It may be winter according to the calendar, but spring is nearly blooming at Walt Disney World Resort. And nothing says springtime fun like the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival!
This year’s festival will begin on Feb. 28 and continue through May 27 for ninety days full of beautiful topiaries, inspirational gardens, delicious dishes and rockin’ music celebrating spring. From the tiniest tykes to the young at heart, there’s something for everyone!
Today we’re sharing more details, from new topiaries to acts coming to the Garden Rocks concert series. Let’s dig in!
New Topiaries to Enjoy
Each spring, we look forward to the astounding topiaries our Disney horticulture cast create for the festival.
This year, more than 70 topiaries, featuring a delightful array of Disney characters as well as other figures and whimsical items, will fill the park. As part of the topiary magic, guests can also look forward to seeing everyone’s favorite dragon, Figment, in the newly opened World Celebration Gardens.
Something else we’re excited to share: For the first time, Groot takes root at EPCOT! The flora colossus from the “Guardians of the Galaxy” trilogy will appear near Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind in World Discovery.
Also new this year, guests can look forward to viewing new topiaries from the Walt Disney Animation Studios film “Wish,” including Asha, Valentino and the Wishing Star, at the park’s main entrance. And in Mexico, we’re thrilled to share that Miguel and Dante from Disney Pixar’s “Coco” will take center stage!
Fresh Garden Rocks Concert Series
It’s time to dance and sing along to guest favorites as the popular Garden Rocks concert series takes to the American Gardens Theatre stage daily during the festival. Featuring local and globally recognized acts, there’s something for everyone.
This year, we’ll welcome new groups, including Modern English, Crowder, Lit, Monsieur Perine, and Fonseca. And for the first time, Raul Acosta & Oro Solido will share the stage with Magic Juan, then return the next day with Luisito Ayala and The Puerto Rican Power Band in a series of unforgettable performances.*
Garden Rocks Dining Packages Open Feb. 6
To guarantee priority seating for your preferred performances, be sure to check out Dining Packages, available at seven fabulous 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)
For more information, including pricing and availability, visit DisneyWorld.com. Packages go on sale beginning Feb. 6.
Flavor Abounds at Outdoor Kitchens
It wouldn’t be an EPCOT festival without innovative and delicious dishes and drinks to savor! Stay tuned to Disney Travel News for the official Foodie Guide to EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival as we dish on all the new flavors coming to this year’s event, but in the meantime, we’re thrilled to share that many guest favorites will also return to Outdoor Kitchens located throughout the park.
We can’t wait to dig into Chicken & Waffles at The Honey Bee-stro Hosted by the National Honey Board! Also returning: the Muffuletta Panini at Magnolia Terrace and the Chocolate Whisky Cake at Northern Bloom.
Inspiration and Play: There’s Something for Everyone
Looking for interactive fun? At this year’s festival, the whole family can enjoy two seasonal scavenger hunts. Throughout the festival, follow Spike the Bee on his pollination trail where he’s “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; can guests find them all?
Both scavenger hunt maps will be available for purchase while supplies last. Once the journey is complete – whether or not guests find all the items – they 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! This walkthrough butterfly house highlights the lifecycle of butterflies and contains valuable pollinator gardens.
At Blossoms of Fragrance Presented by Scentsy, guests create lasting memories with the help of unforgettable fragrances. And new this year, guests will be able to bring home some of their favorite fragrances experienced at Blossoms of Fragrance!
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 kiddos can jump, play, climb and explore this area created just for them.
So, summon the flower power, because everything will be coming up roses at the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival before we know it!
*Entertainment subject to change without notice.
**Redemption valid through May 27 or while supplies last.
