Tag Archives: Epcot International Flower And Garden Festival

Jan 26 2015

Helpful Information For Your May 2015 Disney World Vacation

Epcot International Flower And Garden Festival

So you are planning a vacation to Disney World in May 2015? May is a wonderful time of year to visit Walt Disney World. The temperatures are warm, the flowers are blooming and the crowds are light.

Weather

The weather in Disney World during May is beautiful. The average high is about 89 degrees, the average low is about 65 degrees and the average rainfall is only about 3.1 inches. By traveling in May, you are getting your vacation in just before the rainy season begins. But don’t forget to pack your poncho just in case!

Crowds

The crowds throughout the month of May are nice and moderate. You can anticipate crowds to begin to pick up Memorial Day weekend and beyond.

May 1 – May 2 – Average Crowd Level 5.5 out of 10
May 3 – May 9 – Average Crowd Level 4.9 out of 10
May 10 – May 16 – Average Crowd Level 4.6 out of 10
May 17 – May 23 – Average Crowd Level 5.0 out of 10
May 24 – May 31 – Average Crowd Level 6.0 out of 10

Park Hours

Magic Kingdom ClockWith bigger crowds comes longer hours at the Parks. As the month goes on and the crowds increase, all of the Parks will close later.

  • Magic Kingdom: Open most days from 9am – 11pm or 12am (plus Extra Magic Hours)
  • Epcot: Open from 9am – 9pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
  • Hollywood Studios: Open most days from 9am – 8:30pm or 10:00pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
  • Animal Kingdom: Open most days from 9am – 6pm or 7pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)

For specific hours on each day during May, please click this link. Remember that park hours are subject to change and are often adjusted two weeks prior.

Events

Expedition EverestOn May 1 and 2, Disney World is hosting the runDisney event – Expedition Everest Challenge for the final time. This 5K race is held at night at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and includes an obstacle course and scavenger hunt. Sorry to say if you haven’t already registered, this race is sold out. However, there are currently tickets still available for the after party – please check this link for the most up-to-date availability. Because this run and after party are held at night (from 10pm – 2:30am), they should not have a big impact on daytime touring.

Epcot International Flower And Garden FestivalA terrific part about visiting Disney World in May is the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. This year the event will run from March 4 – May 17 and features over 100 topiaries, interesting gardening demonstrations, beautiful flowers, weekend music concerts and several outdoor kitchens serving delicious foods and beverages. For more information about the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, please check out this article.

Star Wars WeekendsAlso beginning on May 15 and running weekends through June 14 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios are Star Wars Weekends. This event is huge with fans of the franchise and includes dining experiences, themed treats, special shows, parades, presentations, autograph sessions, and chances to meet the characters and celebrities. For more information and to watch a hilarious video featuring a Star Wars Darth Vader cupcake destroying a bakery, please check out this article.

Coolest Summer EverMemorial Day weekend is the traditional start of family vacation time, and Walt Disney World Resort will launch into the season full force. The Magic Kingdom will be open 24 hours to guests from 6am to 6am, Friday May 22 to Saturday, May 23. Guests will be invited to come in costume to show their Disney Side while a selection of favorite attractions, entertainment, special event merchandise, plus food and beverage are on tap all night long to celebrate the start of the “Coolest Summer Ever” at Walt Disney World Resort. The around-the-clock celebration features Disney character greetings, dance parties and surprises into the wee hours of the night.

Refurbishments

Periodically throughout the year, Disney closes attractions for refurbishments and enhancements. Here are the scheduled closures during May (subject to change without notice):

Magic Kingdom

  • Jungle Cruise: April 13 – May 8, 2015

Epcot

  • Maelstrom and Spirit of Norway Film: Ongoing – Reopening in 2016 Reimagined as a New Frozen Attraction

Hollywood Studios

  • No refurbishments currently scheduled

Animal Kingdom

  • Creature Comforts: Reopening June 2015 as the New Starbucks Location
  • Flame Tree BBQ: January 5 – June 3, 2015
  • TriceraTop Spin: May 11 – May 23, 2015

Water Parks

  • No refurbishments currently scheduled

Downtown Disney

  • Downtown Disney is undergoing a major transformation to become the reimagined Disney Springs. Construction will be finished in phases with the final completion date set for Fall 2016.

Resort Hotels

  • Art of Animation: Finding Nemo Schoolyard Wet Play Area May 26 – June 29, 2015
  • Beach Club Resort: Ongoing Guest Room Refurbishments To Be Completed In 2015
  • Polynesian Resort: Ongoing Polynesian East Pool Refurbishment To Be Completed In 2016
  • Walt Disney World Swan: Ongoing Guest Room Refurbishments To Be Completed In 2016

Planning Tips

Disney's Animal Kingdom Tree of LifeIf you are traveling to Disney World in May 2015, your planning is probably well under way at this point. Here’s a checklist to make sure you are on track:

  • Make sure you have created your My Disney Experience account. If you haven’t, click here to sign up now.
  • If you haven’t already made your dining reservations, be sure to make them now by clicking here.
  • If you are staying onsite, be sure to customize your Magicband on your My Disney Experience account by picking the color and adding your name.
  • Now is a great time to research what attractions you and your family would like to see at the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. Because Walt Disney World is so large, it is very difficult to see everything during one trip, so be sure to get everyone’s top priorities. This is also a great time to begin looking at menus for counter service restaurants so that you have an idea of which locations serve foods that your entire family will enjoy. Need help with your research? Check out my book “A Tale of Two Resorts” which includes descriptions and tips for every attraction and helpful dining information for every restaurant from snack stand to table service including specifics about atmosphere, cuisine type, dress code and even menu selections including the kid’s meals that are offered. Click here for more information including an excerpt.
  • Whether you are staying onsite or off-property, now is the time to purchase your admission tickets and link them to your My Disney Experience account.
  • 501 WaysOnce your tickets are linked and at exactly 60 days out (midnight EST time) if you are staying onsite or 30 days out for all other guests, login to your My Disney Experience account and book your Fastpass+ reservations.
  • If you are staying onsite, be sure to check in online at 60 days out from your arrival date.
  • Double check your flight times and if you will be using Disney’s Magical Express for your airport transportation make your reservation now by clicking here.
  • Now is also a great time to start creating a packing list so that you don’t forget anything.
  • Need more help planning? Please check out my new book 501 Ways to Make the Most of Your Walt Disney World Vacation, ask a question in the comments section, or take a look at the Planning section here.

Special Offers

If you haven’t already made your May 2015 reservations, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save money:

Join The Fun

Next Disney VacationDisney Vacation Planner Jennifer Hardy and I have teamed up to create a new Facebook Group called Next Disney Vacation! It is the perfect place to talk about your next Disney vacation, ask your questions, get them answered, and share the magic. Everyday you’ll find posts, photos, trivia, tips, and more that we find all throughout the Disney Universe. If your counting the days until your next Disney vacation, we would love to have you join in the fun! Please click here to be a part of our group!

Have a magical vacation!

Jan 19 2015

Epcot Garden Rocks Concert Series Bands Announced

Epcot International Flower And Garden Festival

If you plan to visit Disney World this spring during the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, here is some exciting news! Disney has just released the information about which bands will be appearing in the Garden Rocks Concert Series that runs during the festival from March 4 – May 17, 2015. Here’s the current lineup (subject to change without notice):

  • March 6-8: Gin Blossoms “Hey Jealousy”
  • March 13-15: Pablo Cruise “Love Will Find a Way”
  • March 20-22: En Vogue “Free Your Mind”
  • March 27-29: Starship “We Built This City”
  • April 3-5: The Orchestra starring former members of ELO “Evil Woman”
  • April 10-12: Village People “Y.M.C.A.”
  • April 17-19: Jon Secada “Just Another Day”
  • April 24-26: The Guess Who “These Eyes”
  • May 1-3: Taylor Dayne “Tell It to My Heart”
  • May 8-10: Little River Band “Lady”
  • May 15-17: Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone “I’m Henry the VIII, I Am”

Performances will be at America Gardens Theatre at 5:30pm, 6:45pm and 8:00pm every Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the festival, and are included with Epcot admission.

Looking for more information about the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival? Please check out this article that includes lots of details about what is planned!

Need more help with your visit to Epcot?

Be sure to check out these articles to make the most of your time in Epcot:

Best Disney World Cocktails
Best Disney World Frozen Drinks
Best Disney World Rides For Babies And Toddlers
Best Disney World Shopping Spot – Mouse Gear
Best Disney World Snacks
Best Epcot Future World Attractions
Best Epcot World Showcase Attractions
Best Family Photo Spot In Epcot
Best Ways To Tour Epcot’s World Showcase With Kids
Disney World Scheduled Refurbishments 2015

Dreaming about a vacation to Disney World?

If you are beginning to plan a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out the following resources to help you save money:

Have you attended a Garden Rocks Concert before? Are you going this year?
Who are you most excited to see? Please leave a comment!

Jan 15 2015

Helpful Information For Your April 2015 Disney World Vacation

Disney World Easter

Planning Your April 2015 Disney World Vacation

So you are planning a vacation to Disney World in April 2015? April is a perfect time of year to visit the “happiest place on earth”. The temperatures are getting warmer, the flowers are in full bloom and the crowds start to dwindle once the Easter holiday passes.

Weather

Mickey Mouse and Friends Zip Hoodie for Women - Walt Disney World 2015The weather in Disney World during April is the best of the year. The average high is about 83 degrees, the average low is about 59 degrees and the average rainfall is only about 2.28 inches. April is the second driest month of the year behind November. Don’t forget that even though it reaches the 80’s by afternoon, the early mornings, late evenings and heavily air-conditioned attractions are still chilly. When traveling in April, I always pack a couple of Disney hoodies to keep me warm.

Crowds

With Easter occurring on April 5 this year, the crowd levels at the beginning of April are expected to be very high. By the second week of April, they are anticipated to begin a steady decline for the rest of the month.

April 1 – April 4 – Average Crowd Level 8.0 out of 10
April 5 – April 11 – Average Crowd Level 6.7 out of 10
April 12 – April 18 – Average Crowd Level 5.6 out of 10
April 19 – April 25 – Average Crowd Level 4.9 out of 10
April 26 – April 30 – Average Crowd Level 4.0 out of 10

Park Hours

Magic Kingdom ClockWith bigger crowds comes longer hours at the Parks. As the month goes on and the crowds decrease, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom will close earlier.

  • Magic Kingdom: Open most days from 9am – 11pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
  • Epcot: Open from 9am – 9pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
  • Hollywood Studios: Open most days from 9am – 9:30pm during the beginning of the month and then from 9am – 8pm during the last half of April (plus Extra Magic Hours)
  • Animal Kingdom: Open most days from 9am – 7pm during the beginning of the month and then closing as early as 5pm by the end of April (plus Extra Magic Hours)

For specific hours on each day during April, please click this link. Remember that park hours are subject to change and are often adjusted two weeks prior.

Events

Disney Easter Egg HuntIf you are visiting around Easter, Disney always has additional offerings to celebrate the holiday. There is usually an Easter parade in the Magic Kingdom, meet and greets with Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny, and returning this year is Epcot’s Egg-stravaganza. Click here to read all about this fun egg hunt! And remember Disney Floral can help you decorate your resort room and provide gifts for the occasion, just click here for more information.

Epcot Flower & Garden FestivalAnother terrific part about visiting Disney World in April is the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. This year the event will run from March 4 – May 17 and features over 100 topiaries, interesting gardening demonstrations, beautiful flowers, weekend music concerts and several outdoor kitchens serving delicious foods and beverages. For more information about the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, please check out this article.

And of course, every year on Earth Day (April 22), Animal Kingdom hosts the Party for the Planet which usually includes interesting animal and conservation presentations, crafts and games for the kids, and specialty merchandise and snacks. For more information, please check out this article.

Refurbishments

Periodically throughout the year, Disney closes attractions for refurbishments and enhancements. Here are the scheduled closures during April (subject to change without notice):

Magic Kingdom

  • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: April 27 – April 30, 2015
  • It’s a Small World: April 14 – April 17, 2015
  • Jungle Cruise: April 13 – May 8, 2015
  • Space Mountain: April 20 – April 23, 2015

Epcot

  • Maelstrom and Spirit of Norway Film: Ongoing – Reopening in 2016 Reimagined as a New Frozen Attraction

Hollywood Studios

  • Lights, Motors, Action: April 20 – April 24, 2015

Animal Kingdom

  • Creature Comforts: Reopening June 2015 as the New Starbucks Location
  • Flame Tree BBQ: January 5 – May 22, 2015

Water Parks

  • No refurbishments currently scheduled

Downtown Disney

  • Downtown Disney is undergoing a major transformation to become the reimagined Disney Springs. Construction will be finished in phases with the final completion date set for Fall 2016.

Resort Hotels

  • Beach Club Resort: Ongoing Guest Room Refurbishments To Be Completed In August 2015
  • Grand Floridian Resort: Beach Water Activity Pool March 6 – April 9, 2015
  • Polynesian Resort: Ongoing Nanea Volcano Pool Refurbishment To Be Completed In Mid-April 2015; Polynesian East Pool Mid-April 2015 – 2016
  • Walt Disney World Swan: Ongoing Guest Room Refurbishments To Be Completed In 2016

Planning Tips

Disney's Animal Kingdom Tree of LifeIf you are traveling to Disney World in April 2015, your planning is probably well under way at this point. Here’s a checklist to make sure you are on track:

  • Make sure you have created your My Disney Experience account. If you haven’t, click here to sign up now.
  • If you haven’t already made your dining reservations, be sure to make them now by clicking here.
  • If you are staying onsite, be sure to customize your Magicband on your My Disney Experience account by picking the color and adding your name.
  • Now is a great time to research what attractions you and your family would like to see at the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. Because Walt Disney World is so large, it is very difficult to see everything during one trip, so be sure to get everyone’s top priorities. This is also a great time to begin looking at menus for counter service restaurants so that you have an idea of which locations serve foods that your entire family will enjoy. Need help with your research? Check out my book “A Tale of Two Resorts” which includes descriptions and tips for every attraction and helpful dining information for every restaurant from snack stand to table service including specifics about atmosphere, cuisine type, dress code and even menu selections including the kid’s meals that are offered. Click here for more information including an excerpt.
  • Whether you are staying onsite or off-property, now is the time to purchase your admission tickets and link them to your My Disney Experience account.
  • 501 WaysOnce your tickets are linked and at exactly 60 days out (midnight EST time) if you are staying onsite, login to your My Disney Experience account and book your Fastpass+ reservations.
  • If you are staying onsite, be sure to check in online at 60 days out from your arrival date.
  • Double check your flight times and if you will be using Disney’s Magical Express for your airport transportation make your reservation now by clicking here.
  • Now is also a great time to start creating a packing list so that you don’t forget anything.
  • Need more help planning? Please check out my new book 501 Ways to Make the Most of Your Walt Disney World Vacation, ask a question in the comments section, or take a look at the Planning section here.

Special Offers

If you haven’t already made your April 2015 reservations, Disney has some great offers going on right now!

  • Save up to 25% on rooms at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels when booked between now and March 28, 2015 for stays most nights March 2 – June 15, 2015.
  • As an added bonus you can receive one more ticket day FREE when you upgrade to a room and ticket package with a minimum 4-day Magic Your Way Ticket.

To take advantage of these incredible deals, please click the image below and fill out the form to receive a quote from my friends at Destinations in Florida.

Any planning questions or tips? Please leave a comment!

Jan 14 2015

Helpful Information For Your March 2015 Disney World Vacation

Disney World Spring

Planning Your March 2015 Disney World Vacation

So you are planning a vacation to Disney World in March 2015? Lucky you! March is a wonderful time of year to visit the “happiest place on earth”. The temperatures begin to moderate, the flowers are in full bloom and the park hours are extended. Keep in mind that this is the month that crowds begin to pick up as all of us people with school-age children who live in snowy places (like my state of Colorado 🙂 ) flee the cold over Spring Break to soak up some of the Florida sun.

Weather

Mickey Mouse and Friends Zip Hoodie for Women - Walt Disney World 2015The weather in Disney World during March can be beautiful. The average high is about 78 degrees, the average low is about 54 degrees and the average rainfall is about 4.01 inches. March is the fifth rainiest month of the year with generally mild temperatures. Hurricane season has not yet begun, however there are the occasional severe storms with tornadoes during this time of year. Remember that although it can reach the upper 70’s by afternoon, low 50’s waiting for the bus in the morning can be very chilly, especially given the high humidity levels in Florida. When traveling in March, I always pack a couple of Disney hoodies to keep me warm in the mornings and evenings.

Crowds

March typically begins with moderate crowds and by mid-month when a lot of schools begin their Spring Breaks, the crowd levels become high. With Easter occurring fairly early this year (April 5), the crowds are anticipated to pick up the weekend of March 14 and 15 and to continue to be high the rest of the month.

March 1 – March 7 – Average Crowd Level 5.6 out of 10
March 8 – March 14 – Average Crowd Level 7.1 out of 10
March 15 – March 21 – Average Crowd Level 7.2 out of 10
March 22 – March 28 – Average Crowd Level 8.0 out of 10
March 29 – March 31 – Average Crowd Level 9.0 out of 10

Park Hours

Magic Kingdom ClockWith bigger crowds comes longer hours at the Parks. As the month goes on each Park stays open later.

  • Magic Kingdom: Open most days from 9am – 10pm (or later during last half of March, plus Extra Magic Hours)
  • Epcot: Open from 9am – 9pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
  • Hollywood Studios: Open most days from 9am – 8:30pm (or later during last half of March, plus Extra Magic Hours)
  • Animal Kingdom: Open most days from 9am – 7pm (or later during last half of March, plus Extra Magic Hours)

For specific hours on each day during March, please click this link. Remember that park hours are subject to change and are often extended during the busier seasons.

Events

Epcot International Flower And Garden FestivalAnother terrific part about visiting Disney World in March is the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. This year the event will run from March 4 – May 17 and features over 100 topiaries, interesting gardening demonstrations, beautiful flowers, weekend music concerts and several outdoor kitchens serving delicious foods and beverages. For more information about the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, please check out this article.

Raglan RoadFor an exciting St. Patrick’s Day celebration, head over to Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant in Downtown Disney for music, food, and fun. For more details, please check out this article.

Refurbishments

Periodically throughout the year, Disney closes attractions for refurbishments and enhancements. Here are the scheduled closures during March (subject to change without notice):

Magic Kingdom

  • Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin: March 4 – March 5, 2015
  • Central Plaza Area (between end of Main Street and Cinderella Castle): Ongoing – To Be Completed In 2015
  • Cinderella’s Royal Table: January 5 – March 6, 2015
  • Harmony Barber Shop: February 2 – March 30, 2015
  • Stitch’s Great Escape: March 1 – March 2, 2015
  • Peter Pan’s Flight: March 5 – March 6, 2015
  • Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid: February 2 – March 6, 2015

Epcot

  • Maelstrom and Spirit of Norway Film: Ongoing – Reopening in 2016 Reimagined as a New Frozen Attraction

Hollywood Studios

  • Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular: March 14 – March 15, 2015

Animal Kingdom

  • Creature Comforts: Reopening June 2015 as the New Starbucks Location
  • Flame Tree BBQ: January 5 – April 22, 2015
  • Kali River Rapids: March 10 – March 13, 2015

Water Parks

  • Blizzard Beach Water Park: January 4 – March 14, 2015

Downtown Disney

  • Downtown Disney is undergoing a major transformation to become the reimagined Disney Springs. Construction will be finished in phases with the final completion date set for Fall 2016. Please check out this article for more details and photos!

Resort Hotels

  • Beach Club Resort: Ongoing Guest Room Refurbishments To Be Completed In August 2015; Stormalong Bay Lazy River and Bridges 3 & 4 February 2 – March 3, 2015
  • Contemporary: Main Pool Closed March 9 – March 11, 2015
  • Grand Floridian Resort: Beach Water Activity Pool March 6 – April 9, 2015
  • Polynesian Resort: Ongoing Nanea Volcano Pool Refurbishment To Be Completed In Spring 2015; Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto To Be Completed In 2015; DVC Polynesian Villas & Bungalows To Open In 2015
  • Walt Disney World Swan: Ongoing Guest Room Refurbishments To Be Completed In 2016

Planning Tips

Disney's Animal Kingdom Tree of LifeIf you are traveling to Disney World in March 2015, your planning is probably well under way at this point. Here’s a checklist to make sure you are on track:

  • Make sure you have created your My Disney Experience account. If you haven’t, click here to sign up now.
  • If you haven’t already made your dining reservations, be sure to make them now by clicking here.
  • If you are staying onsite, be sure to customize your Magicband on your My Disney Experience account by picking the color and adding your name.
  • Whether you are staying onsite or off-property, now is the time to purchase your admission tickets and link them to your My Disney Experience account.
  • 501 WaysOnce your tickets are linked and at exactly 60 days out (midnight EST time) if you are staying onsite, login to your My Disney Experience account and book your Fastpass+ reservations.
  • If you are staying onsite, be sure to check in online at 60 days out from your arrival date.
  • Double check your flight times and if you will be using Disney’s Magical Express for your airport transportation make your reservation now by clicking here.
  • Now is also a great time to start creating a packing list so that you don’t forget anything.
  • Need more help planning? Please check out my new book 501 Ways to Make the Most of Your Walt Disney World Vacation, ask a question in the comments section, or take a look at the Planning section here.

Special Offers

If you haven’t already made your March 2015 reservations, Disney has some great offers going on right now!

  • Save up to 25% on rooms at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels when booked between now and March 28, 2015 for stays most nights March 2 – June 15, 2015.
  • As an added bonus you can receive one more ticket day FREE when you upgrade to a room and ticket package with a minimum 4-day Magic Your Way Ticket.

To take advantage of these incredible deals, please click the image below and fill out the form to receive a quote from my friends at Destinations in Florida.

Any planning questions or tips? Please leave a comment!

Jan 12 2015

2015 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

Epcot International Flower And Garden Festival

After weeks of cold and snow here in Colorado, I’m definitely having spring fever. In just a few short weeks it will be time for the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival to begin. Because of my kids’ school schedule and wanting to avoid a Disney World vacation during the busy spring break travel season, I haven’t been to this event since 2013. However, this year I’m going to be taking a short research trip for my next book during the festival. I am beyond excited and of course, I am already counting down the days. Disney has lots of exciting things planned including past favorites as well as some new offerings. Here are details and photos courtesy of Disney:

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Spring 2015 will bloom with a fresh take on lush gardens, inspired flavors and lively entertainment during the 75-day Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival March 4-May 17 at Walt Disney World Resort. New Disney character topiaries, including a nod to the blockbuster animated film, “Frozen,” will offer colorful selfie and family photo ops. Outdoor Kitchens will serve a fresh take on sweet and savory noshes. And guests can get “hands-on” with festival fun during Disney-led gardening seminars.

  • “Frozen” will melt hearts in the park’s World Showcase: Disney’s first Anna and Elsa topiaries will appear in a scene from the Oscar-winning film’s finale. Other brand-new Disney character topiaries will be Chip and Dale taking a star turn in two whimsical front-entrance “Goofy About Spring” floral vignettes. Topiary Goofy and friends will be in on the fun.
  • Fresh new menu items will debut at the festival’s Outdoor Kitchens where, for the third festival year running, guests can taste garden- and spring-inspired tapas-sized food and beverages and have their complimentary Garden Passports stamped as they stroll the World Showcase promenade.
  • A Southwest desert garden will premiere as a thriving ecosystem.
  • Ten new mini-gardens will surprise guests around every corner. Guests will discover a new “health garden,” a pepper garden, a dinosaur-plant garden and a Shakespeare garden, among others, each designed with a storytelling element.
  • Guests can discover the story of the Monarch butterfly’s epic journey across the continent and see butterflies emerge from their chrysalises at Tinker Bell’s Butterfly House.
  • A weekend concert series will rock audiences every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Performers will include Gin Blossoms, Pablo Cruise, Village People and a lineup of top bands representing four decades of pop music.
  • Disney gardeners will lead weekend how-to Gardening Seminars at the Festival Center, where guests also can pick up signature festival merchandise.
  • When the sun sets, illuminated topiary and play gardens will glow brightly for an after-dark festival experience.

“This is one of our most ambitious festivals ever,” says Eric Darden, festival horticulture manager. “We’re telling stories we’ve never told before. You’ll get a fresh taste of spring — it’ll be like the first spring farmer’s market for America.”

As park guests nibble on inspired Outdoor Kitchen goodies, they can wander among multiple themed gardens and children’s play areas. Nearly 100 expertly crafted topiary characters, including Snow White, Bambi, Mickey Mouse, Simba and Peter Pan, will animate the landscape when Epcot transforms to a vibrant wonderland of sweeping garden beds and exhibits.

The “Frozen” topiary vignette at World Showcase Plaza will pop with color as Anna’s and Elsa’s icy world, illustrated with white and silver blooms of delphinium, alyssum and other floral varieties, transforms to a brilliant spring palette featuring Gerbera daisies, petunias, Sweet William and other flora.

A Health Garden near The Land pavilion in Future World will display ancient medicinal plants including garlic, aloe, chamomile, fennel, mint and others. Plants used to develop modern prescriptions will be papaya, periwinkle, turmeric, yew, thyme and valerian. And the new Shakespeare Garden at the United Kingdom pavilion will feature roses to represent Romeo and Juliet: “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” Also in the garden: rosemary from Hamlet, lavender from The Winter’s Tale, plus representations featuring poppy, lily, honeysuckle and willow.

Tinker Bell’s Butterfly House will return with hundreds of winged beauties fluttering above and lighting upon their favorite nectar-producing plants. Dozens of Disney-crafted “flower towers” and beds of multi-colored blooms will add to the floral splendor of the park’s landscape.  At least 70,000 bedding plants will surround the Future World east and west lakes alone; on the water, 220 mini-gardens will be set afloat.

Several special weekend happenings will include Art in the Garden Weekend (March 27-29); Florida Fresh Weekend (April 24-26); and Florida Federation of Garden Clubs, Inc. Weekend (May 8-10). The festival, including all gardening programs and exhibits, is included in regular Epcot admission.

For the most updated 2015 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival information including food offerings, concert information, schedules and more, please check out this article!

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!

Need more help planning your visit to Epcot? Please check out these articles:

Best Disney World Cocktails
Best Disney World Frozen Drinks
Best Disney World Rides For Babies And Toddlers
Best Disney World Shopping Spot – Mouse Gear
Best Disney World Snacks
Best Epcot Future World Attractions
Best Epcot World Showcase Attractions
Best Family Photo Spot In Epcot
Best Ways To Tour Epcot’s World Showcase With Kids
Disney World Scheduled Refurbishments 2015