2023 Garden Rocks Concert Series Lineup

2022 Garden Rocks Concert Series

Get ready to rock with the Garden Rocks Concert Series – returning to the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival this March!

There’s nothing like ending your day at EPCOT with a concert that, BTW, is included with your theme park admission featuring internationally recognized artists performing Friday-Monday and showcasing local Orlando talent on Tuesday-Thursday at the America Gardens Theater!

The Garden Rocks Concert Series lineup is filled with talent from returning favorites like The Pointer Sisters, Simple Plan, and the Plain White T’s, along with fresh talent like legacy guitarist AJ Croce and GRAMMY award-winning Switchfoot.

Garden Rocks Concert Series Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 2020

2023 Garden Rocks Concert Series Lineup

  • March 3-4 – Journey former lead vocalist STEVE AUGERI
  • March 5-6 – Daughtry
  • March 10-11 – Tommy DeCarlo
  • March 12-13 – Smash Mouth
  • March 17-18 – Mike DelGuidice
  • March 19-20 – Blue Oyster Cult – NEW
  • March 24-25 – Berlin
  • March 26-27 – The Pointer Sisters
  • March 31 – Luis Figueroa – NEW
  • April 1-2 – Piso 21 – NEW
  • April 3 – TBD
  • April 7-8 – STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas
  • April 9-10 – Don Felder, formerly of the Eagles
  • April 16-17 – Switchfoot – NEW
  • April 21-22 – A Flock of Seagulls
  • April 23-24 – Jo Dee Messina
  • April 28-29 – Ambrosia with Peter Beckett, The Voice Of Player
  • April 30, May 1 – Kool and the Gang
  • May 5-8 – Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
  • May 12-15 – The Orchestra starring former members of ELO
  • May 19-20 – A.J. Croce: Croce Plays Croce – NEW
  • May 21-22 – Casting Crowns – NEW
  • May 26-27 – Jason Scheff, longtime lead singer of Chicago – NEW
  • May 28-29 – Rick Springfield
  • June 2-5 – Plain White T’s
  • June 9-10 – The Spinners
  • June 11-12 – The Commodores
  • June 16-17 – Vertical Horizon
  • June 18-19 – Tony Orlando
  • June 23-26 – Simple Plan
  • June 30, July 1 – Living Colour
  • July 2-3 – Wang Chung

Beginning February 9, guests can secure their spot for these rockin’ performances with a Garden Rocks Dining Package. Check out FreshEPCOT.com.

Just a reminder, to experience EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, guests must have both valid admission and a park reservation for EPCOT on the same date.

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Epcot Flower & Garden Festival: Topiaries

The highlight of any visit to the Epcot Flower & Garden Festival is definitely the Disney and Pixar character topiaries.

These iconic and towering topiaries can be found throughout the park, and are sure to brighten up the rainiest Spring day!

2022 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival: Topiary Locations

2022 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Topiary

Goofy Topiary and Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Celebration Cake – Main Entrance

Epcot Flower & Garden Festival Topiaries Disney Topiary

Sorcerer Mickey Mouse, Brooms, Ostriches, Hippo and Gator – Entrance to World Showcase

Epcot Flower & Garden Festival Topiaries Disney Topiary

Woody, Bo Peep, and Her Sheep – near The Land Pavilion

Epcot Flower & Garden Festival Topiaries Disney Topiary

Epcot Flower & Garden Festival Topiaries Disney Topiary


Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Huey, Dewey, and Louie – Bridge to World Showcase

Epcot Flower & Garden Festival Topiaries Disney Topiary


Pluto and Chip ‘n’ Dale – The American Adventure Pavilion

Epcot Flower & Garden Festival Topiaries Disney Topiary

Buzz Lightyear – near Mission: SPACE

Epcot Flower & Garden Festival Topiaries Disney Topiary

Figment – near Imagination!

Epcot Flower & Garden Festival Topiaries Disney Topiary

The Three Caballeros (Jose, Donald, and Panchito) – Mexico Pavilion

Epcot Flower & Garden Festival Topiaries Disney Topiary

Anna and Elsa – Norway Pavilion

Epcot Flower & Garden Festival Topiaries Disney Topiary

Troll – Norway Pavilion

Epcot Flower & Garden Festival Topiaries Disney Topiary


Dragon – Japan Pavilion near Torii Gate

Epcot Flower & Garden Festival Topiaries Disney Topiary

Pandas – China Pavilion

Simba and Friends (Rafiki, Simba, Mufasa, and Sarabi) – Between Imagination! and The Land Pavilion

Epcot Flower & Garden Festival Topiaries Disney Topiary

Pumbaa and Timon – Between Imagination! and The Land Pavilion

2022 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Topiary

2022 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Topiary

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs – Germany Pavilion

2022 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Topiary

Lady and the Tramp – Italy Pavilion

2022 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Topiary

Beauty and the Beast – France Pavilion

2022 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Topiary

Lumiere and Cogsworth – France Pavilion

2022 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Topiary

Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy – Germany Pavilion

2022 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Topiary
2022 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Topiary

Peter Pan, Captain Hook, and Tick Tock Croc  – Between the United Kingdom and Canada Pavilions

2022 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Topiary

2022 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Topiary

Winnie the Pooh and Friends (Rabbit, Eeyore, Piglet, and Tigger) – United Kingdom Pavilion

2022 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Topiary

Tinker Bell’s Fairy House Garden – United Kingdom Pavilion

2022 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Topiary

Bambi and Friends – near Imagination!

Want to find out more information about the Epcot Flower & Garden Festival? Check out our Foodie Guide, Garden Rocks Schedule, Garden Rocks Dining, Merchandise, and more!

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Epcot Flower & Garden Festival: Foodie Guide

The EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival has taken over EPCOT with flavors in full bloom and dishes waiting to be cultivated through July 4.

In addition to the topiaries featuring some of Disney and Pixar characters, the Garden Rocks Concert Series, and exclusive merchandise, this year’s festival features almost 20 Outdoor Kitchens!

EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival 2022 Foodie Guide

Guests of the festival can enjoy new delights like the BLT Scone at Cider House as well as the return of fan-favorites like the Local Wildflower Honey-Mascarpone Cheesecake at The Honey Bee-stro Hosted by National Honey Board.

Don’t forget to pick up a Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Passport at an entrance to participate in Garden Graze, a food stroll featuring five delicious dishes from various Outdoor Kitchens. Get a stamp in your passport after you’ve purchased the items and once you’ve compiled all five, simply make your way to Pineapple Promenade to receive your Festival-exclusive treat.

2022 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival: Foodie Guide

EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival

Flavor Full Kitchen Hosted by AdventHealth (Between Imagination! and Refreshment Port)


Food Items:

  • Grilled Street Corn on the Cob with savory garlic spread (Gluten/Wheat Friendly) (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
  • Seared Salmon with farro risotto and micro herbs
  • Strawberry Mousse with chocolate-crisp pearls

Beverages:

  • Blood Orange Agua Fresca (non-alcoholic)
  • Cookie Butter Worms and Dirt (non-alcoholic)
EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival

EPCOT Sunshine Griddle (Near Test Track presented by Chevrolet)

Food Items:

  • Avocado Toast with marinated toybox tomatoes on toasted ciabatta (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
  • Shrimp and Grits: Blackened shrimp and cheddar cheese grits with brown gravy and sweet corn salsa
  • Corned Beef Brisket Hash with house-made potato barrels, onions, peppers, cheese curds, and a soft-poached egg with Tabasco hollandaise (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
  • Fried Cinnamon Roll Bites with cream cheese frosting and candied bacon

Beverages:

  • Froot Loops Shake (non-alcoholic)
  • Joffrey’s Coffee Cold Brew Cocktail with milk, rum and coffee liqueur, and vanilla vodka
EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival

The Honey Bee-stro Hosted by National Honey Board

Food Items:

  • Tupelo Honey and Sweet Corn Spoon Bread with jalapeños, bacon, and house-made whipped honey butter (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
  • Lavender Honey Mustard-marinated Chicken Flatbread with whipped honey-ricotta cheese, marinated vegetables, and goat cheese
  • Local Wildflower Honey-Mascarpone Cheesecake with orange blossom honey whipped cream, whipped honey, crystalized honey, honeycomb, dehydrated honey, and fennel pollen meringue kisses

Beverages:

  • Honey-Peach Freeze in a Souvenir Spike the Bee Sipper Cup (non-alcoholic) (Limit 2 per guest)
  • Lemonade Mead
  • Orange Blossom Honey Wine
  • Honey-Peach Freeze with Blueberry Vodka
EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival

The Citrus Blossom (Near Port of Entry)

Food Items:

  • Crispy Mojo Marinated Pork Belly, with avocado cream, corn salsa, salsa verde, and plantain chips (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly) (New)
  • Tuna Tataki Bowl with spicy yuzu glaze, mango, avocado, and pappadam crisp
  • Grapefruit Tart: Grapefruit curd, lychee jam, ginger mousse, and yuzu cream (New)

Beverages:

  • Orange-Lemon Smoothie in a Souvenir Orange Bird Sipper Cup (non-alcoholic) (Limit 2 per guest)
  • Key Lime Hibiscus Ale
  • Orange Peel Ale
  • Citrus Honey Cream Ale
  • Orange Sunshine Wine Slushy
  • Beer Flight
EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival

Refreshment Port (Near Canada)

Food Items:

  • House-made Italian Sausage and Peppers Poutine (Plant-based) (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)

Beverages:

  • Salted Cucumber Apple Hard Cider
  • Lavender Martini: Vodka with lavender and lemon
EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival

Pineapple Promenade (Near Port of Entry)

Food Items:

  • Spicy Hot Dog with pineapple chutney and plantain chips
  • DOLE Whip (Plant-based)

Beverages:

  • Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade (non-alcoholic)
  • DOLE Whip with Fanta (non-alcoholic)
  • Tropical Hefe Wheat Ale
  • Fresh Pressed Mango, Pineapple, and Guava Wheat Ale
  • Hazy Pebbles Fruity Hazy Milkshake
  • Violet Lemonade Ale
  • Sparkling Pineapple Wine
  • DOLE Whip topped with mango cream liqueur
  • Pineapple Beer Flight
EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival

Trowel & Trellis Hosted by Impossible™ (Near Disney Traders)

Food Items:

  • Grilled Baby Vegetables with hummus cream and red pepper coulis (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly) (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
  • Impossible Sausage and Kale Soup (Plant-based)
  • Boneless Impossible Korean Short Rib with cilantro-lime rice, Danmuji slaw, and Kimchee Mayonnaise (Plant-based)  
  • Chocolate Cake with whipped cassis mousse, raspberry gelato, and fresh raspberries (New) (Plant-based)

Beverages:

  • Twinings Energizing Matcha Cranberry & Lime Green Tea (non-alcoholic)   
  • Bloom Hazy IPA
  • Twinings Energizing Matcha Cranberry & Lime Green Tea with lime vodka served in a mason jar
EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival

Refreshment Outpost

Food Items:

  • Pineapple Skewer with tajin seasoning (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly) (Plant-based)
  • Tangerine soft-serve

Beverages:

  • Tangerine Cream Ale
  • Blueberry Lemonade Hard Cider
  • Organic Blonde Ale with passion fruit
EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival

Bauernmarkt: Farmer’s Market (Germany)

Food Items:

  • Potato Pancakes with house-made applesauce (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly) (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
  • Potato Pancake with caramelized ham, onions, and herb sour cream (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
  • Toasted Pretzel Bread topped with black forest ham and melted Gruyère cheese
  • Warm Cheese Strudel with mixed berries

Beverages:

  • Hugo Lager
  • Premium Pilsner
  • Raspberry Radler
  • Apfelschaumwein: Sparkling wine and apple liqueur
  • Beer Flight
EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival

Magnolia Terrace (American Adventure)

Food:

  • Southern Seafood Boil: Shrimp, mussels, crawfish, potatoes, corn, and Andouille sausage
  • Spicy Chicken Gumbo with Andouille sausage and BEN’S ORIGINAL Long Grain & Wild Rice (New)
  • Grilled Oysters with Cajun butter (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
  • House-made Boudin Bites featuring BEN’S ORIGINAL Long Grain White Rice
  • Pecan Praline (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)

Beverages:

  • Bayou Cocktail: Spiced rum, coconut rum, fruit punch, and Minute Maid orange juice
  • Orange Coriander Wheat Ale
  • American Light Ale
  • Double IPA
  • Beer Flight
EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival

Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina (Morocco)

Food Items:

  • Mediterranean Flatbread with za’atar, artichokes, olives, mozzarella, and feta cheese (New)
  • Vanilla, Rose Water, and Pistachio Panna Cotta

Beverages:

  • Pomegranate Mimosa
  • Ginger and Elderberry Ale
  • Pomegranate Hard Cider
  • Blackberry Mint Mead
  • Flight
EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival

La Isla Fresca (Between Morocco and France)

Food:

  • Arepas topped with melted queso fresco (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
  • Arepa topped with shrimp, crushed avocado ají, and tomato sauce (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
  • Arepa topped with chorizo (New)
  • Coconut Tres Leches: Vanilla cake soaked in oat milk, almond milk, and coconut milk with toasted coconut (New) (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)

Beverages:

  • Tropical Breeze: Lemonade, grapefruit juice, and simple syrup (non-alcoholic) (New)
  • Coconut Key Lime Ale
  • Tropical Perception White Sangria
  • Tropical Breeze with rum (New)
EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival

EPCOT Farmers Feast (Near Test Track presented by Chevrolet)

Food Items:

Early Bloom Menu (available March 2 through April 9)

  • Chilled Potato and Leek Soup “Vichyssoise” with chive oil and crispy leeks (New) (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
  • Char-grilled Bison Ribe-Eye with creamy leek fondue, roasted carnival cauliflower, Romanesco and port wine-goat cheese butter (New) (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
  • Goat Cheese Creamsicle Pop: Goat cheese Crémeux, orange cream, olive oil cake, cranberry sauce, and praline (New)
EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival

Springtime Menu (available April 10 through May 21)

  • Grilled Vegetable Bruschetta with marinated peppers, zucchini, squash, artichokes, goat cheese, and balsamic glaze on grilled ciabatta (New)
  • Herb-crusted Spring Lamb with marble potatoes, spring vegetables, and red wine butter sauce
  • Strawberry Rhubarb Upside-down Cake with crème fraîche whipped cream
EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival

Summer Solstice Menu (available May 22 through July 4)

  • Tomato and Cornbread Panzanella with burrata cheese and fresh basil
  • Barbecue Seared Pork Tenderloin with summer succotash, herb butter, and grapefruit vinaigrette (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
  • A Whole Lotta Melon: Feta cheesecake with watermelon curd, pickled watermelon rind, watermelon caramel, and compressed watermelon (New) (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)

Beverages (available throughout the Festival):

  • Raspberry Lemon Verbena Whole-Leaf-Steeped Sparkling Hard Tea
  • Hibiscus Lemonade Cocktail featuring hibiscus gin

Cider House (United Kingdom)

Food Items:

  • BLT Scone with Nueske’s applewood-smoked bacon, sundried tomato, and basil (New)
  • Dark Chocolate Raspberry Tart with whipped cream

Beverages:

  • Pink Lemonade Hard Cider
  • Watermelon Hard Cider
  • Triple Jam Hard Cider
  • Pure Brewed Organic Lager
  • Snakebite: Triple jam hard cider and pure brewed organic lager
  • Cider Flight

Northern Bloom (Canada)

Food Items:

  • Seared Scallops with French green beans, butter potatoes, brown butter vinaigrette, and applewood-smoked bacon (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
  • Beef Tenderloin Tips, Mushroom Bordelaise Sauce, and Whipped Potatoes with garden vegetables
  • Griddled Maple Pound Cake with warm peach compote and sweet corn gelato

Beverages:

  • Maple Popcorn Shake (non-alcoholic)
  • Blonde Ale
  • Blueberry Fruit Beer
  • Apricot with Maple Syrup Blonde Ale
  • Maple Popcorn Shake with maple rye whisky
  • Beer Flight

Jardin de Fiestas (Mexico)

Food Items:

  • Enchilada de Mole Negro: Chipotle chicken in a corn tortilla with mole negro, avocado mousse, crema Mexicana, and queso fresco (New) (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
  • Taco Vampiro: Barbacoa beef in a corn tortilla with crispy grilled Monterey jack cheese, salsa ranchera, and esquites (New) (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
  • Tostada de Chorizo: Plant-based Chorizo and black beans on a crispy corn tortilla with avocado mousse and queso fresco (New) (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)

Beverages:

  • Poppy Flower Margarita: Tequila blanco, hibiscus flower tea, cucumber juice, aperitivo, and blackcurrant liqueur with a chile salt rim
  • Hypnotic Margarita: Tequila blanco, mezcal, rosemary syrup, cognac, and lemon juice
  • Craft Mexican Lager
EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival

Lotus House (China)

Food Items:

  • Spicy Mala Chicken Skewer (New)
  • House-made Cheesy Crab Wontons

Beverages:

  • Rose Bubble Milk Tea (non-alcoholic) (New)
  • Jasmine Draft Beer
  • Marco Boba: Amaretto, iced coffee, milk, and boba
  • Kung Fu Punch: Vodka, triple sec, mango, orange juice, and soda water
  • Tang Dynasty: Tequila gold, light rum, strawberry, piña colada mix, white boba pearls, and soda water
EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival

Primavera Kitchen (Italy)

Food Items:

  • Arancini: Fried Risotto Balls stuffed with braised beef served with grape tomato salad and balsamic emulsion
  • Ravioli alla Boscaiola: Sweet sausage ravioli with sweet corn, spring vegetables, and cream sauce
  • Bomboloni: Cream-filled Italian doughnut with raspberry sauce and powdered sugar

Beverages:

  • Pilsner                                                                                    
  • Pinot Grigio                                                                           
  • Chianti
  • Prosecco                                                                                
  • Rosa Regale
  • Moscato                                                         
  • Italian White Sangria with prosecco
  • Italian Red Sangria with cabernet sauvignon
  • Italian Margarita with limoncello and tequila
EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival

Hanami (Japan)

Food Items:

  • Frushi: Strawberry, pineapple, and cantaloupe wrapped in sweet rice and pink soy wrap served with whipped cream, berry sauce, and toasted coconut
  • Chicken Yakitori: Grilled chicken with scallions, red pepper-shoyu emulsion, and pickled onions
  • Beef Tataki: Seared sirloin with red shiso sauce, watermelon radish, and sprouts

Beverages:                                                                

  • Yuzu Tilted Tonic Hard Seltzer
  • Ozeki Pineapple Nigori Sake
  • Cucumber Cooler: Sake, vodka, and cucumber garnished with a cucumber slice 
EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival

Fleur de Lys (France)

Food Items:

  • Croissant au Fromage de Chèvre, Herbes et Ail Rôtie: Croissant with goat cheese, herbs, and roasted garlic (New)
  • Pan Bagnat Classique: The Niçoise Sandwich with house-made bread, albacore tuna mayonnaise, tomato, black olives, lettuce, and celery (New)
  • Salade de Lentilles à la Lyonnaise: French Green Lentil Salad with bacon and garlic sausage (New)
  • Beignet Caramélisé, Fourré Crème Vanille, Glacé au Caramel Fleur de Sel: Caramelized Beignet filled with vanilla cream and glazed with caramel fleur de sel

Beverages:

  • French Wheat Draft Beer
  • VeRy Raspberry: Rosé wine with natural raspberry flavor
  • Grand Mimosa Cocktail with orange liqueur, Champagne, and orange juice
  • La Vie en Rose Frozen Slush: Vodka, orange vodka, and liqueur with white and red cranberry juice       
EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival

Funnel Cake

Food Item:

  • Strawberry Cheesecake Funnel Cake topped with strawberry ice cream, cheesecake crumbles, strawberry drizzle, and whipped cream (New)
EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company

World Discovery (Near Mission: SPACE) – Minty Melon Refresher: A lightly caffeinated blend of watermelon-cucumber-mint juice with strawberries and blueberries (Spirited option available featuring Watermelon-Basil Vodka) (New) 

Near Canada: Strawberry Fields Refresher – A lightly caffeinated blend of strawberry açaí juice with strawberries and blueberries (Spirited option available featuring strawberry-lemongrass vodka) (New) 

World Showcase (Near Disney Traders) – Pink Paradise Refresher: A lightly caffeinated blend of refreshing dragon fruit-lychee juice with strawberries and blueberries (Spirited option available featuring watermelon-basil vodka) (New)

The American Adventure –  Wildberry Wonder Refresher: A lightly caffeinated blend of wildberry-hibiscus juice with strawberries and blueberries (New) (Spirited option available featuring tropical rum)

I don’t know about you, but I’m really hungry and ready to try out most of these Epcot Flower & Garden Festival flavors!!!

Don’t forget you can keep up with us as we are On the Go in the Parks and beyond the Epcot Flower & Garden Festival by following @onthegoinmco on InstagramTwitterFacebook, and YouTube
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Epcot Flower & Garden Festival: Merchandise

Epcot Flower & Garden Festival: Merchandise

The EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival springs to life at Disney World with more than just beautiful blooms as five new merchandise lines are debuting during the celebration.

The different lines feature beloved characters including the Orange Bird, Spike the Bee, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Figment with colorful garden tools, cheerful drinkware, stylish accessories and more.

Epcot Flower & Garden Festival: Merchandise

Orange Bird Collection  

Orange you glad these Orange Bird items are coming to EPCOT? An iconic symbol of the sunshine state, Orange Bird inspires an eye-catching collection of wearable fashions, accessories and other adorable keepsakes, including a new Corkcicle design or the  Orange-Lemon Smoothie in a Souvenir Orange Bird Sipper Cup.

Mickey Mouse Home Garden Collection 

Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2022 Merchandise

Garden in style with this vibrant assortment of apparel, drinkware, yard tools and other coordinating accessories. Mickey Mouse takes center stage in the collection’s playful design, which features springtime blue hues and dainty floral prints.  

Spike the Bee Collection 

Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2022 Merchandise

Memorable for his appearances in early Mickey Mouse cartoons, Spike the Bee evokes nostalgia for longtime Disney fans. The collection includes a variety of sweet new pieces, including collectible novelties, apparel and accessories. 

Figment’s Garden Collection 

Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2022 Merchandise

Figment shares his love of all things purple – including beets! – with an imaginative new line of wares that celebrate the springtime harvest. These creative purple pieces will launch later on during the festival.  

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse Collection  

Decked out in dapper ensembles, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse are ready for a stroll in the garden! Find an array of new items featuring whimsical artwork inspired by the festival.  

Ready to get out your credit card?

Epcot Flower & Garden Festival merchandise can be found at festival retail locations throughout EPCOT, with additional pieces debuting throughout the festival, and select items available on shopDisney.com

Want to find out more information about the Epcot Flower & Garden Festival? Check out our Foodie Guide, Garden Rocks Schedule, Garden Rocks Dining, and more!

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2022 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival Overview

EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival 2022

The 2022 EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival is blooming with fresh cuisine, beautiful gardens, whimsical topiaries of familiar characters, and flourishing entertainment from March 2 through July 4, 2022.

Epcot Flower & Garden Festival

Topiaries

The obvious highlight of the Epcot Flower & Garden Festival is the Disney and Pixar character topiaries.

These iconic and towering topiaries can be found throughout the park and are sure to brighten up the rainiest Spring Day!

As a salute to the Walt Disney World Resort’s 50th anniversary, the Epcot entry plaza is home to a Goofy Topiary and Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Celebration Cake.

Wordless Wednesday Victoria Gardens Epcot Canada Pavilion Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Walt Disney World Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 2020 Walt Disney World

Gardens

Take a walk off the beaten path to find flowerbeds, exotic gardens, sustainable foods, and imaginative ways to live in harmony with the natural world.

New to the festival this year is the Blossoms of Fragrance Presented by Scentsy which fills the World Showcase Bridge with unforgettable fragrances

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 2019

Outdoor Kitchens

World Showcase at EPCOT plays host to over twenty Festival-exclusive Outdoor Kitchens and dining locations during the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival.

At each Outdoor Kitchen, festival-goers will find specialty menus featuring creative, fresh, and tasty bites paired with libations. 

Guests of the festival can enjoy new delights like the BLT Scone at Cider House as well as the return of fan-favorites like the Local Wildflower Honey-Mascarpone Cheesecake at The Honey Bee-stro Hosted by the National Honey Board.

Make sure to pick up an Epcot Flower & Garden Festival Passport at either park entrance to participate in Garden Graze, a food stroll featuring five delicious dishes from various Outdoor Kitchens that once completed result in a festival-exclusive treat.

Outdoor Kitchens are open daily from 11:00 am to park close, unless otherwise noted.

Garden Rocks Concert Series Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 2020

Garden Rocks Concert Series

Need a way to work off those extra calories during the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival?

Head to the Garden Rocks Concert Series that takes place on select nights at the America Gardens Theatre in the American Adventure Pavilion.

New and returning favorite rockers include Rick Springfield, Kool & The Gang, Blue October, STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas, TobyMac, The Commodores, Little River Band, Simple Plan, and many more.

2022 Garden Rocks Concert Series Audience

Garden Rocks Concert Dining Package

The lines for the festival concerts can get quite long, and to make the most of their time in the park guests can book a Garden Rocks Dining Package that includes a leisurely meal at an EPCOT restaurant earlier in the evening and guaranteed seats at one of the Garden Rocks performances that day.

Dining packages are available at four EPCOT eateries at lunch and dinner.

Each package includes an appetizer, entrée, and dessert or one full buffet (where applicable), along with a non-alcoholic beverage and one guaranteed seat per person to one Garden Rocks concert performance on the same day.

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 2020 Walt Disney World
📷 Walt Disney World Resort- Harrison Cooney

Family Fun

While the Epcot Flower & Garden Festival is friendly for even the youngest horticultural enthusiast, there are several ways to add even more fun to a family’s day!

The Health Full Trail Presented by AdventHealth is a whimsical area made to inspire youthful energy and creativity! The whole family can learn ways to stay healthy at this Outdoor Kitchen and garden along the Imagination Walkway.

Embark on a springtime scavenger hunt for gardeners of all ages with Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration.

Follow Spike the Bee on his pollination trail, where he will “bee” busy collecting nectar and pollinating gardens at EPCOT. To get started, purchase your map and stickers at select merchandise locations (available while supplies last).

Once completed, return your scavenger hunt map to Disney Traders or World Traveler for a special surprise.

Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration is a great and affordable way to spend time at the festival with a price tag of only $9.99 + tax.

2022 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival Merchandise

Merchandise

Take home magical mementos from the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival with a variety of themed merchandise collections.

2022 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival Merchandise

Mickey Mouse Home Garden

Celebrate this year’s festival with home garden-inspired merchandise from this collection featuring vibrant apparel, drinkware, garden tools and so much more.

2022 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival Merchandise

Orange Bird

Find adorable Orange Bird keepsakes within this vibrant collection that includes apparel, accessories, and other novelties.

2022 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival Merchandise

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse

Browse a collection that celebrates Mickey and Minnie Mouse—featuring apparel, drinkware, trading pins, and a MagicBand.

2022 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival Merchandise

Figment’s Garden

Grow your imagination with Figment-themed apparel, drinkware, and more as you dream green this festival season.

2022 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival Merchandise

Spike the Bee

Find sweet reminders of Spike the Bee on apparel, accessories, drinkware, a garden stake, and other collectible novelties.

As a reminder, to enjoy the 2022 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival parkgoers must have both valid theme park admission and a park pass reservation. 

Don’t forget you can keep up with us as we are On the Go in the Parks and beyond the Epcot Flower & Garden Festival by following @onthegoinmco on InstagramTwitterFacebook, and YouTube
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2022 Garden Rocks Concert Series Line-Up

2022 Garden Rocks Concert Series

I am really excited to share that the popular Garden Rocks Concert Series is returning to the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival this March!

New this year, internationally recognized artists will bring the groove to the America Gardens Theater stage Friday-Monday, while local Orlando bands step into the spotlight Tuesday-Thursday.

The series features something for everyone – from returning favorites like The Guess Who, Rick Springfield and Simple Plan to Latin hitmakers Melina León and Claudia Leitte, Christian music superstar TobyMac and groovin’ legends Kool & The Gang.

2022 Garden Rocks Concert Series Audience

2022 Garden Rocks Concert Series Line-Up

  • March 4-5 – The Guess Who
  • March 6-7 – Rick Springfield
  • March 11-12 – Melina Leon – NEW to Garden Rocks
  • March 18-19 – Mike DelGuidice, currently on tour with Billy Joel – NEW
  • March 20-21 – Kool & The Gang – NEW to Garden Rocks
  • March 25-28 – The Orchestra starring former members of ELO
  • April 1-2 – The Spinners
  • April 3-4 – The Pointer Sisters
  • April 8-9 – Blue October – NEW to Garden Rocks
  • April 15-16 – Tommy DeCarlo, singer of the band Boston – NEW
  • April 17-18 – Don Felder, Formerly of The Eagles
  • April 22-23 – STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas
  • April 24-25 – Claudia Leitte – NEW
  • April 29-30 – Berlin
  • May 1-2 – TobyMac
  • May 6-7 – Blood, Sweat & Tears
  • May 8-9 – The Commodores – NEW to Garden Rocks
  • May 13-14 – Ambrosia with Peter Beckett – NEW
  • May 20-21 – A Flock Of Seagulls
  • May 22-23 – Collin Raye – NEW
  • May 27-28 – Thelma Houston – NEW
  • May 29-30 – Little River Band
  • June 3-6 – Simple Plan
  • June 10-13 – Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
  • June 17-20 – Plain White T’s

Beginning January 19th, guests can secure their spot at the show by booking a Garden Rocks Dining Package available Friday-Monday.  Find out more by visiting FreshEPCOT.com

Please remember that in order to experience the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, guests must have both valid admission and a park reservation for EPCOT on the same date.

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2021 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival: Topiary Tour

2021 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Figment Topiary Up close

EPCOT has become the place to go to experience theme park festivals, and until July 5, 2021, the EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival is filling the Walt Disney World theme park with farm-fresh flavors, fan-favorite entertainment, beautiful flowers, and my favorite…topiaries with character!

If you are heading to the Flower and Garden Festival, let’s look at where you can find each of these topiaries!

2021 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival Topiary Locations

2021 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Fantasia Topiary Entrance
  • Sorcerer Mickey Mouse, Broom, Ostriches, Hippo and Mushroom – Main Entrance
  • Woody, Bo Peep and her sheep – Future World West
  • Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Goofy – Between Future World & World Showcase
  • Pluto and Chip ‘n Dale – Between Future World and World Showcase
  • Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Huey, Dewey and Louie – Showcase Plaza
  • Buzz Lightyear – Future World East near Mission: SPACE®
2021 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Buzz Lightyear
  • Figment – Future World West near Imagination!
  • Topiary Butterflies – Future World West
  • The Three Caballeros (Jose, Donald and Panchito) – Mexico Pavilion
  • Anna and Elsa – Norway Pavilion
  • Troll – Norway Pavilion
  • Dragon Topiary – Japan Pavilion near Torii Gate
  • Pandas – China Pavilion
  • China Zodiac Topiary Garden – China Pavilion in front of Nine Dragons
  • Simba and Friends (Rafiki, Simba, Mufasa and Sarabi) – Future World West
2021 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Lion King Topiary
  • Snow White and Dopey – Germany Pavilion
  • Lady and the Tramp – Italy Pavilion
  • Beauty and the Beast – France Pavilion
  • Remy – France Pavilion
  • Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy – Between United Kingdom and Canada Pavilions
  • Peter Pan and Captain Hook – United Kingdom Pavilion
  • Winnie the Pooh and Friends (Rabbit, Eeyore, Piglet and Tigger) – United Kingdom Pavilion
  • Tinker Bell and Fairy Houses – United Kingdom Pavilion
  • Bambi and Friends – Future World East near Mouse Gear
2021 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Remy Topiary Ratatouille

It was a gloomy day when I ventured out, but my walk around EPCOT to take a closer look at the character topiaries brought a smile to my face!

2021 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Thank you banner

For even more theme park fun, make sure to follow @onthegoinmco on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook!

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On the Go in the Parks: March 19-21, 2021

On the Go in the Parks March 2021
Make sure you tune into Orlando’s Evening News with Tony Marino on WDBO tonight at 6:38pm ET to hear about these and other fun things going on around Central Florida!

If you are On the Go in the Parks this weekend you are going to have beautiful weather to enjoy and fantastic events to choose from!

On the Go in the Parks: March 19-21, 2021

A Taste of Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival

Wordless Wednesday Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 2015 Epcot Walt Disney World

EPCOT will full bloom as the Taste of EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival fills the park with farm-fresh flavors from around the world until July 5th!

This annual celebration will be slightly different, but beautiful flowers, topiaries with character, fan-favorite entertainment, and family fun can be found around every corner.

Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando Resort Mardi Gras 2020 -
Universal Orlando Resort

Experience an international food fest with cuisine and entertainment inspired by international Carnaval celebrations. Sample the flavors of Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago, Germany, Spain, and other regions including, of course, New Orleans.

Plus enjoy spectacular floats on display, street entertainment, music, beads, and more throughout the theme park.

And now you can let the good times roll even longer as they have extended the celebration through April 11th!!!

Don’t forget that right now the Universal Orlando Resort has AMAZING Florida Resident deals on Annual Passes (3 months free on any two park pass), tickets (Buy a Day, Get 3 free), and resort stays!!!!

Seven Seas Food Festival at SeaWorld Orlando

SeaWorld Orlando Seven Seas Food Festival 2021

The Seven Seas Food Festival continues at SeaWorld Orlando, and if you are a foodie this is a can’t miss event for you!!!

Bayside Stadium will once again be rocking this weekend with performances from Jerry Rivera on Saturday, March 13th, and Scotty McCreery on Sunday, March 14th.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Food and Wine Festival 2021

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Food and Wine Festival 2021

This spring, flavors are in bloom at Busch Gardens Tampa with the return of the park’s fan-favorite Food & Wine Festival that invites guests to
sample more than 110 tasty treats, including 22 NEW dishes.

Serving guests every weekend until April 25th with limited capacity, this year’s menu features festival favorites and fresh twists on classic cuisines from around the country that pair perfectly with more than 80 wines, brews, and cocktails.

This Saturday evening you can also see Dylan Scott in concert on the park’s Festival Field.

Theme Park Deals You Won’t Want to Miss!!!

Universal Orlando Deals

On the Go in the Parks January 2021 Universal Orlando Resort

The Universal Orlando Resort is welcoming 2021 with SEVERAL special offers that invite guests to plan an epic trip to the award-winning theme park destination this year.

The current special offers include:

  • Get 3 Months Free on any 2-Park Annual or Seasonal Pass
  • Florida residents can also take advantage of an exclusive Universal Orlando ticket offer to purchase a 1-Day, 2-Park ticket (as low as $181 per adult, plus tax) and receive three extra days free to experience both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
  • Florida residents can take advantage of nightly rates as low as $79 plus tax at the all-new Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites, while non-Florida residents can book a stay at Dockside Inn and Suites for as low as $88 per night, plus tax based on a four-night stay.
  • Guests who purchase a 4-Day, 2-Park or 3-Park ticket (starting at $224.99 per adult, plus tax) can save up to $50 per ticket – that’s a combined savings of up to $200 for a family of four.
  • Guests can also take advantage of this offer as part of a vacation package to Universal Orlando, and receive a total savings of up to $800 on a package that includes five-night accommodations at one of Universal’s beautifully-themed hotels and 4-day theme park tickets for a family of four.

Don’t forget you can keep up with our adventures as we are On the Go in the Parks and theme park news and tips by following @onthegoinmco on InstagramTwitterFacebook, and YouTube!

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2020 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival Guide

The 27th Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival will bloom at the Walt Disney World Resort filling the park with the sights, sounds, and flavors of Spring daily from March 4 until June 1, 2020.

2020 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival Guide

Lush Gardens

Imagination blooms around every corner during the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival as breathtaking flower beds, plots of plant life, and wildlife habitats can be found in every area of the park.

Wordless Wednesday Victoria Gardens Epcot Canada Pavilion Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Walt Disney World Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 2020 Walt Disney World
  • Bamboo Garden – As a member of the grass family, bamboo can be found at the China Pavilion in many colors, patterns and sizes.
  • Bold Bromeliads – Located at the Mexico Pavilion
  • Bonsai Collection – Take a trip to the Japan Pavilion and discover the ancient art of bonsai with some of the finest living sculptures created by bonsai masters, who carefully shape and tend these miniature works of art—creating peace and balance with the earth.
  • Chinese Zodiac Natural Sculptures – Located at the China Pavilion
  • English Tea Garden Presented by Twinings of London – Discover the history and art of tea blending at this elegant English Tea Garden at the United Kingdom Pavilion, featuring plants important to some of Twinings finest tea blends.
  • Festival Blooms – Located at Future World, this display boasts thousands of flowers form colorful, living panoramas overlooking Future World’s East and West lakes.
  • Floating Mini-Gardens – Peer upon more than 100 petite plots drifting on the ponds that border the walkway between Future World and the World Showcase.
  • Garden Italiano – From fresh spaghetti sauce to your favorite pizza topping, this Tuscan kitchen garden at the Italy Pavilion features all the produce and herbs needed to create a classic Italian feast.
  • Health Full Trail Presented by AdventHealth – Delight in a whimsical area along Imagination Walkway for kids, made to inspire youthful energy and creativity. Your whole family can learn fun and interactive ways to stay healthy at a brand-new playground and outdoor kitchen.
  • The Honey Bee-Stro – Learn about the importance of honeybees in this immersive garden. You can also enjoy some food options, made possible by their hard work, from the adjoining outdoor kitchen. Find it near Imagination! Pavilion.
  • Kokedama Garden – Admire fresh expressions of an ancient Japanese art. The Kokedama Garden features skilled bonsai creations.
  • Growing the Future Presented by Murata – Explore how cutting-edge technology paired with agricultural science can transform the way we feed the world. Discover the possibilities with our friends at Science from Scientists and engage in fun, fascinating, hands-on experiments—opening April 7, 2020.
  • Shakespeare Garden – Thou shalt adore matching up famous quotes to flowers found within this vibrant garden at the United Kingdom Pavilion. William Shakespeare often used flowers and exotic gardens to help set the scenes for his plays and employed them as symbols and metaphors.
  • The Goodness Garden Butterfly House Presented by GoGo squeeZ – Visit this foliage-filled exhibit at Future World West to view a kaleidoscope of butterflies and observe several species up close, learning about their life cycles and maybe even witnessing them emerging from chrysalises.
  • Plant a Garden Perfect for Pollinators – Stop by this display near the Butterfly House and take garden-ready ideas home with you, along with garden crafts and sustainable best practices.
  • Tropical Rainforest Garden – Visit the Mexico Pavilion and learn how Mexico rainforests are rich with plants and animals that have adapted to a wide variety of light levels and water conditions.
  • Urban Spice – At the Morocco Pavilion, learn how in many eastern cultures, ancient spices were considered more valuable than gold. Even today, many cultures are defined by their signature spices and herb blends, created from plant leaves, stems, roots, seeds and flowers.

Topiaries with character

The topiaries are the highlight of every Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, and this year 70 hand-crafted topiaries have been created by Disney’s talented team horticulturists.

While there are many returning favorites, there are a few new additions you won’t want to miss! 

Here is where you will find the topiaries during the Festival:

  • Anna and Elsa from Frozen – Located at the Norway Pavilion
  • Bambi & Friends (Featuring Flower, Bambi and Thumper) – Located in Future World East just outside of the new Mousegear
  • Beauty and the Beast Located at the France Pavilion
  • Bo Peep and Her Sheep with Woody – Located at Future World East
  • Bold Bromeliads – Located near The Land at Future World East
  • Bromeliad Dragon – Located at the Japan Pavilion
  • Buzz Lightyear – Located near Mission: SPACE at Future World East
  • Captain Hook and Peter Pan – Located at the United Kingdom Pavilion
  • Construction Mickey and Minnie with Goofy, Pluto and Chip ‘n’ Dale – Located between Future World and World Showcase
  • Donald and Daisy with Huey, Dewey and Louie – Located near Showcase Plaza
  • Fantasia – Sorcerer Mickey, Brooms, Ostriches and Hippo – Located near Imagination at Future World West
  • Lady and the Tramp – Located at the Italy Pavilion (their new location on the water is my favorite)
  • Miss Piggy and Kermit the Frog – Located between the United Kingdom and Canada Pavilions at the France Pavilions
  • Pandas – Located at the China Pavilion
  • Pluto and Goofy – Located between Future World and World Showcase
  • Remy (NEW!) – Located at the France Pavilion
  • Simba and Friends (Featuring Rafiki, Simba, Mufasa and Sarabi) – Located between The Outpost Shop and the Germany Pavilion
  • Snow White and Dopey – Located at the Germany Pavilion
  • Tinker Bell and Fairy Houses – Located at the United Kingdom Pavilion
  • The Three Caballeros (Featuring Jose, Donald and Panchito) – Located at the Mexico Pavilion
  • Topiary Butterflies – Located at Future World West
  • Topiary Flowers – Located near the Main Entrance
  • Winnie-the-Pooh & Friends – Located at the United Kingdom Pavilion

Interactive Play Scapes

Families can take a step off the Festival path to experience two play gardens filled with hands-on activities and interactive playscapes.

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 2020 Walt Disney World

At Bo Peep’s Playtime Training Grounds, located near Test Track, little ones of all ages can enjoy a playful playground and garden inspired by Bo Peep and the rest of your Toy Story pals.

The Play Full Garden, located on the Imagination Walkway, will inspire the entire family to gather for interactive activities that focus on nutrition and wellness.

Family Scavenger Hunts

Gardeners of all ages are invited to participate in Spike’s Pollen Nation Exploration, a springtime scavenger hunt starring Spike the bzzzz-iest honey bee at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 2020 Walt Disney World
📷 Walt Disney World Resort- Harrison Cooney

Once you have your Spike’s Pollen Nation Exploration map, available for purchase at the Port of Entry for $6.99 plus tax, search for Spike’s best blooms across Epcot’s World Showcase, and once you’ve completed the hunt return the completed map to the Port of Entry store for a special surprise. 

Also for a limited time, March 27 to April 12 or while supplies last, Epcot becomes the ‘Hop-piest Place on Earth’ with an Egg-stravaganza Scavenger Hunt around World Showcase in search of Disney character-themed eggs.

Annual Passholders can receive a discount on the purchase of both Spike’s Pollen Nation Exploration and the Egg-stravaganza Scavenger Hunts! Just make sure to show your Annual Pass with ID.

Outdoor Kitchens

As festival-goers take in all the floral wonders of the Festival, they can also find culinary delights at over a dozen Outdoor Kitchens around Epcot’s World Showcase. 

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 2020 Walt Disney World
📷 Walt Disney World Resort – Harrison Cooney

The Outdoor Kitchens open at 11am, and just outside of each location a garden offers inspiration for learning to grow healthy ingredients. 

A complete list of Outdoor Kitchens and menus can be found here.

Garden Rocks Concert Series

The popular Garden Rocks Concert Series will rock every evening of the Festival with three performances by chart-topping artists on the America Gardens Theatre stage. 

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 2020 Walt Disney World
📷 Walt Disney World Resort

It is such a great way to kick off your evening in the park or wrap up a fantastic day!

Additionally, guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner at 15 popular Epcot restaurants with guaranteed seating for a nightly concert with a Garden Rocks Dining Package. Dining packages can be booked by calling (407) WDW-DINE.

You can find the entire Garden Rocks Concert Series and more information on the dining packages here.

Festival Exclusive Guided Tours

Guided tours are available for gardeners of all skill levels who are interested in learning more about nature’s magic exclusively during the Festival. 

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 2020 Walt Disney World
📷 Walt Disney World Resort

The Royal Tea Garden Tour, presented by Twinings, takes place each festival morning at the United Kingdom Pavilion and guides guests through the tranquil tea garden to learn the history and artistry behind growing and blending tea.

The Gardens of the World tour, offered on select days, lets guests join a Disney horticulturist for a three-hour walking tour to explore the festival gardens and topiaries discovering new plant materials and gardening techniques to use in their home gardens.

Epcot admission and a fee are required to join these tours. To make a reservation, call (407) WDW-TOUR.

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 2020 Walt Disney World
📷 Walt Disney World Resort Gene Duncan, photographer

The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, including all gardens and exhibits, is included in regular Epcot admission.

You can find more information about theme park special events, news, and tips by subscribing to our YouTube Channel and following @onthegoinmco on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram!
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Spring into Adventures

Spring is in the air. Hopefully the pollen and my allergies will clear up soon and it is heating up and starting to feel like summer here in Florida. I thought I’d take this opportunity to share some of the things I’m most looking forward to over the next couple of months instead of doing that spring cleaning that I probably should be doing. Now that I’ve found out my schedule for the rest of the spring and beginning of summer, I thought I’d start planning some weekend adventures. The parks across the area have some fantastic special events this time of year, and before the kids are out of school it is a great time to get away while the crowds are lower.

Spring in bloom at Epcot's International Flower & Garden Festival
Spring in bloom at Epcot’s International Flower & Garden Festival

At Epcot we are already more than halfway through the International Flower & Garden Festival. I love this event each year and have been attending since 1998! I dearly miss Davy Jones of the Monkees, as his was always my go to concert for the Flower Power Concert Series. The thing I think I am most excited about (aside from the newly added food and beverage kiosks) is that my favorite HGTV celebrity, David Bromstad, is going to be hosting presentations May 17 – 19 and I’m now off that weekend!

Star Wars Weekends
Star Wars Weekends

Another of my favorite things that I will get to do for the third year in a row is Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This fabulous event has quickly become a must do for me! I still have so many things I haven’t done yet that are on my to do list. I need to get up early enough and get to the park to see the Stormtroopers on top of the entrance to the park above the turnstiles. Also, I really want to get my picture taken with as many of the characters as possible and go to some of the presentations and shows. And then, of course, there is Hyperspace Hoopla, my favorite of all! My apologies to anyone who now has that song stuck in their head (Hoooooooopla, Hyperspace Hoopla…).

Viva la Música
Viva la Música

Busch Gardens and Sea World are playing host to an awesome special event that I got to experience last year for the first time: Viva la Mύsica! This great offering is one that features Latin American food, merchandise, cuture, and of course, music. I got to go just for an hour or so to Busch Gardens after work last year and got to try to some amazing food, but was too late for the concert. This year I was hoping to catch at least one weekend at Busch Gardens and Sea World each. I was so excited when I found out that my favorite salsa band, El Gran Combo, was going to be playing at both parks. I know where I’ll be that weekend!

One of the greatest things about these three events is that they are all included in park admission. Food and beverages of course are extra, but the entertainment and most of the presentations are free of charge with your ticket. These add tremendous value to your vacation or even just a day in the park for us locals.

Water parks are definitely on my list for the next few months. I’ve lived in Florida for almost 20 years and I’ve only been to Typhoon Lagoon for a couple hours and did the lazy river and snorkled with the sharks before the park closed due to weather. This needs to be rectified. I’ve visited Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach for functions, but haven’t done a single water slide. This is a travesty! I also would love to check out some of the other area water parks like Sea World’s Aquatica and Adventure Island in Tampa.

Now we all know that sometimes with the spring come those showers that we need for those pretty flowers. What to do when it isn’t exactly park weather? Why not catch a film? Two movies I am ridiculously excited to see this spring are Marvel’s Iron Man 3 and Disney/Pixar’s Monsters University (visit this site if you haven’t already – it is hilarious!). I am a huge Avengers fan and loved the first Iron Man movie, enjoyed the second one, and adored the Avengers, so I cannot wait to see what they have in store for Tony Stark in this next installment. Monsters Inc was a great, feel good family flick and I think that this will be very entertaining to see some of Mike and Sulley’s adventures before they were best buds.

What are you looking forward to this spring? Did I miss any of your favorite spring special events? Have you been to any of these before? What are some of your favorite things to do in spring when the weather doesn’t cooperate? Hit us up and let us know.Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

My Perfect Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival Day

This year’s Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival is full of some great new additions, as well as some of my old favorites. I thought I would take you along as I look at what makes a perfect day at the 2013 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival.

httpv://youtu.be/nLssHT6H_fQ

When you walk in the main entrance to Epcot, it’s hard to miss the new Fab 5 Topiary ‘Party with Mickey & Friends’ as they celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival. Also as you walk around Spaceship Earth towards Future World, make sure you check out the Phineas & Ferb Topiary.

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival

I am a big fan of the new ‘Radiator Springs’ interactive play area! Make sure you take a few extra minutes to become a Private Detective with Tow Mater. This area is sure to make the Cars fans in your family happy!

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival

After taking a stroll through Radiator Springs, it’s a great time to head to the Festival Center. Here you can find all of the great Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival merchandise, see a presentation in the HGTV Theater with some of your favorite DIY gurus, take a class, or even ask an expert a question about your garden at home.

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival
This year’s Festival Pins!

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival
The upcoming release of the Disney Vera Bradley purses are on display in the Festival Center, too!

httpv://youtu.be/XyaZ0FTiSz8

Another area that I could spend all day in is Tinker Bell’s Butterfly House. This year Tinker Bell and her friends play host to a wonderful world of butterflies, and if you look closely you might even find some of their Fairy Houses! For a special treat, make sure you stop by around 11:00 am to watch the butterflies emerge from their cocoons.

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival
One of the many Fairy Houses in Tinker Bell’s Butterfly House.

You can visit the Land of Oz in the new children’s play area presented by the new Disney film ‘Oz the Great and Powerful’. In this area you can play midway games for prizes, take a break and play for a bit on unique play structures, and relax under a hot air balloon.

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival

While you’re in this area, a fun activity for the little ones is to decorate a flower pot for their seeds from The Land of Oz at the Water Wise Herbs & Vegetable exhibit.

Luckily the Pineapple Promenade is right next to The Land of Oz Play area, so it was time to grab a Dole Whip (I opted to get one without spiced rum) and a Pineapple Upside Down Cake.  What a great treat!

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival

This year there are 12 food booths around the World Showcase Lagoon offering a Taste of Spring. While these booths look similar to those used for the International Food & Wine Festival in the Fall, that is where the similarities end. For the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, each booth features fresh foods prepared in the booth with plantings around each one of ingredients used in the foods. The Cottage in the United Kingdom Pavilion was my favorite, but the candied strawberries of Lotus House are unique and worth a try!

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival
Shrimp and Grits from the Florida Fresh booth.

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival
Candied Strawberries from the Lotus House Booth.

 

Also, you will definitely want to pick up one of the Disney Gift Cards on a wristlet to make buying items at the booths super easy! It can be loaded with as little as $5, and is accepted as payment for nearly anything! Plus this year, they are themed to the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival! Super Cute! You can get them throughout Epcot at ticket booths, Guest Relations, the Festival Center, and almost anywhere they sell Disney Gift Cards!

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival

And it wouldn’t be Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival without topiaries, and both World Showcase & Future World are full of some great ones! I definitely wouldn’t miss…

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival

  • The new Disney-Pixar ‘Monsters University’
  • The Moose in the Victoria Gardens of the Canada Pavilion
  • Hook, Tic Toc Croc, and Peter Pan in the United Kingdom Pavilion
  • Beauty and the Beast in the France Pavilion
  • Woody & Lotso in the American Adventure Pavilion
  • Buzz in front of Mission Space
  • The Troll in the Norway Pavilion

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival

The Backyard Play Garden is full of whimsical touches that you can add to your garden at home (with instructions), as well as a really nice play area for the kiddos. This is a great place to take a break since the kids have a place that is covered to play on with restrooms close by.

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival
This little guy can be found, with directions, in the Backyard Play Garden

Two of my perennial favorites are the bonsai on display in the Japan Pavilion and the large terra cotta pots of Italy that are overflowing with beautiful flowers.

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival

Now would be about the time to start queuing up for the Flower Power Concert Series performed at the American Gardens Theater near the American Adventure Pavilion. STOP TO AT LEAST HEAR ONE CONCERT! I know that these are older performers, but once they start going you will be surprised to see how many songs you know. We saw Micky Dolenz, of The Monkees, and he was amazing. I am personally stoked for The Village People to perform later in the festival.

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival

httpv://youtu.be/pejIzkCvWLg

Make sure you take a moment to take in the Kinsey Collection: Shared Treasures of Bernard & Shirley Kinsey inside of the American Adventure Pavilion. This new exhibit allows you to see authentic documents, books, artifacts, and are art including landscapes and flora in one of the largest collections of African American Art. I had the amazing chance to speak with the Kinseys, and their passion for this collection is breathtaking. We are truly lucky to have such an exhibit visiting Epcot!

After you watch Illuminations, a mandatory watching is included in a perfect day at Epcot, make sure you check out the topiaries as they are illuminated and pixie dust powered at night.

And that would be my perfect day at Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival. It’s a great time of year to visit, and I can’t wait to hear what your perfect day at the Festival would be like!Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram