The 19th annual EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is now underway. For me, this 75 day festival is a wonderful time to visit the park, attend some fantastic guest presentations, concerts, and to soak up the alluring fragrances of spring blooms. For kids, heading out for a day of flowers and gardening ideas may leave them begging to stay home. Yet, the imagineers at EPCOT have created an array of inviting, kid-friendly spots along the festival map. If you are thinking about visiting the park during the annual festival, pack up the kids, and share a day of imaginative play that reminds us why Disney is for everyone.
The following are 6 reasons why your kids will be laughing, learning, and loving their time at the festival:
In Future World, our first stop is Pixie Hollow Fairy Garden. Here you will find various themed areas, miniature fairy houses and topiaries, all dedicated to Tinkerbell and her fairy friends and to celebrate the Fall release of the new “Secret of the Wings”. The whimsical “Winter Woods” area is a sure hit featuring the pixie dust tree and a stunning array of all white flowers. Nestled toward the back of Pixie Hollow, you will find a play area designed for ages 2-5 created by Weevos. This play area features the Cozy Dome where kids can play inside and climb on the outside. Walk along the trail to do some crayon rubbing, visit the coloring station, and stop by Tink’s Nook where you can pick up stickers and seed packets to take home. This lush garden is a great place for kids and adults to discover and explore the world of Disney’s Fairies.
Across the way you can visit Bambi’s Butterfly House. This area has more than doubled in size since it began and is now easier for families with strollers. Inside the gazebo you are welcomed by topiaries of Bambi and friends. The vibrant gardens feature rock formations and waterfalls and are home to butterflies of all colors. Your kids will enjoy the hundreds of butterflies floating freely in this enclosed space and learn about the stages of life for these beautiful creatures. Cast members are available to offer insight and answer questions.
As you exit the butterfly house and walk along the Imagination! Walkway, you will find the “most awesome”, place to play according to my son Liam. The Let’sGet Moving play area is, by far, the most popular attraction for kids attending the festival. Featuring Playbooster Vibe and Evos play structures, this area is a place for kids to run, play, and explore. Designed for kids ages 5-12, there are places to climb, slide, and stretch. If you have toddlers, a Sensory Play Center for ages 2-5 is included. This area is sure to keep the kids busy while you lounge in one of the
As you approach the American Pavilion, kids cannot help but smile when they see the topiaries of our pals, Buzz Lightyear and Woody. The Toy Story Alphabet Garden is number 5 on our list and is sure to delight kids of all ages. Here you can have a Disney Photopass Photographer take your photo with Buzz and Woody and visit the garden where Lotso the Bear watches over. This colorful garden is a great place for learning too. Each alphabet block is filled with flowers and plants that begin with the corresponding letter.
Our favorite, letter C, features Chenille plant, Croton, and Canna Lily. It was fun for the kids to find the letters in their name and see what was growing in their block.
This list is just the beginning. What are you waiting for? Get there early, pick up a festival guide at the front of the park, and discover what the festival has to offer to you and your family from now until May 20th!
Kamy Moss, Family Living Contributor & Central Florida Family and Travel Contributing Columnist
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Great review post! I really did not know that there was family-friendly activities within the festival that the little ones could enjoy. Thanks for sharing.
Love Epcot! Good read.
Looks like a fun time! Looking forward to visiting Epcot this summer.
Didn’t realize the festival went through May…thanks for sharing.