There is always something special going on at Walt Disney World; each season bringing that extra magical touch. My favorite time to visit Walt Disney Resort has always been September. I love the carved Jack -O- Lanterns that line the top of Main Street’s buildings and the fall garlands and wreaths that adorn the lamp posts, with the added bonus of the park attendance being at a low capacity.
One year I decided to take an impromptu trip in May. I was really excited to see Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival, the online pictures were just breathtaking! Going in May was not the only change that was happening during that particular Walt Disney World vacation. This time Rebekah and I were traveling with my sister-in-law Jackie who had not been to the resort since she was sixteen, she was beyond eager for our travels to commence!
Before I share some of the gorgeous topiaries I reveled in, let me share with you a couple highlights of my Walt Disney World vacation with my sister in law.
We had the absolute pleasure of staying at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort; this happens to be one of my top three favorite resorts on WDW property.
Upon checking in we were informed that we had been upgraded from a standard view room to a Junior Suit with Concierge service. I guess at the time I was a bit uninformed because I had no idea what this entailed, but I quickly became informed and just couldn’t believe the extra Magic we were receiving! I asked the Cast Member why we were receiving these upgrades and he replied, “Just because we wanted to make your time extra special.”
After settling ourselves in the room, we made our way up, up, up to Old Faithful Club on the concierge level which was located on the 7th floor. Our Key to the World card gave us special access to this club level. When we loaded onto the elevator, in order to enter onto this floor we had to insert our card into the slot provided.
We enjoyed free continental breakfast in the morning and in the evening it was so wonderful to have a complimentary cocktail! During the day they also offer an afternoon tea that includes yummy treats and in the evening they have a small buffet of dinner foods. This was an amazing experience and one that I was completely grateful to have!
That evening we enjoyed a delicious dinner and dessert at T-Rex in Downtown Disney. I LOVE this restaurant for it’s prehistoric atmosphere. Even if you are not able to stop in for a bite, I suggest you pop in just to take a peek.
The following morning we bee-lined it to the Magic Kingdom. Our first stop was to get Jackie her first pair of Ears where we happened upon another wonderful surprise. She received her name embroidered on her Ears free of charge; they said because we were the first guests of the day! Next onto meet my favorite Mouse…. he needs no introduction!
The next day we visited Epcot and I was so excited to see the International Flower and Garden Festival! During our time there we enjoyed another delicious meal at the Coral Reef in the Living Seas with Nemo and Friends Pavilion. This is another restaurant I just LOVE because of it’s unique setting. It is as if you are dining under the sea with all the beautiful creatures of the ocean. The lower wall is an open view into the Living Sea tanks and it promises to be great view from any table!
NOW …. onto Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival!
Entering the walkway that leads to World Showcase we were greeted by Peter Pan, Captain Hook and tick tock – tick tock, hooks greatest fear!
Coming upon International Gateway we found my favorite fellow and his best girl along with Donald and Daisy.
Starting first with Canada and their beautiful Victoria Gardens~
I adored the tea cups in the United Kingdom where we also met Alice. Along the route we Pooh and friends and here we also found the infamous Captain Hook and both his nemesis’ Peter Pan and tick tock the Alligator!
Moving on toward France we saw gorgeous topiaries of Aurora and Cinderella dancing with their Princes~
Onto Italy we found the most adorable couple, Lady and Tramp. They look beautiful surrounded by all the colorful flowers and plants!
Germany was in great company with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs!
Along our travels we came across the cutest Mickey Heads, I would so love to place these in my front yard so I could share my #Disneyside with all my neighbors!
A not to miss experience is the Butterfly Tent, this particular year it was themed with Bambi and his friends~
This event has become one of my favorite times to visit Epcot. If you are planning a vacation anytime from March to May please make sure to enhance your experience by taking time to meander around World Showcase.
Wow! What an awesome upgrade! Wilderness Lodge is such a beautiful resort. I loved dining at the Coral Reef restaurant. My family went when I was 7 and it is an experience I will never forget. We even saw Mickey swimming in the aquarium!