Flower and Garden Festival? About This Page:

[elcodfish]

Ok, so we are going to WDW May 22-27 which is during the Flower and Garden Festival and I am a little freaked out. I am highly allergic to wasps and bees and the very sight of them panics me, and if I get stung I need to get to the hospital ASAP. Luckily, that has not happened since 1996, but I am still very nervous about the possibilty of being stung. We usually visit Disney in the winter time, and the one time we went in the summer, I don't remember seeing any bees, but I am affraid that because of all the flora they will be buzzing around Epcot. I know if I get stung I will get help immediately, but obviously, I don't want that to happen. So I guess my question is, does the festival seem to attract bees? Is there a way to avoid flowers while there? Are the flowers set up in certain areas or is it kind of everywhere? Thanks!

Erica

[SARH7]

We went last year and I really don't remember tons of bees....but then again...I'm sure when you're allergic...you are more aware of them!

The sculptures are set up mostly within flower beds that already exist....and many of them are made of non flowering plants too. I really don't think there is a whole lot more flowers than the amount that already decorates Epcot year round.

[TheMadonna3]

The flowers are EVERY-WHERE....

However, I too don't remember seeing any pests while we were there. I mean, there might have been some, but it wasn't enough that I would notice. However, it's true that a lot of the topiaries are non-flowering and they usually just redesign current flower beds. Don't get me wrong there will be a lot in bloom, but I don't think you are unique in your situation and I am sure that's been considered.

Don't you carry an epi-pen just in case of emergency?

Also, you are going at a time of year when Florida is in spring bloom. I think you would need to have this concern at all the parks and not just EPCOT.

[RobDVC]

The bee population is very well controlled in the WDW parks. I think your biggest concern would be near trashcans. That's where I've noticed yellowjackets most often.

[elcodfish]

I always have my epipen, but it isn't as easy as, get stung, use pen, be fine, you still have to go to the hospital and you feel horrible for days. Just to be safe, I never wear perfume or scented shampoos in the summer. I also never eat outside or carry a drink outside, besides water and just to safe at disney, my husband always throws out the trash. I was just wondering about Epcot if there were planters in the walkways and everywhere to the point where you were always in close contact with flowers, if that was the case we were going to wait until nighttime to visit that park. Thanks so much for your answers!

[jenifermg0]

While it wasn't during the Flower and Garden Festival, I did notice that the only place I really saw ANY kind of insect was at horseback riding at Fort Wilderness. I mentioned this to a bus driver and she told me that Disney sprays the heck out of the parks!! When we went we were also somewhat concerned as DH's buddy is allergic (though not as bad as you it appears) and so we too are highly aware of wasps etc. Good luck. I would guess that if you take your usual precautions and maybe just be a bit more aware (don't freak out if one comes near you), you should be fine and will have a wonderful trip.

[chezp]

I really don't recall seeing any more bees or wasps during the Festival than at any other time.