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PHOTOS & VIDEOS: We’re LIVE From the First Day of EPCOT’s Flower and Garden Festival!

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🎉 THE DAY HAS FINALLY ARRIVED! 🎉 Pull out all of those plants you’ve been nursing since the start of the pandemic and grab your stretchy pants — we’re heading into Disney World for the start of EPCOT’s 2022 International Flower and Garden Festival!

EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival

We might have JUST finished the 2022 Festival of the Arts (like, that festival ended just over a week ago), but we’re ready to take on the next festival today. Let’s head in to see the gorgeous topiaries, listen to some music from local bands, and of course, taste our way around the outdoor kitchens. 

We’ll be updating this post ALL DAY as we explore everything there is to see from the festival. 

Festival Dates

The Flower and Garden Festival lasts from March 2nd through July 4th, 2022.

Festival Passport

We like to spend the first day of the festival trying out ALL the new eats and drinks around the park so that you know which items you should try during your visit. But you’ll have plenty of time to take in this festival since it lasts over 4 months!

Getting Started and Crowds

When we first arrived at EPCOT this morning, we spotted a good number of people headed in even as early as 8AM!

Morning Crowds

Before the booths opened, the merchandise was a pretty big draw.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At the booths, lines were pretty wild even before they opened!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maps and Festival Booklet

When you get to the festival, you can grab a map to see where all the entertainment and outdoor kitchens are located. You can use it to make your plan for how you want to tackle the festival.

2022 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival

There’s also a special Festival Booklet, which has the menus for each outdoor kitchen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is your one-stop guide to EVERYTHING you need to know about the festival!

Festival Passport

You can even check off the eats you’ve tried.

Signs and Decor

Around EPCOT, you’ll see lots of decorations announcing the Flower and Garden Festival. We saw some of the poles had pretty wraps on them out by the ticket booths.

Signage

Topiaries

Of course, it’s not the Flower and Garden Festival without elaborate topiaries depicting Disney characters! We saw a ton of these amazing creations around EPCOT. Of course, right when you walk in, Goofy is there to greet you!

Goofy Topiary

Nearby the entrance you can also find the iconic Mickey Fantasia topiary…

Fantasia Topiary

…and a topiary featuring Donald, Daisy, and their nephews!

Donald and Daisy Topiary

Pluto, Chip, and Dale were hanging out in the American Adventures pavilion.

Love the collar, Pluto!

If your goal is to visit all of the topiaries, check out this full list to see the characters and their locations in EPCOT:

  • Goofy Topiary and Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Celebration Cake – Main Entrance
  • Sorcerer Mickey Mouse, Brooms, Ostriches, Hippo and Gator – Entrance to World Showcase
  • Woody, Bo Peep and Her Sheep – near The Land Pavilion in World Nature
  • Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Huey, Dewey and Louie – Bridge to World Showcase
  • Pluto and Chip ‘n’ Dale – The American Adventure Pavilion
  • Buzz Lightyear – near Mission: SPACE in World Discovery
  • Figment – near Imagination! in World Celebration
  • 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 – Germany Pavilion
  • Peter Pan, Captain Hook, and Tick Tock Croc  – Between the 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! in World Celebration

Goofy Topiary

Additional Activities

And there’s a LOT more to do at the fest too.

Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration

If you’re looking for this festival’s scavenger hunt (these hunts are practically an EPCOT festival staple), you’ll find it in the form of Spike’s Pollen Nation Exploration. Spike the honeybee has been pollinating his way around the festival, so you can follow his trail in this activity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You’ll purchase a map and stickers for $9.99 (plus tax) and then match the stickers to the correct spot on the map when you find Spike in the park.

Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration

You can return your completed map for a prize!

Click here to see more about the hunt!

Outdoor Kitchens

Our favorite part about this festival (and every festival in EPCOT if we’re honest) is the food! The food booths for this fest are called Outdoor Kitchens. We’re visiting ALL of these spots to try out any new items as well as some returning favorites.

2022 PIneapple Promenade Outdoor Kitchen

EPCOT Farmers Feast

Our first booth of the day was EPCOT Farmers Feast where we tried a seasonal menu of Tomato and Cornbread Panzanella, Barbecue Seared Pork Tenderloin, and more!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Did you know this booth has a changing menu throughout the length of the festival?

Want to see our REVIEW of Farmers Feast? Click here!

ALERT! You can snag the fun Spike the Bee Spork at this booth too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We love this CHEAP souvenir.

Click here to see more of the spork!

EPCOT Sunshine Griddle

Sunshine Griddle was one of our FAVORITE booths last year and it’s brought back a number of favorites. Fried Cinnamon Roll Bites, we’re looking at you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Look at that beautiful Avocado Toast!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This booth is killin’ it.

Click here for our REVIEW of Sunshine Griddle!

Northern Bloom

Canada’s booth is a great stop for heartier eats like scallops, beef tenderloin tips, and griddled maple pound cake.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And it’s got some beers too!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We certainly vibe with these eats.

Want more Northern Bloom? Click here!

The Citrus Blossom

The Citrus Blossom is home to the adorable Orange Bird Sipper AND some tasty eats!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here’s a closer look at the Crispy Mojo Marinated Pork!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This sure is a fun booth!

Want to see The Citrus Blossom review? Click here!

Jardin de Fiestas

Mexico’s booth, Jardin de Fiestas, tends to be a popular one — as you can see from the line!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Look at those EATS.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And there are not one…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

…but TWO new margs. Sign us up!

There are so many things to love here!

There’s a reason we love this booth — see why here!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cider House

You might think Cider House is all about those drinks — but this booth has eats too!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We totally loved this BLT Scone!

Want to see more of the BLT Scone? Click here!

Pineapple Promenade

One booth, Pineapple Promenade, had some technical difficulties and was even closed at some points today!

2022 Pineapple Promenade Outdoor Kitchen

We’re holding out!

Click here to learn more about this booth’s difficulties!

Luckily, we were eventually able to grab the new Hazy Pebbles Fruity Hazy Milkshake IPA!

And don’t worry, because we got our Dole Whip later in the day!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ah, Dole Whip, we missed you.

Need more info about Pineapple Promenade? Click here!

Trowel & Trellis Hosted by IMPOSSIBLE Foods

Plant-based eaters should stop by Trowel & Trellis for a unique menu sponsored by IMPOSSIBLE Foods.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Is that CAKE we spy?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We didn’t love how melty this treat was, but it WAS pretty tasty.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is certainly THE stop for plant-based eaters.

Want to see more of this booth? Click here!

Lotus House

Lotus House is China’s booth is and is bringing mouthwatering springtime eats and drinks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are TWO boba teas…

…and a spicy chicken dish!

This booth went all in on the festival’s theme!

Want to see more of Lotus House? Click here!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Flavor Full Kitchen Hosted by AdventHealth

We tried out the eats at Flavor Full Kitchen to see if they’re really as full of flavor as they claim.

It helps that one of our favorite snacks has returned this year along with some familiar sweet treats.

Also, this booth has a surprising amount of gummy worms.

Click here for our REVIEW of this booth!

Fleur de Lys

We typically have high hopes for EPCOT’s France festival booth…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

…and this year it delivered! Plus there’s a new cocktail!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Will you be a fan of the Grand Mimosa Cocktail?

Want to see more Fleur de Lys? Click here!

Tangierine Cafe: Taste of the Medina

Looking for more unique flavors? Head to Tangierine Cafe!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Did someone say Pomegranate Mimosa?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not to mention the ICONIC Vanilla, Rose Water, and Pistachio Panna Cotta.

Which one of these dishes or drinks would you try?

See what we thought about this festival spot here!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bauernmarkt: Farmer’s Market

Germany’s booth had some tasty eats and beer as usual.

Potato Pancakes, anyone?

Click here for our full review on Bauernmarkt: Farmer’s Market!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Primavera Kitchen

Next, we’re headed to Italy to visit Primavera Kitchen!

Sometimes this booth can be a letdown, but there was definitely a standout here this year!

See more Italian eats from EPCOT here!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hanami

Hanami, Japan’s booth, had some fun new drinks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And some TASTY eats too.

Overall, there were lots of ups and downs here — so many that we compare it to Tower of Terror over in Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

Click here for our thoughts on the Hanami booth in EPCOT!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Magnolia Terrace

For some hearty eats, head to Magnolia Terrace! You’ll find Grilled Oysters…

…and Spicy Chicken Gumbo. YUM.

This booth will please the hot sauce fans, seafood lovers, and beer fanatics, so if that sounds like you, check it out!

Love hot sauce, seafood, or beer? Check out the food at Magnolia Terrace!

The Honey Bee-stro Hosted by National Honey Board

We’re onto the next booth — The Honey Bee-stro! There are several returning dishes at this booth, but the true standout here is the adorable Spike the Bee sipper. Hi, buddy!

You’ll find a Lavender Honey Mustard-marinated Chicken Flatbread, Wildflower Honey-Mascarpone Cheesecake, and a few refreshing drinks at this booth.

Check out our full review of this booth by clicking here!

La Isla Fresca

If you’re obsessed with Encanto like the rest of the world right now, you’ve got to see the new items at La Isla Fresca this year! That’s right — arepas are on the menu! There are three different toppings to choose from.

We give this booth 5 out of 5 stars!

See why La Isla Fresca is a must at this year’s festival!

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Carts Specialty Festival Offerings

The special food isn’t limited to booths though, there are some additional locations as well. We swung by EPCOT’s four Joffrey’s locations to try out the exclusive festival drinks — like this Minty Melon Refresher…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

…and this Strawberry Fields Refresher!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There’s also a Pink Paradise Refresher with some unique ingredients!

These were super refreshing and perfect for a hot Florida day as we head into spring and summer!

Click here to see more about the most refreshing drinks in EPCOT right now!

Refreshment Port

Refreshment Port was bringing it with some refreshing sips.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We’ll be DREAMING about this Lavender Martini for WEEKS.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is certainly a good spot if you’re looking for a tasty drink.

Click here for more of Refreshment Port!

Additional Locations

Funnel Cake

If you’re in the mood for a classic theme park treat with a twist, the Funnel Cake stand in the America pavilion has a new flavor this festival! Here we have the Strawberry Cheesecake Funnel Cake.

It looks pretty awesome, but do you think it tastes good? That’s what we found out!

Did this over-the-top funnel cake deliver? Find out here!

Refreshment Outpost

Did someone say Tangerine Soft Serve in a waffle cone? Oh, hey Refreshment Outpost!

Don’t walk past this must-get festival treat!

Get the scoop on this delicious new EPCOT treat!

Garden Graze

You can also take part in the Garden Graze, which is a plant-based food stroll around EPCOT. You’ll try 5 specific foods at the festival and get your Festival Passport stamped at each location.

Garden Graze

If you return your fully stamped passport to the Pineapple Promenade kitchen, you’ll get a free prize!

Garden Graze

The 5 items for the 2022 Garden Graze are:

  • Grilled Street Corn on the Cob with Savory Garlic Spread – Flavor Full Kitchen Hosted by AdventHealth
  • Avocado Toast with Marinated Toy Box Tomatoes on Toasted Ciabatta – EPCOT Sunshine Griddle
  • Grilled Baby Vegetables with Hummus Cream and Red Pepper Coulis – Trowel & Trellis Hosted by Impossible™ Foods
  • Potato Pancakes with House-Made Apple Sauce – Bauernmarkt: Farmer’s Market
  • Coconut Tres Leches: Vanilla Cake soaked in Oat Milk, Almond Milk and Coconut Milk with Toasted Coconut — La Isla Fresca

Of course we had to complete the Garden Graze!

Then it was time to grab our sweet prize…a Pineapple Lime Dole Whip!

What a fun way to get a Dole Whip in Disney World!

Click here for everything you need to know about the Garden Graze this year!

Festival Merchandise

There are all kinds of unique merchandise at this year’s festival. We’re stopping by several gift shops to find all of the goods! We LOVE this sweet Orange Bird Spirit Jersey.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Can’t have a fest without Figment! Folks might not be lining up for a purple dragon popcorn bucket, but Annual Passholders can snag some exclusive Figment merch!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And Passholders can check out this exclusive MagicBand too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

But the fun isn’t just for Passholders! Take a look at the other Flower and Garden MagicBands!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Looking to get in on the gardening fun? Snag a new pair of gardening gloves!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Does anybody else have a mug problem? Welp, you can fuel it at this fest with the Grow Happiness EPCOT Mug.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wear this shirt if you’re feeling like a self-proclaimed plant lady.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And check out this ADORABLE Floral Spirit Jersey!

 

 

 

 

 

Well, we’ll apologize to our wallets in advance.

Want to see more of the fest merchandise? Click here!

Live Entertainment

EPCOT surprised us with a new Beacons of Magic performance on Spaceship Earth! We were treated to a Rainbow Connection show during Festival of the Arts, but this time the light show is synchronized to Colors of the Wind from Pocahontas!

How beautiful is Spaceship Earth right now?!

See MORE of the new Pocahontas-inspired show on Spaceship Earth!

The Garden Rocks Concert Series is back at this year’s festival! These concerts are free with EPCOT admission, and they take place at the America Gardens Theater, Friday through Monday. Local bands will rock the house Tuesday through Thursday.

This concert series is back!

Check out the full list of artists performing at the 2022 Flower and Garden Festival here.

A look at ALL of the entertainment at the 2022 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival!

Additional Activities

There are also all kinds of gardens around EPCOT for this festival, including a Tropical Rainforest Garden in the Mexico pavilion of World Showcase, Floating Gardens in World Nature, and more. Today, we visited Outdoor Escapes Presented by OFF!® Repellents…

Outdoor Escapes

…and Blossoms of Fragrance Garden Presented by Scentsy!

Blossoms of Fragrance

Here’s the full list of gardens and their locations:

  • Blossoms of Fragrance Garden Presented by Scentsy (NEW) – World Showcase Bridge
  • Outdoor Escapes Presented by OFF!® Repellents – World Discovery
  • Floating Gardens – World Nature
  • Festival Blooms – World Celebration
  • Bambi’s Butterfly House – World Nature near Imagination!
  • The Honey Bee-stro Hosted by National Honey Board® – Rosewalk near Imagination!
  • Health Full Trail Presented by AdventHealth – Imagination! Walkway
  • Tropical Rainforest Garden – Mexico Pavilion
  • Extraordinary Orchids – Mexico Pavilion
  • Bold Bromeliads – World Nature by The Land Pavilion
  • China Zodiac Garden – China Pavilion
  • Bamboo Garden – China Pavilion
  • Alpine Miniature Garden – Germany Pavilion
  • Garden Italiano – Italy Pavilion
  • Kokedema Garden – Japan Pavilion
  • Bonsai Collection – Japan Pavilion
  • Spice Garden – Morocco Pavilion
  • France Bouquet Garden (NEW) – France
  • English Tea Garden Presented by Twinings® — United Kingdom Pavilion
  • Shakespeare Garden – United Kingdom Pavilion
  • Prehistoric Garden – World Discovery near Mission: SPACE
  • Green Landing Family Play Zone – World Discovery

Gardens

If you can’t tell by the name of the festival, the gardens are a HUGE part of EPCOT during this time!

See more about the gardens at this year’s festival here!

Remember, we’ll be updating this post LIVE as we explore the festival today so keep checking back! We’ll be bringing you full reviews of ALL the Outdoor Kitchens at this festival, as well as more details about the entertainment, merchandise, and more. Stay tuned with DFB for more of the latest news from Disney World!

IT’S HERE. Our BEST of the FEST for the 2022 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival!

MAKE THE MOST
OF YOUR FESTIVAL DAYS

DFB's Guide to the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival details everything you need to know to maximize your time, budget, and stomach space! Know what's worth it and what to skip with our full-photo menus of each booth, complete with DFB's Best of the Fest.

It includes all the must-have information for navigating this one of the most BEAUTIFUL festivals at Disney World, including:

  • 🌸 Booth & food photos, maps, and crawls with DFB's exclusive recommendations!
  • 🐝 The COMPLETE schedule of events (so you don't have to go hunting for all the dates!)
  • 🌳 All the details on special events, topiaries, festival exclusive merchandise, and more!

 Are you visiting the Flower and Garden Festival in EPCOT this year? Let us know in the comments.

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