The calendar may say winter, but spring is nearly blooming at the Walt Disney World Resort. And spring means that the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is just around the corner! Mark your calendars as this year’s festival will begin on February 28, and continue through May 27 for 90 days full of beautiful topiaries, inspirational gardens, delicious dishes and rockin’ music celebrating spring. There is something for guests of all ages at this Festival. More Festival details, from new topiaries and acts coming to the Garden Rocks concert series, and even a sneak peek at upcoming merchandise, have been announced. Let’s dig in!
This year, a special topiary will be making its Festival debut as 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. Plus 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. 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!
And what is an EPCOT Festival without musical performances! The popular Garden Rocks Concert Series returns to the America Gardens Theatre, which means It’s time to dance and sing along to your favorites. The concert series features local and globally recognized acts, there’s something for everyone. This year, new groups, including Modern English, Crowder, Lit, and Monsieur Perine will be performing. 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.
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 in the Norway Pavilion, Biergarten Restaurant in the Germany Pavilion, Coral Reef Restaurant in The Living Seas Pavilion, Garden Grill Restaurant in The Land Pavilion, Rose & Crown Dining Room in the United Kingdom Pavilion, Le Cellier Steakhouse in the Canada Pavilion, and Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft & Brews Barbecue in the America Pavilion. Regal Eagle Smokehouse will offer same-day, in-person walk-up packages only. Dining packages go on sale February 6.
There will also be an abundant amount of specialty food available in the Outdoor Kitchens during the Festival, which will be located throughout EPCOT. The Official Foodie Guide to the Festival will be coming at a later date, but some returning favorites will be included including 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.
There will be plenty for everyone to do at this year’s festival, including 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. Both scavenger hunt maps will be available for purchase while supplies last. Once your journey is complete – whether or not you find all the items – you can redeem your 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 which 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 life cycle of butterflies and contains valuable pollinator gardens. At Blossoms of Fragrance Presented by Scentsy, follow your nose to create lasting memories with the help of unforgettable fragrances. 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.
Don’t forget about the official Festival merchandise. Available at Festival Markets and Creations Shop, you won’t want to miss these charming items while supplies last. Spread a little sunshine everywhere you go with adorable Orange Bird apparel, accessories, garden decor and more. I can’t wait to take home one of everything! If the characters from “Coco” capture your fancy, you’ll want to “seize the moment” with headwear, home decor and apparel inspired by this beloved classic. Fluttering into the spotlight at the 2024 EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival, the Butterfly Collection stars Minnie Mouse in a beautiful, flowery assortment.
And for our Annual Passholders, there’s a collection of merch featuring Spike the Bee that you won’t want to miss!
If you can’t make it to the event, select festival merchandise will also be coming to shopDisney March 4!
So, summon your flower power, because everything will be coming up roses at the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival before you know it!
