2024 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival first bites: A celebration of colors and flavors
As Disney Parks' guests enter the vibrant, blooming world of the 2024 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival, the senses delight in a bounty of experiences. From the well-manicured topiaries to the plethora of food and beverage offerings, this year’s festival deserves multiple visits over the multi-month run.
While Guardians of the Galaxy has riders singing through the twists and turns and character meet and greets offer hugs and autographs, the food and beverages draw many guests to Epcot. Favorite restaurants or classic bites will always be a must eat and drink. From the crepes in France to a gigantic pretzel and beer in Germany, those standards always satisfy.
During the specialty festivals throughout the year, people are drawn to explore ingredients, flavors, and creativity from the Disney chefs. During the 2024 Epcot Flower and Garden festival, colorful, fresh food is front and center on every plate. Whether people graze through the garden experience or prefer to pick dishes based on country, everyone will leave a day at Epcot feeling satisfied.
These first bites at 2024 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival need to top the must eat list.
With more than 20 specialty offerings throughout the park, guests can enjoy sweet, savory, and everything in between on the menu. From simple snacks to elaborate meals, some difficult decisions have to be made. No one can eat everything in one visit. The experience invites people to come back during the long festival run.
One of the first stops should be the EPCOT Farmers Feast. With a rotating menu during the festival, the Early Bloom offering is worthy of a sit-down restaurant. The veal loin served over a Spring pea risotto is scrumptious. While the veal is nice, the risotto stands up on its own. The plumb, sweet peas are folded into the luscious risotto. This dish could inspire an Easter dinner.
Since the Farmers Feast changes its menu throughout the festival run, guests can get new experiences. Looking ahead, the seared scallop and seared pork tenderloin should be equally as delicious
Another popular stop during the 2024 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival is the Jardin de Fiestas. The Tamale de Rajas, poblano peppers with the corn masa is subtle. The pickled carrots garnish cuts through the richness of the cream. It hearty bite but not heavy.
Consider pairing this dish with the Floral Margarita. While the vibrant color is stunning, the hibiscus tea combined with the sweet chile salt rim is quite a contrast in flavors. Some people will want to order a second cocktail.
Another must stop is the Honey Bee-stro. Presented by the National Honey Board, the always popular spot is buzzing with tasty treats. Many people will order the chicken and waffles. But, the honey-glazed cauliflower celebrates a bounty of freshness. The combination of textures makes this dish a superb choice. From the sunflower brittle to the blistered grapes, it will have people wanting to eat more vegetables.
These offerings are just a small sample of the many, many food and beverage options at the 2024 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival. Whether the day is full of desserts, vegetables, or a combination of all the offerings, the Disney flavor magic does not disappoint.
The 2024 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival runs now through May 27, 2024. Check with Disney Parks for more information on park operating hours, admission prices, and theme park reservations.