Hey everybody and welcome to my long in-process blog from the Dopey Challenge 2025 at Walt Disney World. I know I've been sharing Vlogs about my Dopey Challenge Journey and I'll be linking them into this update as well. 

But I'm old school. I like being able to write down my thoughts about something so monumental that I was able to do in my life. Not only for myself personally, but also the ability to give something back through donations to the American Cancer Society. Something that is very meaningful to me. 

And while I'm still clinging to the Dopey being "one and done" for me, I will be back with Team Determination most likely in 2026 for the Wine and Dine Half Marathon. So stay tuned. 

Let's get on with it and move back to January 7, 2025. Over 2 months ago (and maybe close to 3 by the time I actually get this posted). As I made my way from Southern California to Orlando to begin my challenge. 

​I have to be honest, on the mornings before my wife arrived my biggest concern was actually waking up.

​5k Day, good start! ​Although it was so early, my phone still thought I was on CA time (11:33pm)

I want to share our Dopey Tips video below, be sure you check it out if you are planning on taking on this challenge. I did a LOT of research for the Dopey, so I've incorporated some of that into this video. Surprisingly, I didn't find a lot of tips on spectating for the Dopey and most likely other WDW Race Weekends. So I've also included tips for spectators. 

​I wanted to list them here in addition to sharing the video. 

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New! Groot, Asha and Miguel Topiaries Debut 

Once again, Disney horticulture cast members have created a spectacular array of topiaries featuring myriad Disney characters, seasonal displays and whimsical items. Debuting this year, Groot takes root in EPCOT! The “flora colossus” from the “Guardians of the Galaxy” trilogy will appear near the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind attraction in World Discovery. In the spirit of season one of the Disney+ “I Am Groot” series, Groot is trying his hand at creating his own topiary. Observant guests may spy an homage to the horticulture team on the mix tape that Groot is hoisting in the air. 

Also new this year, guests can see new topiaries from the Walt Disney Animation Studios film “Wish,” including Asha, Valentino and Star, at the park’s main entrance. And in Mexico, Miguel and Dante from Disney Pixar’s “Coco” take center stage. 
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As part of the topiary magic, guests will see everyone’s favorite dragon, Figment, in the newly opened World Celebration Gardens, and a Princess Tiana topiary gracing The American Adventure pavilion. ​

Gardens to Relish and Enjoy 

More than 25 garden destinations are found throughout the park, inviting guests to pause as they learn more about the fascinating plant world.  

Inspiring displays include Floating Gardens in World Nature, featuring more than 170 petite plots drifting on the serene waters that border the bridge to World Showcase. Festival Blooms creates a panorama of vibrant color in World Celebration. Nearby, guests will love the new PB&J Garden presented by Smucker’s Uncrustables, which offers a playful exploration of the quintessential American snack.
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In World Discovery, Songbird Meadow presented by Wild Birds Unlimited beckons feathered friends with attractive flora and teaches guests simple steps for creating their own bird paradise. And in World Showcase, guests can once again enjoy the English Tea Garden presented by Twinings, as well as tours showcasing plants used in some of Twinings’ finest teas. ​

Outdoor Kitchens Bloom with Flavor 
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It would not be an EPCOT festival without innovative and mouthwatering dishes and drinks to savor. New bites and sips such as the Cubanito with mojo-marinated pork belly, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles and stone ground mustard sauce at Florida Fresh and the Key Lime Wine Slush at The Citrus Blossom join returning guest favorites at 18 festival-exclusive Outdoor Kitchens throughout the park. Familiar flavors include Chicken & Waffles at The Honey Bee-stro Hosted by the National Honey Board, the Muffuletta Panini at Magnolia Terrace and the Chocolate Whisky Cake at Northern Bloom. ​

Garden Graze Food Stroll  
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To elevate their culinary exploration, guests can take part in Garden Graze, a fun and fresh food stroll highlighting sweet and savory flavors across the festival. To participate, guests select five dishes from specified menu items – all listed in the Festival Passport. Upon purchase, guests receive a stamp in their passport. When they collect five stamps, they can bring their passport back to Pineapple Promenade for a special treat. Because the Garden Graze can be completed at guests’ leisure over multiple visits, they can redeem their completed passport anytime during the festival. ​

Interactive Elements Beckon Discovery and Play 

 The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is the perfect place for interactive fun, especially for families with little ones. 

At this year’s festival, the whole family can join in the fun with two seasonal scavenger hunts. Throughout the festival, follow Spike the Bee on his pollination trail where he is “buzzing” to collect nectar from all the beautiful gardens with Spike’s Pollination Exploration. And for a limited time, guests can also hop around World Showcase for the Egg-stravaganza Hunt! Twelve beautiful, bunny-inspired eggs will be placed throughout the park for festival goers to find. Maps for both scavenger hunts will be available for purchase while supplies last. Once their journey is complete – whether or not they find all the items – guests can redeem their map at Disney Traders, Creations Shop or World Traveler at International Gateway for a special surprise.* 

Also back this year, Butterfly Landing presented by AdventHealth offers guests the chance to get up close and personal with some of nature’s most beautiful pollinators – butterflies. The walkthrough butterfly house highlights the life cycle of butterflies and contains colorful pollinator gardens that may serve as inspiration for budding gardeners looking to cultivate their own pollinator plots. 
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At Blossoms of Fragrance presented by Scentsy, guests can follow their noses to create lasting memories with the help of unforgettable fragrances. New this year, guests can bring home some of their favorite fragrances from Blossoms of Fragrance, which will be available at the merchandise kiosk located nearby.
Looking for a place to get a little energy out? At Camp Get Out ‘N’ Play Garden Presented by OFF!, families can explore a camp-themed garden where kids can jump, play, climb and explore this area created just for them. ​

Groove to the Sounds of Garden Rocks  

Dance and sing along to favorite songs as the popular Garden Rocks concert series takes to the American Gardens Theatre stage daily during the festival. Featuring both local and globally recognized acts, there is something for everyone. 
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This year, new groups join the lineup, including Modern English, Crowder, Fonseca, Lit, and Monsieur Periné. Also, for the first time, Raul Acosta & Oro Solido will share the stage with Luisito, then return the next day with Magic Juan.** ​

Garden Rocks Dining Packages Open Feb. 6 
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To guarantee priority seating for their preferred performances, guests can book Dining Packages, available at seven EPCOT restaurants: 

• Akershus Royal Banquet Hall 

• Biergarten Restaurant 
• Coral Reef Restaurant 
• Garden Grill Restaurant 
• Rose & Crown Dining Room 
• Le Cellier Steakhouse 
• Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Brews & Barbecue (same-day, in-person walk-up packages only, subject to availability) 

For more information, including the full band lineup as well as dining package pricing and availability, visit DisneyWorld.com.  ​

New Festival Merchandise Blossoms 

Celebrate a visit to the festival with official event merchandise, available at Festival Markets and Creations Shop while supplies last. 

Guests can spread a little sunshine everywhere they go with adorable Orange Bird apparel, accessories, garden decor and more, or “seize the moment” with headwear, home decor and apparel inspired by characters from “Coco.” 

Fluttering into the spotlight at the 2024 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, the Butterfly Collection stars Minnie Mouse in a beautiful, flowery assortment. Annual Passholders will also find a passholder-exclusive collection featuring Spike the Bee, the festival’s favorite pollinator friend. Select festival merchandise will also be coming to shopDisney March 4. 

Mini Festival Gift Cards allow guests to go cash-free for the festival. Activated with as little as $15, they are a convenient way to pay as guests shop and taste their way around the world. 
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To learn more about this year’s EPCOT International Flower & Garden festival, visit DisneyWorld.com.  
*Redemption valid through May 27 or while supplies last. 
 **Entertainment subject to change without notice. ​

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Paying tribute to the original treehouse that Walt Disney and his Imagineers built in 1962 for the movie “Swiss Family Robinson,” the Adventureland Treehouse inspired by Walt Disney’s Swiss Family Robinson will open in a fresh, new way Nov. 10, 2023, at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, Calif.

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