2016 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Review

We were lucky this year to make some last minute bonus vacation plans to attend the 2016 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival. Let me tell you, last minute reservations are not easy, but somehow the stars aligned and we were able to use up an airline voucher and find a relatively decent rate. I felt so lucky!

With a toddler in tow the highlights for us were two interactive playgrounds.  The Cactus Road Rally area was themed to the movie Cars, with topiaries of Mater and Lightning McQueen, and it was perfectly geared towards the littlest garden fans. The climbing area and slides were just the right size, the ground was soft and cushy, and there were tires to climb on and explore and plenty of room to run.  There were also plenty of chairs for parents to lounge, but my little run always dashes about so much I couldn't find an area where I could sit and keep her in my sight the entire time, so I just followed her around as she happily played. We particularly liked this area since most times of the day it was in the shade.

 

New this year, was the Music Garden Melodies Playground which was geared towards slightly older children and even had an awesome net climbing area.  My little one still had lots of fun though playing with the large interactive musical instruments like chimes, drums and even xylophones and on the smaller playground equipment. One darling preteen must have taken a liking to her as he took her by the hand sweetly showed her how to use various instruments. It was precious!

Of course numerous topiary plants are always a huge hit! These are just a few of my favorites from this year:

 

 

 

While the topiaries are often the highlight, there are so many different types of gardens to see. My daughter loved the butterfly garden and really wanted to get up close and personal to check things out.  There weren't a lot of butterflies yet though when we were there in mid-March.

Some special garden areas aren't quite as obvious as the topiaries and butterfly garden, but are well worth seeking out.

 

 

I especially love to seek out all the Bonsai each year.  You can find them along the World Showcase promenade in front of the Japan Pavilion as well as along the walkways in front of the Katsura Grill around the koi pond.

There is special festival merchandise available for purchase as well. This year the 2016 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Dooney and Bourke release was a pattern that included Figment! I was in love, but sadly had to pass since I just recently picked up a Haunted Mansion Dooney bag. There is alot a line of special logo merchandise and of course lots of garden decorations and items.

Of course I would be totally remiss if I didn't mention that in the past few years the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival has started to add food and drink booths (or "outdoor kitchens")  that are similar to the  Fall Food and Wine Festival booths  (Just not quite as many)  They're getting rather elaborate in design too.  Take a look at the Florida Fresh booth for example:

My mother wanted to catch Starship while we were there, so I picked up a beer sampler from the Smokehouse, and we snagged an outdoor table in front of the Liberty Inn.  (Secret tip: it's not a bad place to hear a concert if the American Gardens Theater has a long line. Just try to get a seat not directly behind the Fife& Drum stand) Hearing White Rabbit live and while enjoying a few sips made for a nice combo.  I was significantly surprised that the maple bacon stout I expected to be my least favorite of the sampler, was actually quite good.  It reminded me quite a bit of a flavorful coffee drink.

We didn't sample as much food as we typically do at one of the Food and Wine festivals, but I did think the Beef Brisket Burnt Ends Hash with white cheddar fondue and pickled jalapeños from the Smokehouse was by far the best value of everything we tried.  My husband enjoyed his Currywurst with Paprika Chips, though for someone who frequently travels to Germany he said he's definitely had better.  My mother really loved the Shrimp and stone ground grits from Florida Fresh.  It also came with andouille sausage, sweet corn, tomatoes and cilantro.  The Tarte a l'Onion Alsacienne (onion tart) from France however was a disappointment.  It was a bit soggy, and the tarts inside the french pavilion are a much better value for the quality and size.

 It was delicious! If you want to check out the full menus with prices I recommend Allears.net.  (they always have comprehensive information).  I'd also recommend checking out orders as people pick them up to see if the dishes look appetizing to you.  Some of the dishes may be tasty, but at times the portions are too small for the price (even by tourist standards!)

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Disney Parks - Flower and Garden Festival 2016 - Figment Magnet