What to Eat and Experience at Taste of EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival

Spring is in the air, and nowhere is that more evident than at the Taste of EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival happening now at the Walt Disney World Resort, and running through July 5, 2021. This long-running festival showcases not only stunning topiaries and lush gardens, but also features delectable eats and experiences for the whole family. Come along with me as I share some of my favourite things to do, see and eat at the festival.

Feast for the Eyes

As its name implies, the Taste of EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival is a “green thumb’s” dream, but even those of us who can’t even keep a cactus alive will still delight in the beauty that abounds around EPCOT. One of my favourite things about the festival is discovering all the character topiaries around the park and getting photos of or with them (no social distancing required in this case). One of the best topiary photo ops is in the France pavilion, where Belle and The Beast look ready to dance the day away. With its stunning French backdrop (featuring the Eiffel Tower), this is an ideal photo stop for single riders, or a loving couple.

Feast for the Senses

The Taste of EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival doesn’t only feature gorgeous flowers. Live entertainment is back this year, featuring bands and musical artists jamming around the world. With every genre from mariachi to Motown, you’re sure to hear something to get your foot tapping. On the day of your visit, be sure to check the schedule to find out what musicians are playing that day, as well as where to find them.

There’s more fun for the little ones, too. Be sure to visit the Goodness Garden Butterfly House to get up close and personal with some of our colourful winged friends. If your kiddos are looking for an adventure, be sure to pick up a map and stickers for Spike’s Polli-Nation Exploration ($7.99 plus tax), which will lead explorers on a scavenger hunt. Each completed map can be turned in for a prize.

Feast for the Belly

No Walt Disney World Resort festival would be complete without tantalizing eats, and the Taste of EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival is no different. This year, more than a dozen outdoor kitchens are scattered throughout the park, featuring everything from freshly-prepared snack-sized entrees (perfectly sized so you can try a few), to speciality drinks, both with and without alcohol. You’ll need more than one day at EPCOT to try them all, but here are a few of my favourites.

• Fleur de Lys in the France Pavilion features delicious tarts and pastries, but my go-to here is the La Vie en Rose Slushy (alcoholic), which is a perfect way to cool down and refresh on a hot day.

• On the opposite side of World Showcase sits Jardin de Fiestas in the Mexico Pavilion. Here be sure to check out the savoury Tostada de Cochinita with braised pork. And of course, a margarita will finish that off—I love the Passion Fruit Margarita that has a bit of smokiness to it, giving it extra depth of flavour.

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