The 2018 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival at Walt Disney World kicked off this weekend and runs through May 28th. In addition to all the food booths I talked about previously, there are topiaries, gardens, tours, merchandise, and so much more to experience all around the World Showcase.
Join me as we take a photo tour around the park!
First stop, the park entrance where you can get a PhotoPass photographer to take your photo, or take some pics yourself with Mickey, Minnie and Pluto welcoming you to the festival.
A stop off in Future World and we see Donald Duck and his nephews working in the garden.
Stitch escaped the Magic Kingdom and is about to cause havoc outside Mouse Gear!
Over by Mission Space, Test Track and what used to be the Universe of Energy you’ll find the Water Wise Garden – an area set up to promote environmentally friendly gardening practices.
Buzz Lightyear seems right at home outside Mission Space!
Epcot’s favorite mascot, Figment is prominently featured as a topiary on the path from Future World to the World Showcase.
Let’s go to the left and start our journey around the World Showcase by stopping off at Mexico to check in on the Three Callaberllos!
A visit to Norway would not be complete without taking a ride on “Frozen Ever After” or having your photo taken with Anna and Elsa topiaries.
Right next to Anna and Elsa, you’ll find a troll. Yes, a troll.
Heading over to China, panda bears are the topiary of choice.
The cast and crew of The Lion King are back again this year and are a hot spot for pictures, with guests picking up their young children, holding them up in the air… well, you get the point.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs are represented in a beautifully decorated garden.
Near Italy, flowers and plants are set up along the walkway as well as “Garden Italiano,” a garden featuring a variety of produce and herbs to create an Italian meal.
Toy Story Land opens at nearby Hollywood Studios on June 30, 2018, so it’s fitting Woody makes an appearance at this year’s festival! You’ll find him at the Smokehouse Barbeque and Brews at the American pavilion.
Meanwhile, over in Japan, you’ll find several Bonsai tree displays set up on the lagoon side as well as in front of the Mitsukoshi department store.
Morocco is represented with an Urban Spice garden featuring many of the spices used in Moroccon cooking.
Over at the Florida Fresh stand, creative gardens you can put together a home are on display.
With the Eiffel Tower in sight, we must be making our way towards France where the Fleur de Lys stand is serving up quite a few of the “pink drinks” the La Vie en Rose Frozen Slushy which is made with Grey Goose Orange Vodka, St. Germain Liqueur, White and Red Cranberry Juice. But I digress, here in France, you’ll find the Beauty and the Beast topiary.
It’s at this point where one usually takes a break, composes themselves, regrets starting the trip around the world in Mexico as the tequila and the margaritas are beginning to make things a bit fuzzy… especially after having some Saki in Japan and a few German beers.
So our tour will stop here for today!
In part two tomorrow, we’ll visit the English Tea Garden, check in with Tinkerbell, stop by the new Honey Bee-stro and see who’s visiting the festival from Radiator Springs!
BONUS: Want to see all the photos in under six minutes? Check out my YouTube video: