You may be wondering if it is safe and okay to travel alone to the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival?
Having traveled to Walt Disney World by myself on many occasions, I can understand that it can be overwhelming for first-time solo travelers.
Epcot is located in the Orlando area and is a great park to take your time, get lost, and discover so many different countries and cultures of this world.
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Visiting the 2024 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival at a Glance:
- This Epcot Festival will take place daily from February 28, 2024 to early July 2024!
- Epcot opens daily at 9 a.m. and closes at 9 p.m.; however, the food booths (also known as the Outdoor Kitchens) don’t open until 11 a.m.
- Witness the brand-new fireworks show called Luminous the Symphony of Us
- Explore all of the magnificent topiaries throughout the park
- Capture the most incredible photos with a group of your beloved Disney Hipster Friends
- Listen to the wonderful artists as they bring you classic tunes from the Garden Rock Concert Series
- Eat your way through the festival with the colorful cuisine (my favorite thing to do)!
Keep reading to get a full guide on how to conquer this Disney holiday event like a pro!
Why is a Solo Disney Trip to the Flower and Garden Festival Perfect for You?
Since this event doesn’t draw in the extreme crowd like the Food and Wine Festival, you’re able to get the benefits of that popular festival without the shoulder to shoulder crowd level that comes with it.
I’m pretty sure that in a few years, the Flower and Garden Festival will be just as popular as the Epcot Food and Wine Festival.
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When is the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival?
The birds, the bees, and most importantly the full bellies are all things to be expected while conquering the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival.
You will find me there in the midst of the colorful garden creations, the vivacious tours, and the refreshing cocktails in true honor of the Mouse from February 28, 2024 to early July 2024.
Recommended: The Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Guide
Is it scary to travel alone to the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival?
Absolutely not! Remember, going to Epcot solo doesn’t have to be intimidating.
While I resonate with the nervousness, I assure you that once you step inside this innovative place, your worries will be put aside.
What should you do if you are afraid of taking the trip solo?
Take time to find out what you are afraid of most and start working on it.
Which is why in this article I am going to share the tips that helped me in hope that they will help my fellow solo travelers (you) too.
Read on to feel independent, encouraged, and empowered to go on this flowery adventure, alone.
Recommended: The 5 BEST Snack You Need to Try at Epcot This Year 🌮🧁🤩
18 Pro Tips for Visiting Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Solo
Now that we know why you need to go to Epcot Flower and Garden Festival alone, let’s go through tips on how to make the most of your day!
1. Go During the Weekdays
Anyone visiting Walt Disney World on a regular day knows that going on the right day is extremely important. However, during special events that priority is even higher.
For the fullest enjoyment, I recommend attending the festival during the weekday (Monday through Thursday).
2. Get There Early
This is a classic tip for any Disney Solo Traveler.
Coming early to the Flower and Garden Festival will give you a chance to pace yourself by enjoying the attractions in Future World.
This will then allow you to take your time as you eat and drink your way around World Showcase. One of the best tips for doing Epcot Flower and Garden Festival alone.
3. Stay at an On-site Disney Resort
There are many on-site resorts by Disney for adult travelers where you can stay and enjoy the magical land at your own time. You get Extra Magic Hours and transportation perks.
It is simply the best way to maximize your time in the parks. However, out of the many options you are given, I recommend the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel for solo travelers.
My Favorite Disney Resort Near Epcot
The Dolphin Resort is located in the center of the Walt Disney World action. A stay here means you are just a boat ride away from Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Also, getting to other Disney locations like the Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom Park are easy to get to with buses and other Disney transportation.
Perks like Extra Magic Hours and Disney Transportation keep it in line with the other Disney Resorts.
I’ve been able to book my rooms over the years with one of the lowest prices at $159 per night, which is a way better deal than the BoardWalk Inn next door.
I feel like you get way more bang for your buck at the Dolphin Hotel than the other Epcot resort area hotels.
Read: 5 Best Disney Resorts for Solo Travelers
4. Stay Safe
Walt Disney World is the safest place to be in Orlando. While the chances of crimes may not be 100% squashed, they are extremely rare.
All thanks to the tight security and inconspicuous camera coverage.
You should always travel with your guard up and keep a look out for any suspicious activities when you go anywhere by yourself.
Keep in touch with your love ones or someone that’s close with you. I recommend letting people know what your itinerary is, the park you will be attending, and ways to contact you.
Read: 9 Safety Tips for Women Traveling Alone to Disney World
5. Attend the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Tours
There’s no better way to enjoy the event than attending the amazing educational garden tours, which are mostly free or budget-friendly.
A plus is that you will get to meet many of your favorite floral and topiary presenters in a much more relaxed environment compared to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival.
In the United Kingdom Pavilion, you can do a complimentary guided tour in the tea gardens called, The English Tea Garden Tour Presented by Twinings of London.
Please Note: I’m still waiting on Disney to see if this tour will return for 2024.
6. Grab a Garden Passport
The passport is a pamphlet that allows you to personalize it with your name, country, date issued, and date of completion.
It also lists out the menu options from the various “Kitchens” and where to find those savory dishes.
Ready to start planning your next Disney World vacation? Listen to the latest podcast episode on Apple or on your non-Apple device now!
7. Buy a Disney Wristlet Gift Card
If you’re a foodie pro who loves tasting a variety of things, then you must get a Disney Wristlet Gift Card.
It will allow you to set a “proper” food budget which will prevent any financial regrets later once you get back home from your vacation.
Plus, you don’t have to pay any additional fee to put money on the Flower and Garden Festival wristlet gift card.
This is one of the best Flower and Garden Festival tips to follow!
8. Take Breaks
You will want to make the most out of your trip, and taking a break may feel like a waste of time. Just make sure you have a breather every time your body asks for one.
This will allow for you to truly enjoy your Walt Disney World Vacation.
So, be sure to enjoy your freedom on your solo trip, but also remember to stay hydrated at all times and relax.
Recommended: Listen to The REAL Story on Taking a Solo Disney Trip
9. Book Your Restaurant Reservations and Epcot Theme Park Reservation ASAP
You’ll want to learn how the Genie+ system works at Walt Disney World for your upcoming solo vacation.
The Genie+ (Lightning Lane) services offer you access to the hottest attractions at rides such as Frozen Ever After at Epcot!
In my experience, having my top attractions selected prior to a solo Disney trip always helped relieved my anxiety since I know that I have some type of plan in place.
I know this tip will help you too as you will not be so focused on being alone, but on the fact that you need to make it in time for your Soarin Around the World Lightning Lane reservation window!
Although Park Hopping is back, you will need still book a reservation for your day at Epcot of you don’t have a date specific ticket. You can read how this new Disney reservation system works here.
10. Explore the Topiaries and Gardens of the Flower and Garden Festival
Walk around and check out the beautiful topiary displays created by the talented Disney staff. This is what the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival is about for your solo visit.
The flowers, the topiaries, and the gardens are all attractions in themselves.
Plus, there are places like the Butterfly Garden that you absolutely must experience for a complete trip to this annual Festival.
Don’t forget to get your picture at some of the lush garden areas with a unique PhotoPass opportunity.
11. Map Out Your Day
This is another classic tip for any solo Disney traveler.
Mapping out your day will save you the headache of missing out on unique things, especially if you’re only able to visit once.
This tip is very important, because it will help guide you on:
- Where to find your gardening inspiration
- What time seminars/demonstrations will occur
- Any additional information regarding speakers, performers, and other special Disney guests
Ready to plan your theme park trip? Watch the best vacation planning tips on YouTube. Get started here!
12. Talk to People on Your Trip
I know it may be hard and kind of weird, but try to be a social butterfly.
Make a few friends during the trip and capture your solo festival moments with the people you meet on your trip.
Be sure to join the ThemeParkHipster Solo Traveler Group over on Facebook to meet other Disney enthusiasts who love traveling alone to the parks just like you.
13. Take Lots of Photos at Epcot
Epcot is one big attraction meant to captivate and inspire.
Take advantage of the PhotoPass system at Disney, where Cast Members will take photos for you that can later be retrieved digitally (on your computer or your phone).
Don’t forget to take photos with characters in the park and don’t be shy to ask people to help you take photos.
14. Plan for a Cab or Stay at an Onsite Resort
Previewing the festival’s menu should give you an idea of what delicious treats and drinks that can be expected.
You will also want to drink responsibly when traveling alone to the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival. Especially since you will be on your solo adventure.
You can do this by using a ride share program to get back to your resort or by staying at an onsite Disney resort where you can use the free Disney transportation to get back to your room.
This is one of the top tips for doing Epcot Flower and Garden Festival alone.
Read: The Do’s and Don’ts of Drinking Around the World at Epcot
15. Do the Egg Hunt!
The Egg-stravaganza scavenger hunt is a MUST DO!
You can purchase the map for $9.99 at Disney Traders (price subject to change). The goal of this fun game is to find themed eggs around Epcot World Showcase.
You then turn it back in for a unique Disney character egg to take home.
16. Eat Your Heart Out!
Enjoy all of the delicious, fresh offerings in the Kitchens at this year’s Epcot Flower and Garden Festival.
This is one of my favorite Epcot Flower and Garden Festival tips since it involves food!
There are so many options to choose from that you can spend a whole day trying all the unique and delicious items.
This is one of my top tips for doing Epcot Flower and Garden Festival alone.
Recommended: Epcot Flower and Garden Menu (Cheat Sheet)
17. Keep Your Hands Clean
Throughout Epcot are hand sanitizing stations to help you keep your hands clean while you eat your way around the world.
This is definitely a win for anyone doing Epcot during the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival.
18. Take Extra Masks
This one tip will make your visit to the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival way better!
Wearing a mask all day can get yucky from sweating and just smelling all the stagnant air left in it from your breath.
Masks are not required at Walt Disney World but you can bring them if you’re still not comfortable being around large crowds.
My Final Thoughts on Going to the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Alone…
Have I convinced you to go to Disney’s Epcot Flower and Garden Festival alone yet?
Be courageous, take the leap and go!
Don’t spend your life waiting for others schedule to line up with yours in order for you to make that solo trek.
When you go to Disney on a solo trip, become a social butterfly, make friends and most importantly have fun!
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About the Author
My name is Nikky. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves ALL things amusement park related!
Traveling alone to the parks has changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories.
Connect with me on Instagram!
UP NEXT: Epcot Festivals: A Guide To The Best Events At Walt Disney World
(Original Article Date: March 5, 2014/Updated January 4, 2024)
I haven’t been to Epcot in ages! I have always wanted to go for the Flower Garden, too.
It is definitely made for the adult park hopper 🙂
These are great tips. I’ve done the Food and Wine Festival many times, but this year is my first Flower and Garden Show. I’m excited to see some of my favorite HGTV and DIY Network Home Improvement Hosts. So much good stuff to see and eat. Thanks for sharing.
I think that you will truly enjoy the Flower and Garden Festival. It’s one of my favorite events of the year.
Thanks for the tips. I’ve never been to this or the Food and Wine festival. We are hoping to go at the beginning of May when we will be in Orlando for a conference.
It’s a must do! You will definitely have an amazing time 🙂
I can’t wait for this! Great tips as always! Thanks!
You’re welcome!