Credit: ITMIf you are a Disney foodie, then you probably are a big fan of all the EPCOT festivals. With so much entertainment, food offerings, and drink options, you will walk away from every festival feeling a little heavier in the belly (and lighter in your wallet!). Today, the Taste of EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival has officially begun!
Related: A Complete Guide to 2021 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival
This year, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, all of EPCOT’s festivals so far have been deemed “Taste of” because of the reduced offerings. That being said, it seems that although some entertainment is reduced, as well as park hours, the food is still bountiful and delicious! Flower and Garden Festival typically is one of the more aesthetically pleasing festivals that EPCOT has to offer. This is because the park is transformed into a beautiful floral garden, with topiaries all around of classic Disney characters, which also make the perfect photo-op!
We are on the scene today tasting our way around the world, and also, wanted to check out the crowds that this festival was bringing in — if any. The first day of a food festival at EPCOT typically boasts huge crowds, with many Guests wanting to take the first bite. However, due to the pandemic and crowd capacity at the Walt Disney World Resort being at 35% per Disney park, crowds are not always guaranteed.
That being said our reporter started at the World Showcase entrance next to the Franc Pavilion when the park opened. While most Guests arrive at the front of the park via Disney transportation or car, the front of the park may have seen more crowds in the morning before they made their way back to World Showcase for the festival.
It is easier for many to ride the attractions in Future World and then head to World Showcase to enjoy lunch or dinner at the food booths offered for the festival. If you do not care for the attractions and just want to enjoy the festival, we recommend heading straight back to World Showcase and enjoy less busy lines at food and merchandise booths when EPCOT first opens.
Germany has plenty of social distancing going on.
America Pavilion looking empty as the park just opened.
Japan has a few people, but not too many.
And France, one of the more popular EPCOT pavilions, has barely anyone pictured.
One of our reporters on scene spoke with a Cast Member who noted that they were expecting much larger crowds today. It may be likely that as the day goes on, the crowds will pick up, but for now, it is very quiet and empty towards the back of World Showcase. Towards the front, however, it seems the more Guests are arriving with the China pavilion beginning to see some crowds.
And as expected, Mexico seems to be the busiest pavilion of them all!
If you would like to celebrate spring with EPCOT’s International Flower and Garden Festival, heading to Disney World between March 3 – July 5 is the best time to do it! Although the 50th anniversary begins in October, there is still plenty of limited-time offers such as this festival that will give Guests a once in a lifetime experience! Plus, attending a festival at EPCOT with a theme park capacity in place is a huge bonus for Guests, because even on the busiest of days, the lines to get food are shorter than many may be used to during previous festivals before the pandemic.
Will you be visiting EPCOT’s Flower and Garden Festival this year?
If you want to be at Walt Disney World Resort to celebrate the Flower and Garden Festival, you need to get booking today to ensure you arrive on time in Orlando! You can visit Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT and explore the parks with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse! Disney Springs will also have all the dining your heart desires if the festival leaves your tummy rumbling. Disney Park Pass reservations are selling fast, so click here to get started!