This summer, I am looking to be extra quiet at EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort.
With summer just around the corner, thousands of families and Disney fans are preparing to celebrate the warm weather and vacation season at Walt Disney World Resort. With four theme parks full of attractions, entertainment, and food offerings, families are left with endless opportunities for fun while on their Disney vacation.
During the summer, Disney likes to further entertain guests with special events. Some of the resort’s most infamous events happen during this season. However, due to some changes in schedule, it looks like this summer will be slightly quieter than usual.
A Festival-Free Summer at Disney
Each summer, fans usually celebrate two major festivals, the EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival, and the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival. With the announcement earlier today about the dates for the latter event, we now know that the majority of the summer will be festival-free at EPCOT.
The EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival is renowned for its captivating topiaries, enchanting gardens, and educational demonstrations that highlight sustainable practices and environmental awareness. On the other hand, the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival entices visitors with a culinary journey around the world, featuring an array of global cuisines, wine tastings, and culinary demonstrations by renowned chefs.
This year, the culmination of the EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival, a vibrant celebration of nature and horticulture at EPCOT, is set to take place on May 27, 2024.
Following this colorful event, there will be a brief interlude before the commencement of the highly anticipated 2024 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival, which is scheduled to kick off on August 29. This is a stark contrast to previous years, where Flower and Garden have extended until June, and Food and Wine have started in August.
Why the Change?
This shift in schedule is quite surprising to many Disney fans, and it may come as a disappointment for those who look forward to experiencing events like this during the summer break. While no official reason was given, the reason may be due to the major influx of guests expected to arrive in June for the opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. With such a major event happening, it seems like Disney will be plenty busy.
While the date changes for this festival might be a bummer for some fans, others will rejoice in the fact that they are happening at all. Both the EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival and the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival are cherished by fans of Walt Disney World Resort, and it is most certain that fans will rejoice in their return this springtime.
FINALLY, Disney is beginning to return to Pre-Pandemic “festival programming”!!!
Prior to the Pandemic, there were NEVER any Epcot Festivals during the summer! Originally, the festivals were scheduled to entice people to come to WDW during the “slow periods” of Fall, after the “holiday season”, & late spring. I’m really glad to see that this seems to be the current trend.