Table of Contents
The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is one of the most beloved seasonal events at Walt Disney World, transforming the park’s landscapes into a vibrant floral wonderland for 90 days every spring. As the 2024 event kicks off from February 28th through May 27th, guests can look forward to the park bursting into bloom with millions of brightly-colored blossoms, whimsical Disney character topiaries, special outdoor kitchens, and exciting entertainment.
Whether you’re a first-timer or Flower & Garden Festival veteran, the 2024 edition promises to be more magical than ever before. The fresh scents of flowers and flavors of garden-inspired cuisine pair perfectly with EPCOT’s message of innovation and global harmony. It’s truly an experience that appeals to all five senses, immersing you in the optimism of spring.
When Is The Flower and Garden Festival in 2024?
The 2024 EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival will take place over 90 days, from February 28th through May 27th. Mark those dates in your calendar now, because you won’t want to miss a moment of the floral fun and springtime whimsy this year’s event has in store!
What’s New At the Flower and Garden Festival in 2024?
While the Flower & Garden Festival brings back beloved elements year after year, the 2024 edition also has delightful new surprises up its leafy sleeves. In addition to dozens of Instagram-worthy photo ops with unique character topiaries, you can indulge in over 70 tempting new food and beverage items. The outdoor kitchens will tempt your taste buds with innovative dishes and drinks ranging from spicy tempura shrimp to lemon-lavender cake.
Plus, imaginative gardens with themes like “The Goodness Garden Butterfly House” provide even more vibrant backdrops. Whether you want to feast your eyes or your stomach, the 2024 Flower & Garden Festival guarantees fresh experiences all around!
Feast Your Eyes (and Tastebuds) on Delectable Delights
The EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival’s outdoor kitchen concept spotlights culinary creativity through unique food and beverage offerings only available during the event. These festival-exclusive booths are stationed around World Showcase, often tying into the culture and ingredients of their host country pavilions.
Menus refresh every year, blending returning guest favorites with innovative new tastes. No matter your preferences, you’ll discover garden-inspired dishes, refreshing drinks, and sweet treats all with springtime flair. It’s a foodie paradise!
Must-Try Menu Highlights
With over 70 new items on the roster for 2024, the outdoor kitchens promise more tempting flavors than ever before. Planning what you want to taste in advance is highly recommended – these booths get busy!
Honey-Themed Offerings
At The Honey Bee-stro booth, highlights include chicken and waffles drizzled with spiced honey butter and honey-glazed cauliflower with carrot purée and blistered grapes. The adjacent Refreshment Outpost brings back its signature Dole Whip, now with a honey-laced twist.
Savory Selections
Hearty dishes like the charred steak sandwich from Taste of Marrakesh and loaded mac & cheese from Florida Fresh offer satisfying comfort on the go. Those craving lighter fare can find refreshing options like the watermelon salad with feta from Tangierine Café or the grilled street corn from Primavera Kitchen.
International Inspirations
The France pavilion’s Fleur de Lys booth lives up to its name with elegant dishes like pulled duck confit and lemon-lavender cake. Nearby at Bauernmarkt: Farmer’s Market, German flavors shine through pretzel bread sandwiches and potato pancakes. You can take an Asian-inspired tour from bao buns at Lotus House to tempura shrimp at The Citrus Blossom.
Sweet Treats
Finally, cap off any meal with something sweet from booths like Northern Bloom (maple whiskey cake) or Funnel Cake (the name says it all!) Those with adventurous palates can sample unique desserts like the chocolate cannoli with peanut butter filling from Primavera Kitchen.
Don’t Forget the Drinks
While the food shines center stage, the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival also spotlights refreshing libations. In addition to unique cocktails, you’ll discover exclusive beers, wines, speciality non-alcoholic beverages and more.
Colorful frozen drinks in souvenir sippers provide Instagrammable moments, especially the fan-favorite Orange Bird smoothie. For the 21+ crowd, regional wines, craft beers, and creative cocktails incorporating spring flavors provide tasty ways to toast the season.
No matter what you choose to sip and savor, the outdoor kitchens offer an unforgettable epicurean escape perfect for foodies!
Stunning Topiaries and Floral Displays
While the food booths take top billing, the beautiful blooms and imaginative landscaping are the real stars of this springtime festival. Disney’s horticulture team works year-round planting over 200,000 vibrant flowers just for this event.
Whimsical topiaries bring characters like Mickey, Goofy, Snow White, Anna, Elsa, and more to “life” in colorful plant form. New for 2024, keep an eye out for Wish-inspired topiaries at the park entrance along with a towering 20-foot dragon creation in the Japan pavilion.
When it comes to picture-perfect moments, the Flower & Garden Festival delivers. Be sure to explore festival-exclusive gardens as well, from butterfly-shaped flower beds to bonsai trees.
What Else Can I Do At the Flower and Garden Festival?
Even though it’s in the title, flowers and gardens are not the only thing at Epcot this time of year! The festivals act as an opportunity to bring people together in a celebration of food, entertainment, and special events. There’s so shortage of things to do at any of the Epcot festivals.
Where to Find the Most Popular Character Topiaries
One of the highlights of Epcot’s annual Flower and Garden Festival are the whimsical character topiaries scattered throughout the park. These imaginative plant sculptures bring beloved Disney figures to “life” in colorful, larger-than-life displays.
If your goal is to hunt down and get photos with as many of these Instagrammable topiaries as possible, here is a handy guide on where to spot the most popular ones:
Mirabel, Antonio, Isabela & Luisa from “Encanto”
The scene-stealing stars of Disney’s Oscar-winning animated film debut as topiaries at the very front of Epcot this year. Find this family foursome right near the park’s main entrance to kick off your photo tour.
Mickey & Minnie Mouse
No Flower and Garden Festival would be complete without Mickey and Minnie! Look for this classic couple dressed in their spring best near the bridge from Future World to the World Showcase.
Anna & Elsa from “Frozen”
The beloved sisters have returned to the Norway pavilion, conjuring up magic with Anna gazing adoringly at Elsa as she swirls icy blue flowers in the air.
Snow White & Dopey
A Walt Disney World staple, you can once again capture sweet photos in front of Snow White as she smiles down at Dopey in Germany’s fairy tale garden display.
Tiana from “The Princess and the Frog”
New for 2024, Princess Tiana has hopped over from New Orleans to America Gardens Theatre! Find her next to the performance stage that hosts the Garden Rocks concert series.
Winnie the Pooh & Friends
Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, Tigger and Rabbit have gathered by the United Kingdom pavilion, making this a popular backdrop for family photos all festival long.
Lady and the Tramp
The cute canine couple behind that iconic spaghetti smooch scene can be discovered near Italy’s Via Napoli eatery, perfect for pasta-inspired poses!
With 14 acres devoted to gardens and topiaries, there are even more character surprises in store during your Flower and Garden adventure. But this list should help you capture selfies with the most beloved fan favorites!
Garden Graze
For an activity that satisfies both your stomach and your inner explorer, sign up for the Garden Graze food stroll upon entering the park. Purchase five designated vegetarian dishes from outdoor kitchens, get your passport stamped after each one, and redeem it for a special surprise reward once complete.
Following the designated Garden Graze trail is a delicious way to sample bites across World Showcase while admiring the park’s floral beauty. Plus, you get an exclusive keepsake sipper cup at the finish line!
Garden Graze Locations & Offerings
| Location | Dish |
|---|---|
| Germany | Potato Pancakes with Apple Sauce |
| Near Test Track | Avocado Toast with Plant-Based Cheese |
| Near Test Track | Grilled Street Corn |
| Near Disney Traders | Florida Strawberry Shortcake |
| Between France & Morocco | Coconut Tres Leches Cake |
| Refreshment Outpost | Mango DOLE Whip Parfait |
| Canada | Plant-Based Buffalo Chicken Poutine |
| Near Disney Traders | Impossible Meatball Dish |
Completing this passport activity is a delicious way to take in the sights, scents, and tastes of the Flower & Garden Festival over a leisurely stroll. You get a themed sipper cup at the finish line too!
Live Entertainment
What would a festival be without live music and entertainment? The Garden Rocks Concert Series brings pop acts like Daughtry along with classic rockers like Blue Oyster Cult to the America Gardens Theatre stage. Local bands round out the lineup on select days.
Performances are included with park admission, making Garden Rocks a can’t-miss activity. Check the daily schedules so you can plan your visit around your must-see shows!
Fun for the Whole Family
While adults indulge in food and drinks, kids can enjoy their own adventures like Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration scavenger hunt. Purchase a map, search for hidden bee “pollen” markers, and redeem your completed map for a prize. Little ones can also play among beautiful blooms in interactive areas like the Play Full Garden.
Don’t let the cuisine and cocktails fool you – the Flower & Garden Festival offers plenty for guests of all ages with its blend of natural beauty and whimsical Disney magic!
Garden Rocks Concert Series
The Garden Rocks Concert Series at America Gardens Theatre brings in pop acts like Daughtry along with classic rockers like Blue Oyster Cult for outdoor shows included with park admission. You can even book dining packages to reserve seats for popular performances.
Jammin’ Gardeners Show
For family-friendly entertainment, catch the funky Jammin’ Gardeners band over in World Discovery. Their sets turn World Showcase into an impromptu dance party! Check the My Disney Experience app for the daily schedule.
Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration Scavenger Hunt
Purchase a map and search World Showcase for hidden “pollen” markers related to everyone’s favorite bee, Spike! Once the map is completed, turn it in at Disney Traders for a prize. This activity costs $9.99 plus tax.
Play Areas
The Goodness Garden Butterfly House and other festival play zones let little ones burn energy while surrounded by beautiful flowers and topiaries. They can also pose for pictures among colorful blooms!
With eye-catching sights, tempting tastes, and live entertainment, the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival offers experiences the whole family can enjoy together!
Making the Most of the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
The annual Epcot Flower and Garden Festival brings in millions of guests eager to see the park transformed into a vibrant floral wonderland. With so much to see and do over 90 days, it can be tricky to take it all in. Use these helpful strategies to get the most out of your visit!
Tips for Maximizing Your Time
With some smart planning, you can pack more food, fun and flowers into your day:
Arrive Early
Be at the front gates 30-60 minutes before the official park opening. You’ll beat crowds streaming in and snag prime spots for attractions later.
Strategize Must-Do Attractions
Figure out your top 1-2 headliner rides or experiences and scheduled return times early via Genie+ or Lightning Lane:
- Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
- Frozen Ever After
- Soarin’ Around the World
- Test Track
Have a Food Game Plan
Decide which booths and menus catch your eye then map a route to visit them efficiently. Coordinate with concert schedules too!
Share Dishes
No one can reasonably eat everything. Split a few items with others in your group to taste more goodies without wasting food.
Take Afternoon Breaks
When crowds peak after lunch, take a resort break to rest your feet before returning for more evening fun.
Stay for Evening Shows
Fewer guests in the last couple park hours means shorter food booth lines. Catch nighttime entertainment like Harmonious too!
Avoiding Crowd-Level Spikes
The festival sees fluctuating attendance, with busier times on weekends and during spring breaks. Use these crowd-level indicators and tips:
Crowd Level Forecast
| Crowd Level | Description | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 (Low) | Short lines, light crowds | Come midweek in March/April |
| 4-6 (Moderate) | Manageable but busier | Target weekdays to dodge weekend rush |
| 7-9 (Peak) | Long lines, heavy crowds | Avoid school vacations/holidays |
| 10 (Extreme) | Packed areas, delays | Come early, take afternoon breaks |
Best Times to Visit
Aim to visit during:
- Weekdays in March and April
- Any rainy days/evenings if parks stay open
- Disney resort guest early theme park entry hours
Avoid weekends, especially Saturdays when locals flock in. Come midweek to beat the masses!
Handling Peak Crowds
If you must visit on a busy festival day:
- Arrive before rope drop
- Use Genie+ lightning lane
- See entertainment first while lines are short
- Take afternoon breaks when crowds peak
- Return around dinner when guests start leaving
While the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival seems ever-popular, smart planning and preparation allow you to enjoy the event’s best offerings with less wait time and hassle. Follow these tips to truly make the most of your valuable vacation time surrounded by the sights, scents, and tastes of spring!
Festival Merchandise
What Disney event would be complete without commemorative merchandise? The Flower & Garden Festival brings fresh collections of themed apparel, headwear, drinkware, home goods, and more. Here are some things to watch for:
Orange Bird Collection – Everyone’s favorite citrus-hued bird takes center stage with shirts, spirit jerseys, accessories, and other goods featuring retro Orange Bird designs.
Garden Gear – You’ll find flower pots, seed packets, garden gnomes, butterfly décor, and other items perfect for sprucing up your own backyard.
Festival Tees & Hats – Commemorate the 2024 event with shirts and caps sporting Flower & Garden logos and artwork.
Spike the Bee – The popular bee mascot Buzzes in with specialty merchandise just for Annual Passholders too.
Unique Keepsakes – For lasting memories, collectibles like festival-exclusive MagicBands, limited edition pins, and ornaments make great souvenirs or gifts!
Between pavilions and at Port of Entry, keep your eyes peeled for festival merchandise carts and shops carrying all the latest collections. Whether you want to extend the floral fun at home or have a wearable memento, these items let you bring the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival spirit with you year-round!
Conclusion
As the 2024 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival kicks off, the park is truly in full bloom! This beloved springtime event has blossomed into a can’t-miss experience, attracting guests from across the globe.
Beyond the brilliant colors and scents, it celebrates the optimism and harmony of the season – quite fitting for a park devoted to innovation, nature, and cultures worldwide. Walt Disney World leans into that mission by infusing artistry, storytelling, and a touch of magic into every aspect.
If you’ve never attended the event before, 2024 promises to be a perfect introduction with crowd-pleasing favorites returning plus exciting new surprises. For longtime fans, it’s an exciting reunion filled with nostalgia yet newness too – truly the best of both worlds!
FAQs
If you still have questions about the Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot, we’ve outline the most commonly asked questions in the section below.
What kind of tickets do I need to attend the Flower & Garden Festival?
The festival is included with standard admission to Epcot. You do not need a separate ticket. Park Hopper or Park Hopper Plus tickets allow you to visit other parks too.
Are there special annual passholder perks?
Yes! Passholders get exclusive merchandise collections plus complimentary magnets and certificate packages during the event.
Where can I find festival merchandise?
Shop festival gear at Mouse Gear, Port of Entry shops, World Traveler at International Gateway, or designated flower carts around World Showcase.
What are some of the unique keepsakes this year?
Look for themed cookie cutters, gardening tools, aprons, headwear, spirit jerseys, MagicBands, ear headbands, pins, and more!
Can I preorder merchandise?
Yes! ShopDisney allows early online ordering for some items which you can pick up in the parks. Limited editions sell out fast!
How can I continue enjoying flower & garden themes at home?
Disney sells seed packets, gardening tools, flower pots, and other gear allowing you to plant your own garden. You can also order fresh bouquets for delivery.
