8 New Things to Do at the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

The temperature may still be nippy, and the snowflakes may still be swirling, but it’s never too early to be thinking about Spring! And if you’re a Disney fan, when you think of Spring, you think of the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. It may be hard to believe, but the Festival is just a few short weeks away. It begins on March 5 and will run through June 2. Brilliantly colored flowers, blankets of colorful blooms, and imaginative topiaries will soon cover the landscape in EPCOT, giving Guests an opportunity to celebrate the wonders of nature and to usher in a new Spring season!

This year’s event offers up not one, not two, but EIGHT new experiences! Join us as we explore these new arrivals…it’s never too late to start planning your Flower & Garden Festival days!

1. New Topiaries

As you enter EPCOT’s main entrance underneath Spaceship Earth, you’ll be greeted by an all-new topiary display. Maui, Moana, Heihei, and Pua will all be there to welcome you, all crafted with an artist’s careful eye and the horticulturalists’ loving care.

2. One Little Spark of Photo Inspiration

Getting your magical photo taken by those amazing Disney PhotoPass Cast Members is a great way to get an unforgettable souvenir, and to create lasting memories. This year’s Festival unveils two new Photo Inspiration opportunities – including this inspiring Figment Topiary Magic Shot.

3. Ahoy – Family Fun Ahead!

If you enjoy taking a dip at one of the many Walt Disney World Resort pools, then you’re in for a treat! The new Playalong Bay Play Garden presented by Smucker’s Uncrustables pays homage to one of the best pools around, Stormalong Bay at the Yacht and Beach Club Resorts (pictured). This nautically-inspired playground will give you and your family a fun and unique way to enjoy some adventures on the high seas. The new play area will be located between the Imagination! pavilion and the entrance to World Showcase.

4. It’s (Almost) All About the Food-Right?

After you work up an appetite exploring Playalong Bay Play Garden, you’ll find two new Outdoor Kitchens right around the corner, each offering up a delectable selection of seafood goodness. The new kitchens, Yacht Grub and Beach Grub (get it?) will be sure to please any seafood fan, but what will they be offering? For that we’ll have to wait but stay tuned, Disney promises to release the menu in the next week or two. In the meantime, don’t forget about Florida Fresh and EPCOT Farmers Feast, two Outdoor Kitchens that will be returning this year. For 2025, you’ll find them in their new locations at CommuniCore Plaza and inside CommuniCore Hall.

5. A Whole Crop of Festival Merchandise

Grab a bushel of great new gear with this year’s lineup of festival merchandise! Celebrate the festival’s 30th anniversary from head to toe with a matching shirt and shorts set or a bright new spirit jersey – both featuring everyone’s favorite citrusy friend, Orange Bird, and the 30th anniversary logo.

Fans of Spike the Bee can pack thier garden party odds and ends inside a cute Lug Bag that’s sweeter than honey. You’ll feel right at home touring around the park (perhaps partaking in Spike’s Pollination Exploration scavenger hunt?) with a Spike the Bee Shoulder Plush. And if you’re looking to attend a garden party, you’ll want to pick up this charming set of Alice In Wonderland Ears. What a great way to celebrate your Unbirthday!

6. Riley’s Emotions Come to EPCOT!

At World Celebration, you’ll get the chance to discover the language of emotions through plants at a new garden inspired by Inside Out 2.

7. Rock Out!

Once again, you can move your feet to some of the hottest beats from world-renowned musical acts on select dates at America Gardens Theatre. As the Garden Rocks Concert Series returns to the Festival, this year’s lineup includes five new performers:
Queensrÿche: March 30-31
Maverick City Music: May 11-12
The Outlaws : May 23-24
The Cat Empire: May 30-31
We The Kingdom : June 1-2

8. Turn Over a New Leaf at CommuniCore Hall

Finally, you can head on over to CommuniCore Hall and discover a new gallery that’s larger than life! First, grab a bite at EPCOT Farmers Feast, then get ready to discover how Disney’s Horticulture team brings topiaries, flower towers and more to life at the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival.

Ready to go? If you’re thinking of planning a trip, Disney has put together a special package where you can save up to 30% on rooms at Select Disney Resort Hotels when staying 5 nights or longer!

So even though we may not be ready to put down those snow shovels quite yet, we can think ahead to warmer weather, colorful blooms, and scrumptious food at the 2025 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. See you there!

Discover All the Magic That Awaits You in the Upcoming Spring Issue of Celebrations Disney Magazine!

Immerse yourself in the magic of Disney with features on:
• The Roller Coaster of Walt Disney World
• Disney Weddings
• Experiencing Riley’s Emotions Through Music in the Parks
• A Look Back at the Living Seas
• Monsters University
• Muppet*Vision 3D
• 10 Things You May Not Know About Carl and Russell from Up
• and Much More!!

Subscribe Now!