Epcot Flower and Garden worth it at Easter?

[AtlantaDisneyDreamer]

Hello all!

I could really use your opinions and tips!

I just accepted my first full-time position in 7 years (teaching), which is great because I finally have a solid income again cool1 and terrible because I now have to travel at the same time as all the other suckers headache.

I have had my heart set on attending the Flower and Garden Festival for some time now, and of course, our school spring break correlates perfectly with Easter. I've been spoiled by being able to attend Disney during the off season and I dread the crowds that I have heard come out of the woodwork during the week before and the week after Easter.

Question: Is it worth it to go the week after Easter, or would you just stay away? How bad is it really? Is the F&G Festival worth braving the crowds?

I would be traveling with my mom (73) and two daughters (8 and 2) and possibly my husband.

My options:

1. Avoid Easter week. Take a couple of days of personal leave and take a short trip the first week of May.

2. Avoid Easter week, skip F&G, and go for a full week when we have our school break in September (probably going to go during this time anyway - spring would be an additional trip).

3. Bite the bullet and go for a full week at Easter. How bad could it be?

What would you do?

 

[TwinPrincessMermaids]

To be honest, these events just aren't a big deal. Some of the bushes as characters were neat but I came May 3 because it was my anniversary and our DCL was a good price, nothing about a garden fest. They sold some art and knickknacks. Food was good. I still think its a gimmick riding on the backs of F&W fest success and they said "let's do it in spring too!' There were masses of people at Hollywood Studios for some pre star wars weekends stuff along with a cheer leading group. EP was busy but didn't feel as busy as HS. Go when it suits you,but basing it off of this " event" seems like a non issue to me. Pretty but every time we go, its pretty.

 

[OhThePain]

To be honest, these events just aren't a big deal. Some of the bushes as characters were neat but I came May 3 because it was my anniversary and our DCL was a good price, nothing about a garden fest. They sold some art and knickknacks. Food was good. I still think its a gimmick riding on the backs of F&W fest success and they said "let's do it in spring too!' There were masses of people at Hollywood Studios for some pre star wars weekends stuff along with a cheer leading group. EP was busy but didn't feel as busy as HS. Go when it suits you,but basing it off of this " event" seems like a non issue to me. Pretty but every time we go, its pretty.

I pretty much agree with this. While F&G is a nice bonus (especially with the marketplaces now), it is just not worth planning a trip around it.

We went the week after Easter this year (4/22-4/27) and the crowds were quite manageable. Slightly busier then when we like to go in October, but very light compaired to Christmas/NYE time.

 

[Mommymarie]

I am also planning a trip to flower/garden over Easter.....and I am also a teacher! Although, I must say if you love flowers (or have a daughter who loves butterflies), it is worth it. I have only been to the flower/garden once in 2003 only I didn't know the festival was going on--I thought Epcot always looked like that. It was gorgeous! When I went back to Epcot another time, I was really disappointed.....it just wasn't the same. With that being said, I have been trying to plan a trip for several years around this event so I can take my mom and daughter with me! I am hoping for 2015