I think that we’ve already extensively covered that Flower and Garden Festival combines everything that we love. They have flowers, they have food, they have drinks, they have Epcot – it’s virtually a meeting place of everything that makes me happy in life. David and I spent an idyllic spring day, walking around World Showcase, sampling something from every stand they have, all in the name of research, because we care deeply for our readers (we’re incredibly selfless, like that). We’ve debated back and forth, because we have nothing better to talk about than the merits of Disney snack offerings, and have compiled our list of the five things you HAVE to try at Flower and Garden Festival this year. (Our list is in no particular order, as we don’t play favorites. We aren’t making that choice, Sophie.)
1.Pineapple Soft Serve with Coconut Rum Floater
Located at Pineapple Promenade, when you first enter World Showcase, this spiked Dole Whip, takes Dole Whip to a level you never thought it could achieve. It’s like the ‘She’s All That’ 90’s movie make-over, where the girl takes off her glasses, and gets a new outfit, and is suddenly a covergirl. That’s what coconut rum does for Dole Whip.
2. Potato, Chive and Cheddar Cheese Biscuit with Smoked Salmon Tartare and Sour Cream
This snack is located at Cider House, in the United Kingdom pavilion. We love this pavilion, for it’s quaint appeal, and we love this snack, for reminding us of something that would be served at an amazing English Tea Time.
3. Beef Brisket Burnt Ends Hash with White Cheddar Fondue and Pickled Jalapeños
We’re from Texas, and consider ourselves Barbecue snobs, nay, barbecue experts. We had low expectations for the Smokehouse in the American Pavilion, thinking that any Barbecue we found outside of Texas or North Carolina would be inferior. We were wrong. This is fantastic, and they also have a variety of sauces to chose from, all of which are on point.
4. Shrimp and Stone-ground Grits with Andouille Sausage, Sweet Corn, Tomatoes and Cilantro
Shrimp and grits have been a current favorite dish of ours (if you haven’t tried the new dish they’re serving at the Coral Reef, DO IT). This Flower and Garden Festival’s take on it is hearty, fresh, reasonably priced, and delicious. Pick one up at the Florida Fresh Stand.
5. La Vie en Rose Frozen Slush
The La Vie en Rose is our favorite cocktail at Flower and Garden Festival. It’s a blend of white and red cranberry juice (who knew there was such a thing as white cranberry juice?), grand marnier, and grey goose, blended into a slush. It actually tastes like a rose, if such a thing is possible. You can find this drink in the France pavilion.
Flower and Garden Festival is a great time, whether you decide to enjoy it with, or without the food and beverage stands that are available. We hope our lists of our favorite items at the Festival make it easier for you to decide what to spend your money, (and available stomach room) on this year.