While much of the country is covered in white powder and temperatures dipping below freezing, spring will soon bloom at Walt Disney World Resort and that can only mean one thing – springtime fun is coming to the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival!
This year’s festival will begin on February 28 and continue through May 27. Guests of all ages will find something to appreciate from the beautiful topiaries, inspirational gardens, tasty bites, sips, and of course, rockin’ music!
Here is a look at some details, including new topiaries and musical acts coming to the Garden Rocks concert series. Let’s get started!
New Topiaries to Enjoy
The International Flower & Garden Festival is famous for the astounding topiaries created by the Disney horticulture team specifically for the festival.
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.
More than 70 topiaries will fill the park, featuring a whimsical array of Disney characters. Guests can look forward to seeing everyone’s favorite dragon, Figment, in the newly opened World Celebration Gardens.
Also new in 2024, guests can look forward to seeing brand new topiaries from the Walt Disney Animation Studios film “Wish,” including Asha, Valentino, and the Wishing Star, located at the main entrance to the park. Miguel and Dante from Disney Pixar’s “Coco” will take center stage in Mexico!
Fresh Garden Rocks Concert Series
You will want to dance and sing along as the popular Garden Rocks concert series takes to the American Gardens Theatre stage each day during the festival. Featuring local and globally recognized acts, there is something for everyone.
New groups in 2024 will include Modern English, Crowder, Lit, and Monster Perine. 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 February 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 February 6.
Flavor Abounds at Outdoor Kitchens
It wouldn’t be a true EPCOT festival without delicious food and drinks to savor. Many guest favorites will be returning to Outdoor Kitchens sprinkled throughout the park.
To temp your palate just a little bit, there will be some returning favorites like the Chicken & Waffles at The Honey Bee-stro hosted by the National Honey Board! Other returning favorites are the Muffuletta Panini at Magnolia Terrace and the Chocolate Whisky Cake at Northern Bloom.
Inspiration and Play: There’s Something for Everyone
If it’s interactive fun you’re looking for, you’ve come to the right place! This year the entire family can enjoy two seasonal scavenger hunts. 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. For a limited time, you can also hop around World Showcase for the Egg-stravaganza Hunt! Twelve beautiful, bunny-inspired eggs will be placed throughout the park; can you find them all?
Scavenger hunt maps for both hunts will be available for purchase while supplies last. Once you’ve completed your journey, you can redeem your map at Disney Traders, Creations Shop, or World Traveler at International Gateway for a special surprise.
Returning in 2024 is the beautiful Butterfly Landing presented by AdventHealth. This attraction allows 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 valuable pollinator gardens.
Follow your nose to Blossoms of Fragrance Presented by Scents and create lasting memories aided by unforgettable fragrances.
Don’t forget the little ones in the festival fun! Camp Get Out N’ Play Garden Presented by OFF! gets kiddos to burn off a little energy while jumping, playing, climbing, and exploring this camp-themed garden created just for them!
The Latest Merchandise Collections Are Blooming
You won’t want to miss the opportunity to pick up official event merchandise to help celebrate your visit to the festival. Available at Festival Markets and Creations Shop while supplies last.
Of course, Orange Bird is front and center spreading sunshine through apparel, accessories, garden decor, and more.
Headwear, home decor, and apparel inspired by the beloved classic Coco will be on hand to capture your fancy.
The Butterfly Collection starring Minnie Mouse will be fluttering into the spotlight at this year’s festival in a beautiful, flowery assortment.
For the Annual Passholders, Spike the Bee will be featured in a collection of merchandise you won’t want to miss.
Select festival merchandise will also be coming to shopDisney on March 4 in case you can’t attend the festival in person.
What is your favorite element of the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival?