I love festival season at Epcot, no matter the time of year, but as I was enjoying Flower and Garden this week, it made me think…..what would make up the PERFECT festival? Then my mind goes to the key elements of a festival at Epcot and its four separate celebrations throughout the year, so here’s my take on what combo of elements make up the absolutely perfect festival! 

First, being a foodie, the small plate selections, drinks, and offerings are key, so I am choosing the offerings of the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival! I came to this conclusion because I feel the offerings are super diverse, authentic cuisine from all over the world, specialty dishes, and tastes that vary from light and springy to hearty and filling. This festival gives the most overall variety in my opinion and after experiencing it so many times, I can safely say that everything I’ve tried was a home run! Who can really argue with Violet Lemonade or Blackberry beer? My favorites this year were the Pork belly and burnt ends slider and the Fried Green tomatoes with blue crab and fennel slaw, and my favorite drink was the Blueberry beer! Shockingly for a festival focused on flowers, this one is my go-to for food and drink! 

Next up in my creation of festival perfection is…..entertainment! Now, this was a hard one to decide but the winner for me is Food and Wine!  Shocking, right? Well, I have 3 words that will sum this up nicely for you, Boyz II Men! Eat to the Beat concerts during the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival are top-notch, but Boyz II Men is definitely the highlight of the performers! Up close and personal with these guys in concert is just the way to end the evening! Hands down my favorite after a great meal to go dance and sing and enjoy melodies from some of our favorite artists! Eat to the Beat is king for the entertainment category!

Moving forward with my next element, let’s talk aesthetics, a festival for the eyes if you will. There’s one amazing answer, the Epcot International Festival of the Arts! What could possibly be more amazing than beautiful artwork every single place you look! From hidden artwork throughout the park to amazing exhibits and the artists that create them, all the way to get you involved with painting! So much for the creative soul and lovers of beautiful things! Festival of the Arts swallows you up and makes you a part of the creative elements surrounding you! I have total heart eyes for the entire look of this festival! 

My last element for the perfect festival of my own design is tradition. Tradition in my opinion brings a feeling of comfort and nostalgia. The passing down of stories, recipes, memories, laughs, skills make me feel comfortable and a love for the familiar. With that being said, my go-to for the warm fuzzies of tradition is the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays! Hearing the story of the birth of Christ at the stunning Candlelight Processional is one of the most moving parts of this holiday celebration. And we were blown away when we were able to see Neil Patrick Harris as a celebrity narrator. Whether you are crossing off treats from your journey through the cookie stroll, listening to stories of Santa’s from around the globe, or hearing the sounds of church choirs sing hymns of the season, there is no shortage of all the feels of tradition at this winter celebration! 

So there you have my creation of the perfect Epcot festival! Although, without a doubt, every single festival throughout the year is a feast for the eyes, hearts, and tummies! Each festival during the year is a wealth of opportunity to expand your experiences and horizons….food, drinks, entertainment, aesthetics, and tradition. Each is an adventure to share with friends and family and literally, there is not a wrong choice on which to enjoy! In my case, it’s an excuse to enjoy them all!