4 Not-to-Miss Offerings at EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival for Little Ones
Originally published at Disney Parks News
The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is here! From beautiful topiaries to outdoor kitchens and even limited-time experiences, there’s something for everyone, especially families with little ones. While there is something to see at every turn, the planDisney panelists want to make sure you don’t miss out on any of these kid-favorite experiences.
1. Camp Get Out ‘N’ Play Garden Presented by OFF!
On the edge of World Discovery near Creations Shop and Test Track presented by Chevrolet, Camp Get Out ‘N’ Play Presented by OFF! is a camp-themed garden where little ones can play and explore. And parents can grab a seat and enjoy a little shade. This is a great spot for kids aged two to six. With various play options from climbing obstacles to spring riders to a padded grass area. All perfect for running around and getting the wiggles out!
“Our toddler loves burning off energy at the playground,” said Louise. “The adjacent cute seating area was the perfect perching spot for us all to sample some of the delicacies from the nearby outdoor kitchens. Fried Cinnamon Roll Bites with cream cheese frosting and candied bacon was a big hit with the kids”! You can grab this tasty treat at BRUNCHCOT, one of the outdoor kitchens located near Test Track.
The play garden is just the right size to allow kids to move their bodies, stretch their legs, socialize, and let adults keep an eye on their little ones. No matter where they are in the space. Plus, parents and kids will enjoy learning different ways they can bring the camping experience to their own backyard on signs placed throughout the play garden.
2. Butterfly Landing Presented by AdventHealth
Another must-do for families is Butterfly Landing Presented by AdventHealth. This festival favorite is located near Imagination! in World Nature and is another place for little ones to explore and connect with nature. Families can observe many species of butterflies up close and learn fun facts about butterflies and their life cycles.
According to Mandy, the Butterfly Landing was her daughter’s absolute favorite part of the festival. “She loved inspecting the cocoons while explaining everything she knew about a caterpillar’s transformation to a butterfly. And getting up-close views of the different types of beautiful butterflies fluttering all around us. This is a must-do for little ones who love creatures big and small!”
Be sure to read the plaques that will teach you and your little one about the butterfly’s life cycle. And who knows, if you stand really still, you just might be lucky enough to have one land on you!
3. Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration
Keep the little ones engaged throughout World Showcase with Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration. It’s a fun way to scavenger hunt throughout EPCOT with kids, even the bigger kids .… We are looking at you, adults! To take part in this bee-sy activity, guests will purchase a map at select merchandise locations. Then let the fun begin as you and your little one search to find Spike! Once you locate all 12 Spike spots across EPCOT and mark them with the provided stickers, take your map to Disney Traders or World Traveler to redeem for a special surprise.
(HINT: Don’t forget to explore Camp Get Out ‘N’ Play Garden Presented by OFF! During your hunt – you may find a helpful clue!) If your little one tires out from all the fun, remember you don’t have to complete the search in one day. You can pick up your prize at any time, even at the time you purchase your card. A good tip to know if naptime hits faster that day!
“Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration is a fantastic activity for multigenerational groups and families,” exclaims Lauren M. “I recently visited with my parents and my son, and we had a great time completing the scavenger hunt together. It was a fun way for us to spend time together during our day at EPCOT. And my son loved picking out his special prize at the end of our quest!”
4. Disney Character Topiaries
After you buzz around with Spike, your little one will love searching for beloved Disney characters and animals cultivated into spectacular topiaries throughout the parks. This could be your own family-created scavenger hunt or game – like “I Spy”…” This year’s new “Encanto” and “Princess and the Frog” topiaries can’t be missed!
planDisney panelist Nimmy has fond memories of her little one enjoying the Flower and Garden Festival as it is where her daughter learned to eat edible flowers! “It was hilarious as she didn’t know it could be eaten. And she loved how beautiful the food looked. It’s a delicious festival with some adventurous food that makes kids be a little adventurous themselves.”
From topiaries to food to whimsical gardens and exhibits. Don’t miss your chance to experience it all with your family, especially little ones. EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival runs through July 5, 2023.
Adventure truly waits for your little one at EPCOT not only during this magical time but all year round. Learn more about why this park is definitely my little one’s favorite theme park!
And to learn more about the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival or to ask your Disney vacation planning questions, be sure and visit @planDisneypanel on Instagram, @planDisney on Twitter, or planDisney.com. We look forward to answering your planning questions.
Panelists receive compensation for their participation in planDisney.
