Things are about to bloom at Epcot as the park prepares for the annual Flower and Garden Festival.

Welcome to the park!
Welcome to Epcot!
There is a Zootopia skin on Monorail Orange.
There is a Zootopia skin on Monorail Orange.
Innoventions is missing its sign.
Innoventions is missing its sign.

_DSC4165

The Land pavilion is very empty, with both Soarin' and the Circle of Life film both closed.
The Land pavilion is very empty, with Soarin’ and the Circle of Life film both closed. That makes now a great time to visit the food court and hop aboard the Land ride. 

_DSC4167

More Zoo-Rail.
More Zoo-Rail.

_DSC4169

Prep starting to happen for the butterfly garden as part of Flower and Garden.
Prep starting to happen for the butterfly garden as part of Flower and Garden.
Markers in the ground for the giant flower beds.
Markers in the ground for the giant flower beds.

_DSC4172

Trees lining the pathway from Future World to World Showcase in preparation for the festival.
Trees lining the pathway from Future World to World Showcase in preparation for the festival.

_DSC4175

_DSC4176

TradNation has taken the place of the Lumberjacks, returning music to Canada's stage.
TradNation has taken the place of the Lumberjacks, returning music to Canada’s stage.

_DSC4178

_DSC4179

_DSC4180

_DSC4181

_DSC4182

I rag on Spice Road Table a lot for having no guests, but perhaps it really is time they reevaluate their menu and prices to get some people in there.
I rag on Spice Road Table a lot for having no guests, but perhaps it really is time they reevaluate their menu and prices to get some people in there. It’s a BEAUTIFUL spot which just doesn’t resonate with guests.

_DSC4184

_DSC4185

_DSC4186

_DSC4187

_DSC4188

_DSC4189

There is a special exhibit inside the American Adventure for Black History Month.
There is a special exhibit inside the American Adventure for Black History Month.

_DSC4192

_DSC4193

_DSC4194

_DSC4195

Black History month is being celebrated throughout the month of February at the American Adventure Pavilion at Epcot. An exhibit of rare art, books and artifacts from African American history are on display inside the pavilion.

_DSC4191
On Saturday February 13 for 1-2pm and 3-4pm, celebrity Chef and award winning author G.Garvin will be hosting a book signing at the American Adventure Pavilion.

_DSC4197

_DSC4198

Walls up at the Biergarden area more than likely for Flower and Garden kitchens.
Walls up at the Biergarden area more than likely for Flower and Garden kitchens.

_DSC4200

The Temple of Heaven in China is under refurbishment.
The Temple of Heaven in China is under refurbishment.
Lunch Special in China
China Pavilion at Epcot is ringing in the Chinese Year of the Monkey. Nine Dragons restaurant located in the China Pavilion will be offering special menu items and a new prix fixe lunch menu. The 3 steamed buns are an especially good treat. These new lunch specials and other unique menu items were added on February 8 and will run through January 2017
The inside of the Temple is still open for business.
The inside of the Temple is still open for business.

_DSC4204

Nothing new at Frozenstrom.
Nothing new at Frozenstrom.
There is some new steel rising where the Frozen meet and greet will go.
There is some new steel rising where the Frozen meet and greet will go.

_DSC4207

_DSC4208

_DSC4209

_DSC4210

Heading back into Future World, this path by Test Track and MouseGear is closed to get ready for Flower and Garden.
Heading back into Future World, this path by Test Track and MouseGear is closed to get ready for Flower and Garden.
_DSC4212
Please pardon our dust as we prepare for the 22nd annual International Flower & Garden Festival. March 2, 2016 – May 30, 2016.

 

With Soarin' closed, Test Track has consistently had 75-80 minute standby waits.
With Soarin’ closed, Test Track has consistently had 75-80 minute standby waits.
Still no sponsorship for Mission: Space.
Still no sponsorship for Mission: Space.

_DSC4215

Soon, Wonders of Life will be the Festival Center for Flower and Garden once more.
Soon, Wonders of Life will be the Festival Center for Flower and Garden once more.

_DSC4217

That's it!
That’s it!

 

More news from around the  Disney World

Fancy an elegant afternoon tea? The Crescent Solarium at Disney’s Beach Club resort is offering several different tea services. There is even a special service for Guests ages 3-9. Upcoming dates include February 11-14 and 18-21.

 

That does it for this week’s column. Do you like what you see? Excited for Epcot Flower and Garden Fest? Let us know in the comments below. Thanks for reading!

If you appreciate what we do here and would like to support Dateline Disney World, you can shop at Amazon.com using my link (please CLICK HERE before you do). It won’t cost you any extra, and it’ll help out the column!!

Cory Disbrow
Cory likes Walt Disney World so much, he recently packed his bags and moved to Orlando. Cory is a photographer and writes MiceChat's Dateline Disney World columns every Friday.