The 2025 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival has officially kicked off, offering an array of culinary delights. In this review, we delve into the top seven and bottom seven menu items, providing an honest assessment of what visitors can expect. The festival's offerings range from delightful surprises to disappointing misses, showcasing the diversity of flavors and experiences available.

Disappointing Dishes: What to Avoid at the Festival

This section highlights the less favorable menu options that left much to be desired. From overly gamey meats to poorly executed vegetarian dishes, these selections may not meet the expectations of discerning food enthusiasts.

The worst items on offer include a heavily gamey duck confit with herbs Provençal-style gnocchi, which lacked freshness. Another low point was the takoyaki balls, which appeared to be frozen and lacked quality. A Mediterranean vegetable wrap also disappointed, feeling unremarkable and prepackaged. The lemon-elderflower float combined bitter beer with lemon sorbet, creating an unpleasantly tart experience. Among the most disappointing were two coconut water options, one plain and one spiked with rum, both described as thick and unpalatable. These dishes serve as cautionary tales for festival-goers seeking memorable meals.

Culinary Triumphs: The Must-Try Delights

In contrast, several standout dishes have emerged as must-try items for festival attendees. From indulgent desserts to savory main courses, these selections promise a delightful culinary journey through the festival grounds.

Among the best offerings is a s'mores bar that ingeniously combines a fudge brownie with toasted meringue and smoked graham cracker. Equally impressive is a lemon-lavender baumkuchen cake, featuring a crunchy icing and a perfect balance of flavors. The chicken and waffles dish offers a spicy-sweet combination with honey-jalapeño-bacon cornbread waffle. A layered chocoflan dessert from the Mexico booth pairs rich chocolate cake with sweet caramel flan. Noteworthy too is a peaches 'n' cream funnel cake, resembling a peach cobbler with ice cream. Jamaican jerk chicken with pigeon pea rice and roasted plantains rounds out the list, while the Provence poutine, with its perfectly cooked fries and lavender honey, takes the top spot for its exceptional flavor balance. These dishes are sure to elevate the festival experience for all visitors.