We’ve talked to some Walt Disney World veterans about all things Spring at Epcot. With the Flower & Garden Festival, Easter, and so many other beautiful offerings, Spring is one of my favorite times to be at Epcot – and Epcot is one of my favorite places be each Spring.
But you don’t have to take my word for it. Find out what other pros say about making the most of your visit to Epcot — and avoiding the Spring Break crowds!
Springtime at Epcot
You’d be hard-pressed to find a more beautiful place in all of Walt Disney World in the Spring than Epcot. The Flower and Garden Festival runs March-May each year, and the park is full of gorgeous flowers, and the colors and signs of the season.
Why visit Epcot in the Spring?
In addition to just how stunningly beautiful the park is, there are plenty of other reasons to visit Epcot for Spring Break (or any time during the season). We always love taking the entire family to the various festivals at Epcot. The Flower and Garden Festival offers new things each year, including new topiaries, kids’ activities, and outdoor kitchens.
Didi (from Post50Rx) agrees: “The Parks come alive with color during the Spring, The blooms are such a wonderful contrast to the dreariness of winter!” As I sit and look at the snow falling unexpectedly outside our window, I couldn’t agree with her more.
For one final season, you can also check out the Atlanta Braves’ Spring Training games at Disney’s Wide World of Sports. Even if you aren’t a huge baseball fan, these games are a blast for the entire family – and a great way to spend a day away from the parks.
Julie (from Mom Rewritten) says that, “The weather [in Spring] is generally mild with minimal rain and lower humidity than in the summer.”
What to Pack for Walt Disney World in the Spring
While Spring in Florida may not be as unpredictable as our recent 70-degree swings every 24 hours here in the Midwest, Spring in Central Florida can still bring some uncertainty.
Mike says, “Look closely at the weather prior to leaving home, and plan accordingly. I always pack sunscreen and ponchos, and the type of jacket and clothing I choose depends on what the weather temperatures are going to be.”
I have to agree! I can’t tell you the number of times we’ve had to purchase sweatshirts, or even gloves and coats on visits to Walt Disney World or Disneyland.
And don’t forget these excellent reminders for packing any time of year — perhaps especially during the Spring.
“DO NOT forget the suntan lotion! The UV index is highest in spring and summer, and skin that has been covered all winter is particularly vulnerable to burning.” — Didi Marie
“Don’t forget to pack your bug spray! You’ll regret not giving yourself & the kids a spray before leaving the room.” — Julie Bigboy
What about the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival?
Included with admission with Epcot – and quite frankly impossible to miss once you’re in the gates – the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival may be one of the most popular reasons to visit in Epcot in the Spring. The beautiful topiaries and flower arrangements, and (the past several years) the outdoor kitchens bring the beloved festival atmosphere of Epcot with slightly smaller crowds – and more color!
Lisa and James (from Adventures in Familyhood) point out that the festival is “not only … beautiful, [but] it’s a learning experience for the whole family.” For avid gardeners, the festival offers master gardening seminars and special speakers. Those of us whose thumbs are far from green can learn about how perfumes are made, what bamboo gardens mean in Chinese culture, the history of English tea, and so much more.
The Experts’ Must-See Attractions – and Best Tips – During the Flower and Garden Festival
Remember! If you’re traveling with kids, be sure to look for the “Garden Passport” and other fun activities – both paid and free – to keep them engaged. Some other great advice —
- Julie @ MomRewritten: “Rather than booking a dining experience at Epcot, consider snacking through the festival at the many kiosks. Because the portions are small, it’s enjoyable to share a few bites with family and try several different new things that you might otherwise not have ordered.”
- Lisa and James @ Adventures in Familyhood: “Don’t make lunch or dinner dining reservations. Take advantage of the numerous outdoor kitchens and eat around the world. | When experiencing the Epcot Flower & Garden Festival with kids, be sure to take advantage of the outdoor play areas.”
- Didi Marie @ Post50Rx: “My absolute favorite must-do during the Festival is to sit and enjoy at least one performance of the Garden Rocks Concert Series. (Preferably with my must-have adult Festival beverage- the La Vie en Rose Frozen Slushy!) | Also… Spike’s Pollen Nation Exploration…. will not only keep your family entertained for hours, it’s a learning activity for all!”
- Mike Ellis @ My Dreams of Disney: “Bring your camera, and make sure you take pictures of all the great arrangements you see!”
Easter at Walt Disney World
If you happen to be at Walt Disney World over Easter, there are a few special offerings you can check out, too!
Julie says, “One of my favorite things during spring was to see the decorated Easter eggs in several of their resort hotels (we saw them in the Grand Floridian lobby). The chefs decorate chocolate Easter eggs in amazingly intricate and detailed ways. It’s a wonderful way to spend an off-day at Disney during the spring.” Didi agrees that “…the Chocolate Easter Egg display at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is… a work of art.”
Lisa and James suggest you “meet Mr. & Mrs. Bunny at the Magic Kingdom, search for eggs at Epcot, and have a great family brunch at a number of restaurants.”
How to Deal with Disney’s Spring Break Crowds
There’s no denying it — Spring can bring some crowded weeks at the Walt Disney World Resort. With some simple planning though, you can definitely make the most of your visit! Here are some of our most valuable tips —
- Lisa and James/Adventures in Familyhood: “Plan ahead! Spring Break is not the time to wing it. Get to the parks early to take advantage of shorter lines on the most popular rides. Utilize Fastpass+…. when the crowds start to thicken.”
- Julie/Mom Rewritten: “Plan to arrive at the parks very early to take advantage of lighter morning crowds. You can accomplish a lot in the first two hours when everyone else is still in bed!”
- Didi/Post50Rx: “The Quick Service lines at Spring Break time are consistently the longest I’ve ever experienced. (Worse than Christmas holiday time!) Schedule dining reservations at least once a day; your family will appreciate a seat and a sane meal. You can share meals, order just appetizers, and keep it healthy by drinking just water to help keep the costs similar to what you would spend at Quick Service.”
- Yours truly 🙂 : “Be aware of the many opportunities for rides, attractions, and places to play that don’t include lines! Some of our favorite family memories in Disney Parks are playing in fountains, looking for hidden Mickeys, etc.
And no matter how early you get there, how much you plan, how smart you are, or how fast you walk, remember Mike’s advice (from My Dreams of Disney). It’s priceless: “Don’t try and do every single thing, be easy going and open to just “go where the path lies.”
Whatever you decide to do, there is so much to enjoy about Springtime at Walt Disney World – and especially at Epcot. If you’re prepared – both mentally and physically – and have some idea of what you want to see, do, taste, and experience, Spring might become your favorite time to visit Disney Parks!
Don’t forget — our friends at EZ Dis by Instant Impressions can make your Spring (or summer, or fall, or winter…) trip even more spectacular. Whether you’re prepared or not, Sandy and her team will be – because they visit several times each year to make sure they have the latest details on things like Easter celebrations and Spring-centric activities. Check out their concierge services with referral code DL19 (“How did you hear about the agency?”) to see how they can make your trip extra magical!
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