The Best Food and Drink at the 2024 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
March 26, 2024 by Laura Pitcher
The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival has begun, and for Walt Disney World fans (and this writer!), it means it’s officially Spring! Not only will you find beautiful floral displays and great entertainment at this month-long event, but you’ll also get to sample some of the best and most creative food at Walt Disney World. With 17 outdoor kitchens this year, it can feel a little overwhelming to know where to spend your money (and your stomach space)! Today, I'm sharing the best food and beverage choices for the 2024 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. Happy snacking!
La Vie en Rose Frozen Slush: Vodka, Grey Goose L’Orange, St. Germain Liqueur, White and Red Cranberry Juices – $14.50 at Fleur de Lys
The La Vie en Rose isn’t just my favorite cocktail at the festival - it’s my favorite cocktail in the WORLD. Plus, as temperatures start to rise in Orlando, it’s the perfect cold and slushy drink to help you cool down. Located at the Fleur de Lys booth in the France pavilion, this drink has devoted fans who wait every year for its return. My favorite way to enjoy one is by taking it over to the fountain near Le Chefs de France and sipping it slowly while people-watching!
Coconut Tres Leches: Vanilla cake soaked with oat, almond, and coconut milk topped with toasted coconut – $5.00, at La Isla Fresca
You’ll find La Isla Fresca between the France and Morocco Pavilion, next to the Miss Piggy Topiary. I think I will be having recurring dreams about this Coconut Tres Leches cake. This dessert was shockingly good. Our whole party was so excited to find a dessert that wasn’t too sweet, or too rich, and was light enough to enjoy on a hot day. This is also a really large portion, and can easily be shared!
Orange Sesame Tempura Shrimp with orange-chile sauce – $7.00, at The Citrus Blossom
If you’re looking for a dish that is large enough to be a light meal, the Orange Sesame Tempura Shrimp is perfect. It’s an indoor booth, called The Citrus Blossom, and located at the old Odyssey Pavilion. This dish reminded us of an elevated orange chicken, reimagined as a tempura shrimp dish. As a bonus, since the booth is indoors, you’ll be able to enjoy your snack with some much-appreciated air conditioning!
Cucumber-Watermelon Slushy (Non-alcoholic beverage) – $5.00, at Florida Fresh
This refreshing slush at the Florida Fresh booth comes in both a non-alcoholic and a boozy version. My toddler is at the age where you want to eat and drink the same thing mommy does - so I was able to purchase her a kid-friendly version of my beverage, which made her so happy. The cucumber and watermelon combination is both refreshing, tart, and not too sweet. My favorite part of this booth is that it's located near the sweeping patchwork covering of flowers that the monorail runs over, giving you some incredible views while you enjoy your cold beverage.
Tamale de Rajas: Poblano peppers, corn, and cheese in masa topped with poblano cream sauce, crema Mexicana, pickled carrots, and onions with chives – $8.75, at Jardin de Fiestas
If you're anything like me, you wish every day was Taco Tuesday, so I knew that I had to try the items at the booth in the Mexico Pavilion. The tamale is everything that a festival dish should be - it's packed with fresh Spring flavors, and a large portion, that could easily be a light lunch, or shared with two people. This was actually a booth where we enjoyed everything on the menu, but the tamale was truly a standout, not just for the booth, but for the whole festival. Try grabbing one of the pavilions' famous Avocado margaritas from La Cava De Tequila to sip on while you wait in line for your tamale!
The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is my favorite time of year to visit the parks - not only for the beautiful blooms but also for the incredible food and beverage offerings. As you plan a last-minute Spring getaway or look ahead to your 2025 vacation plans, Be Our Guest Vacations can make your trip to Walt Disney World memorable and stress-free! Contact us today to start planning your next Walt Disney World Vacation!