Spring is the perfect time to celebrate nature with culinary delights, catchy rhythms, and, if you ask me, a touch of Latin flair. Whether you are planning to visit EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival or want to continue the fiesta at Disney Springs with vibrant musical presentations, Walt Disney World Resort has something for everyone this season. So, why not add a little pixie dust to your familia experience?
And here’s even more good news: The festival runs through July 5, offering más sabor latino with different floral displays as spring gives way to summer.
Bring your familia to EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival
Visit EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival to celebrate the beauty of the season. EPCOT blooms with floral displays, innovative new topiaries like Mirabel, Antonio, Isabela, and Luisa from Disney’s Animation’s ‘‘Encanto,’’ delicious culinary experiences and Latin entertainment.
Popular Outdoor Kitchens can be found throughout the park, offering flavorful dishes from around the world.
Among my favorites, the enchanting Caribbean flavors at La Isla Fresca, located between Morocco and France, will delight you with flavorful options for all. You can have a Braised Oxtail with pigeon pea rice and/or a Sugar Cane Shrimp Skewer with rice, mango salsa, and coconut-lime sauce. Delicioso! And for postre, I highly recommend the Coconut Tres Leches, a vanilla cake soaked in oat milk, almond milk, and coconut milk with toasted coconut.
This traditional Latin American dessert with a mouthwatering plant-based twist brings new meaning to the phrase “barriguita llena, corazón contento.”
Don’t forget to try the refreshing Tropical Breeze, a non-alcoholic drink that includes Minute Maid Lemonade, grapefruit juice, and simple syrup. There’s also Islamorada Beer Company Coconut Key Lime Ale. Other refreshing alternatives to enjoy on a spring day include the Florida Orange Groves Winery Tropical Perception White Sangria and Tropical Breeze with Don Q Limón Rum.
Another, “must-visit” destination on my EPCOT World Showcase list is Jardin de Fiestas, located near the Mexico pavilion. Here you can taste the new and delicious Quesadilla de Flor de Calabaza, offering gluten/wheat-friendly, house-made masa tortilla encasing a tasty combo of squash blossoms, bacon, onion, zucchini and cheese. If you are a meat lover, try the Taco Vampiro, featuring barbacoa beef in a corn tortilla with crispy grilled Monterey jack cheese, salsa ranchera and esquites.
Pair these options with the new and refrescante Mala Hierba Margarita, a Centinela Tequila Reposado, elderflower-chamomile tea, Abasolo Corn Whiskey, and UNA Flower-infused Vodka with a chile salt rim. The new Cristal Margarita is a 100% Agave Tequila Blanco, Ilegal Mezcal Joven, clarified lemon juice, and orange liqueur in a souvenir cup.
Garden Rocks Concert Series with a Latin Twist
And if you are a fan of great music like I am, get ready for a rumba filled with Hispanic and Latin American rhythms on select nights during the Garden Rocks Concert Series at the America Gardens Theatre you will experience music infused with salsa, reggaeton, and merengue sounds brought by new and returning artists.
On March 31, immerse yourself in the vibrant entertainment of Luis Figueroa, a Latin GRAMMY-nominated singer and songwriter known for his Latin-pop and tropical music. Piso 21 will hit the stage April 1-2. The Latin-pop group will perform their popular hits like ‘‘Te Amo,’’ ‘‘Me Llamas,’’ and ‘‘Te Vi’’ as part of their repertoire. This year marks Luis Figueroa, and Piso 21’s first time performing in the concert series.
On April 3, you will have the opportunity to see returning artist Melina León, a merengue singer from my beloved native island of Puerto Rico. Her performance will include a set list full of fan favorites for an unforgettable experience with your amigos and loved ones.
Keep the fiesta going at Disney Springs
Y por si fuera poco, the spring celebration continues at Disney Springs with a full selection of Latin-style music that will bring the best moves out of everyone as they enjoy salsa, bachata, and Latin-pop rhythms. Mixing the fun for these unforgettable experiences will be Yus from Ritmo 95.7 on Saturday, April 1; Laura García from Z 92.3 and Leoni of El Zol Orlando on Sunday, April 2; and Ñeco of El Zol Tampa on Monday, April 3.
So, make plans to visit and enjoy performances by these popular Central Florida DJs.
To visit EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, guests must have both valid admission and a park reservation for EPCOT on the same date. Garden Rocks Concert Series performances take place each night of the festival and are included with regular park admission. Guests can enjoy guaranteed concert seating by reserving a Garden Rocks Dining Package at select EPCOT restaurants. For more information, visit FreshEPCOT.com.
Visiting Disney Springs does not require an admission ticket or reservation.