Updated March, 2026
Festival favorites at the Flower & Garden Festival! If you are considering a trip to Walt Disney World in the Springtime, make sure to plan to visit EPCOT’s International Flower and Garden Festival.
There are some fabulous activities, eats and treats at the festival this year that I would personally consider “must-do’s”.
Here is a list of some of my favorites! Let’s dive right in.
Disclaimer: Some of the photos embedded within are from previous Flower & Garden festivals. While the topiary or food/drink are the same, the location and background imagery may have changed.
Festival Favorites: Top 5 Must Do Activities
Table of Contents
Butterfly Landing
The Butterfly Landing is a must-do during your visit! This is one of my very favorite parts of the festival! Over 1000 butterflies will fly amongst the garden (and Guests!) and the nearly 2 dozen nectar plants.
This is one of my absolute favorite offerings during the Flower & Garden Festival. It’s not to be missed. Check this out multiple times throughout your visit. I guarantee you each time you will see and learn something completely new! It’s fascinating.
Topiaries
One of the highlights of the festival are the amazing topiaries scattered all throughout the park. Each one meticulously crafted to represent one of our favorite characters from movies old and new. The topiaries become more and more realistic as the years go on. I’m always in awe of the Disney horticulture team and what they accomplish.
Every year, Disney adds new topiaries to highlight a new film or character(s). And the topiaries are super realistic, vibrant and fabulous!
Most topiaries remain in the same location as years past, however there are some that are shifted to make room for new ones. The list below outlines which topiaries are highlighted this year and where to find them.
Take a screenshot of the list below and take it with you. You don’t want to miss any!
- Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Bo Peep and her sheep, Lotso, and the Pixar Ball near the Main Entrance
- Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Chip ‘n’ Dale, and Pluto in World Celebration
- Mike Wazowski and Sulley in World Celebration, near Creations Shop
- Figment in World Celebration Gardens
- Simba, Rafiki, Mufasa, and Sarabi near the Imagination! Pavilion
- Groot in World Discovery, near Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company
- Stitch in World Discovery, near Mission: SPACE
- Lightning McQueen and Mater in World Discovery, near Connections Café
- Donald Duck, Huey, Dewey, and Louie in World Nature
- Mirabel, Antonio, Isabela, and Luisa near CommuniCore Plaza
- Phineas and Ferb near CommuniCore Hall
- Pluto in World Nature near The Seas
- Goofy on the rosewalk between the Imagination! Pavilion and World Showcase
- Bambi, Thumper, and Flower near the World Showcase entrance
- Moana, Pua, Hei Hei, and Maui near Port of Entry
- Kermit and Miss Piggy near the Canada Pavilion
- Geese and Canadian flag in the Canada Pavilion
- Winnie the Pooh, Rabbit, Eeyore, Piglet, and Tigger between the Canada and United Kingdom Pavilions
- Tinker Bell’s Fairy House Garden in the United Kingdom Pavilion
- Beauty and the Beast in the France Pavilion
- Princess Tiana in the American Adventure Pavilion
- Lady and the Tramp in the Italy Pavilion
- Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in the Germany Pavilion
- Anna and Elsa in the Norway Pavilion
- Troll in the Norway Pavilion
- Miguel and Dante in the Mexico Pavilion
- Butterflies throughout EPCOT
Garden Areas
There are over 20 different garden areas all across EPCOT, including floating gardens on the waters of World Nature, a bamboo garden in China, a tropical rainforest garden in Mexico and the English Tea Garden Presented by Twinings of London in the United Kingdom (where you can also take a Self-Guided Tea Tour!) Let’s take a look at the complete list!
World Celebration Gardens
Connections Conservatory Garden – inside Connections Cafe. Discover floral inspirations for your indoor spaces!
Festival Blooms – Thousands of flowers that form colorful, living panoramas.
NEW! Rain or Shine Fruit Stand Presented by Outshine – near CommuniCore Plaza.
NEW! Wildlife Crossing Garden – near CommuniCore Hall.
Prehistoric Plants – near CommuniCore Hall.
Butterfly Landing Presented by AdventHealth – near the Imagination! Pavilion. Home to a kaleidoscope of colorful butterflies (closes at dusk).
Rosewalk Near Imagination!
Playalong Bay Presented by Smucker’s Uncrustables – A play garden for kids, presented by Smucker’s Uncrustables.
The Honey Bee-stro Hosted by National Honey Board – Learn about honeybees and get a taste of their work.
Bridge to World Showcase
Blossoms of Fragrance Presented by Scentsy – A garden filled with fresh, unforgettable fragrances.
Floating Gardens – More than 170 petite plots drift on ponds by the bridge to World Showcase.
World Discovery Gardens
Camp Get Out’N’Play Garden Presented by OFF! – A camp-themed garden for families, where little ones can jump, play and climb.
World Nature Gardens
Community Garden – Near the Land
Broad Bromeliads – Near the Land
NEW! Pet Friendly Garden – Near the Seas with Nemo & Friends
World Showcase Gardens
Mexico
Tropical Rainforest Garden – Showcasing the rich biodiversity of the Mexican rainforest.
Extraordinary Orchids – Spectacular flowers blooming in radiant color.
Desert Garden – Featuring plants from arid climates that adjust to harsh growing conditions.
China
Bamboo Garden – Featuring bamboo in a variety of colors, patterns and sizes.
China Penjing Garden – Ancient Chinese art recreated in miniature landscapes.
Italy
Garden Italiano – A Tuscan kitchen garden with produce and herbs for a feast.
Japan
Shishi Odoshi – A traditional Japanese bamboo water fountain with soothing rhythms.
Bonsai Collection Garden – Miniature works of art carefully created and tended to by bonsai masters.
Kokedama Garden – A tranquil garden featuring fresh expressions of ancient Japanese art.
Morocco
Spice Garden – With spices and herb blends once treasured as much as gold.
Between France and Morocco
NEW! Trendy Tropicals
France
Bouquet Garden – Bountiful blooms that are perfect for a bouquet of cut flowers.
United Kingdom
English Tea Garden Presented by Twinings of London – Where you can explore the history and art of tea-blending.
Topiary Heritage Garden – Showcasing techniques used to create festival topiaries.
Tinker Bell’s Fairy House Garden – Delightful dwellings fit for a pixie.
Garden Graze
Take a fun food stroll highlighting five (of at least 10) delicious offerings at the festival – all listed in the Festival Passport. Upon your Garden Graze purchase, you will receive a stamp for your Festival Passport.
Once you’ve collected all five stamps, bring your Festival Passport to Pineapple Promenade Outdoor Kitchen to receive a complimentary prize exclusive to the festival. Complete the Garden Graze at your leisure, and you can even bring back your stamped Festival Passport to EPCOT at any time during the festival to complete your Garden Graze.
Included Garden Graze culinary delights (choose any 5 of these selected 10 choices):
- NEW! Poke Bowl with Edamame, Avocado, Mango, Pickled Red Onions, Seaweed Salad, Furikake and Umami Sauce on a bed of Sticky Rice – from Nectar Hosted by AdventHealth – located near The Land
- NEW! Coconut Pana Cotta with a Cherry Gelée and Matcha Crumble topped with a Citrus Cookie, Meringue and Flower Confetti – from Nectar Hosted by AdventHealth – located near The Land
- Grilled Street Corn on the Cob with Savory Garlic Spread and Spicy Corn Chips – located at Beach Grub
- Coconut-Chocolate Flancocho featuring chocolate cake, coconut custard and passion fruit caramel – located at La Isla Fresca
- Potato Pancakes with house-made applesauce – located at Bauernmarkt: Farmer’s Market
- Seasonal Fruit Parfait with sweet chili sauce and DOLE whip mango – located at Refreshment Outpost
- Lumpia with plant-based pork, green papaya salad and yuzu sweet-and-sour – located at the Citrus Blossom at the Odyssey
- Lemon Tart with lemon curd, blood orange fluid gel, aquafaba meringues and raspberry powder – located at the Citrus Blossom at the Odyssey
- Avocado Toast with marinated tomatoes and plant-based cheese crumbles on toasted ciabatta – located at BRUNCHCOT
Garden Rocks Concert Series
The infamous Garden Rocks Concert Series is back and better than ever! Enjoy pop icons ranging from the 1960’s all the way through the 2000’s as they rock and jam on the American Gardens Theater (across from the American Adventure Pavilion). See here for this year’s full lineup. There are some fan favorites returning like Starship and Rick Springfield!
And if you are interested in priority seating for any one of the scheduled concerts, consider booking a dining package. Indulge in a meal (breakfast, lunch or dinner) at select restaurants throughout EPCOT and receive a priority seat (1 per person on the reservation) at one of the concerts that same evening. Note that you typically don’t get to select the time of the concert you attend (there are usually 3 performances in the evening; 5:30pm, 6:45pm, and 8:00pm est), but if you ask your server nicely, they may swap out the time if it conflicts with something else you have planned (like Lightning Lane reservations).
The dining packages are offered on select dates during the Flower and Garden Festival and are a great way to guarantee seating and you won’t have to wait hours to see your favorite performer. There are very limited same-day dining packages at the Regal Eagle Smokehouse. If you decide at the last minute to visit EPCOT and want to join the same-day list, visit the restaurant for more information. They are subject to availability, so visit early to secure your spot.
Festival Favorites: Top 5 Must Try Food & Drink
There are so many options and choices at the festival, there is really something for everyone’s tastes and cravings. These are some of my tried and true (and tasty) food snacks and drinks.
Japan Pavilion
- Frushi: Strawberry, pineapple, and lychee wrapped in sweet rice and pink soy wrap served with whipped cream, drizzled raspberry sauce, and toasted coconut
Pineapple Promenade (Near Port of Entry)
- Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade (Non-alcoholic)
Magnolia Terrace (in the American Pavilion)
- Spicy Chicken Gumbo with Andouille sausage and BEN’S ORIGINAL Long Grain & Wild Rice
- Spiced Rum Cocktail: Bayou Spiced Rum, coconut rum, fruit punch, and orange juice
BRUNCHCOT (Near Test Track presented by Chevrolet)
- Avocado Toast with marinated toybox tomatoes on toasted ciabatta (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
Festival Favorites: Top 5 Tips
Don’t forget to pick up your Guide Map and Passport.
These are essential to organizing your day. Know where you are going and use your Passport to check off where you’ve been and what you’ve tried. At the start of the day, highlight the offerings that are your “must do’s”, this way you can prioritize those and you don’t miss out!
Have a budget and stick with it!
With all the food and drink offerings at the festival, setting a limit right from the beginning is the best way not to go overboard. My suggestion is to put a set amount of money on the mini special event wristband gift cards. This will help you stay on track, and they are great souvenirs too!
Pace yourself and share!!
With so many options available to us every year at the Flower and Garden Festival, it’s easy to get over excited and dig right in to the food offerings. By the time you hit the halfway point, you’ve had enough! Prioritize what to eat and drink first and go slowly. There is plenty of time to try everything! Use your Festival Guide to help you navigate and plan.
Also, I highly recommend sharing with friends and family! This is a great way to maintain your appetite, save some money, and you get to try more things!
Take advantage of the activities
The Flower and Garden Festival offers unique activities for the young and young at heart, all centered around Disney’s horticulture program. Take advantage of these. Some are free, some are of minimal cost. All well worth it!
Find a place to sit and relax!
Scouting out a place to sit and enjoy your tasty treats may be difficult, especially on weekends. There are a lot of high top tables around the World Showcase, but there are also many nooks and crannies where you can grab a seat and enjoy your food and drink. My recommendation, scout out a table before you purchase treats. Have a friend hold the table while you get the food – another tip, ask to share a table! It’s a great way to meet new friends! I have met some of the most interesting people by doing this!
Conclusion
No matter how you do the Flower & Garden Festival, the key is to have a great time. If you aren’t having fun and are stressed out, none of it is worth it. There is no right or wrong way to do the festival. Whatever works for you IS the right way. After all, you are on vacation! Relax and enjoy. That’s what it’s all about.