses – United Kingdom Pavilion
  • Bambi and Friends – Future World East near Mouse Gear

Gardens

  • Outdoor Escapes Presented by OFF!® Repellents at Future World East – Unwind in refreshing spaces that show just how easy it is to create an outdoor escape that brings family and friends together—no design expertise, huge budget or green thumb required! Note: closes at dusk.
  • Floating Gardens – Peer upon more than 100 petite plots drifting on the ponds that border the walkway between Future World and the World Showcase.
  • Festival Blooms – Admire thousands of flowers that form colorful, living panoramas overlooking Future World’s East and West lakes.
  • The Goodness Garden Butterfly House Presented by GoGo squeeZ® at Future World West – View a kaleidoscope of butterflies up close, in all their extraordinary color. Learn about butterflies’ lifecycles and maybe even see one emerge from its chrysalis. Note: closes at dusk.
  • (NEW!) Prehistoric Garden at Future World East – Imagine life on Earth 65 million years ago with astounding plant life that’s thrived since the age of the dinosaurs.
  • Bold Bromeliads at Future World West by the Land
  • Health Full Trail Presented by AdventHealth – Delight in a whimsical area made to inspire youthful energy and creativity! The whole family can learn ways to stay healthy at this Outdoor Kitchen and garden along the Imagination Walkway. Note: closes at dusk.
  • The Honey Bee-stro Hosted by National Honey Board™ at Future World – Learn about honey bees’ critical role in the environment, and enjoy sweet and savory treats made possible by their hard work. Located near Imagination! Pavilion.
  • Tropical Rainforest Garden at Mexico Pavilion – Discover the rich biodiversity of the Mexican rainforest and learn about its highly adaptive species.
  • Extraordinary Orchids at Mexico Pavilion – Set eyes on these spectacular plants blooming in radiant color.
  • Bamboo Garden at China Pavilion – Visit this garden to see bamboo in a variety of colors, patterns and sizes.
  • Chinese Zodiac Topiary Garden at China Pavilion – Celebrate the year of the Ox in this inspired display of Zodiac animals, made entirely from dried plant material.
  • Alpine Miniature Garden at Germany Pavilion – Appreciate the little things in this showcase of diminutive dwellings nestled in a forest of fine shrubs.
  • Growing the Future presented by Murata Electronics at Future World West – Beginning April 3rd, join our friends from Science from Scientists® in a fun and fascinating experience that explores how cutting-edge technology from Murata, paired with agricultural science, can transform the way we seed the future.
  • Garden Italiano at Italy Pavilion – From fresh spaghetti sauce to pizza toppings, this Tuscan kitchen garden features all the produce and herbs needed to create a classic Italian feast.
  • Kokedama Garden at Japan Pavilion – Admire fresh expressions of an ancient Japanese art at this tranquil garden.
  • Bonsai Collection at Japan Pavilion – Learn about the ancient art of bonsai, some of the finest living sculptures. Bonsai masters carefully shape and tend to these miniature works of art, creating peace and balance with the earth.
  • Urban Spice Garden at Morocco Pavilion – Discover how Eastern cultures flourished, trading signature spices and herb blends, once considered more valuable than gold.
  • English Tea Garden Presented by Twinings of London® – Unearth the history and art of tea blending at this elegant English Tea Garden at the United Kingdom Pavilion, featuring plants used in some of Twinings’ finest tea blends.
  • Shakespeare Garden at United Kingdom Pavilion – Rediscover Shakespeare in this idyllic garden, featuring excerpts from some of the Bard’s most famous sonnets and the dazzling flowers that influenced them.

Do you enjoy the topiaries and gardens of the Flower & Garden Festival?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Celebrate Mother’s Day 2021 At Walt Disney World Resort With Delicious Desserts

If you are one of those lucky people who will be celebrating your mom in Walt Disney World this year on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 9, you have lots of delicious desserts to share as part of your fun filled day. Here are just some of the many mouth watering options available courtesy of Disney:

Animal Kingdom

Mother's Day 2021 Treats 1Creature Comforts, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park (mobile order available)

Flame Tree Barbecue, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park (mobile order available)

Restaurantosaurus, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park (mobile order available)

  • Mother’s Day Cupcake – Chocolate cake with strawberry ganache filling and white chocolate frosting (available April 30 through June 1)

Tiffins Restaurant, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

  • Mother’s Day Dessert – Coconut and caramelized pineapple mousse, coconut sorbet, almond crumble, pineapple gel, and cherry sauce (available May 9)

EPCOT

Mother's Day 2021 Treats 2Coral Reef Restaurant, EPCOT

  • Raspberry and Chocolate Mousse Tart – Vanilla tart filled with raspberries and chocolate mousse topped with raspberry mousse and wrapped with chocolate rope (available May 9)

Le Cellier Steakhouse, EPCOT

  • Lemon Cream and Berry Charlotte – Lemon and vanilla bean cream with ladyfingers topped with fresh berries (available May 9)

Disney Springs

Mother's Day 2021 Treats 3Amorette’s Patisserie, Disney Springs

  • Dipped Strawberry Bouquet – Strawberry dipped in Guayaquil dark chocolate (available May 7 through10)

Marketplace Snacks, Disney Springs

  • A Mother’s Day Swirl – A swirl of DOLE Whip strawberry and chocolate soft-serve with chocolate-dipped strawberry garnish (available May 7 through10)

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

Mother's Day 2021 Treats 4Landscape of Flavors, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort (mobile order available)

World Premiere Food Court, Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort (mobile order available)

Everything Pop Shopping and Dining, Disney’s Pop Century Resort (mobile order available)

  • Mother’s Day Sweet Blossom Cupcake – Vanilla cupcake with marshmallow crème filling topped with strawberry buttercream, white chocolate flower blossoms, and sprinkles (available May 6 through 9)

Contempo Café, Disney’s Contemporary Resort

  • Mother’s Day Red Velvet Cupcake – Red velvet cupcake with cream cheese icing and cream cheese-buttercream icing garnished with sprinkles and a Mother’s Day chocolate plaque (available May 7 through 9)

Mother's Day 2021 Treats 5Gasparilla Island Grill, Disney Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (mobile order available)

  • Mother’s Day Mimosa Miniature Gâteau – Champagne-infused sponge cake with orange-scented mousse topped with white chocolate slipper (available April 23 through May 9)

Barefoot Pool Bar, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Tambu Lounge, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

  • Raspberry Lemonade Cocktail – A refreshing blend of vodka and flavors of raspberry and lemon (available May 7 through 9)

Capt. Cooks, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

  • Mother’s Day Butterfly Cupcake – Chocolate cupcake with raspberry mousse filling and buttercream icing (available May 7-9)

Pineapple Lanai, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

  • Key Lime Pie Sundae – Lime soft serve, graham cracker crust, blood orange mango jam, and topped with a macaron (available May 7-9)

Mother's Day 2021 Treats 6The Artist Palette, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort (mobile order available)

Good’s to Go, Disney’s Old Key West Resort

  • Mother’s Day Cupcake – Vanilla cake with a peach compote, spiced vanilla buttercream peach mousse, and a white chocolate hat (available April 24 through May 9)

Roaring Fork, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge (mobile order available)

  • Mother’s Day Cupcake – Tres leche cupcake with vanilla buttercream and a chocolate butterfly (available May 6 through 9)

The Market at Ale & Compass, Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resort (mobile order available)

The Beach Club Marketplace, Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resort (mobile order available)

  • Sweeter Than Roses – Creamy raspberry mousse on chocolate hazelnut cake with ruby red raspberry center and chocolate fondant decorations (available May 2 through 9)
  • Mother’s Day Bouquet Cupcake – Red velvet cupcake filled with rich chocolate mousse and decorated with an array of buttercream flowers (available May 2 through 9)

Which Mother’s Day dessert looks best to you?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

The 2021 Taste Of EPCOT International Flower And Garden Festival Live Entertainment Guide

Epcot Mariachi CobreIt’s been a long time coming, but live entertainment is finally returning to Walt Disney World, and I couldn’t be more excited! Just in time for this year’s Taste of EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival there will be plenty of entertainment to enjoy during your visit. Here’s the line up, courtesy of Disney:

Jammin’ Gardeners (Canada Mill Stage)
Tap your feet to the syncopated sounds of the funkiest gardeners around.

Voices of Liberty (America Gardens Theatre)
Get swept away by inspiring vocal performances celebrating America’s spirit and beauty.

Mariachi Cobre (America Gardens Theatre) 
Enjoy an exuberant performance of world-famous, traditional folk music.

Pianist (World Showplace)
Relax and enjoy a selection of songs of the season.

Bands at America Gardens Theatre (America Gardens Theatre)
Watch bands from Orlando perform the songs of yesterday and today. Performances are on Sunday, Monday, Friday and Saturday only.

  • EPIC! – (Pop): Get ready for a true multi-generational “SuperBand” who continues their run of success—making appearances all over the world with their Concert Style high-energy show!
    Dates: May 28 to 31
  • Motown in Motion (Motown / R&B): Get moving to the sounds of this power-packed, live Motown musical tribute to some of the greatest American artists of all time.  
    Dates: April 30 to May 3 and June 11 to 14
  • Vintage Vinyl Band (Vintage Pop): Drop in for a spin with this unconventional top 40 cover band that specializes in retrofitting today’s hits into yesterday’s sound, while weaving in classics from the American Songbook. 
    Dates: April 26 and June 4 to 7
  • The Hooligans (Pop): Rock the night away to classic tunes ranging from the British Invasion to ‘80s pop to ‘90s alternative.  
    Dates: May 7 to 10 and June 18 to 21
  • M-80’s (‘80s Pop): Go wild for this band that recaptures all the best of the ‘80s. Outstanding musicianship combined with creative flair and styles make for an evening of pure energy and entertainment. 
    Dates: May 14 to 17 and June 25 to 28
  • Latin Ambition (Latin/Pop): Discover why this bilingual Latin American Party Band has received accolades and honors industry-wide for over a decade—and earning their reputation by promising energy, showmanship and diversity.  
    Dates: May 21 to 24 and July 2 to 5

Will you be enjoying live entertainment during the Taste of EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up April 25, 2021

Here’s the Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up for April 25, 2021!

Latest Disney World Enthusiast Articles

Haunted MansionDisney Did You Know

There are 13 candles on the birthday cake in the Grand Ballroom Scene in Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom.

Port Orleans 1Tip Of The Week

While the Disney value resorts offer pools that are heavily themed, only Art of Animation has a water slide. If a water slide is going to make or break your child’s vacation consider staying there or in a moderate or deluxe resort instead.

Walt DisneyWalt’s Words

“Laughter is timeless. Imagination has no age. And dreams are forever.”

dwe logo small size white bkgdComing Up Next Week

Next week I’ll have some more Taste of EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival details, plus all of the latest Walt Disney World news!

Have a wonderful weekend!