A Front Row Feast: My Garden Rocks Dinner Package Experience at EPCOT

 

Spring at EPCOT means one thing to me—it's time for the Flower and Garden Festival. The park comes alive with vibrant blooms, stunning topiaries, and the kind of fresh, floral energy that makes just walking around feel like a celebration. But nestled within all that magic is a gem I look forward to each year: the Garden Rocks concert series. Free with park admission, these performances are always fun, but for the second year in a row, I went all-in and booked the Garden Rocks Dinner Package. Front row seats, a delicious meal, and live music? Yes, please.

This year, I chose to dine at Le Cellier Steakhouse in the Canada Pavilion, an easy pick for a steak lover like me. 

Since I was running the next day, I opted for the earliest performance at 5:30 p.m., which meant a 2:50 p.m. dinner reservation. An early dinner suits me just fine, especially when it means I’ll be in bed early and up with the sunrise.

The package at Le Cellier was priced at $99 and included an entrée, their famous bread service, and dessert. While drinks weren’t part of the deal, I couldn’t resist ordering my favorite cocktail—the Ottawa Apple. Worth every penny.

The bread came out first, and I have to pause for a moment of silence. Their pretzel bread alone is reason enough to book this meal, and the butter? Let’s just say it had a touch of maple sugar and probably should be illegal. I could’ve eaten that and left happy. 

But then came the main event.

I ordered the Filet Mignon, which was served with mushroom risotto, Pomodoraccio tomatoes, truffle butter sauce, and petit herbs. It was cooked perfectly and so tender that my knife practically slid through it. The flavors blended beautifully, rich and earthy with just the right amount of brightness from the tomatoes. 

For dessert, I went with the Maple Crème Brûlée—silky, sweet, and caramelized to perfection. I left feeling beyond full and only slightly ashamed that I enjoyed it all so thoroughly. 

No regrets, but yes, I did waddle out of there.

With a happy heart and a very full stomach, I made my way to the American Gardens Theater. This is the real magic of the dinner package: preferred seating. It usually means the front or second row, and for the second year in a row, I ended up right in the front. Nothing beats that view, especially when the music starts.

This weekend’s performers were The Orchestra, featuring former members of ELO and ELO Part II. I’ll be honest—they’ve aged like any rockers do: a little rough around the edges. But age didn’t affect their performance. 

They may move a bit slower than they used to, but their energy was still very much alive. The music took over and they delivered hit after hit, including Evil Woman, Sweet Talkin’ Woman, and Hold On Tight. Each performance during the festival is about 30 minutes long, but it flies by when you're singing along to classics. I left the theater humming all the way back to my resort, fully satisfied—body, soul, and stomach.

If you’re planning to visit EPCOT during the Flower and Garden Festival and want a truly memorable experience, I highly recommend the Garden Rocks Dinner Package. Whether you're a foodie, a music lover, or just someone who appreciates a good seat — it's well worth the price. Just be sure to book early, because those front row spots, they’re magical… and they go fast.

Until next year, Garden Rocks. I’ll be back — steak knife in one hand, concert ticket in the other.

Sangria University at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort: The Perfect Post-Race Celebration

After completing all three races of the SpringTime Surprise Challenge at Disney World, I knew I deserved a celebration. Instead of running to the parks (pun intended), I decided to do something a little more... educational. That’s right — I enrolled in Sangria University at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, held at the gorgeous Three Bridges Bar & Grill.

Now, before you raise an eyebrow, let’s just agree: this isn’t excessive drinking — it’s hydration and education. After all that running, a little rehydration seemed only fair.

I’ll admit, I was a little nervous I’d be the only solo “student.” But I quickly found out there were four of us flying solo, and to our delight, we scored the best seats in the house: right at the edge of the restaurant with a beautiful view of Lago Dorado, the sparkling lake at the heart of the resort. A soft breeze, sunshine, and incredible scenery set the perfect tone for our “class.”

Waiting at my table was a small plate of chips and guacamole (honestly, some of the best I’ve had) and a flight of four Sangria samples — and when I say “samples,” don’t picture tiny sips. These were full, hearty pours. To balance things out (and cleanse the palate), there was also a giant bottle of water.

Upon being seated, the server encouraged us to start drinking right away. Awww, just like my college days! (Wait, who said that?) I sampled all four Sangrias, and while only one really captured my heart, the white Sangria, that didn’t stop me from tasting all of them. I was celebrating, after all.

When "class" officially started, our instructor shared a little background about Sangria, the components that make it up, how Walt Disney himself brought Sangria to the resort, and some fun history about Coronado Springs. It was fascinating (and slightly buzzed) learning.

Then came “test time” we each got to craft our own custom glass of Sangria! We selected our wine, liquor, and juice combinations. While there was an option to upgrade to premium liquors, I stuck with what my “tuition” covered. 

I love anything bubbly, so I chose sparkling wine as my base. I added Peach Schnapps and a mix of cranberry juice, pomegranate juice, and hibiscus juice, each portioned into cute little shot glasses (because apparently a lot of my tuition goes toward dish soap!).

Our instructor even dropped a slice of strawberry and a raspberry into my glass to finish it off.

Funny enough, even though my favorite flight sample was a white Sangria, the drink I created turned out to be a red Sangria — and it was delicious. The hibiscus juice added a tartness that I loved.

After our final exam (a.k.a. drinking our masterpieces), the “tuition bill” arrived. 

Because I prepaid for the class, all I had to pay was the tip. We were also awarded official Sangria University diplomas and on the back were the recipes for all four Sangrias we sampled, plus our custom creation.

Before leaving, we got to pose with the Sangria University cutout board, and you know I didn’t pass up that photo op!

At $79 (plus tip), Sangria University is an absolute steal, especially at Disney prices. Think about it: five full drinks, huge bottle of water, delicious guac and chips, a beautiful view, and a two-hour experience filled with fun and laughter. It’s the perfect mix of relaxation, education, and celebration. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking for a unique Disney experience.

If you're planning a post-race treat, a special afternoon with friends, or just want a little extra magic with a splash of Sangria, Sangria University is a must-do!

You can catch all the fun and see more of my experience on my YouTube channel, don’t forget to check it out, just click here!

A Sweet and Slightly Lost Adventure at Chip ‘N’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long

My love of s’mores and those feisty little chipmunks, Chip and Dale, made Disney’s Chip ‘N’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long at Fort Wilderness Campgrounds an absolute must-do for me. Getting there was easy thanks to Disney’s bus transportation, but finding the exact location of the event? That was a different story. Maybe it was my lack of a sense of direction, but let’s just say Fort Wilderness is huge—with multiple trails, breathtaking scenery, and golf carts zipping around like they own the place. I was tempted to stick out my thumb for a ride more than once.

After wandering a bit, I finally found the Meadow
Trading Post area, where the fun would take place. And, true to my usual habits, I arrived way too early—a solid 30 minutes before anything even started. Better early than late, right? 

This same area is also where they show the outdoor movies, and there was plenty of stadium-style seating available.

I had assumed that marshmallows were complimentary and that you only had to purchase the chocolate. So, I came prepared with some leftover Ghirardelli Easter squares, thinking I was about to make the most gourmet s’mores imaginable. Spoiler alert: I was wrong—nothing is free, not even the marshmallows.

If you want to participate in making s’mores, you need to buy a s’mores kit for ten dollars. It comes with everything: a stick, marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers—enough to feed half the campground. Since I couldn’t possibly eat it all, I ended up giving my extras to a family with several kids, which felt like a win-win.

Before the fire was lit, Chip and Dale led a game of Charades, which was hilarious to watch. The kids had a blast guessing, and those chipmunks were just as mischievous as ever.

Once the campfire was ready, everyone who had s’mores kits headed over to roast marshmallows. There is nothing better than a s’more made over an open fire. Absolutely nothing.

Then, the Sing-A-Long began. Our entertainer, a very talented guitar player, led the crowd in fun, familiar tunes before Chip and Dale took the stage for a short comedy routine. It was classic Disney charm at its finest.

After the show, the movie under the stars started, but I had to head out early. Why? Because I had to be up at one in the morning for the 10K race of the Springtime Surprise race challenge. What was I thinking? My plan was simple: head to the buses and get back to my resort.

Well… it would have been simple if I had any sense of direction.

Now that it was dark, finding my way back was even worse. After wandering aimlessly for thirty minutes, I finally stumbled upon one of the Outposts and begged a Cast Member for help. She suggested I take the boat across Seven Seas Lagoon to Magic Kingdom and then catch a bus back to my resort.

Great. Except… I then spent another fifteen minutes trying to find the boat launch.

Eventually, I made it out of Fort Wilderness, but let’s just say next time, I’m bringing a map or a GPS.

Despite my navigational struggles, the Chip ‘N’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long was an absolute delight. If you love s’mores, Disney magic, and a little chipmunk mischief, it’s definitely worth checking out—just be sure to know how to get back when it’s over. 

To watch all the campfire fun on my YouTube channel, just click here

Discovering the Magic of Garden Rocks Concert at Epcot

As many times as I’ve been to Epcot, I never knew they had concerts—free concerts, no less! During the International Flower and Garden Festival, they host a fantastic lineup of performances known as the Garden Rocks Concert Series.

I happened to be at Epcot during the 2024 Springtime Surprise Race Weekend, and the featured performers were none other than Plain White T’s. The concerts take place at the America Gardens Theatre, located right in front of The American Adventure attraction. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. However, I opted for the Garden Rocks Concert Dining Package, which offers preferred seating when you dine at one of the participating restaurants in Epcot. The cost is just under $100 and you have many restaurants to choose from.

My concert time was 6:45 PM, and my dinner reservation was at 4:10 PM, giving me plenty of time to enjoy my meal at Rose & Crown in the United Kingdom pavilion. The package included an appetizer, entrée, dessert, and a non-alcoholic beverage. Of course, I also indulged in a Cider & Blackcurrant Imperial Pint, and it was absolutely delicious!

Here’s what I ordered:

• Appetizer: Scotch Egg – A golden-fried, hard-boiled cage-free egg wrapped in sausage with mustard sauce. Since I’ve had it before and loved it, this was an easy choice!

• Entrée: Bangers and Mash – English sausage with colcannon potatoes, mushrooms, onions, and red wine demi. I usually go for the Shepherd’s Pie, but this was a great alternative. I’d order it again and again!

• Dessert: Sticky Toffee Pudding – Steamed pudding 'cake' served with warm vanilla custard and hot butter-rum sauce. No hesitation here—this was a must!

After dinner, I headed over to the theater, where I received a wristband for my dining package. This wristband granted me early entry—a full 30 minutes before general admission. For the first time ever, I had front-row seating at a concert, and it was incredible!

The 30-minute performance flew by, but it was beyond enjoyable. To my surprise, I found myself thinking that Tim Lopez was the standout vocalist of the night. Sorry, Tom Higgenson, you’re still great, but Tim’s performance, especially a song he wrote during a tough time in his life, gave me goosebumps. Of course, they ended the night with their iconic hit, “Hey There Delilah”, which had the entire audience singing along.   

If you’ve never attended one of these concerts, you absolutely should! It’s included with your theme park admission, unless you opt for the dining package. The best part? These aren’t just local, unknown artists—they bring in top-tier bands and vocalists. While there are no bad seats in the house, seating is limited, making the dining package well worth it for priority access.

Next year, when I return for the races in April, I’ll definitely be booking the Garden Rocks Dining Package again.

Want to see my concert experience? Click here to watch it on YouTube!