Inside Disney’s Epcot Flower & Garden Festival: Expert Tips from Festival and Horticulture Managers
Get insider tips for Disney's Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival 2016.
With over a thousand gardens, a dazzling array of topiaries, and an ever‑changing menu of fresh dishes, the 2016 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival at Walt Disney World Resort offers guests a unique celebration of spring. To bring you the most authentic advice, we spoke directly with the people who make the event a reality: Festival Manager Marianne Hunnel and Horticulture Manager Eric Darden.
Here are the experts’ top recommendations:
“Our chefs source ingredients straight from the festival’s own gardens,” says Darden. “We grow herbs, vegetables, and even fruit that appear in the outdoor kitchens. It’s a true partnership between horticulture and culinary arts.”
“A fan‑favorite is the watermelon salad at Urban Farm Eats,” Hunnel shares. “We pair the watermelon with feta, pickled onions, and fresh arugula—an unforgettable burst of flavor.”
Even if you can’t attend the festival, Darden offers a practical takeaway: “You can grow your own herbs in just two containers. With a little space and care, you’ll have fresh basil or sage whenever you need it.”
Flowers aren’t just decorative—they’re edible too. “We garnish the Desert Violet Lemonade at Cider House with a viola flower from our Land Pavilion,” Hunnel explains. “Edible blossoms add color, aroma, and a touch of whimsy to any drink.”
Eric Darden is a senior manager in Disney’s Horticulture team at Walt Disney World, overseeing the Flower & Garden Festival and the resort’s global irrigation system.
Marianne Hunnel, formerly a Disney chef, now leads event content development. She selects beverages for the festival and develops programming for both the Flower & Garden and Food & Wine Festivals.
The festival runs through May 30, 2016, at Walt Disney World. Guests can explore themed topiaries, pick up home‑gardening tips, and savor the freshest flavors crafted by Disney’s chefs.
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