A the beginning of the month, my parents flew down to Orlando (where I live with my hubby and aforementioned 'kids') partly to celebrate their 42nd anniversary, partly to celebrate Mother's Day (they were here the week prior), and partly because my mom had been wanting to visit Epcot's Flower & Garden Festival for YEARS!! We've all been to the Food & Wine Festival a few times, but since my mom is an H&R Block tax professional, usually the F&G Festival is over before she gets done with tax season. The last few years, however, both Epcot festivals have run a little longer, so it was perfect for a long weekend visit. And it was the first of three, maybe four, visits I'll have with family this year. Sometimes it's usually one visit in a year. The fact that there will be more than one is pretty exciting!
While the Flower & Garden Festival is FULL of Disney creations, there are also awesome food booths. Not nearly to the extent of the Food & Wine Festival, but still there were several things I wouldn't normally eat, so it was fun! As I've gotten older, Epcot really has become my favorite of the four Disney theme parks. It might be because there is beer!!!
The first stop was at the pastry shop in France. I tried a lemon & raspberry filled macaroon. I've never had a macaroon before and this just looked so yummy. It was a bit tart for my tastes, and I likely won't get this again, but I am so glad I was brave and tried something new!
Next up was The Smokehouse. This was the stop I had been waiting for ALL DAY!!! Maple Bacon Stout, Pulled Pig Sandwich, and Maple Bacon Cupcake. The Maple Bacon lover in me was in Heaven!!! Such goodness in a cup and on a plate!! I have the cupcake recipe and I'm just waiting for the perfect occasion to try my hand at making them!!
The Smokehouse was in front of the American Adventure. When we walk around the countries in Epcot, we always start on the Canada side and go around to Mexico. I don't know why, but this is how we roll EVERY time!! We did check out the American Adventure feature while we were there. It's been so long since I've seen it and it is one of my favorite stops. Plus, it's always good to take a break from the FL sun in some air conditioning!! The entertainment while you wait is usually pretty good too! From there we made our way around to Germany which always requires a stop in the Werther's caramel shop. The smell...of how I wish I could bottle the smell from this shop! There are two cases of treats (both are the same) and a pretty wide variety of choices. This year I went with the chocolate & caramel covered smores. How have I never seen this before! I enjoyed this treat while my hubby had a brat from the Festhaus walk-up food stop. We sat with my parents at a table right in the middle of Germany. Such fun!!
Our last stop of the day was for some 'adult' dole whip. Love the dole whip and I'm so glad that Epcot has an adult version. I had mine with the Malibu Coconut Rum. It was like a frozen pina colada! Yumminess in a cup right there that's for sure!!! I will certainly be having on this summer when we visit the parks in August during the next trip. It will be a welcome refresher from the heat!!
If you're ever in town during the Flower & Garden Festival, I highly recommend you check it out! I'll be back with Part II. Wait until you see some of the awesome topiary creations! Until then, thanks for stopping by!
deb
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