The gates swung open on March 4th, and EPCOT has once again transformed into a sprawling celebration of springtime. The 2026 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival runs through June 1, and this year’s edition is packed with new gardens, fresh food, returning fan favorite experiences, and enough topiaries to make any Disney fan’s heart bloom. Here’s a rundown of what’s new and what’s worth your time this spring.
New Gardens Steal the Show
Every year, Disney’s horticulture team raises the bar, and 2026 EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival is no exception. This year introduces several brand new garden destinations that are absolutely worth a detour.
The Hoppers Inspired Wildlife Crossing Garden is a standout addition, tucked inside the flowerbeds at Connections Café. Tied to the upcoming Pixar film Hoppers, the garden celebrates the real world concept of wildlife crossings, which are man made corridors that help animals safely navigate urban environments. It’s educational, beautifully planted, and even features a special stake honoring Pixar’s 40th anniversary.
Pluto’s Pet Garden brings a playful new space dedicated to our four legged friends, while the Trendy Tropicals Garden showcases lush, exotic plant varieties that feel right at home in the Florida sun. There’s also the new Rain or Shine Fruit Stand, adding a whimsical agricultural twist to the garden lineup.
For families, the Camp Get Out ‘N’ Play Garden (presented by OFF! Repellents) transforms the World Discovery playground into a camp themed wonderland where kids can climb, jump, and explore among flower baskets and nature inspired décor.
Over 75 New Menu Items Across 20+ Outdoor Kitchens
Let’s be honest: many of us come for the flowers and stay for the food. This year features more than 20 Outdoor Kitchens serving over 180 total dishes, including 75 brand new menu items. That’s a staggering amount of fresh flavors to explore.
A few early highlights from opening day reviews:
- The Avocado Toast at BRUNCHCOT has quickly become a crowd favorite. It’s a great balance of flavor and beauty. It’s delicious, and looks great!
- The Sha Cha Beef Bao Bun at the Lan Yuan booth and the Blackened Shrimp Po’ Boy at Magnolia Terrace are generating plenty of buzz as savory standouts.
- Vegetarian guests have more to celebrate than ever, with 42 vegetarian friendly items available this year, including 16 entirely new dishes. The Poke Bowl at Nectar, a new booth near The Land pavilion featuring edamame, avocado, mango, and umami sauce on sticky rice, is one to watch.
Returning favorites like the Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade at Pineapple Promenade and the beloved Frushi at Hanami are back as well. And don’t forget to grab your Festival Passport for the Garden Graze food stroll. Collect five stamps across nine participating kitchens and earn an exclusive treat from Pineapple Promenade.
Topiaries, Butterflies, and Scavenger Hunts
The festival wouldn’t be complete without its signature living sculptures. More than 60 character topiaries are blooming throughout EPCOT this year. Buzz and Woody greet guests at the World Celebration entrance, and fan favorites like Stitch, Mike Wazowski, Sulley, Lightning McQueen, and Mater have all returned. Many of these topiaries take on a completely different character after dark, when garden lighting brings them to life in unexpected ways.
Butterfly Landing remains one of the festival’s most magical experiences. This walkthrough tent near the Imagination Pavilion is filled with dozens of butterfly species in every color imaginable. It’s free with park admission and closes at dusk, so plan accordingly.
For the scavenger hunt fans, Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration returns as a charming “I Spy” adventure that follows Spike the Bee through EPCOT’s gardens. Maps run about $9.99 and can be redeemed for a surprise reward at Creations Shop or World Traveler. During the Easter season, the Eggstravaganza hunt also returns. Pick up a map, search for character themed eggs hidden throughout World Showcase, and mark your finds with stickers.
Garden Rocks Concert Series
Live music is back every weekend at the America Gardens Theatre. The Garden Rocks Concert Series features a rotating lineup of chart topping artists alongside local Orlando talent. Seating is first come, first served with regular EPCOT admission, but if you want a guaranteed spot, the Garden Rocks Dining Packages pair a meal at select EPCOT restaurants with reserved concert seating. Reservations opened February 5 through the My Disney Experience app.
Festival Merchandise Worth Buzzing About
The 2026 merchandise lineup leans heavily into two beloved characters: Spike the Bee and Orange Bird. Collections include apparel, accessories, pins, and a Spike the Bee Loungefly bag that’s already drawing long lines. There’s also an Alice in Wonderland Collection making its festival debut this year. Festival themed Disney Gift Card wristlets, shaped like watering cans and featuring Spike or Orange Bird, can be loaded with a minimum of $15 and used for cashless purchases throughout the park.
The Bottom Line
The 2026 EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival is a well rounded spring experience. The new gardens bring fresh storytelling to the landscape, the food lineup is one of the strongest in recent memory, and the family friendly activities give kids real reasons to stay engaged beyond the snack booths. Whether you’re a first timer or a festival veteran, there’s plenty here to justify a visit (or two, or three) between now and June 1.
The 2026 EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival is included with standard EPCOT park admission. A park reservation may be required depending on your ticket type.
Happy spring, and happy grazing!