At least 25 different plants, grasses and mosses of various colors, including pink and red begonias, dusty miller, palm fiber, palm seeds, ficus and lichen, are used to create and define facial and other features of festival character topiaries displayed during the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. The topiary team uses about 200 one-pound boxes of hairpins to attach plants and flowers to the topiaries.
Tip Of The Week
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a perfect choice for doing a split day with one park in the morning and another at night. Spend the morning enjoying popular attractions such as Na’vi River Journey and Kilamanjaro Safaris then, after a mid-day break from the heat; head over to Epcot to tour World Showcase at night.
Walt’s Words
“You can design, create, and build the most wonderful place in the world, but it takes people to make the dream a reality.”
If you will be visiting Walt Disney World around St. Patrick’s Day and are looking for a fun place to celebrate, look no further than Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant in Disney Springs. This year’s Mighty Festival runs from Thursday, March 16 through Sunday, March 19, 2023. Raglan Road is one of my favorite spots in all of Walt Disney World for delicious food and lively entertainment for the whole family. If you’re in the area this month and looking for a fantastic celebration, here’s everything you need to know:
The Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant is returning to Disney Springs this month! Don your best green duds and head on over to Disney Springs to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in style March 16 through March 19, 2023.
Along with a full menu of authentic Irish cuisine like Bangers & Mash and Shepherd’s Pie plus a massive selection of beer and cocktails, Raglan Road will be featuring sensational live entertainment straight from Ireland. Here’s the full line up as well as details on the featured acts you’ll be able to enjoy throughout the festival.
Elevation
Back by popular demand, Elevation is without question the most successful U2 tribute band in the world. With their huge repertoire and unparalleled experience, Elevation is the only band to call when you want to bring the most authentic sights and sounds of U2 to your audience without actually having to bring in U2 themselves. If you think this all sounds too good to be true, seeing is believing.
Clare Sands
Channeling the music of her ancestors, sixth generation fearless fiddler, bilingual singer, multi-instrumentalist, and composer Clare Sands is a unique force in Irish music. Creating boundary breaking Fearless Folk music inspired by her travels around Ireland and the world, Sands sings for the young and the old, brave and the bold wowing audiences with her ground-breaking traditional style and infinite energy. Enjoy an exhilarating journey of story and song full of heart, humor and hope.
Strings & Things
Hailing from Tipperary and Galway, Strings & Things are a contemporary Irish Trad/ Folk/ Roots crossover band with a large repertoire of Irish songs, airs and traditional pieces presented in a very contemporary arrangement and style. Their unique sound and high stage energy always promises a raucous evening of music and song. They recently released their third instalment off their highly anticipated Re: Works EP, “Take the Time.”
One For The Foxes
Award-winning instrumentalists Tadhg Ó Meachair (Goitse) from Dublin & Joanna Hyde (The Hydes) from Colarado form an exciting and dynamic transatlantic duo. Through a shared deep-rooted passion for Irish traditional music, they present a rousing blend of Irish and American folk music and song in an energetic and engaging manner creating an eclectic vibe.
Men Of Aran
These two legends of the Irish traditional music world, Colin Farrell (fiddle) and Dave Curley (banjo & vocals) have toured, performed and recorded with numerous traditional Irish music luminaries. They are gifted entertainers and masters of their craft charming Raglan Road audiences with a potent mix of sublime musicianship, electric energy and a tremendous live performance.
Celtic Croí
A fresh and exciting three-piece traditional Irish music ensemble from Glasgow, Dublin and Belfast featuring Hannah McNeill (fiddle, vocals, banjo & mandolin), Blain Curtis (Guitar & Vocals) and Niall McIlroy (Guitar, whistles, flute & Vocals). All highly accomplished musicians with a wealth of musical talent and experience making for a vibrant and exciting live show of music and song.
Gobhán
Dynamic duo from Co. Down, featuring Oliver Havlin (Guitar & Vocals) and Aoife Byrne (Fiddle and Vocals). Winning numerous titles including Ulster Champions and were All Ireland Fleadh finalists. Performing all over Europe and have supported leading Irish artists Sharon Shannon and Paul Brady. They had the honour of being invited to perform for the Prince of Wales and The President of Ireland. They will keep you entertained with a mix of traditional Irish ballads and modern Irish songs.
The Raglan Road Irish Dancers
Plucked from the casts and stages of the world’s greatest Irish dance shows, will perform throughout the festival.
Reservations are encouraged for guests who plan to celebrate at Raglan Road, where they can lift a pint, sip a cocktail, and dine on authentic contemporary Irish cuisine beginning on March 16. On St. Patrick’s Day only, March 17, Raglan Road will open at 11:00am with a $20 cover charge for guests 18 and older; (first-come, first-served—no reservations on this day only); younger patrons may enter free of charge. Please click here to make your reservations today!
Will you be visiting Walt Disney World for St. Patrick’s Day? Have you ever been to Raglan Road in Disney Springs? Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!
One of the best and brightest parts of the 2023 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 between now and July 5, 2023, here are all of the must-see topiaries and gardens, courtesy of Disney:
Topiaries
Discover spectacular topiaries of beloved animals and Disney characters, cultivated with care by Disney horticulturists. Here are this year’s displays and where you can find them:
Encanto, Including Mirabel, Antonio, Isabela and Luisa – NEW! Main Entrance
Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Chip, Dale and Pluto Bridge to World Showcase and World Celebration
Woody, Bo Peep and Her Sheep World Nature Near The Land Pavilion
Goofy World Showcase
Tiana – NEW! The American Adventure Pavilion
Buzz Lightyear World Discovery Near Mission: SPACE
Donald and Daisy Community Garden Near Connections Café in World Celebration
Figment Near Imagination!
The Three Caballeros (Jose, Donald and Panchito) Mexico Pavilion
Anna and Elsa Norway Pavilion
Troll Norway Pavilion
Dragon Japan Pavilion Near Torii Gate
Pandas China Pavilion
Simba and Friends (Rafiki, Simba, Mufasa and Sarabi) Between Imagination! and The Land Pavilion
Pumbaa and Timon Between Imagination! and The Land Pavilion
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Germany Pavilion
Lady and the Tramp Italy Pavilion
Beauty and the Beast France Pavilion
Lumiere and Cogsworth France Pavilion
Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy Between France and Morocco Pavilions
Peter Pan, Captain Hook and Tick Tock Croc Between United Kingdom and Canada Pavilions
Winnie the Pooh and Friends (Rabbit, Eeyore, Piglet and Tigger) United Kingdom Pavilion
Tinker Bell’s Fairy House Garden United Kingdom Pavilion
Bambi and Friends Near Imagination! and Refreshment Port
Geese Canada Pavilion
Butterflies Main Entrance, Scentsy Garden, Butterfly House and World Showcase
Gardens
Weave through dazzling flowerbeds, stumble upon exotic gardens, learn more about sustainable foods and celebrate the ways we can live in harmony with the natural world.
Bamboo Garden – China Pavilion Visit this garden to see bamboo in a variety of colors, patterns and sizes.
Blossoms of Fragrance Presented by Scentsy – World Showcase Bridge Follow your nose and form lasting memories with the help of fresh, unforgettable fragrances
Bold Bromeliads – The Land Pavilion Observe a variety of unique and colorful plants that can adapt to a wide range of climates and conditions.
Bonsai Collection – Japan Pavilion Learn about the art of bonsai, some of the finest living sculptures. Bonsai masters carefully shape and tend these miniature works of art, creating peace and balance with the earth.
Bouquet Garden – France Pavilion See bountiful blooms perfect for a bouquet of cut flowers.
Butterfly Landing Presented by AdventHealth – World Nature Near Imagination! View a kaleidoscope of butterflies up close, in all their extraordinary color. Learn about butterfly lifecycles and maybe even see one emerge from its chrysalis. Closes at dusk.
China Zodiac Garden – China Pavilion Realize your finer attributes in this garden inspired by the 12 creatures of the Chinese zodiac.
The Community Garden – World Celebration – NEW! Connect with the earth and each other at this celebration of a diverse and thriving communal garden plot.
Connections Conservatory Garden – Connections Eatery Settle into this thoughtful garden full of floral inspirations for your indoor spaces.
Desert Garden – Mexico Pavilion Discover the special adaptations that allow plants in arid climates to adjust to the harshest of growing conditions.
English Tea Garden Presented by Twinings® – United Kingdom Pavilion Unearth the history and art of tea-blending at this elegant English tea garden––featuring plants used in some of Twinings’ finest blends.
Family-Friendly Garden Presented by OFF! Explore a camp-themed garden where little ones are invited to jump, play and climb.
Festival Blooms – World Celebration Admire thousands of flowers that form colorful, living panoramas.
Floating Gardens – World Nature Peer upon more than 150 petite plots drifting on the ponds that border the bridge to World Showcase.
Garden Italiano – 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.
The Honey Bee-stro Hosted by National Honey Board® – Rosewalk Near Imagination! Learn about honeybees’ critical role in the environment, and delight in sweet and savory treats made possible by their hard work.
Kokedema Garden – Japan Pavilion Admire fresh expressions of an ancient Japanese art at this tranquil garden.
Miniature Garden – Germany Pavilion Appreciate the little things in this showcase of diminutive dwellings nestled in a forest of fine shrubs.
Prehistoric Garden – World Discovery Near Mission: SPACE Imagine life on Earth 65 million years ago with astounding plant life that’s thrived since the age of the dinosaurs.
Shakespeare Garden – United Kingdom Pavilion Explore the works of Shakespeare in this idyllic garden featuring excerpts from some of the bard’s most famous sonnets—and the dazzling flowers that influenced them.
Shishi-odoshi – Japan Pavilion – NEW! Contemplate the methodical movement and soothing rhythm of this traditional Japanese bamboo water fountain.
Spice Garden – Morocco Pavilion Discover how Eastern cultures flourished, trading signature spices and herb blends once considered more valuable than gold.
Songbird Meadow Presented by Wild Birds Unlimited® – World Discovery Songbirds are an important part of many ecosystems—including the one in your own backyard! Discover simple steps you can take at home to help these feathered friends thrive.
Topiary Heritage Garden – United Kingdom Pavilion Marvel at the varied techniques employed by the Walt Disney World Horticulture team to create the festival’s topiaries.
Tropical Rainforest Garden – Mexico Pavilion Uncover the rich biodiversity of the Mexican rainforest and learn about its highly adaptive species.
Do you spend time checking out the topiaries and gardens during the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival? Which one is your favorite? Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!
If you plan to visit Walt Disney World this spring during the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, here is some exciting news! Disney has recently announced the lineup of artists appearing in the Garden Rocks Concert Series which runs during the festival from March 1 through July 5, 2023. Here’s the latest information courtesy of Disney:
Move your feet to some of the hottest throwback beats during the 2023 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. Concerts take place at the America Gardens Theatre in the American Adventure Pavilion. Performance times are 5:30pm, 6:45pm, and 8:00pm and are included with EPCOT admission.
March 3-4 – Journey former lead vocalist STEVE AUGERI
March 5-6 – Daughtry
March 10-11 – Tommy DeCarlo
March 12-13 – Smash Mouth
March 17-18 – Mike DelGuidice
March 19-20 – Blue Oyster Cult
March 24-25 – Berlin
March 26-27 – The Pointer Sisters
March 31 – Luis Figueroa
April 1-2 – Piso 2
April 3 – TBD
April 7-8 – STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas
April 9-10 – Don Felder, formerly of the Eagles
April 16-17 – Switchfoot
April 21-22 – A Flock of Seagulls
April 23-24 – Jo Dee Messina
April 28-29 – Ambrosia with Peter Beckett, The Voice Of Player
April 30, May 1 – Kool and the Gang
May 5-8 – Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
May 12-15 – The Orchestra starring former members of ELO
May 19-20 – A.J. Croce: Croce Plays Croce
May 21-22 – Casting Crowns
May 26-27 – Jason Scheff, longtime lead singer of Chicago
May 28-29 – Rick Springfield
June 2-5 – Plain White T’s
June 9-10 – The Spinners
June 11-12 – The Commodores
June 16-17 – Vertical Horizon
June 18-19 – Tony Orlando
June 23-26 – Simple Plan
June 30, July 1 – Living Colour
July 2-3 – Wang Chung
Which concert are you most excited to attend?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!
The “Liberty Oak,” which is the focal point of the Liberty Square area in Magic Kingdom, is the proud parent of more than 500 young trees. They all started out as acorns harvested from the majestic oak.
Tip Of The Week
We’ve all seen National Lampoon’s Vacation, right? Nothing will kill a vacation quicker than unrealistic expectations. Walt Disney World is enormous – about the same size as San Francisco. You wouldn’t expect to see everything a large city has to offer in a day or a week, so give yourself a break. Create a reasonable plan to follow, and then try to relax and enjoy each moment. When looking back on your vacation, it won’t be about how many attractions you experienced, but rather how much you enjoyed your experience at each attraction.
Walt’s Words
“Somehow I can’t believe that there are any heights that can’t be scaled by a man who knows the secrets of making dreams come true. This special secret, it seems to me, can be summarized in four Cs. They are curiosity, confidence, courage, and constancy, and the greatest of all is confidence. When you believe in a thing, believe in it all the way, implicitly and unquestionable.”
Coming Up Next Week
Next week I’ll have more dining information, plus all of the latest Walt Disney World news!
Disney Did You Know
Tip Of The Week
Walt’s Words
Disney World Enthusiast 