Deb's Digest

On the DisneyWorld Passholders facebook page, an announcement was made earlier in the week that the Captain Hook "living topiary" would make an appearance on Friday, April 5th. We sent our reporters to get "dirt".

I'm excited about the addition of the festival marketplaces to the Flower and Garden Festival. I hope Disney does not increase the number of booths as that would really take away from the focus of the flowers. I will admit, it is nice to nosh around in the temperate springtime and enjoy the color!

TOP PICKS

These are my favorites from the new marketplaces (in order around World Showcase)

1) Florida Fresh: Watermelon Salad with pickled red onion, feta, arugula $3.50
Who knew watermelon and feta went so well together! I don't care to eat onions so just removed them.

2) Taco de Carnitas - pork carnitas topped with Taramindo salsa, served over flour tortilla with pork rinds $4.95
Loved the crunch the pork rinds added!

3) Rosita Margarita on the rocks - tequila, triple sec and rose infusions $8.50
What can I say, went well with the Taco de Carnitas (see #2)

4) Potato Pancake with house made Apple Sauce $2.75
Light, flavorful and crispy - I took off all the apple sauce - way too sweet!

5) Panna Cotta al Limoncello and Chianti- Limoncello flavored Panna Cotta with wild berries $5.00

One of the best Panna Cotta - had zest of lemon which gave a new extra to the flavor - Of course Chiati - I"m in Italy after all!

6) Smoked Beef Brisket with Collard Greens and Jalapeño Corn Bread $6.75
Not sure why I included this one as I don't eat collard greens or care for Jalapeno. I think the smells from here influenced me, yea that's it! But seriously, I thought the brisket was very good.

7) Frushi - Fresh strawberries, pineapple and cantaloupe rolled with coconut rice atop a raspberry sauce sprinkled with toasted coconut and whipped cream $4.50

Something different and refreshing.

8) Baghrir - Moroccan pancake with honey, almonds and Argan Oil $3.00

Tell them LIGHT on the honey and easy on the oil and you'll have a most enjoyable munch.

9) Chocolate Trifle $1.50

Chocolate - should I say more?

10) Potato, Chive and Cheddar Cheese Biscuit with Smoked Salmon Tartare and Sour Cream $4.25

Ok, this one isn't mine but Linda's. I needed a #10. She raved about the savory biscuit and the salmon went perfectly.

Over the course of several visits I ate just about everything my palate would try. I'm allergic to shellfish and tend to stay away from fish. I also don't like things really sweet anymore (there was a time.....) I thought some of the food was over sauced/ over sweet - don't be afraid to ask for anything on the side or just for a little.

RELATED LINKS:

-- Marketplace Foods Photo Gallery

-- Marketplace Menus

-- Rate and Review the Festival Marketplaces

-- Even more comprehensive Flower and Garden Festival Information and Photos

The 19th Annual Epcot Flower and Garden Festival opened on March 7th.

I spent several hours in Epcot and just scratched the surface on what to see this year.

The floral displays begin before you enter Epcot with the Fantasia mushrooms.

This year's grand entrance topiary is Sorcerer Mickey conducting Floral Magic.

First thing to do as you enter Epcot, is pick up a Flower and Garden Festival Guide Map and the new Topiary Scavenger Hunt flyer. I didn't see any Scavanger Hunt flyers at the main entrance, but did find them at the Information Booth (back side of pin store). You can also download your own!

There is also a mobile website called Epcot in Bloom: http://m.epcotinbloom.com. You can look at it from home but certain features can only be unlocked when you scan a QR code inside Epcot. There are 12 audio tour locations and 14 topiaries that have QR codes.

I liked the map feature of the mobile app. Also, if you are new to Epcot's Flower and Garden festival the audio tour provides interesting information. While it is true the there is in-depth information on the topiaries, the photos are from previous festivals so don't get confused if the photos don't match the locations in the app. Would be great if the photos were updated now that the topiaries are on display.

Here's more information on the Epcot in Bloom Mobile app!

Bambi's Butterfly House is always a favorite with adults and kids. This year it has moved across the way and is larger than before. It can get crowded in here which can make stroller and wheelchair maneuvering difficult.

There is a butterfly identification poster at each end of the exhibit. It is great to know what you are actually seeing. The butterflies are quite plentiful and found my bright yellow shirt particularly interesting. Several landed on me, briefly.

This is a Mangrove Buckeye butterfly.

The ever popular Bambi, Flower and Thumper topiaries are now in the Butterfly house.

As you make your way to towards World Showcase, the fab 5 as farmers and gardeners greet you!

New this year is the Haiti exhibit. Be sure to check it out, there are even Haitian beverages for sale!

Be sure to check out the Flower and Garden Festival Kids Activities blog

AllEars will be bringing you lots more photos and information about this year's Flower and Garden Festival so be sure to check back for updates on our website!

Now, sit back, relax and enjoy a 10 minute tour of the Festival:

Here are a few photos I took during my trip last week. These are all pre-opening.

For more Flower and Garden Festival Information visit:

An Interview with Eric Darden, Horticultural Manager

Our Flower and Garden Festival Information Center