We’re at the first day of the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, and it has already been an adventure!
The day started with a rope drop change that caused chaos among festival crowds. But now, many people are finding out in real time that the outdoor kitchens are opening LATE.
For years now, it has been typical that festival food booths open at 11AM. Some select locations will open earlier than that, but the regular food booths often start serving food on that timeline. This means that before 11AM on the opening days of festivals, people start lining up at the booths.
Like usual, we lined up before 11 to get ready to eat, but as the time drew nearer, we were told that booths would not open until 11:30AM. This was the case for several of our team members waiting in line.
When we checked the My Disney Experience app, we found that Disney had quietly updated the hours for several booths around the festival, changing their opening time to 11:30AM. When we spoke to Cast Members, we were told that this change would be for weekdays, with the regular 11AM opening time on the weekends.
This came as a surprise to everyone we spoke to who was waiting in line before 11AM. So if you’re heading to the festival soon, make sure to double-check the hours for the places you want to eat. In the My Disney Experience app, hours will only show for that current day.
We’ll keep you in the loop with any other Flower & Garden news, so follow us on social media for the latest.
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See ALL the Details for the Festival Here!
Are you going to the festival this year? What do you think of this change? Tell us in the comments!
I remember when World Showcase opened fully at 9am! As someone who visits the festivals to snack my way around, I’m disappointed with the 11:30 opening time. Is this one more attempt to save a few dollars by reducing service and diminishing client experience? (EX: park purchases sent to your resort, Magical Express, daily Mousekeeping, complementary fast passes, extended hours for all quests, reduced benefits and restriction on the dining plan)
Being a person who sometimes uses her Epcot festivals for a “brunch,” this half hour changes things. I’m sure it’s to save a few dollars in operating costs somehow but come on. I was already not wanting to wait for 11, so skipping Epcot for brunch/lunch is prob what will happen.
Booooo! Bring back 11:00 am….better yet, make it 10:30 am