It’s almost that time of year again! Time to look forward to the beautiful festivities at Epcot’s Annual Flower and Garden Festival. This year is the 20th Anniversary of the festival, and of course, Disney has a lot in store for guests during this time. The 20th Annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival will take place March 6-May 19, 2013. Being that this year is a big anniversary year for the event, Disney is pulling out all the stops to make sure this festival is particularly done in a magical way. There will be things to do and see all through the park, plus special events on certain dates. Here’s the scoop!
The beautiful topiaries are back of course! They will be done in different themes throughout the park, and will light up at night for that extra special touch. In addition to the lovely flowers and displays, there will of course be new food areas throughout World Showcase, featuring different food and drinks that Epcot does not usually offer. There’s entertainment too!! One of the most loved parts of this yearly festival is The Flower Power Concert Series. This year, we get to see some favorite artists from the past, and familiar faces that the guests just love. On a sad side note, Davy Jones from The Monkees passed away suddenly last year, so this will be the second year we see Micky Dolenz take his place. Davy was probably the most looked forward to, and favorite musical guest for the festival each year. He is sorely missed.
HGTV is also again one of the sponsors for this event. There will be DIY at the HGTV Designers’ Stage. Celebrity guests from HGTV and DIY will be hosting seminars on the weekends. So much to do, and so much to see this year at 20th Annual Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival!! Here’s more of the rundown of events, which I’m sure are subject to change if need be!
The Flower Power Concert Series
March 8–May 10: Micky Dolenz of The Monkees
March 15–March 17: Chubby Checker & The Wildcats
March 22–March 24: The Guess Who
March 29–March 31: Nelson
April 5–April 7: The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie
April 12–April 14: Paul Revere & The Raiders
April 19–April 21: The Village People
April 26–April 28: The Orchestra Starring Former Members of ELO and ELO II
May 3–May 5: Tommy Roe
May 10–May 12: Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone
May 17–May 19: Starship Starring Mickey Thomas
HGTV Designers Stage
March 8-10: Chris Lambton of HGTV’s Going Yard
March 15-17: Chris Grundy of DIY Network’s Cool Tools
March 22-24: Egypt Sherrod of HGTV’s Property Virgins
March 29-31:Brandon Johnson of HGTV’s My Yard Goes Disney
April 5-7: Meg Caswell of HGTV’s Meg’s Great Rooms
April 12-14: Jason Cameron of DIY Network’s Desperate Landscapes and Man Caves
April 19-21: Sara Peterson of Editor-in-Chief, HGTV Magazine
April 26-28: Carter Oosterhouse of HGTV’s Million Dollar Rooms
May 3-5: Casey Noble of HGTV’s Design on a Dime
May 10-12: Dan Faires of HGTV’s Design Star and HGTV.com’s DanMade
May 17-19: David Bromstad of HGTV Design Star, Color Splash, Design Star All-Stars
NEW~ Garden Marketplaces = MUST DO FOOD!
Jardin de Fiestas: Located in the Mexico Pavilion. Featured foods include pork tacos, crab tostadas and guava flan. Drinks ~ tequila flights, strawberry-infused Rosita margaritas and of course Mexican beer.
Lotus House: Located in the China Pavilion, featuring Spring Pancakes with Grilled Chicken, Green Apple and Taro-Bacon Puff Pastry, candied strawberries, and Fruit Beverage Cocktails.
Bauernmarkt – Located in the Germany Pavilion. Potato Pancakes, Mushroom Bread Pudding, German Meatloaf Sandwiches, etc. Drinks ~German beer.
Primavera Kitchen: Located in the Italy Pavilion, featuring Spring Vegetable Lasagna, Lobster with Asparagus or Panna Cotta. Pair all the good food with a nice glass of wine!
The Smokehouse – Barbeque and Brews: American Pavilion. Traditional food fun, smoked brisket and pulled pork, cole slaw and beer.
Hanami: Japan Pavilion, featuring Frushi, which is fruit sushi made with coconut rice and fresh fruit and Grilled Seafood Sticks.
Taste of Marrakesh: Morocco Pavilion. Lamb, Harissa Chicken Drumettes with Chermoula and a Desert Rose Cocktail. Drinks include, White Sangria, Moroccan Beer and Mint Iced Tea with Peach.
L’Orangerie: The French Pavilion: Ratatouille Tarts with Goat Cheese or Country Pâté with Cherry Compote. French wines will also be available.
The Cottage – United Kingdom Pavilion: Truffles, a Salmon Tartare-Topped Cheddar Biscuit, an ultra-Gourmet Caprese, a variety of tea choices and Rose Blush Lemonade.
Pineapple Promenade: Located in the World Showcase Promenade, Featuring….. wait for it…. Dole Whip with Spiced Rum!!! I must get the recipe for this one!! You can also get the Dole Whop without the rum. There will also be Pineapple Upside Down Cake or grab a fruit cup. They will also serve Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade and Cream Stout Beer.
Florida Fresh: Located in the World Showcase Promenade, featuring Shrimp with Grits or Watermelon and Feta Salad. Try a glass of either carrot or tomato wine!
All of the above sounds like a wonderful time!! Are you planning on attending? If so, be sure to report back to us, we’d love to hear your reviews!
Michele also contributes theme park news for Fox 35 Orlando 11pm news and on the radio on WDBO.
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