During the winter months you being to think the cold will never end.  Your mind quickly begins to think of spring… and for Disney fans that means the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival.

This year the festival runs from March 2 through May 30 and is a great way to let go of winter.  Here are the top 5 reasons you should think about visiting the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival this year.

One of the main reasons to go to Disney World in spring is to run away from any left over Winter weather at home.  The weather during this time of year is perfect.

Not too cold and not too warm.  And humidity is about non-existent.

The days don’t get to hot but you can easily wear shorts and swim in the pools.  The evening get just cool enough for a light jacket. Perfect for romantic strolls through the gardens.

Many people enjoy the gardens and abundance of flowers but the topiary take the show.  These locally grown topiary will have you oohing and awing your way through the park.

The topiary tend to be famous Disney characters with the stars of the show being characters from a movie or event that is current to that year. (for a more detailed look at some of the older topiary check out my post on them from a previous year)

This year the classic characters are taking center stage.  Donald Duck and his nephews (Huey, Duewe and Louie) great you at the entrance in front Spaceship Earth.  The rest of that gang can be found at the entrance to World Showcase. Love that is a classic year!

Donald and his Nephews (courtesy WDW News)

The Garden Rocks Concert Series is a complimentary perk to the festival.  Every weekend there is a band playing some of your favorite music in the American Gardens Theater in the American Pavilion in World Showcase.

Gin Blossom play at Garden Rocks (courtesy WDW News)

What is beautiful about these concerts is that they are free and you can just stop by for a favorite song, dance in the walkway, or sit down and enjoy the entire set.  It really is fun for the entire family.

All concerts take place at America Gardens Theater, with show times at 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM and 8:00 PM every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Village People (courtesy WDW News)

For 2016 here are some of my picks:

• Village People (March 25 – 27) – I am in!! Can you imagine a bunch of Disney people singing YMCA?  This concert will be a blast!
• Herman’s Hermits (April 1 – 3) – I grew up to my Mom singing I’m Henry the VIII, I Am ALL (and I mean ALL) of the time.  I would love to go and give it a sing.
• Georgia Satellites (April 29 – May 1) – I have a soft spot for any group that can pull off that much twang.

For those that like to shop there are wonderful booths all throughout the World Showcase and at the Festival Center.   You can purchase Epcot Flower and Garden Festival memorabilia, gardening tools and ornaments, small plants, gifts, and even some fine art.

This is merchandise you will only find at the festival and much of it is to cute to pass up.

HINT: The last weekend of the festival the 2016 branded merchandise is typically marked 50% off.

One must do is to stop by and meet Heather French at her booth (usually close to the Morocco pavilion).

She uses watercolors to create beautiful paintings of wine, flower, and cats (some with all three together).

Heather French Booth – photo courtesy of Heather French

For those that love their felines they may come back with a print or two.  You may even find yourself with one of her originals (I have three to date).

In 2013,  year Disney added food booths to the festival.  It does not compete with the Epcot Food and Wine festival but does add a wonderful element of snacking on spring-inspired tapas-sized food and beverages as you wander the garden displays.

These booths called ‘Outdoor Kitchens‘ will focus on small plates that leverage the tastes of spring.  Expect to see lots of fruit and vegetables in additions to some more savory morsels.

Shrimp and Grits (photo credit: WDW News)

This year there will be 13 outdoor kitchens ready to tempt your taste buds.  There are three new ones ripe for the taking:

• Bauernmarkt: Farmer’s Market – Venture to this quaint kitchen next to the Germany Pavilion to try a succulent sampling of Bavarian bites fit for a food lover’s forktale. You’ll also uncover a bevy of ice cold brews and an “organic” champagne apértif with elderflower and mint—a refreshing pick-me-up that’s ideal for spring. Guten tag!
• La Isla Fresca – Drift over to the Showcase Plaza and dig into jammin’ Caribbean-inspired fare. Sway your hips to a reggae beat as you decide between plates of protein that have been either seasoned with jerk-spice or carefully braised. Enhance this tropical tasting with a frozen drink or dessert.
• Cider House – Behold a charming booth that’s rooted in spectacular farm-grown ingredients and fragrant herbs. Try a variety of buzz-worthy ciders and artisanal provisions that may inspire a playful picnic near the United Kingdom Pavilion.

Festival Outdoor Kitchen (photo credit: WDW News)

For more details on the Outdoor Kitchen menus pick up one of the FREE Garden Passports.  They can be stamped at each outdoor kitchen your vist and is a wonderful souvenir.

Will you be migrating south this spring?