New Peter Pan’s Flight Interactive Queue

Peter Pan

Have you heard the exciting news? Recently a brand new interactive queue debuted at Peter Pan’s Flight in Magic Kingdom. This is fifth queue of its kind joining those at Dumbo the Flying Elephant, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Haunted Mansion, and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Here is the description courtesy of WDW News:

Even before they soar above the rooftops of London on their way to Never Land, Magic Kingdom guests experiencing Peter Pan’s Flight are immersed in a magical world thanks to a new interactive queue. The eye-filling opening scene includes a corridor of interactive murals. Tinker Bell flies around the room and gets playful in the nursery of the Darling children. Enthralled guests are able to interact with some of the toys; their own shadows dance and play on the walls with the characters of the epic story, before being sprinkled with pixie dust and flying away.

Please check out this great behind-the-scenes video about what went into creating this bit of Disney Magic (photos and video courtesy of Disney Parks Blog):

Anyone else excited to try out this new queue? Have you seen it yet?
Please leave a comment!

Disney World Reality Versus Rumor – February 2015 Edition

Welcome to the February 2015 edition of Disney World Reality vs. Rumor where we’ll take a look at the stories that are currently circulating to see which ones are confirmed and which ones are purely speculation.

Disney World Reality

  • It has been confirmed that Disney World ticket prices will be increasing this month. Sources say a single day Magic Kingdom ticket will exceed $100.
  • It has been confirmed that the Creature Comforts location in Animal Kingdom will reopen this summer as a Starbucks.
  • It has been confirmed that Be Our Guest Restaurant in Magic Kingdom will start accepting advance dining reservations for lunch beginning February 25.
  • It has been confirmed that the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad refurbishment has been moved to April.
  • It has been confirmed that the Richard Petty Driving Experience and Exotic Driving Experience will be closing this summer as well as the entire race track will be demolished to make way for future transportation improvements near Magic Kingdom.
  • It has been confirmed that the Tomorrowland Arcade in Magic Kingdom has closed due to changes in Florida law. All prize counters and claw-like games have also been removed from the arcades throughout Disney World.
  • Disney World confirmed that it has pulled the Epcot coffee mug, part of Starbucks’ “You Are Here” collection, because it included a purple-colored monorail train. Disney retired Monorail Purple after its involvement in a deadly crash in 2009.
  • It was confirmed that Disney filed paperwork to build a new “Frozen” meet and greet that will take up the space between the Mexico and Norway pavilions.
  • It has been confirmed that the Great Movie Ride in Hollywood Studios will soon see a much need update thanks to a new deal with Turner Classic Movies.
  • It has been confirmed by Disney Parks CEO Bob Iger during an interview with Bloomberg Television that there will be a lot more Star Wars in Disney Parks in the near future.
  • It has been announced by Disney that the following shops will be coming to Disney Springs: APEX, Art of Shaving, Chapel Hats, Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC, Havaianas, Sanuk, and Sound Lion.

Disney World Rumor

  • It is rumored that Disney is currently testing LCD displays at select resort bus stops that will display the estimated wait time until a particular bus should arrive.
  • There are many rumors that the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction in Magic Kingdom will undergo a lengthy refurbishment later this year to deal with the last row in the new boats taking on water, safety concerns after a guest seated in the back row lost a finger, and general maintenance.
  • Permits were recently filed spurring speculation that a new restaurant will be built in Adventureland in Magic Kingdom. Rumors are that its theme will tie into the Jungle Cruise.
  • It is being speculated that a third theatre is being added to Soarin’ to help accommodate the crowds.
  • There are also rumors that a new Soarin’ movie is being filmed that will replace the current film and will highlight well-known landmarks from around the world.
  • It is being speculated that a new country pavilion may be added to World Showcase. The most popular country being talked about is Brazil.
  • There are rumors that Echo Lake, Min & Bill’s Dockside Diner, and Gertie the Dinosaur will be removed this spring to make way for a Star Wars themed land in Hollywood Studios.
  • It is rumored that a third track is being added to Toy Story Mania to help accommodate the crowds.
  • There are rumors that a Pixar Place/Toy Story Land may be built in Hollywood Studios using part of the space made available with the closing of the Backlot Tour.

Look for another edition of Disney World Reality vs. Rumor in April 2015!

Are you excited about any of these changes – real or rumored? Please leave a comment!

A Tale Of Two Resorts Traveler’s Reference February Giveaway

Exciting News

I am giving away a copy of my new book “A Tale of Two Resorts: Comparing Disneyland and Walt Disney World – A Traveler’s Reference”!

A Little About My Book

Are you trying to decide between a trip to Disneyland or Walt Disney World? Or maybe you have visited one resort and are curious about the other? My new book, “A Tale of Two Resorts: Comparing Disneyland and Walt Disney World – A Traveler’s Reference”, is now available!

This reference book is loaded with facts and information about all of the hotels, restaurants, attractions, experiences, entertainment choices and resort extras that are available at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Each chapter begins with a handy side-by-side chart that compares each destination and concludes with a “For What It’s Worth” section that gives my personal thoughts and opinions. Topics include Lay of the Land, Atmosphere, Weather, Crowds, Events, Budgeting, Planning Timeline, Accommodations, Admission Tickets, Transportation, Theme Parks, Resort Extras, Dining and of course, there’s helpful advice about planning your trip and organizing your day.

As a mom with two boys of my own, I understand the many challenges of traveling with young kids. Throughout “A Tale of Two Resorts”, I’ve included several features for parents that will help you plan your Disney trip plus they’ll make your vacation easier once you arrive at the resort. Here are just a few of these invaluable features:

  • In Chapter 8 Accommodations – I’ve included detailed information about every resort including room types available and resort amenities. If you need to know if a particular hotel has a kiddie pool, offers on site childcare or even how many people the room will accommodate, you’ll find those important answers.
  • In Chapter 11 Theme Parks – I’ve included a Word of Warning for each and every attraction that needs one, giving you a heads up on what to expect and what you need to be aware of before taking your child on that particular ride.
  • In Chapter 13 Dining – I’ve included specifics for every dining location from table service to snack stand such as atmosphere, cuisine type, dress code and even menu selections including the kid’s meals that are offered. So if you are like me and have kids that are picky eaters, you’ll know exactly where to find those all important chicken nuggets or macaroni & cheese.

Whether you are going to Disneyland or Disney World and especially if the decision between the two destinations is still being made, “A Tale of Two Resorts” will give you all of the information you need to make the better choice and plenty of advice for planning that magical vacation!

The Giveaway

From now through Friday, February 27, 2015, please enter daily to win a copy of my new book “A Tale of Two Resorts: Comparing Disneyland and Walt Disney World – A Traveler’s Reference”. Just click the image below and follow the instructions to be entered into the giveaway. Be sure to take advantage of the bonus entries, and please feel free to share with your friends and family!  

A Tale of Two Resorts

Can’t wait and need to get the book right away?
Please click this link, to purchase your copy today!

Like politics and religion, the topic of which destination is better – Disneyland or Walt Disney World – is sure to fire up the faithful. In “A Tale of Two Resorts”, Kristi Fredericks takes no side, but she does deliver the most comprehensive reference guide for both resorts available anywhere.

Friday Favorites: Best Dishes From Around Disney World

Chef Mickey

For today’s Friday Favorites, I thought it would be fun to take a look at favorite Disney World foods. Of course, we all love Mickey Mouse ice cream bars and Dole Whips, but what about actual meals? Well, Disney has been keeping track and they have a list of the dishes that have been so popular they have never left the menus. So without further ado, here are the best dishes from around Disney World… (all photos courtesy of Disney)

Crispy Fried Chicken at Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, Pioneer Hall, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort.

On the menu since the dinner show opened in 1974, servers dish up about 900 pounds of fried chicken every night, and cooks spend about six hours each day just breading the chicken. Add 400 pounds of pork ribs, 120 pounds of corn, 400 pounds of mashed potatoes and 30 gallons of baked beans. Three shows nightly.

Strawberry-Chicken Salad, Plaza Inn, Magic Kingdom.

This simple salad has been tossed every day since the Magic Kingdom opened in 1971. Forget hot dogs and hamburgers, fans head to this little restaurant on Main Street, U.S.A., for a generous bowl of greens with grilled chicken breast, strawberries and Gorgonzola with white zinfandel vinaigrette. And you can end with a classic banana split or hot fudge sundae. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Cheddar Cheese Soup, Le Cellier Steakhouse, Canada pavilion, Epcot World Showcase.

One of the most-requested recipes is for this creamy bowl of soup that’s made with Canadian beer, cheddar and Applewood-smoked bacon. It’s so popular that it’s also now a mainstay on the menu at the annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Canada Marketplace. Le Cellier Steakhouse is open daily for lunch and dinner.

Creamy Lobster Soup, Coral Reef Restaurant, Epcot.

With an amazing view of a coral reef with sharks, turtles, rays and fish (the largest inland saltwater environment ever built), the menu at this Future World restaurant changes often to reflect the seasons and sustainable seafood. But the Creamy Lobster Soup has never left the menu, an indulgent starter with fresh tarragon and a splash of Brandy. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Mom’s Old-Fashioned Pot Roast, 50’s Prime Time Cafe, Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Classic American comfort food and 1950s kitsch make this a favorite stop for families, with a menu that reflects the theme: pork chops, chicken pot pie, meatloaf. But it’s Mom’s Old-Fashioned Pot Roast that’s received the most praise since the restaurant opened in 1989. The slow-cooked beef is served with garlic mashed potatoes, brown gravy, carrots, celery and onions. Open daily for lunch and dinner. (For my full review of this restaurant, please click here.)

Cobb Salad, The Hollywood Brown Derby, Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

This salad was iconic before it was even on the menu at the Disney re-creation of the historic California restaurant. As the story goes, Brown Derby owner Bob Cobb tossed the first version for a late-night snack for a Tinsel Town movie star. The Disney version sticks to the original with finely chopped greens, turkey breast, eggs, blue cheese, bacon and avocado. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Potato-Wrapped Red Snapper, Flying Fish Cafe, Disney’s BoardWalk.

While the chefs at Flying Fish Cafe cook with seasonality and sustainability in mind, this elegant dish has never left the menu since opening day in 1996. Fresh snapper is wrapped in thinly sliced potatoes, then pan-fried until crisp and golden. The fish is served over a rich leek fondue with veal glace de viande and red wine-cassis butter reduction. Open daily for dinner.

Cedar Plank-roasted King Salmon, Artist Point, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.

You can smell the roasting cedar planks when you walk enter the spacious dining room that pays homage to America’s national park lodges. The menu incorporates tastes from coast to coast, but the most-ordered entrée is the Cedar Plank-roasted King Salmon served with seasonal vegetables, on the menu since opening day in 1994. Open daily for dinner.

Tonga Toast, Kona Café, Disney’s Polynesian Resort.

Kids of all ages keep coming back for their favorite “only on vacation” indulgent breakfast treat: deep-fried banana-stuffed sourdough French toast rolled in cinnamon sugar and served with strawberry compote. The Tonga Toast has been a favorite since the Polynesian opened in 1971. Open daily for breakfast.

For all of you Tonga Toast fans out there, here’s a video about this favorite as well as the recipe in case you are having a craving.

Tonga Toast Recipe – Serves 4

Sugar-Cinnamon Ingredients:

3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon

Batter Ingredients:

4 large eggs
1 1/3 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Tonga Toast Ingredients:

1 quart canola oil, for frying
1 loaf sourdough bread (uncut, 12 inches long)
2 large bananas, peeled

Cinnamon-Sugar Preparation:
  • Mix sugar and cinnamon in medium bowl (large enough to roll toast) with a fork until thoroughly blended. Set aside.
Batter Preparation:
  • Whip eggs in medium bowl (large enough to dip toast) until well beaten.
  • Add milk, cinnamon, and sugar.
  • Mix well and set aside.
Tonga Toast Preparation:
  • Preheat oil to 350 degrees F in a large pot or a deep fryer. (If using a large pot, use a candy thermometer to make certain the oil does not get any hotter or it will burn.)
  • Slice the bread into four three-inch-thick slices.
  • Cut each banana in half crosswise, then each piece lengthwise.
  • Place a bread slice flat on the counter and tear out just enough from the middle (do not tear all the way through) to stuff half a banana into; repeat with each bread slice.
  • Dip stuffed bread into batter, covering both sides, allowing excess batter to drip off bread and place carefully into hot oil.
  • Cook 4-5 minutes until golden brown. If needed, turn toast over after 2 minutes and cook for another 2 minutes on other side. Remove and drain excess oil.
  • Roll toast in cinnamon-sugar. Repeat for each piece of toast.

Heading to Disney World soon?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources:

Have you tried any of these dishes before? Do you have a favorite?
Please leave a comment!

What’s On The Agenda At The 2015 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival

Epcot Flower & Garden Festival

It happens to me every year. Once Valentine’s Day arrives, I get a bad case of spring fever. I’m ready for the snow to stop falling and for the flowers to begin blooming. Unfortunately, where I live in Colorado, we still have a few months of winter left no matter what the calendar says. Lucky for me, I will soon be escaping the cold and traveling to Disney World to enjoy some warm sun and gorgeous scenery at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. As I eagerly count down the days until my vacation, I’ve been enjoying all of the information and photos that Disney has been releasing about the upcoming event. In case you missed it, here’s everything that we know so far (photos courtesy of Disney):

The Basics

Epcot Flower & Garden FestivalThe 2015 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival will be held for 75 days from March 4 through May 17. This year’s theme is “Fresh Epcot” and once again this springtime event will feature beautiful blooms, exciting entertainment, and loads of delicious drinks and dishes. A few of the highlights are:

  • Disney themed topiaries
  • Magical gardens and exhibits
  • Garden Rocks Concert Series
  • Fun festival themed merchandise
  • Entertainment for the kids
  • Festival Event Center offering hands-on demonstrations
  • Outdoor Kitchens with delicious drinks and dishes

Disney Themed Topiaries

This year there will be over a dozen incredibly designed topiaries to view. Here’s what is planned:

  • Anna and Elsa located at World Showcase Plaza.
  • Goofy About Spring featuring Goofy, Chip ‘n Dale, and friends located near the main entrance.
  • Miss Piggy & Tour de Fleurs Garden located at the Italy Pavilion.
  • Spring is in the Air featuring butterfly topiaries located behind Spaceship Earth.
  • Disney-Pixar Buzz Lightyear located near Mission: SPACE.
  • The Living Desert Road Rally Play Area featuring Mater and Lightning McQueen located near Test Track.
  • Fantasia located at Future World West.
  • Phineas and Ferb located at the Odyssey Bridge.
  • Farmer Mickey and Minnie located between Future World and World Showcase.
  • Bambi and Friends featuring Bambi, Flower, and Thumper located at the Canada Pavilion.
  • Aurora and Prince Phillip located between the International Gateway and France Pavilion.
  • Beauty and the Beast located at the France Pavilion.
  • Disney-Pixar Woody located at the American Adventure.
  • Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs located at the Germany Pavilion.
  • Lady and the Tramp located at the Italy Pavilion.
  • The Lion King featuring Mufasa, Pumbaa, Rafiki, Sarabi, Simba, and Timon located at The Outpost between the Germany and China Pavilions.
  • Cinderella and Prince Charming located at the France Pavilion.
  • Year of the Ram located at the China Pavilion.
  • Troll located at the Norway Pavilion.

Magical Gardens and Exhibits

Throughout Future World and World Showcase, you will find many magnificent gardens and engaging interactive exhibits. Here are a few of the dozens of gardens that there will be to enjoy:

  • Illuminated Gardens – Select topiaries and festival play areas will be lit for even more after dark fun.
  • Butterflies on the Go – Learn about a butterfly’s life cycle and journey.
  • Mike & Sulley’s Monstrous Garden – A fun Monsters University themed play area to explore.
  • Health Garden – A unique garden near the Land pavilion in Future World will display ancient medicinal plants.

Garden Rocks Concert Series

This year, eleven bands will appear in the Garden Rocks Concert Series. Performances are at America Gardens Theatre at 5:30pm, 6:45pm, and 8:00pm every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening. These concerts are included with your Epcot admission. Here’s the current lineup (subject to change without notice):

  • March 6 – 8: Gin Blossoms
  • March 13 – 15: Pablo Cruise
  • March 20 – 22: En Vogue
  • March 27 – 29: Starship
  • April 3 – 5: The Orchestra starring former members of ELO
  • April 10 – 12: Village People
  • April 17 – 19: Jon Secada
  • April 24 – 26: The Guess Who
  • May 1 – 3: Taylor Dayne
  • May 8 – 10: Little River Band
  • May 15 – 17: Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone

Festival Themed Merchandise

This year you will find a huge variety of festival themed merchandise including clothing, accessories, kitchenware, and more. These items will be available at the Festival Center (open Fridays through Sundays) as well as select merchandise locations throughout Epcot.

Entertainment For Kids

Epcot Flower & Garden FestivalThere will be plenty available to keep the kiddos entertained during the festival. There are two play areas – Mike & Sulley’s Monstrous Garden and Cactus Road Rally Garden with Mater and Lightning McQueen – both of which are illuminated at night for even more fun. The butterfly garden returns this year and is always a big hit with the younger set. Plus Disney has created a fun interactive scavenger hunt for kids to follow and discover topiaries of their favorite characters.Epcot Flower & Garden Festival

Festival Event Center

The Festival Event Center will be open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday throughout the event to host complimentary demonstrations from gardening and horticulture specialists.

Outdoor Kitchens

The Flower & Garden Festival also includes eleven outdoor kitchens very much like what you see at the Food & Wine Festival in the fall. This year’s kitchens include Botanas Botanico,  Urban Farm Eats, Pineapple Promenade, Fleur de Lys, Taste of Marrakesh, Hanami, The Smokehouse, Primavera Kitchen, Lotus House, Jardin de Fiestas, and Florida Fresh. Be sure to pick up a Garden Passport and get stamped at your stops along the way. Passports will be available at the Festival Event Center, all Outdoor Kitchens, plus select merchandise locations. Disney has just released the full menus:

Botanas Botanico
  • Cachapa con Queso
  • Seafood Ceviche with Shrimp, Scallops and Grouper
  • White Corn Arepa
  • Coconut Tres Leches
  • Polar Beer
  • La Tizana
  • Monte Paschoal Reserve Tannat
  • Monte Paschoal Natural Brut White Sparkling Wine
Urban Farm Eats
  • Quinoa Vegetable Naanwich with Arugula Pesto & Oven-Dried Tomatoes
  • Kale Salad with Dried Cherries, Almonds and Goat Cheese
  • Ghost Pepper-Dusted Tilapia with Winter Melon Slaw
  • Urban Mary
  • Cucumber Lemon Spa Water
  • Hess Shirtail Creek Vineyard, Chardonnay
  • King Estate Acrobat Pinot Noir
  • Crispin Blackberry Pear Cider
Pineapple Promenade
  • Spicy Hot Dog with Pineapple Chutney and Sriracha Mayo
  • Pineapple Soft Serve
  • Pineapple Soft Serve with Sammy’s Beach Bar Red Head Macadamia Nut Flavored Rum
  • Pineapple Soft Serve with Parrot Bay Coconut Rum
  • Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade
  • Ace Pineapple Hard Cider
  • Sparkling Pineapple Wine
  • Berry Tea Cocktail with Twinings Cold-Brewed Mixed Berry Tea
Fleur de Lys
  • Macaron Guimauve à la Fraise (Strawberry Marshmallow Macaron)
  • Confit de Canard (Pulled Duck Confit) with Garlic and Parsley Potatoes
  • Gnocchi Parisien à la Provençal (Parisian Style Dumpling with Vegetables and Mushrooms)
  • Ice Pop Peach Grand Marnier Cocktail
  • La Vie en Rose St-Germain Vodka Slush
  • Kir Imperial with Sparkling Wine and Chambord Liquor
  • Beer Kronenbourg Blanc 1664
Taste of Marrakesh
  • Vegetarian Falafel Pocket with Cucumber Tomato Salad & Tahini Sauce
  • Harissa Chicken Kebab with Couscous Salad
  • Pistachio Baklava
  • Mint Iced Tea
  • White Sangria
  • Guerrouane Red
  • Desert Rose — Sparkling Wine with Pomegranate Liqueur
Hanami
  • Frushi (fresh pineapple, strawberry and melon rolled with raspberry coconut rice, sprinkled with toasted coconut and whipped cream)
  • Teriyaki Curry Bun
  • Salmon Sushi
  • Kirin Draft Beer
  • Yuzu Plum Wine Slush
  • Strawberry Nigori
  • Karatamba Sake
The Smokehouse
  • Beef Brisket Burnt Ends Hash with White Cheddar Fondue & Pickled Jalapeños
  • Pulled Pig Slider with Cole Slaw
  • Smoked Debreziner Sausage
  • Piggylicious Bacon Cupcake
  • Billy’s Chilies
  • Floridian Hefeweizen
  • Category 3 IPA
  • Maple Bacon Stout
  • Beer Flight
  • The Original Rib Shack Red Wine
  • Frozen Lemonade (with or without Palm Ridge Reserve Whiskey)
  • R.C. Sweet Tea made with Twinings Cold-Brewed English Classic Tea
Primavera Kitchen
  • Pinwheel of Mozzarella, Prosciutto, Ciabatta Bread
  • Three Cheese Manicotti
  • Lemon Panna Cotta
  • Placido Pinot Grigio
  • Placido Chianti
  • Bosco del Merlo Prosecco
  • Corbinello
  • White Peach Bellini
  • Strawberry Rossini
  • Frozen Italian primavera
  • Moretti Lager
  • Moretti La Rossa
Lotus House
  • Beijing Candied Strawberries
  • Kung Pao Chicken Bun
  • Vegetable Spring Roll
  • Oolong Peach Bubble Tea
  • Kung Fu Punch
  • South Sea Storm
  • Plum Wine
  • Tsing-Tao Beer
  • Honey Mango Wine Cooler
Jardin de Fiestas
  • Tacos with Achiote-Marinated Pork
  • Vegetarian Quesadilla
  • Flan de Chocolate Abuelita
  • Tecate with Patrón Citrónge
  • White Mexican Sangria
  • Blueberry Pomegranate Margarita
  • Tequila Liqueur Flight
Florida Fresh
  • Watermelon Salad with Pickled Onions, Baby Arugula and Feta Cheese
  • Shrimp and Stone-Ground Grits with Andouille Sausage
  • Florida Blueberry and Lemon Curd Tart
  • Watermelon Passion Fruit Slush
  • Key Lime Sparkling Wine
  • Blonde Ale
  • Channel Marker Red Ale
  • Feast of Flowers Farmhouse Ale (Festival Exclusive)
  • Jai Alai
  • Beer Flight

Epcot Flower & Garden Festival Schedule

Weekend 1: March 6 – 8, 2015
Festival Center Events
  • Hands-on presentations on the Greenhouse Stage: 11:00am and 2:00pm
  • Demonstrations on the Fresh Epcot Stage: 12:00pm and 3:00pm
Concert Series
  • Musical Act: Gin Blossoms
Spring into Spring Weekend 2: March 13 – 17, 2015 (extended by two days)
Festival Center Events
  • Hands-on presentations on the Greenhouse Stage: 11:00am and 2:00pm
  • Demonstrations on the Fresh Epcot Stage: 12:00pm and 3:00pm
Concert Series
  • Musical Act: Pablo Cruise
Extra Spring into Spring Experiences March 16 – 17, 2015
  • St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at the American Adventure
Weekend 3: March 20 – 22, 2015
Festival Center Events
  • Meet specialists from Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park
  • Hands-on presentations on the Greenhouse Stage: 11:00am and 2:00pm
  • Demonstrations on the Fresh Epcot Stage: 12:00pm and 3:00pm
Concert Series
  • Musical Act: En Vogue
Art in the Garden Weekend 4: March 27 – 29, 2015
Festival Center Events
  • Hands-on presentations on the Greenhouse Stage: 11:00am and 2:00pm
  • Demonstrations on the Fresh Epcot Stage: 12:00pm and 3:00pm
Concert Series
  • Musical Act: STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas
Extra Art in the Garden Experiences
  • From 11:00am to 7:00pm, see nature through the eyes of “Plein Air” artists, along with one-of-a-kind works of art in Guest Artist booths—located all throughout World Showcase.
Weekend 5: April 3 – 5, 2015
Festival Center Events
  • Hands-on presentations on the Greenhouse Stage: 11:00am and 2:00pm
  • Demonstrations on the Fresh Epcot Stage: 12:00pm and 3:00pm
Concert Series
  • Musical Act: The Orchestra
Weekend 6: April 10 – 12, 2015
Festival Center Events
  • Hands-on presentations on the Greenhouse Stage: 11:00am and 2:00pm
  • Demonstrations on the Fresh Epcot Stage: 12:00pm and 3:00pm
Concert Series
  • Musical Act: The Village People
Earth Day Weekend 7: April 17 – 22, 2015
Festival Center Events
  • Hands-on presentations on the Greenhouse Stage: 11:00am and 2:00pm
  • Demonstrations on the Fresh Epcot Stage: 12:00pm and 3:00pm
Concert Series
  • Musical Act: John Seceda
Extra Earth Day Weekend Experiences
  • Meet specialists from Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park: April 17 – 19, 2015
  • Hear about conservation efforts to protect coral reefs, sea turtles, sharks and more at The Seas with Nemo & Friends: April 22, 2015
  • See the grand reveal of a sand sculpture, based on the new Disneynature film Monkey Kingdom: April 22, 2015
Florida Fresh Weekend 8: April 24 – 26, 2015
Festival Center Events
  • Hands-on presentations on the Greenhouse Stage: 11:00am and 2:00pm
  • Demonstrations on the Fresh Epcot Stage: 12:00pm and 3:00pm
Concert Series
  • Musical Act: The Guess Who
Extra Florida Fresh Weekend Experiences
  • From 10:00am to 5:00pm, head for the Festival Center and discover why Florida is one of the top agriculture producing states in the nation.
Weekend 9: May 1 – 3, 2015
Festival Center Events
  • See a stunning display of hibiscus in a wide array of colors at the Hibiscus Show
  • Hands-on presentations on the Greenhouse Stage: 11:00am and 2:00pm
  • Demonstrations on the Fresh Epcot Stage: 12:00pm and 3:00pm
Concert Series
  • Musical Act: Taylor Dane
Weekend 10: May 8 – 10, 2015
Festival Center Events
  • Hands-on presentations on the Greenhouse Stage: 11:00am and 2:00pm
  • Demonstrations on the Fresh Epcot Stage: 12:00pm and 3:00pm
Concert Series
  • Musical Act: Little River Band
Weekend 11: May 15 – 17, 2015
Festival Center Events
  • Hands-on presentations on the Greenhouse Stage: 11:00am and 2:00pm
  • Demonstrations on the Fresh Epcot Stage: 12:00pm and 3:00pm
Concert Series
  • Musical Act: Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone

Need help planning your time in Epcot?

Be sure to check out these resources to make the most of your visit to Epcot:

Heading to Disney World soon?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save money:

Have you attended the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival before?
What did you like the most? Are you going this year? Please leave a comment!

Happy Early Spring!