I didn’t think I’d be bringing you any reviews or thoughts on this year’s Flower and Garden festival because I won’t be able to attend this year. And the Flower and Garden Festival is my favorite time of year in Disney! However, my good friend Kristin (who has guest posted on the blog a couple of times before) was just down there last week and shared her thoughts on the food and drink items she tried, as well as some of the gardens! So read on for her thoughts and photos.
Cider House (UK)
Corned Beef (pear Cider-brined Shredded Corned Beef with Braised Cabbage and Branston Dressing with Pears)- salty, but the mustard and pears add delightful flavors, and the portion is generous (something two people could share). However, I did get a large glob of fat in mine.
Biscuit (House-made Potato and Cheddar Cheese Biscuit with Smoked Salmon Tartare ) – this had a much lighter flavor, but still tasty. Harder to share because it’s like a mini sandwich with a biscuit as bread, and could get messy.
Cider Flight – black cherry, blood orange, strawberry. The black cherry is sweet, but with a nice tart zing. Blood orange is a little drier, but the orange flavor is crisp and refreshing. Strawberry tastes like candy. I like it but it might be too sweet for some palates. It really reminds me of those candies in the strawberry wrappers, you know? I loved those as a kid.
Fleur-de-Lis (France)
Kir pomegranate ( Sparkling Wine, Pama Pomegranate Liquor ) – Omg delicious. Possibly the French-iest drink I’ve ever had.
Hanami (Japan)
Tuna Poke (Ahi Tuna Poke Sesame Ginger) – nice and light for a hot day and a good amount for 2 people if they want to try something “adventurous” and aren’t sure if they’ll like it. The dressing is delicious!
Berry Basket (near World Showcase Entrance)
Green tea berry mint julep (available with and without alcohol) – I got the non-alcoholic version. The tea/julep is really sweet – you can definitely taste the berries. The alcohol might cut the sweetness. Gonna recommend you be smarter than me and get a straw or you’ll wind up with a face full of smoothie.
La Isla Fresca (near Mexico)
Conch salad (Caribbean Conch Salad with Avocado, Mango and Onions) – a nice arrangement of tropical flavors, though I find the onion a bit overwhelming.
Shrimp skewer (Sugar Cane Shrimp Skewer with Steamed Rice and Coconut Lime Sauce) – not sure how I feel about the shrimp. The sauce is creamier than I expected. And it’s a little difficult to get them off of the sugarcane skewer.
Jardin de Fiestas (Mexico)
Watermelon white sangria – If you like watermelon at all you NEED to get this. Like for serious whoa this is delicious. I would be very tempted to get a bottle if they had it for sale.
Florida Fresh (near France)
Watermelon cucumber slush (non-alcoholic) – Tastes like a very sugary pink lemonade. I’d stick with the sangria at Jardin de Fiestas.
Urban Eats (near World Showcase entrance)
Urban fairy cocktail – absinthe and cucumber and lime. Licorice flavor, cool and refreshing.Would recommend sharing with someone if you’re not sure if you’d like it. I wasn’t sure about this one at first but it really grew on me.
Lotus House (China)
MSG wine cooler (A cooler of Mango Wine, Strawberry and Ginger Ale)- Wow, I really like that. Good fruit flavors with a nice zing. Definitely shareable, too.
Northern Bloom (Canada)
Maple popcorn shake (non alcoholic version) – This is absolutely my favorite of the smoothies. It actually tastes good without the alcohol. Good maple flavor without being overwhelming.
Beef (Beef Tenderloin Tips, Mushroom Bordelaise Sauce, Whipped Potatoes with Garden Vegetables)- It’s good, but nothing really special. Shareable if you just want a few bites each.
The Gardens
“Sweet Garden” – in the urban garden area. Has things like agave and sugarcane.
The super adorable fairy garden.
Water wise garden. Pretty and educational, too!
And how cute are these Disney Easter eggs around the parks?
The butterfly garden is always a great experience and it’s truly stunning to see these creatures up close.
Have you been to Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival? What’s your favorite part?
Some very different and intriguing selections!
Yes, lots of different sounding stuff that I wish I could try!
If I attended, I probably would have opted for the Cider Flight, the Maple Popcorn Shake, and the Beef! Everything looked delicious!
I know, I was definitely a little jealous as my friend was sending me all of the photos and descriptions!