Highlights From Walt Disney World's 2021 Taste of Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

Epcot is currently hosting The Taste of Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival until July 5th, and it does not disappoint. There is so much going on, that you may need multiple days to really enjoy this festival to its fullest - especially since there are so many delicious dishes to try.

Epcot debuted a brand-new entrance in December that features three large pylons in the middle of a fountain. This beautiful new centerpiece frames the iconic Spaceship Earth and represents the Past, Present and Future. Early this month, six new flags were added to either side of the fountain for a total of twelve new flags. These flags are emblazoned with the original Epcot icon designs.

Like all Walt Disney World theme parks, Epcot is operating a little differently due to the pandemic. Guests must make a Park Pass Reservation for the day they would like to visit in addition to purchasing a ticket (unless they are Park Hopping after 2 pm).

Things also look different because of new construction projects that are still ongoing. Disney announced in 2019 that Epcot will undergo historic renovations, and construction walls have been erected behind Spaceship Earth where World Celebration is located. But to give these walls a little flair, photo-op mural stops have been added. Get your picture with a large pair of butterfly wings or Figment's horns.

Many of the festival booths have a little pamphlet to help you navigate your way around. This passport is a great resource for finding all the topiaries, global gardens, menus and so much more. It really is a handy guide to all the festival has to offer, and they're free!

For an extra cost ($7.99 plus tax) kids can embark on a scavenger hunt with Spike the Bee. Participants receive a scavenger hunt and set of stickers initially, and completed maps can be turned in for a special prize.

Much like the Spike the Bee scavenger hunt, the Egg-Stravaganza scavenger hunt is a map that can be purchased at an extra cost. But this scavenger hunt will not commence until March 19th. Participants have to locate classic Disney characters on hidden eggs throughout the park. Once again, completed maps can be turned in for a special treat.

Located in Future World West near The Land building is the Goodness Garden Butterfly House. There are so many different types of beautiful butterflies that guests can see up close in this tent, and it's well worth checking out.

Food is such a central feature at many of Epcot's festivals - probably because they do such a great job of delivering innovative and delicious dishes like this Beignet Caramélisé, Fourré Crème Vanille, Glacé au Caramel Fleur de Sel: Caramelized Beignet Filled with Vanilla Cream and Glazed with Caramel Fleur de Sel at the Fleur de Lys kitchen in France. The perfect sweet treat that can easily be shared (but you probably won't want to). The only problem is that this is one popular item, and it has been known to sell out before the day is done.

It's easy to make a whole meal out of the savory offerings at the outdoor kitchens. The beef tenderloin tips served with mushroom bordelaise sauce and whipped potatoes with garden vegetables can be found at Northern Bloom in the Canadian Pavilion. It is flavorful and filling and great if the weather is a little cooler.

Epcot is known for its drinks - both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. The Joffrey's Coffee Cold Brew Cocktail at the brand-new Epcot Sunshine Griddle Outdoor Kitchen offers the perfect pick-me-up while also packing a punch. I highly encourage getting this with the corned beef brisket hash that may have just been my personal festival favorite (the food is so good, that it truly is difficult to pick an absolute favorite).

It's easy to want to taste everything at this festival but with so many offerings, it can be a little hard to decide what to eat. To help, follow along with the Garden Graze where you try five different festival favorites from different booths around the park - like this Boneless Impossible™ Korean Short Rib with Cilantro-Lime Rice, Danmuji Slaw, and Kimchee Mayonnaise at the Trowel & Trellis booth. Just be sure to get a stamp on your festival passport, and you'll receive a complimentary, exclusive treat at Pineapple Promenade upon completion.

Of course you're also surrounded by amazing topiaries located throughout the park. Find classic Disney characters like this one of Snow White and Dopey in Germany.

Located in the United Kingdom Pavilion, these topiaries are so well-done with intricate details that you almost expect them to start moving.

Buzz Lightyear is framed by the entrance to Mission: SPACE and offers a great photo op spot.

A festival classic, Beauty and the Beast are dancing amidst a beautiful garden and located in the France Pavilion.

There is a collection of spring gardens located throughout the park featuring Floating Gardens in the Showcase Plaza, a Tropical Rainforest Garden in the Mexico Pavilion, a Chinese Zodiac Topiary Garden in the China Pavilion, an English Tea Garden in the United Kingdom Pavilion and so many more.

In an effort to deter crowds, there are impromptu small character parades that make their way are the World Showcase periodically. See a trolley full of princesses or Mickey and Minnie led by Goofy and Pluto.

Live music can be found periodically throughout the day at the American Gardens Theatre including 'Voices of Liberty', 'Mariachi Cobre' and even some local Orlando bands. Take a break in the semi-shaded theatre and enjoy some really great music. There are also performances in the Canada Pavilion featuring JAMMitors who use just about anything as a drum.

Epcot is expected to debut its new nighttime show, 'Harmonious', at some point this year but no date has yet to be announced. However, barges have made their way onto the lagoon in the middle of World Showcase. Testing has even taken place recently while guests were still in the park.

Construction walls have been taken down near the entrance to Epcot's newest attraction, Remy's Ratatouille Adventure. And although you can't see much more than this grand entrance, the best views can be spotted from the Skyliner. Remy's Ratatouille Adventure is set to open on October 1st.