EPCOT’s Flower & Garden Festival is a breathtaking celebration of nature, food, and creativity. From stunning topiaries to fresh culinary delights, this festival offers something for everyone. Here are five things to know before you go to make your experience even more magical!
Topiaries Bring Disney Characters To Life
The festival’s iconic topiaries are a must-see, as beloved Disney characters are transformed into stunning floral sculptures bursting with color and creativity. This year, Maui, Moana, Heihei, and Pua will be making waves at the main entrance of EPCOT, welcoming guests with their beautifully detailed designs.
Each topiary is crafted with incredible artistry, making them perfect for photo opportunities and a true highlight of the festival. Be on the lookout for fan favorites like Mickey and Minnie, along with new and returning character topiaries scattered throughout the park. Themed gardens and specialty displays add even more floral magic, making every corner of EPCOT a blooming masterpiece.
Taste Fresh, Festival-Exclusive Flavors
The Outdoor Kitchens at EPCOT’s Flower & Garden Festival offer a delicious array of seasonal dishes and drinks inspired by fresh, garden-grown ingredients. From savory entrées like grilled vegetables, seafood, and barbecue specialties to sweet treats such as honey-infused desserts and citrus delights, there’s something to satisfy every palate.
For an interactive experience, take part in the Garden Graze, a food stroll where you collect stamps in your Festival Passport by purchasing select dishes. Once you’ve completed the stroll, you’ll receive a special culinary reward! With so many fresh flavors to explore, the festival is a food lover’s paradise.
Live Music in Full Bloom
The Garden Rocks Concert Series brings talented performers to the America Gardens Theatre, offering a fantastic way to unwind after a day of exploring EPCOT’s Flower & Garden Festival. From classic rock bands to contemporary artists, these high-energy performances add an extra layer of entertainment to the festival experience.
Concerts take place three times daily at 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM, and 8:00 PM, and standby seating is available for every show at no additional cost. However, for the best seats, consider booking a Garden Rocks Dining Package, which guarantees priority seating along with a delicious meal at one of EPCOT’s restaurants.
You can view this year’s full lineup of performers, as well as Dining Package restaurant options and pricing, online. Keep in mind that reservations open up to 60 days in advance, so booking early is recommended to secure your spot.
Interactive Fun for All Ages
The festival offers interactive activities that make it fun for guests of all ages. Kids will love Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration, a scavenger hunt where they search for Spike the Bee hidden throughout the World Showcase. A brand-new addition this year is Playalong Bay Play Garden, a themed playground inspired by Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club. Located between the Imagination! Pavilion and the entrance to World Showcase, this play area offers a fun space for little ones to explore and unwind.
For those looking to capture the magic, be sure to check out the PhotoPass opportunities. The festival features exclusive Magic Shots, including the whimsical Figment topiary shot, perfect for creating special memories.
Festival Gardens
Throughout the park, specialty gardens highlight everything from fragrant herbs and stunning orchids to tranquil Japanese bonsai displays, providing peaceful retreats and perfect photo opportunities. This year, World Celebration introduces an exciting new garden inspired by Inside Out 2, where guests can explore how different plants represent the language of emotions, bringing joy, sadness, and curiosity to life through nature. Another must-visit is Butterfly Landing, a kaleidoscope of color where you can observe numerous butterfly species fluttering among vibrant flowers, creating a magical and immersive experience. Whether you’re strolling through whimsical floral landscapes or discovering the connections between plants and emotions, EPCOT’s gardens offer a deeper appreciation for the artistry of nature.
EPCOT’s Flower & Garden Festival is a vibrant celebration of the season, blending Disney magic with the wonders of nature. From stunning floral displays and unique dishes to live entertainment and hands-on activities, this festival is a must-visit for any Disney fan.
Featured Photo: Emily Murray.
Written by
Marissa Coffta
Marissa’s lifelong enchantment with Disney magic began in her childhood and has continued to flourish. She is a mom to 3, who frequently embarks on solo or family adventures to Disney World. Currently living out of state, she takes many modes of transportation to experience the wonder of Disney firsthand. Her fervent passion for writing fuels her with the hopes of bringing the world of Disney to life, making the magic a part of her world.
