Every spring, EPCOT at Walt Disney World bursts into bloom during one of its most beloved seasonal events: the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. With dazzling displays, exclusive bites, and family-friendly fun around every corner, this colorful celebration is more than just a feast for the eyes—it’s a full-on experience that brings guests back year after year.
If you’re wondering whether this vibrant festival is worth making an annual tradition, the answer is a resounding yes. Here are five reasons why EPCOT’s Flower and Garden Festival should be on your calendar every single spring.
1. Exclusive Food and Drinks at the Flower and Garden Festival You Won’t Find Any Other Time
Let’s be honest—Disney knows how to throw a food festival, and the Flower & Garden Festival is no exception. The event features Outdoor Kitchens located around the World Showcase, each offering a curated selection of fresh, seasonal bites and beverages inspired by global flavors.
Whether you’re indulging in grilled street corn with savory aioli, sipping on a lavender lemonade hard cider, or trying a plant-based twist on classic comfort foods, the culinary creativity is off the charts. Every year brings new limited-time menus, so even frequent festival-goers have something new to look forward to. And the presentation?
Pro tip: Pick up a Festival Passport when you arrive at EPCOT so you can track your tasting journey and plan your must-try dishes ahead of time!
2. Stunning Topiaries That Turn the Park Into a Living Art Exhibit
One of the most iconic and unforgettable features of the Flower & Garden Festival is the incredible collection of Disney character topiaries spread throughout EPCOT. These living sculptures are crafted with hundreds of types of flowers, mosses, and greenery, expertly trimmed to depict beloved characters from across Disney, Pixar, and beyond.
Expect to see larger-than-life versions of Mickey and Minnie, Woody and Buzz, Simba, and even characters like Kermit and Miss Piggy. Each topiary is carefully staged in a themed garden or scene that complements the character, making them perfect photo ops for families, couples, and solo explorers alike.
Gardeners and nature lovers will also appreciate the precision horticulture involved. These topiaries are true works of art, and they change slightly each year, so there’s always something new to discover—even for returning guests.
3. The Fan-Favorite Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration Scavenger Hunt
Looking for something fun and interactive for the kids—or just young at heart? Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration is a beloved scavenger hunt that takes place during the festival and features Spike the Bee, a classic Disney character who has become a Flower & Garden mascot of sorts.
Guests can purchase a scavenger hunt map and set off on a self-guided adventure to find Spike hidden among the festival’s various gardens. He’s usually tucked near a plant he loves, and participants place stickers on the map when they spot him in each location.
Once your map is complete, you can turn it in for a fun festival-themed prize (often a themed cup, pin, or toy). It’s a great way to explore parts of the park you might otherwise skip, and it keeps younger visitors engaged and excited throughout the day.
Bonus: The scavenger hunt changes every year, which means repeat fun for frequent festival-goers.
4. Special Princess Displays Inside Living With The Land
The Living With The Land attraction at EPCOT’s The Land Pavilion is already a fan favorite thanks to its relaxing boat ride through greenhouses and innovative agricultural displays. But during the Flower & Garden Festival, it gets a magical spring makeover.
Keep your eyes peeled for beautiful displays featuring Disney Princesses, integrated right into the ride’s growing environments. These additions often include floral sculptures, themed plant arrangements, and creative nods to the characters’ stories—all made using real living plants.
It’s a hidden gem of the festival and a delightful surprise for anyone who loves both gardening and Disney storytelling. These displays are especially enchanting for little ones who adore princesses, and they bring a whole new appreciation for the way nature and magic collide at EPCOT.
5. A Chance to Learn More About Gardening, Sustainability, and Nature
Yes, EPCOT is fun and magical—but it’s also deeply rooted in education and innovation. That spirit lives on through the Flower & Garden Festival’s interactive exhibits, tours, and expert-led presentations, which offer guests the chance to learn more about the natural world.
Throughout the park, you’ll find gardening demonstrations, butterfly habitats, pollinator gardens, and booths with tips on eco-friendly landscaping and sustainable living. You might even meet horticulturalists and conservation experts who can answer your questions and inspire your own backyard projects.
For families, this is a wonderful opportunity to spark kids’ curiosity about plants and science in an accessible, hands-on way. And for adults, it’s a peaceful, enriching way to enjoy the festival while gaining ideas for your home garden.
Bonus Tip: The Perfect Time to Stay at a DVC Resort
If you’re planning to visit EPCOT during the Flower & Garden Festival, staying at a nearby Disney Vacation Club resort can make your experience even better. Resorts like Disney’s Beach Club Villas, BoardWalk Villas, and Riviera Resort offer easy access to EPCOT’s International Gateway entrance, so you can stroll over to the festival in minutes.
Even better? If you’re not yet a DVC member, financing your Disney Vacation Club membership can help make those dream vacations more accessible than ever.
At VacationClubLoans.com, we specialize in affordable, flexible financing options for DVC memberships. With low down payments, competitive interest rates, and quick approvals, we make it easier for families to enjoy all the magic of Disney vacations year after year—including springtime favorites like the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival.
Ready to Experience the Flower & Garden Festival Every Year?
From exclusive eats and jaw-dropping topiaries to family-friendly activities and interactive educational displays, the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is more than just a seasonal event—it’s a Disney experience that evolves and grows every year. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or making it an annual tradition, there’s always something new to see, taste, and explore.
And with a DVC membership, you can ensure that springtime Disney magic is part of your family’s story for years to come.
Learn more about financing your Disney Vacation Club membership at VacationClubLoans.com and start planning your next EPCOT getaway today!
