The 2013 Flower & Garden Festival ~ all the details!

The 20th Annual Flower and Garden Festival opens today, March 6th at Epcot and will run through May 19th. Disney has some new additions to surprise guests at this year’s festival. I can’t wait to see them in person later this month! Below are new additions to the amazing topiary displays located throughout the park:

• Party with Mickey and Friends! • Disney / Pixar's “Monsters University” featuring Mike and Sully • Phineas and Ferb • Disney / Pixar's "Radiator Springs" featuring Lightning McQueen and Friends

Many of the favorites from past festivals will be seen this year as well. Among them are:

• Beauty and the Beast • The Lion King • Disney•Pixar’s Woody and Lotso • Peter Pan • Lady and the Tramp • Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs • Winnie the Pooh and Friends

But the topiaries are only the beginning! There is so much more to the Festival than the gardens and topiaries. Some highlights this year will certainly be the “Land of Oz” play area which of course is inspired by the new Disney Film opening this weekend. I can’t wait to see how they represent the movie with a flower and garden twist!

Another sure highlight of this years’ festival will be the “Garden Marketplaces” located throughout the World Showcase. Each pavilion will feature garden-inspired bites that will tie into the festival’s theme. Here is a sampling of the featured items being offered by each country:

The Smokehouse: Get into some finger-lickin’ bbq—pulled pork and smoked brisket—and ice-cold craft beers at The American Adventure. Lotus House: Delicacies with Far Eastern flair await you at China: savory spring pancake, taro-bacon puff pastry, bubble tea & more. L’Orangerie: France presents a rustic ratatouille tart, country pâté with cherry compote and, of course, a selection of French wines. Bauernmarkt - Farmer's Market: Visit Germany, for spring pea and mushroom bread pudding, potato pancakes and a variety of beers. Primavera Kitchen: Italy is serving lobster with asparagus, spring vegetable lasagna, panna cotta, fruity cocktails & Italian wines. Hanami: This location in Japan will feature “frushi,” or fruit sushi, grilled seafood sticks and sake. Jardin de Fiestas: Join the party in Mexico with crab tostadas, pork tacos, strawberry-infused Rosita margarita and tequila flights. Taste of Marrakesh: Enjoy Morocco’s lamb kebabs and couscous, harissa chicken drumettes with chermoula, desert rose cocktail & more. The Cottage - Savories, Trifles and Tea: Stop by the United Kingdom for tea and delectable dainties, including a salmon tartare-topped cheddar biscuit, an ultra-gourmet Caprese and a trio of trifles.

But that is not all! The Festival also includes a wonderful offering known as the “Flower Power Concert Series”. The shows are included with park admission and take place from Friday through Sunday, with three shows daily (5:30, 6:45 & 8:00). The performers scheduled to appear include:

• Mickey Dolenz of the “Monkeez” from March 8th- 10th. • Chubby Checker from March 15th-17th. • The Guess Who from March 22nd-24th. • Nelson from March 29th-31st. • The Turtles from April 5th-7th. • Paul Revere and the Raiders from April 12th-14th. • The Village People from April 19th-21st. • The Orchestra (with members from ELO & ELO 2) from April 26th-28th. • Tommy Roe from May 3rd-5th. • Herman’s Hermits (with Peter Noone) from May 10th-12th. • Starship (starring Mickey Thomas) from May17th-19th.

In addition, on the weekends, there are TV personalities hosting various workshops where they share ideas and tips on home and garden topics. Most of the hosts are straight from HGTV’s most popular shows and are a great opportunity to see some of your favorite network stars up close and personal.

Don’t forget to pick up a Guide when you arrive at Epcot so that you can make sure to see all that interests you at this year’s Festival. Arrive early to make sure you see it all. If you do visit this year’s festival please leave us a comment and share your favorites. We would love to know what you enjoyed the most from this year’s offerings!