Spring is almost in the air which means one thing in Orlando - the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival has bloomed into life at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. The World Showcase pavilions have been adorned with beautiful flowers and creative topiaries, and outdoor kitchens have popped up with delicious dishes inspired by nature.
This year’s festival runs from February 28th until May 27th, so get ready to taste, smell and hear the beauty that is springtime at EPCOT.
Topiaries and Global Gardens
What really sets the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival apart from the park’s other festivals is the beautiful floral installations created by Disney’s team of incredibly talented horticulturalists.
As you make your way around the World Showcase, you’ll be able to spot all of your favourite Disney Characters in floral form, including Mirabel, Tiana, Peter Pan, Mickey Mouse, and so many more! And you won’t want to miss the brand-new Wish topiaries featuring Asha, Valentino, and the Wishing Star!
You’ll want to make time to explore all the amazing Global Gardens throughout the park too. Weave through the colourful beds and smell the flowers as you learn all about the ways the natural world comes to life in different countries and cultures. This year’s gardens include:
- (NEW) Gnome Garden - Germany Pavilion
- (NEW) China Penjing Garden - China Pavilion
- Blossoms of Fragrance Presented by Scentsy - World Showcase Bridge
- Shakespeare Garden - United Kingdom Pavilion
- Songbird Meadow Presented by Wild Birds Unlimited - World Discovery
- Floating Garden - World Nature
Outdoor Kitchens
It wouldn’t be an EPCOT festival without an incredible menu full of creative cuisines to try! This year there will be a total of 19 outdoor kitchens throughout World Showcase, serving up fresh, fragrant and floral delights. Experience the ‘impossible’ with plant-based foods at Trowel and Trellis (hosted by Impossible™), try those famous Floridian oranges at The Citrus Blossom, or experience a taste of the bayou at Magnolia Terrace. There’ll be something that everyone in the family will love!
Top Tip! Make sure you pick up a Festival Passport on your first visit to the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, as this will be your guide to everything on offer. Use this to complete the Garden Graze trail too, and once you’ve tried at least five of the ten featured dishes and collected your stamps, you’ll receive an exclusive treat from Pineapple Promenade!
Garden Rocks Concert Series
Once the sun starts setting on the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, the American Adventure Pavilion will come to life with music thanks to exclusive concerts by artists you know and love, taking place almost every night at 5:30pm, 6:45pm and 8pm. Get ready to get into the groove at the Garden Rocks Concert Series, with acts including The Pointer Sisters, The Commodores, The Plain White T's, and Simple Plan.
Want to make sure you don’t miss an artist you particularly love? Dining packages are available to book at participating restaurants, including Biergarten Restaurant, Le Cellier Steakhouse, Rose & Crown Dining Room and Spice Road Table, offering a delicious meal and guaranteed seating to one Garden Rocks concert on the same day!
Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration
The beauty of the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival wouldn’t be possible without the help of pollinators like Spike the Bee. Guests of all ages can purchase a Pollen-Nation Exploration map and sticker set from select merchandise locations and follow Spike’s pollination trail through the Global Gardens. When you finish the scavenger hunt, you’ll receive a special surprise!
If you’re heading to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida this spring, a day exploring the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is a must! Book your tickets now!
