Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival was established in 1994 and boasts elaborate Disney-themed topiaries throughout the parks. Gardening experts are on hand to give enthusiasts ideas for their home gardens.
Lately, the Flower & Garden Festival has offered much more than gardening advice! Amazing food is never lacking at Disney, and the Flower & Garden Festival is no exception.
On a recent trip to Epcot with some friends, we tried food and drink from around the world, and I am here to share our experience!
Urban Farm Eats
This stand is inspired by local farmers markets and offers everything from kale salad to ghost pepper dusted tilapia. Drinks include wine, cider, and an Urban Mary.
I highly recommend the cucumber Lemon Spa Water. With cubed cucumber bits, lemon, and fresh mint, this non-alcoholic beverage will keep you hydrated while giving you flavor beyond compare!
Pineapple Promenade
After visiting the butterfly garden, head over to the Pineapple Promenade. The Pineapple Soft-serve is a lot like a dole whip and is available in two options: virgin and hard, which is infused with Captain Morgan Parrot Bay Coconut Rum.
The Pineapple Dog is delish, but beware of the spice! I held the Sriacha Mayo, but the pineapple chutney still offered plenty of kick considering that the dog itself is spiced! This is a great lunch, but not for the faint of heart… or mouth!
The Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade is a delightful, non-alcoholic frozen beverage that comes with an edible violet. Little kids and big kids alike are sure to love this treat!
For the adults, the Ace Pineapple Cider is also a wonderful and refreshing drink. It doesn’t have a strong alcohol taste, so it is a good mid-day drink.
Lotus House
The Lotus House in China offers Kung Pao Chicken, Beijing Style Candied Strawberries, and a Vegetable Spring Roll along with a non-alcoholic Oolong Peach Bubble Tea.
Adults can choose from Kung Fu Punch, a citrusy vodka and Triple Sec mixture, Honey Mango Wine Cooler, or Tsingtao Beer.
Hanami
A friend visited this stand and enjoyed the Frushi, a fruity spin on sushi. With fresh pineapple, strawberry, and melon rolled with raspberry coconut rice, sprinkled with toasted coconut, and topped with whipped cream, this is a sure crowd pleaser for everyone in the family!
I enjoyed the Yuzu Plum Wine Slushie, which is a lot like the Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade at Pineapple Promenade with a little kick of wine. It is both delicious and refreshing for the hot days in Central Florida.
Taste of Marrakesh
This Morroccan-inspired stand has some wonderful offerings including a pistachio baklava and a falafel pocket. Drinks include mint iced tea, Casa Beer, and a White Sangria.
I tried the Desert Rose which is a bubbly wine mixed with pomegranate liqueur served in a very sophisticated [plastic] champagne flute. This fruity spirit was great paired with the Harissa Chicken Kebab and Sweet Couscous Salad. Although this is a small plate, it was enough for a small lunch.
Fleur de Lys
French food is always delightful, but our favorite item from this marketplace stand was the Ice Pop. It sounds like a treat for the kids, but it is definitely a grown-up pop!
The frozen ice pop is served in a push pop style and is a mix of Grand Marnier Peach Raspberry and Vodka Iced Tea.
Price Range
Nothing in Disney is cheap, so plan to spend some money if you’re visiting the festival, but guests will get their money’s worth.
The alcoholic beverages can cost up to $9 but they are quite spirited. Most small plates are around $5 and were enough for a small lunch or a mid-day snack.
Your meal budget may be used a little differently than a normal trip to the World, but don’t miss trying these wonderful international delights just for the sake of saving a buck. You will likely spend just as much or more eating at quick-service stands.
Don’t forget to get your Garden Passport 2015 stamped at each stand you visit!
Do you like the food and drink offerings at Epcot’s Flower & Garden Festival?
Leave your comments below.