Top Highlights from Disney's 2019 Flower and Garden Festival

It's the most beautiful time of the year in Orlando, Florida. The weather is warm but not too hot, the flowers are in bloom and Epcot is putting on the annual International Flower and Garden Festival! This festival is a celebration of Mother Nature expressed in food, beverages, sculptures, topiaries, gardens and entertainment. Everywhere you look you'll find something fresh to enjoy at Epcot. Don't forget to grab your Festival Passport to get the most out of your visit to the park!

One of the highlights of the Flower and Garden Festival is the myriad of Disney character topiaries around the park. From classics like Mickey and Minnie to new and exciting favorites like Buzz, Woody and Bo Peep from Toy Story 4, there's a topiary for everyone. Parents and kids alike will marvel at the detail and skill the Disney horticulturalists used to create these masterpieces.

Do not miss out on this adorable new addition to the favorite food and drinks at the Flower and Garden Festival. Everyone will go crazy for the delicious orange cream slushy found at The Citrus Blossom, a new outdoor kitchen for the event. The Orange Bird has become a fan favorite, making this souvenir sipper cup a hot ticket item this year.

Let your little ones get their wiggles out and climb on the playground at Bo Peep's Family Play Zone. Enjoy the Buzz, Woody and Bo Peep topiaries or sit and relax while the kids play. The Family Play Zone is located in Future World East near Test Track.

The Garden Rocks Concert Series is back, and it's bigger and better than ever! This year there will be daily concerts featuring every genre of music including country, rock, Christian and pop. Guests can reserve a Garden Rocks Dining Package on the Disney website ahead of time which will get them a relaxing meal before heading to their reserved seats at the concert. All Garden Rocks shows will take place at the America Gardens Theatre and are free with your admission to Epcot.

The Violet Lemonade from the Pineapple Promenade Outdoor Kitchen has gained a cult following in the last few years. Fans of the frozen drink will love the new collection of merchandise to match the gorgeous purple dessert. With Violet Lemonade shirts, mouse ears, tumblers and accessories you can create the perfect look for an unforgettable Instagram photo posing with your favorite Flower and Garden Festival beverage.

The English Tea Garden in the United Kingdom Pavilion is in bloom! Guests can participate in a 45-minute guided tour of the gardens to learn about the history of tea and Twinings of London before sampling some tea and scones at The Tea Caddy. The Royal Tea Garden Tour costs $20 per person and is best reserved ahead of time. There's also a free 20-minute tour option where you'll be guided through the tea garden to learn all about tea and the herbs used to make it.

Trowel & Trellis hosted by IMPOSSIBLE Foods is one of 4 new outdoor kitchens at the Flower and Garden Festival in 2019. You'll be surprised and delighted at how delicious this vegetarian Farmhouse Meatball with lentil bread, veggies and a creamy herb dressing is. It's always nice to find a healthy option to fuel your day at Disney, and even better when it tastes decadent! You can also find Grilled Street Corn on the Cob, a Chocolate Pudding Terrarium and a Blueberry Lemon and Ginger Tea available in alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions.

At this year's Flower and Garden Festival, the Mariachi Cobre musicians will be performing a Coco-inspired show using music from the Disney Pixar movie and telling the story of Miguel using a hand-crafted puppet. You can find this inspiring show at the Mexico pavilion beginning on March 6 in addition to the band's traditional Mariachi performances.

One of the most appealing new topiaries in 2019 is the Miss Piggy and Kermit display in the France pavilion. Miss Piggy has packed her pretty pink suitcases for a trip to Europe while Kermit tags along on his bicycle. The pair is already captivating park guests and makes for a perfect photo opportunity as you walk through the world showcase.

If you're a fan of Florida's famous citrus flavors then you'll love the new Citrus Blossom outdoor kitchen. With dishes like Crispy Citrus Chicken with Orange Aioli and Tuna Tataki with Spicy Yuzu Glaze, Mango, Avocado and Pappadam Crisp, it's one of the most enticing stops for Disney-loving foodies. The Citrus Shortcake with whipped cream and mandarins is perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth.

The Flower and Garden Festival is full of fun activities for kids, including a scavenger hunt to find Spike the honey bee hidden in the gardens throughout the park. Purchase a map at the Port of Entry to participate, then make your way through Epcot searching through gardens, topiaries and flower beds in search of hidden Spikes. When you complete Spike's Pollen Nation Exploration, simply return your map to the Port of Entry for a surprise!

So many people find this spring celebration to be one of the most enjoyable events at the Disney parks, and the special Flower and Garden Festival merchandise is a great way to commemorate your time there. There are 5 different collections to choose from, each with different styles and themes such as Mickey's Garden Shed and Minnie's Garden Party.

Flavor Full Kitchen hosted by AdventHealth showcases nature's bounty with dishes featuring fruits and vegetables. If your kids are avid peanut butter and jelly lovers, then make sure to try Mickey Tart Peanut Butter Mousse with Strawberry Jam and Boba Pearls which is a vegetarian dessert option. To continue your health kick at the park, head to the AdventHealth Play Garden where both kids and adults can participate in an interactive and creative play area to inspire healthy habits.

One thing that hasn't changed about the International Flower and Garden Festival is the beauty of nature blooming around Epcot. Everywhere you look you'll find fresh flowers, gardens and plants breathing life and artistry into your time at the park. Notice the floating mini-gardens in the Future World lakes, the flower beds surrounding the water and the flower towers around the park. You can't help but feel excited about spring at the Flower and Garden Festival.