Visiting Walt Disney World can get overwhelming. There’s so much to do, see and eat! How can you possibly fit it all in! And pay for it too? What strategy should you use? Well, let us help you out with that. If you’re visiting Walt Disney World’s Flower and Garden Festival at EPCOT park, here are some EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival Tips and tricks to help you make the most of your time and budget without losing your sanity or your 401k.
When are the Disney World Flower and Garden Festival Dates this year?
The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival runs March 1- July 5, 2023 at Walt Disney World Resort.
EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival Tips & Tricks
Visiting the Flower and Garden Festival at Walt Disney World is always fun. As a result, you will need a strategy to make sure you fit it all in! Whether it’s prioritizing those things most important to your family or making sure you visit when there are fewer crowds, here are all the EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival Tips and Tricks to consider!
What is the Best Day to Visit the Flower and Garden Festival at Disney?
No matter when you vacation, festivals have the fewest crowds on a Tuesday or Wednesday. On these days you have the best chance of getting to all your favorite booths, experiences, topiaries, and more with fewer people in the park. If you can’t manage either of those days, aim for a weekday, which is generally less busy than the weekends.
What is the Best Time to Visit the Flower and Garden Festival at Disney?
Just like with any EPCOT festival we always recommend starting early and staying until about 3 or 4 pm in the afternoon. After 4 pm, the parks become crowded with locals getting off of work and rowdy crowds there for dinner and drinks.
How Many Days Should you Plan for the Flower and Garden Festival?
Plan at least 1 full day at Epcot to really enjoy the Flower and Garden Festival. We usually block off 2 days since the booths have so many great foods and drinks to try. But if you’re looking for a strategy to pack it all in, check out our Flower and Garden Festival in One Day post.
What are the MUST-DO things at Flower and Garden Festival?
Let’s face it, there are only so many hours in the day. So, if you’re grappling between what to do and what to skip, here are some top picks we always visit when we go to Flower and Garden.
- Be sure to visit the Butterfly House and take a look at all the topiary displays and butterflies.
- Try all the foods. And grab the Flower and Garden Festival Menus ahead of time, so you can pick and choose.
- See the Topiaries. Grab the Flower and Garden Checklist!
How Should You Pay for Food at Flower and Garden Festival?
At 5-7 dollars a dish it’s easy to go over budget at any EPCOT festival. And with so many fresh foods and desserts, you’re going to want to try even more! Your best bet is to buy a Disney gift card to cover the costs of food and treats throughout the day. Grab one for each member of your family so you can allow some freedom while still keeping tabs on money.
How Can you Save Money at Disney during the Flower and Garden Festival?
Our best EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival Tips require you Don’t Plan Dinner Reservations or a Quick Serve Lunch on your festival day. Challenge yourself to piece your meals together from the amazing foods showcased in each country. This method will help you get a wider variety of food, help you feel like you’re not missing anything, and save you money on tips, and time eating at a restaurant.
Since Epcot has varying open hours (9 am, 10 am or 11 am deepening on the day) our best trick is to have a light breakfast in France at La Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie, which is open in France, near the International Gateway. This is a walk-up quick-serve restaurant and you can grab a croissant and coffee before heading into your garden day. Eating here also gets you pretty close to all the action for when those ropes do drop.
Should You Ride Rides during the Flower and Garden Festival?
If you’re adding rides to your Festival day, aim for the earliest Frozen Ever After, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, or a Soarin’ timeslot you can get. We are usually among groups of people walking insanely fast to the Land building to catch Soarin’ at the rope drop hour. But, know that a little morning rush here could save you a lot of time later! Or you can grab a Lightning Lane Pass for any ride to ensure minimal waiting in lines.
What Happens at Walt Disney World in the Spring?
The EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival happens every spring. As does the runDisney Springtime Surprise marathon. The springtime at Walt Disney World also brings Spring Breakers, Tour Group Vacations, and School Trips. If you’re visiting Walt Disney World between March and May this is inevitable. But it doesn’t have to dampen your trip! Check out all the ways to handle Crowds at Walt Disney World.
What are the best Disney Resorts for The Flower and Garden Festival?
To avoid the crowds, school groups and skip the lines for Disney transportation, your best bet is to stay at one of the Boardwalk Resorts. This includes Swan and Dolphin, the Swan Reserve, Boardwalk Inn, Yacht Club, and the Beach Club. Disney Deluxe Resorts typically have fewer groups and are your best bet if you’re hoping for a relaxing hotel stay. The Boardwalk Resorts, however, get you close to the action, as they are within walking distance of the EPCOT International Gateway. Meaning you can simply walk to and from Epcot to experience the festival, without the lines!
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