Sunday, February 23, 2014

The 21st International Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot

Epcot's 21st International Flower and Garden Festival has been announced for March 5 to May 18, 2014 and will bring higher than normal crowds into Epcot. Goofy, Donald Duck and Daisy Duck will celebrate spring with a butterfly hunt adventure in the front entrance garden.  Topiaries will decorate Epcot throughout.  Many of the gardens will now be illuminated when the sun sets. Tinkerbell's Butterfly House will feature hundreds of the winged beauties and intricate fairy topiaries including Tink, Fawn and Terrence.

With all the added festivities, Epcot will warrant full day(s) during this expo.  So I thought I would talk about places where you can grab breakfast at Epcot. There aren't all that many! So if these don't suit your taste, schedule your breakfast at your resort that day.  Most of the resorts have quick service type eateries available.

Fountainview Starbucks Coffee - In addition to all of those Lattes and Frappuccinos,  there are some  breakfast sandwiches.

Sunshine Seasons located in The Land, Future World, has a bit more variety. Bacon, eggs, oatmeal, and french toast for the kids.  There is also a breakfast croissant.

Princess Storybook Breakfast at the Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Norway offers a character breakfast. Be prepared to spend a little extra time for a character meal.  Reservations are recommended and breakfast hours are 8:00 AM to 11:10 AM.   Reserve for 8:00 AM, have a wonderful breakfast, meet some Princesses and then enjoy the festivities in the park. Buffet style dining that is sure to please. Autographs and photo opportunities are plentiful.

Epcot is open 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, however the World Showcase hours are 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM.  Hence the shortage of breakfast venues in Epcot.  My best recommendation is to make your reservations for a day when evening Magic Hours apply.  Start off with an early breakfast at the Akershus, taking your time to enjoy the experience. (Kids not required if you are traveling only with adults. Heck.. I'm a big kid when it comes to these character meals!)

I would then take a leisurely stroll around the World Showcase and check out all of the topiaries.  Maybe sample an outside kitchen or two in my travels.  Believe it or not, I would find the topiaries far more enticing than food.   I have been behind the scenes and saw first hand what goes into creating those topiaries.  Ok, Disney has great food,  But, I'd be so full from that breakfast.. I wouldn't really  want to eat more.  Here is a partial list of topiaries coming up this year:

  • Mickey, Minnie and Pluto  Located behind Spaceship Earth
  • Disney•Pixar Buzz Lightyear   Located near Mission Space
  • Mater's Parts, Plants & Play Garden   Located at Test Track Walkway
  • Phineas and Ferb   Located at Odyssey Bridge
  • Mike & Sulley's Monstrous Garden   Located at Imagination Walkway
  • Fantasia  Located at World Showcase Plaza
  • Bambi and Friends  Located at the Canada Pavilion
  • Peter Pan and Captain Hook  Located at the United Kingdom Pavilion
  • Winnie the Pooh & Friends  Located at the United Kingdom Pavilion
  • Classic Disney Couples  Located at International Gateway and the bridge to the France Pavilion
  • Beauty and the Beast  Located at the France Pavilion
  • Disney•Pixar Toy Story Characters – Woody & Lotso  Located at The American Adventure Pavilion
  • Lady and the Tramp  Located at the Italy Pavilion
  • Kermit the Frog & Miss Piggy – NEW!  Located between the Italy Pavilion and the Germany Pavilion
  • Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs  Located at the Germany Pavilion
  • The Lion King  Located at the Outpost between the Germany Pavilion and the China Pavilion
  • Soccer Goofy  Located at the bridge between Future World and World Showcase
  • Spring Is in the Air!  Located at the Main Entrance
  • Pandas  Located at the China Pavilion
  • Troll   Located at the Norway Pavilion
I have photos of many lovely topiaries and  I should really make layouts!  More on the upcoming festivities for the Flower and Garden Festival coming up in future posts!!  Since you all seemed to enjoy last week's freebies, I have a couple more for you. (Several different kits from Connie were used.)   Who knows... I may just make a topiary layout into a hidden element challenge... or hidden Mickey. Leave me a comment with your preference!



Until next week....



5 comments:

Pam K said...

Thank you, Laramie! My grandkids met Mickey for the first time last month - the word art is perfect! Thank you for sharing!!

mich said...

Very cute word art. I've also forwarded your F&G info to one of my friends who will be lucky enough to attend this year. Thanks!

Jennifer Moore said...

Great word art Laramie! Thanks.

I can't wait to see some of your topiary pics.

GramZ said...

Thank you so much. Kiddos just went to DL so this will come in handy.

bekfek said...

I love the hidden elements, but I'll go for a hidden Mickey, too! Whichever :). I'll bet the topiaries are fantastic. Looking forward to the photos.