Top 2022 EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival Magic Shots

Spring is here and Magic is in the air at Walt Disney World. 

I'm heading out to Epcot's International Flower & Garden Festival and looking forward to the amazing Magic Shots being offered by Disney PhotoPass this year. Read on to check out the scoop on where to find the best spots to capture the spring break fun!

Fun Changes Are Starting To Happen At Epcot

Photo by Kent Phillips Courtesy of Disney

An exciting new treat for your eyes appeared in the France Pavilion at Epcot recently.

Dooney and Bourke Flower & Garden Festival Exclusive!

This Dooney & Bourke Flower & Garden pattern is a match made in coture bag heaven!

Celebrating 40 at Disney World

I turned 40 and the best way I could think to celebrate was a girls' weekend at Walt Disney World. 

Akershus Royal Banquet Hall: A Meal Fit for a Princess!

Akershus Royal Banquet Hall was the site of my first dinner at a Disney restaurant in 2006. 

Epcot's Via Napoli!

View looking out from bench at Italy's Via Napoli

I live in NJ.  The Italian food and pizza here is wonderful and plentiful.  It's also my husband's and my favorite.  But, I'm always willing to try new things, so we finally put Via Napoli on our list in 2012.  I love the inside of this restaurant!  It's very large and rustic feeling with hanging lights and marble topped tables. This trip we sat outisde which I love even more.  There is a large awning, so you don't even really feel like you're outside.  

I wanted to try the entrees (check out Laura's pics above of the veal parm and spaghetti with veal meatballs), but was outnumbered by pizza lovers.  I was not disappointed!!  The pizza was so delicious, which is not what I was expecting outside of NJ/NY.  We returned last year and again had the pizza, this time the Metro which is a very large rectangle pizza (there were four of us, and it's thin), and the Arancini (rice balls).  Again, an extremely delicious and wonderful meal.  Our servers both times were excellent with adorable Italian accents.  On our second trip we sat at the very long family style table in the center of the restaurant.  We weren't a fan of this, since we were only a party of 4 and the table is wide so we found even at across from each other, we were sort of spread apart.  But with a large party, this would be super fun since you'd have a lot of space to spread out and share all of the delicious offerings!  If you like Italian you should certainly put this on your Epcot restaurant list!

Zeppoles!

Magical Travels,

Amanda Laczynski

Secrets in Epcot's UK Pavilion

When you make your way into the United Kingdom pavilion its easy to get distracted by the delicious food and drinks to be had and the character meet and greets that are often around but there is also history all around you!  Mary Poppins as well as Pooh & Friends have been known to frequent the shops and Alice often sets up shop outside the tea shop in the garden.  All three of these characters from classic English literature were brought to life by the Disney company and fit smashingly in this area of EPCOT!

While you are on a character, or food, or beer line… take a look around you!  The cottage where you can find the tea shop is a replica of the home of William Shakespeare from Stratford-on-Avon.

As you make your way through the area you will also notice that the architecture is built larger on top than the first floor… this represents the medieval architectural design of many homes in England. Since taxes were mainly based on the square footage of your ground floor, citizens often built their second floors larger than the first!

This article was written by Melissa and was first posted on The Disney Moms Blog.

Aztec Temple in the Heart of Epcot

It’s hard not to notice ziggurat-like (if you aren’t sure what they are, ziggurats are pyramid-like temples that have more stepped design outside than the classic triangle shape of a pyramid and have been found in different parts of the world such as Mexico, South America, and the Middle East) temple in Epcot’s World Showcase Mexico Pavilion.  It towers over the Mexico area and can be seen even from across the park! It is one of the icon of World Showcase!

The temple in the Mexico Pavilion was modeled after the Aztec temple for Quetzalcoatl (pronounced KETS-ull-KOH-ahtl) in Teotihuacan, Mexico.   Quetzalcoatl means “feathered serpent” and he was the the god of wind and air in Aztec religion.  If you look at the front artwork on the pavilion you can see a depiction of Quetzalcoatl front and center!

Here are some depictions of the feathered serpent god found in Aztec society (both found from google image search):

   

By the time Spanish explorers reached the Americas the feathered serpent diety (although going by different names) had been worshipped and venerated even in Mayan culture.  Most historians agree that the Quetzalcoatl figure was a fertility diety with strong connections to agricultural gods and contrasting the war gods also worshipped by Meso-American societies.

So next time you are out and about in the Mexico Pavilion, waiting for your ride on Gran Fiesta Tour, your dining reservation at San Angel Inn, drinks at La Cava de Tequila, or maybe just shopping the marketplace show off your new knowledge of the Aztec temple replica you are standing in and tell everyone about Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent diety!

This article was written by Melissa and was first posted on The Disney Moms Blog.

TANGIERINE CAFÉ – EPCOT

© J. Dulberg

© J. Dulberg

If you are pressed for time and want the flavor of Morocco, without the sit down service, drop by EPCOT’s Tangierine Café. This counter service taste of Morocco has all of the spice and exotic flavor without the wait-time. The menu is comprised of things like Mediterranean wraps and platters and traditional platters. You may also order side dishes and desserts. The Tangierine Children’s menu is typical American fare, making it easy to try something new with kids in tow.


This counter service gives a real taste of Marrakesh, while leaving plenty of time to explore the beautiful marketplace.  In a rush, but want a taste of Morocco? Try the Tangierine Café. 

© J. Dulberg


Contributed by Judy Dulberg

St. George & the Dragon in Epcot's Germany Pavilion

The Germany pavilion itself is a classic Bavarian village.  When I set foot in EPCOT’s Germany I feel like I set foot in a fairytale village:  the colors, the music, the glorious fountain.  The fountain is where we tell today’s story.

In the heart of the Germany pavilion you will see the fountain with a statue atop.  The statue depicts the mighty St. George slaying a dragon.  In typical European versions of George’s story he is a crusader.

George’s travels had brought him to Libya where he met a poor old hermit.  The hermit explained to George that their village was under attack.  A dragon had been coming to their land and taking a sacrificial “maiden”.  Day after day the dragon returned, and left killing a beautiful young girl.  Only one fair maiden remained- the king’s daughter. The hermit, explained how distraught everyone was for they needed to find a knight brave enough to slay the dragon.  Furthermore, the king had promised his daughter’s hand in marriage to whomever saved her life.

Being brave and kingly himself, George decided he would attempt to save the princess. The next morning he set out to the dragon’s lair.  He saw all the women leading the princess, Sabra, to sacrifice.  George moved full speed ahead, stopping to reassure the women and the princess, and then entered the dragon’s valley.

As soon as the dragon noticed him he came roaring out at George.  The fearless young crusader threw his spear at the dragon, but on impact it was the spear that shattered.  George was thrown from his horse and rolled under an orange tree.  The tree was luckily enchanged and George could not be harmed by the dragon while hidden here. When he recovered from his fall he charged the dragon.  When he needed a break he ran back for the tree.  Finally, he struck the dragon under its wing where there were no scales to protect it and it fell dead at George’s feet.

With Princesses being saved and saving themselves at so many attractions, St. George’s heroism is a great tale of a man, who comes to be Prince thanks to his bravery.  Theodore, a man who is said in some versions to have accompanied George (and in some other versions it is Theodore, not George, who slays the dragon) can be seen on a statue over in the Italy pavilion as well.

This article was written by Melissa and was first posted on The Disney Moms Blog.

Italy Pavilion: The Ziti Sisters

While on your trip to either Disneyland or Walt Disney World, do you ever get the feeling that while you run over to the next attraction, you are missing out on something that is happening right in front of you?

I get that same feeling while my husband and I are in the park. However, during our Honeymoon was one of the first times we got to catch these precious moments of entertainment known as Streetmosphere. Streetmosphere is brief moments in the park where performers make magic happen and are then gone in the blink of an eye. 

While walking into the Italy Pavilion at EPCOT, we noticed a small crowd gathering as 5 women in red appeared calling guests to join them. While I don't want to give too much away, we came to learn that these were the Ziti Sisters. Each one represented an aspect of the Italian Culture. To say the least it was very original and full of humorous, sweet moments. Check out some photos from the performance and see for yourself. You may see a familiar face or two. ;)

Illuminations

Illuminations: Reflections of Earth is the nightly fireworks show in Epcot across World Showcase Lagoon.  A great accent to the ideals behind Spaceship Earth, this show celebrates Earth's story- the story of us.  I don't have great pictures to share but if you head over to the Disney World official site they have great information about how it works, where and when to grab a seat, and daily times information! We don't always stop to see Illuminations but being in World Showcase when it is on is so magical.  There is something in the air even if you are enjoying a drink or snack or stroll from pavilion to pavilion.  

Don't miss this fun and exciting night show (which if you were in the parks when this post went live would be just about to start)! :)

Innoventions

Innoventions is a great spot for some learning on your next vacation and perfect for escaping the heat or rain while visiting Epcot! There are exhibits set up along the "Road of Tomorrow" each featuring some amazing discoveries.  The overall theme of Innoventions is showing children (and adults) how science has changed our lives. Innoventions is also where Disney Visa Cardmembers can get their free photos (check with the cardmember perks section of the website for times and changes) and where you begin any of the Epcot Segway Tours. 

Test Track

German Pavilion - EPCOT!

Imagine having Oktoberfest every night of the year. You can experience it – only in EPCOT and only in the German Pavilion!

Dining Highlights:

Biergarten is a buffet-style restaurant, which is open for lunch and dinner. The style and tone of the restaurant is designed to have an “Oktoberfest” feel and includes family-style dining at long tables.

Sommerfest is the counter-service restaurant in the German Pavilion and offers a smaller selection of traditional German fare.

Karamelle-Kuche is a shop, which prominently features Werther’s Original caramels – including caramel corn, caramel apples and Werther’s Original hot salted caramel drink. If it can be made with caramel, it can be found here.

Shopping Highlights:

Glaskunst is an outdoor kiosk which, features glassware, including various drinking glasses and figurines. They also offer engraving services.

Weinkeller is a store offering a hundreds of German wines and beer.

Outside you will also find a miniature village with electric trains running through it. A nice place to stop and watch with children.

Contributed by Judy Dulberg

United Kingdom Pavilion - EPCOT!

Are you a fan of the Hundred Acre Woods characters? Mary Poppins? Fish-n-Chips?
The United Kingdom Pavilion has all that and more!

France Pavilion - EPCOT!

If you are looking for a “taste of France” but cannot make the trip across the pond, the France Pavilion in EPCOT may do the trick!

Highlights:

Chefs de France - Fine dining restaurant featuring traditional French cuisine and if you are lucky a little meeting with your Chef: Remy from Ratatouille!

Monsieur Paul – Bistro type fare founded by Paul Bocuse.

Boulangerie Patisserie le Halles - Bakery featuring pastries, soup, salad, sandwiches. There is also a small gift area near the seating for dining.
La Glace – Classic French ice cream,  flavors include traditional, chocolate and vanilla, but also, caramel fleur de sel, coconut/white chocolate and profiterole. Also there is sorbet – some flavors include pomegranate, melon, mango, mixed berry and pineapple – adults may get sorbet served in a martini glass with a shot of liqueur.

Impressions de France – a film set to music, which details highlights of France. Approximately 20 minutes long.

Plume et Palette – perfume and designer clothing.

La Maison du Vin – Wine, Kitchen items, wine accessories, wine tasting, chocolate, cook books.

Souvenirs de France – Traditional souvenirs – t-shirts, Eiffel Tower replicas, berets.

Character Meet and Greets – Aurora and Marie the Cat from The Aristocats