One of the best limited-time events at Walt Disney World Resort is seeing a few upgrades for 2023. Check out these nice, new additions and spot them as you enjoy the sights, sounds and flavors of Epcot in Spring!
The following article comes via official public relations announcement by Disney Parks. This PR release is not only notable for the information it contains, but also because it repeatedly says “EPCOT” instead of “Epcot”. Hmm…
There is nothing lovelier than springtime at Walt Disney World! The days get longer, the weather warms up, and colorful flowers bloom across the landscape. And one of the best places to experience spring for yourself is at the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. Beginning March 1 and continuing through July 5, this stunning festival features alluring gardens, whimsical topiaries, lively entertainment, beautiful merchandise and delightfully fresh cuisine.
Today, I have exciting news to share. For the first time, topiaries of Mirabel, Antonio, Isabela and Luisa from Disney’s “Encanto” will make a grand appearance at the festival. Located near the EPCOT main entrance, these new topiaries are sure to be a must-do photo moment to mark your visit. (But remember: We don’t talk about Bruno.)
And that’s not all. A new Princess Tiana topiary will grace The American Adventure. Plus, we also have returning favorites such as Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs; Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, Captain Hook and Tick Tock Croc; Figment; Anna and Elsa; and more.
The popular Garden Rocks Concert Series is back, featuring favorite tunes at the America Gardens Theatre. More details about the musical lineup will be released soon on the Disney Parks Blog.
Get your taste buds ready; you’re in for a treat! More than 15 Outdoor Kitchens will offer specialty menus of scrumptious cuisine and beverages. One of my favorites is The Citrus Blossom which will move to a new location at Odyssey. With fresh new menu items, you’ll want to sample all the mouth-watering delights.
Of course, you can commemorate your visit with official ‘70’s inspired Orange Bird merchandise, including apparel, headwear, drinkware and much more.
Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration will have people abuzz again. This springtime scavenger hunt is fun for all ages. Follow Spike the Bee on his pollination trail, where he will “bee” busy collecting nectar and pollinating gardens at EPCOT. Once you find him in each garden on your map, add the corresponding sticker of the plant he is visiting.
On the bridge to World Showcase, you can enjoy the sights and scents of spring with Blossoms of Fragrance presented by Scentsy. Surrounded by vibrant butterfly topiaries, guests will be invited to follow their noses to six scent stations—to form lasting memories with the help of unforgettable aromas.
To experience the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, you must have both valid admission and a park reservation for EPCOT on the same date. Keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog for more details!
Now back to our thoughts from TPP:
I really do love the Flower and Garden Festival. While these might not be the biggest changes or additions in the world, it still is something quite nice. In the future, I’d like to see the walkway between Journey into Imagination and World Showcase be made into a Topiary Garden. I also think there’s a great opportunity to have guests walk through a real butterfly exhibit in the future. The Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga has a butterfly garden where there are hundreds or thousands of butterflies all inside a large, enclosed arboretum. I’d love to see something like that at Disney World.
Also, while we’re at it, let’s get some honey bee keeping exhibits up for the Flower and Garden Festival. It would be great if we could try fresh honey collected from different areas of the world and try to detect subtle differences in taste.
Anyway, those are some of my thoughts. I’d love to read yours in the comments below. And, as always, keep reading That Park Place for all the latest news that should be fun!
