This Disney trip we were so fortunate to be able to attend the Flower And Garden Festival at Epcot, we’d never been but have heard fantastic things about how gorgeous Epcot is decorated by Disney’s finest topiaries and flower displays. On Day 2 of our trip, Epcot had extra magic hours so we decided to venture over in that neck of the woods for the day. The reviews that we had read on the festival prior to going did not do the hard work and creativity that goes into the elaborate displays placed everywhere throughout Epcot any justice. Just after scanning our magic bands to enter we were greeted by huge Donald, Daisy, and Goofy topiaries which my little girl couldn’t have been happier to see. The attention to detail was truly remarkable, not terribly surprising when you’re talking about Disney though. Here’s a quick look at Donald, Daisy, and Goofy who welcomed us into Epcot!
Our first stop was to do the parent swap for Soarin and then to revisit the revamped Test Track. Both were amazing as always, I have to say they did a great job with Test Track, it certainly is a bit more thrilling then what I can remember. By 9 am though we were in line to meet little one’s Disney favorites: Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy. At only 1 1/2 she truly knows and loves each of Disney’s characters, Mickey and his friends being her favorites. After a quick wait she was in sight of Mickey, waving and saying hello frantically. Finally, it was her time to shine, she ran over to give Mickey a huge hug and kiss giving us so much to awe about. Visits with Goofy and Minnie were just the same, filled with so much love and happiness from out little baby girl. After an amazing start to our morning we were off to enjoy Nemo and his aquarium and then it was time to head over to the World Showcase.
I was excited to hear that there would be some different food stands offering gluten free treats at the Flower and Garden Festival this year. One item in particular that caught my eye were the Beijing-Style Candied Strawberries in China. While little one napped after her exciting morning, Dan and I meandered around the countries, trying tiny bites here and there and finally we came upon China. I couldn’t help but give the gluten free candied strawberries a try.
After ordering, three huge candied strawberries greeted me at the kitchen window. These were huge strawberries which was a fantastic sight to me as I happen to love strawberries. They were covered in melted sugar and dusted with sesame seeds which I thought was an interesting twist. I must say I really enjoyed the candying effect of the strawberries, which were perfectly sweet and delicious. However, the sesame seed addition wasn’t my favorite. While I wasn’t a fan of the sesame seeds, my husband, who has by far a much more adventurous palate, seemed to really enjoy them.
All in all, they were a refreshing treat. I loved the combination of the candy idea with huge and sweetly plump strawberries but could have done without the sesame seeds atop, or at least on only half so my husband could enjoy them on the other half. It was so nice to be able to participate in this extra part of the Flower and Garden Festival so I’m so grateful for Epcot taking the extra step to indicate gluten content on any of these extra dishes at their food stands. These strawberries were definitely creative and worth giving a try!
Stay tuned for Day 2’s lunch at Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar in Epcot’s Italy!
Have A Magical Day,
Lindsay