Orlando Vacations: International Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot

So I am continuing the search for fun and unique events across the country and soon across the world and I have always been a fan of garden exhibits.  From the unparalled beauty of the Classical Chinese Gardens in Portland, Oregon to the neighborhood green thumb there isn't much else like a zen stroll through a lush garden full of vibrant colors and sweet smells.

"Most cherished in this mundane world is a place without traffic; truly in the midst of a city there can be mountain and forest."~ Wen Zhengming (1470-1559)

This time though I gotta hand it to the mecca of Disney World Epcot and their International Flower and Garden Festival.  Their multitude of gardens range from the nostalgic flower sculptures of childhood heroes to the "Sculpture Garden" filled with wonderful works of art on loan from some of Florida's most prestigious collections.

A unique theme in this years festival is the practice of conservation in gardening.  A very relevant theme in this time of seemingly perpetual waste and environmental doom and gloom.  There are several gardens that exemplify tips to eco friendly gardening and water conservation including their "Green Garden (low input gardening)," "Lush Xeriscapes (minimizing water), " and my personal favorite the "Water Garden Wonders," a creative and beautiful water garden which uses rainwater.  Pretty cool huh?

Venue: Epcot Theme Park
Date Range: 03/19/08 - 06/01/08
Schedule: Daily
Event Type: Festival- Arts Festival
Event Cost: Included with admission to Epcot

Great Deals on Great Spots
My Pick: The Skinny on the Wyndham Resort

Locale:
Orlando is sunny, tropical and perfect Resort atmosphere which is why my Orlando pick this week is the Wyndham Resort.  This gorgeous 42 acre resort sits on a lush an tranquil lagoon-laced oasis a stones throw from major attractions and includes a complimentary shuttle to Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Wet 'n Wild.
Hotel Specs:
Augustines Bar and Grille serves buffet style breakfast and a la carte meals which I particularly enjoy because I can get up, eat what I want and bail to enjoy the day.  Also at Gatorville, tropical bevs and unique fare is served poolside which is a nice touch, especially if you like to start early.  The hotel has three gorgeous heated pools a fitness and a fitness center for you body buffs.

Guestrooms:
It's nice to have a little insight about the rooms your in so here ar the basics.  These classic Florida-style guestroom's feature madras fabrics and bamboo furniture that tropical feel.  They are also equipped with high speed internet access and feature several amenities including Golden door toiletries and in room massages by appointment.

If you have any other advice, tips, tricks, hotels events or travel ideas be sure to drop me a line or leave a comment and let me know!