The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival has been my favorite festival since I first visited with family in 2013. My first real trip to Walt Disney World, I remember being amazed by the array of flowers and topiaries brightening the park. Now, as a local, Flower & Garden is hands-down the event I look forward to most all year.
This year, topiaries have moved and new outdoor kitchens have been added throughout the park. Yesterday, I took a trip to Epcot for the festival’s opening day to scope out some of the newest additions to the event this year. . . and to enjoy classic festival favorites as well!
New Outdoor Kitchens
Four new booths have joined the Flower & Garden festival this year- and each one is more delicious than the next!
The Citrus Blossom
On opening day, this outdoor kitchen was the busiest! Serving the adorable festival sipper, the little Orange Bird filled with an orange cream slushy, the line seemed never-ending throughout the day. As the day came to a close, I braved the line to get a taste of the lobster tail. For $8.00, it’s worth a try for any seafood lover! Perfectly cooked with a side of grilled lemon- I already can’t wait to have another taste of the treats at this stand!
Flavor Full Kitchen
Sponsored by AdventHealth, this outdoor kitchen boasts healthy options that are equally delicious. From the garden, a beet salad with cashew cheese and fried quinoa was unique and fresh! The fried quinoa added awesome texture to the dish. Wonderful if you’re looking for a light option on a sunny day!
The Mickey tart is a fun take on a classic PB & J, complete with sparkling strawberry sauce and popping boba! If you love the iconic sandwich you’ll love this little tart! For me, a festival favorite can be found at this stand- also based on a beloved childhood treat! A cookie butter worms and dirt cup is sure to make you smile. Sweet and nostalgic, I could eat one every single trip!
Arbor at The Gardeners Terrace
Inside the Odyssey building find small plates and festival merchandise! Here, my friends and I munched on a savory and a sweet dish. First, we enjoyed the fried green tomatoes topped with a blue crab and fennel salad. The bold flavor of fennel is never my favorite, but the tomatoes were fried to a crispy golden brown and the remoulade sauce paired perfectly.
Next, we tried the mixed berry buttermilk cake. The mixed berry topping was the highlight of the dish, as the cake was tasty but plain. The cool apple cider sorbet was refreshing, but seemed disconnected from the rest of the plate to me.
Trowel & Trellis
Hosted by Impossible Foods, the company is known for its social media-worthy Impossible burger, this booth did not disappoint. All plant-based options are sold here, a great option for guest with (and without!) dietary restrictions!
The grilled street corn with garlic spread is a festival favorite for my friends and I! Another hit from the festival this year, the farmhouse meatball, was a small plate I would happily enjoy again!
Festival Favorite Snacks
Selecting festival favorites from Flower & Garden is more difficult than any other Epcot festival. This year, I am incredibly impressed by the menus! Each stand had at least one item I was eager to try. Additionally, I felt there was a great variety, allowing all guests to have options, regardless of their dietary restrictions.
Pineapple Promenade
If violet lemonade isn’t one of your favorites, you’re doing it all wrong. This stand also serves the Dole Whip, if you’re into that.
Jardi de Fiestas
The beef torta served at this outdoor kitchen in the Mexican pavilion is a major step up from the menu last year. This option is flavorful and filling- if you’re feeling hungry at the festival, this should be your first stop! The pickled vegetables and the spicy sauce on the bottom elevate this small plate, creating a lot of flavor.
A Season in Bloom
Flower & Garden festival is just beginning, there are still so many concerts to hear, so many topiaries to see and so many snacks left to eat! As the season continues, check back for updates on all my festival favorites and check out my Flower & Garden post from last year to see some more of my returning favorites!
