2023 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival Guide

For many, spring means cleaning, seasonal allergies, and the imminent return of baseball season. But at Disney World, spring means the arrival of the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. The entire park is transformed with amazing botanical displays, unique outdoor activities, and tasty eats and treats. Oh yeah, it’s an EPCOT Festival, so you know there’s a lineup of amazing food and drinks to eat and sip as you explore the World Showcase and take in the beautiful sights.

In our complete 2023 EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival Guide, we’re going to highlight everything to do and everything to eat. Also, you can find tips and advice for how to make the most of your visit to EPCOT during this beautiful festival.

Update 2-28-2023: We’ve updated our guide with information about the 2023 Festival!

Table of Contents

• Festival Dates
• What is the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival
• Should I visit EPCOT during the Flower & Garden Festival
• What’s new at the 2023 EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival?
• What to Do
• What to Eat
• EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival Tips

When is the 2023 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival?

This year’s EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival runs March 1 – July 5, 2023.

What is the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival?

The EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival is an annual celebration of the world’s natural beauty that is held at EPCOT each spring and summer. Included with park admission, this festival features gorgeous gardens, live entertainment, special seasonal menu items, and festival-exclusive merchandise.

Should I visit EPCOT during the Flower & Garden Festival?

Absolutely! The Flower and Garden Festival is one of our favorite events at Disney World. Why?

The Flowers: It may be obvious that a Flower & Garden Festival will have flowers. But this is the most beautiful EPCOT looks all year. The entire park is in bloom, with character topiaries, unique gardens, and floating planters surrounding you as you walk through each pavilion. While EPCOT has great rides, a huge draw of the theme park for me is walking around and exploring each area. In my opinion, EPCOT is at its most enjoyable during the Flower & Garden Festival.

You can get a taste of the Flower & Garden Festival in 4K with this tour from the Guide2WDW Youtube Channel.

The Food: While the food offerings aren’t quite as vast at the Food & Wine Festival later in the year, the Outdoor Kitchens still provide an impressive lineup of delicious dishes. While crowds can get heavy, it isn’t quite as rowdy as the Food & Wine Festival, so grabbing a bite to eat around the World Showcase is a bit less stressful.

The Activities: Free concerts? Check. A scavenger hunt? Check. There’s a ton to do and see during the Flower & Garden Festival. While the botanical demonstrations and classes are still missing while the new festival center is being constructed, there are still a lot of fun activities for the whole family.

What’s new at the 2023 EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival?

New Topiaries: The 2023 Flower & Garden Festival will feature several new character topiaries, including a grandkid roundup from Encanto’s family Madrigal. Tiana from Princess and the Frog is still looking great in green, as she also gets a topiary this year.

New Food: This year’s festival brings almost 50 new dishes to the various Outdoor Kitchens. From Chicken and Waffles at the Honey Bee-stro to Grilled Swordfish at EPCOT Farmers Feast to a delectable looking Chocolate Maple Whisky Cake at Northern Bloom, there are so many new items to try. You can see all the new items in the full 2023 EPCOT Flower & Garden Outdoor Kitchen Menus.

New Merchandise: Of course, you’ll be able to purchase plenty of new merchandise at this year’s festival, including some very cool retro Orange Bird items and a brand new Snow White collection.

New Encanto Spaceship Earth Light Show: Several times nightly, Spaceship Earth lights up with colors and patterns animated to “What Else Can I Do?” from Encanto.

What to Do at the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival

Find all the Character Topiaries

The character topiaries are arguably the most iconic sight of the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival. Disney’s botanical artists use both horticultural skill and flower wizardry to create plant sculptures of classic Disney characters. I always try to find every single topiary during my Disney World vacation. They make for fantastic photo ops, and they’re just really stunning to look at.

For some extra fun, we’ve created a FREE downloadable scavenger hunt for this year’s EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival’s Topiaries.

This year’s EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival features 26 different character topiary displays. Here’s where you can find them:

• Encanto, Including Mirabel, Antonio, Isabela and Luisa – NEW – Main Entrance
• Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Chip, Dale and Pluto – Bridge to World Showcase and World Celebration
• Woody, Bo Peep and Her Sheep – World Nature Near The Land Pavilion
• Goofy – World Showcase
• Tiana – NEW! – The American Adventure Pavilion
• Buzz Lightyear – World Discovery Near Mission: SPACE
• Donald and Daisy – Community Garden Near Connections Café in World Celebration
• Figment – Near Imagination!
• The Three Caballeros (Jose, Donald and Panchito) – Mexico Pavilion
• Anna and Elsa – Norway Pavilion
• Troll – Norway Pavilion
• Dragon – Japan Pavilion Near Torii Gate
• Pandas – China Pavilion
• Simba and Friends (Rafiki, Simba, Mufasa and Sarabi) – Between Imagination! and The Land Pavilion
• Pumbaa and Timon – Between Imagination! and The Land Pavilion
• Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs – Germany Pavilion
• Lady and the Tramp – Italy Pavilion
• Beauty and the Beast – France Pavilion
• Lumiere and Cogsworth – France Pavilion
• Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy – Between France and Morocco Pavilions
• Peter Pan, Captain Hook and Tick Tock Croc – Between United Kingdom and Canada Pavilions
• Winnie the Pooh and Friends (Rabbit, Eeyore, Piglet and Tigger) – United Kingdom Pavilion
• Tinker Bell’s Fairy House Garden – United Kingdom Pavilion
• Bambi and Friends – Near Imagination! and Refreshment Port
• Geese – Canada Pavilion
• Butterflies – Main Entrance, Scentsy Garden, Butterfly House and World Showcase

Enjoy the Global Gardens

The topiaries aren’t the only plant game in town. Global Gardens can be found throughout the entire theme park. These gardens are not only fun to admire and walk through, but they also share an insightful glimpse of how plant life grows around the world.

• Bamboo Garden – China Pavilion – Visit this garden to see bamboo in a variety of colors, patterns and sizes.
• Blossoms of Fragrance Presented by Scentsy – World Showcase Bridge – Follow your nose and form lasting memories with the help of fresh, unforgettable fragrances.
• Bold Bromeliads – The Land Pavilion – Observe a variety of unique and colorful plants that can adapt to a wide range of climates and conditions.
• Bonsai Collection – Japan Pavilion – Learn about the art of bonsai, some of the finest living sculptures. Bonsai masters carefully shape and tend these miniature works of art, creating peace and balance with the earth.
• Bouquet Garden – France Pavilion – See bountiful blooms perfect for a bouquet of cut flowers.
• Butterfly Landing Presented by AdventHealth – World Nature Near Imagination! –View a kaleidoscope of butterflies up close, in all their extraordinary color. Learn about butterfly lifecycles and maybe even see one emerge from its chrysalis. Closes at dusk.
• China Zodiac Garden – China Pavilion – Realize your finer attributes in this garden inspired by the 12 creatures of the Chinese zodiac.
• The Community Garden – World Celebration – NEW! – Connect with the earth and each other at this celebration of a diverse and thriving communal garden plot.
• Connections Conservatory Garden – Connections Eatery – Settle into this thoughtful garden full of floral inspirations for your indoor spaces.
• Desert Garden – Mexico Pavilion – Discover the special adaptations that allow plants in arid climates to adjust to the harshest of growing conditions.
• English Tea Garden Presented by Twinings® – United Kingdom Pavilion – Unearth the history and art of tea-blending at this elegant English tea garden––featuring plants used in some of Twinings’ finest blends.
• Festival Blooms – World Celebration – Admire thousands of flowers that form colorful, living panoramas.
• Floating Gardens – World Nature –Peer upon more than 150 petite plots drifting on the ponds that border the bridge to World Showcase.
• Garden Italiano – Italy Pavilion – From fresh spaghetti sauce to pizza toppings, this Tuscan kitchen garden features all the produce and herbs needed to create a classic Italian feast.
• The Honey Bee-stro Hosted by National Honey Board® – Rosewalk Near Imagination! – Learn about honeybees’ critical role in the environment, and delight in sweet and savory treats made possible by their hard work.
• Kokedema Garden – Japan Pavilion – Admire fresh expressions of an ancient Japanese art at this tranquil garden.
• Miniature Garden – Germany Pavilion –Appreciate the little things in this showcase of diminutive dwellings nestled in a forest of fine shrubs.
• Outdoor Escapes Play Garden Presented by OFF! -Explore a camp-themed garden where little ones are invited to jump, play and climb.
• Prehistoric Garden – World Discovery Near Mission: SPACE – Imagine life on Earth 65 million years ago with astounding plant life that’s thrived since the age of the dinosaurs.
• Shakespeare Garden – United Kingdom Pavilion – Explore the works of Shakespeare in this idyllic garden featuring excerpts from some of the bard’s most famous sonnets—and the dazzling flowers that influenced them.
• Shishi-odoshi – Japan Pavilion – NEW! – Contemplate the methodical movement and soothing rhythm of this traditional Japanese bamboo water fountain.
• Spice Garden – Morocco Pavilion – Discover how Eastern cultures flourished, trading signature spices and herb blends once considered more valuable than gold.
• Songbird Meadow Presented by Wild Birds Unlimited® – World Discovery Songbirds are an important part of many ecosystems—including the one in your own backyard! Discover simple steps you can take at home to help these feathered friends thrive.
• Topiary Heritage Garden – United Kingdom Pavilion – Marvel at the varied techniques employed by the Walt Disney World Horticulture team to create the festival’s topiaries.
• Tropical Rainforest Garden – Mexico Pavilion – Uncover the rich biodiversity of the Mexican rainforest and learn about its highly adaptive species.

Activities with Kids at EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival

A few of the gardens listed above are especially great for families with kids:

• Outdoor Escapes Play Garden – Located in World Discovery. – A family friendly camp-themed garden, perfect for little ones to jump, climb, and play.
• Prehistoric Garden – World Discovery Near Mission: SPACE – Your dino-loving kiddo will adore this garden, where they can travel back in time 65 million years and see the kinds of plants that have been around since the dinosaurs.
• Butterfly Landing Presented by AdventHealth – World Nature Near Imagination! – Get up close with beautiful and colorful butterflies. Closes at dusk.

The Green Landing Family Play Zone in World Discovery is a great playground, which is ideal for families with small kids and toddlers. If you’re looking for other places for your little one to play, check out our EPCOT Toddler Guide, which lists other play areas great for kids.

Go on a scavenger hunt that will leave you buzzing! Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration is similar to scavenger hunts found at EPCOT’s other festivals. For $9.99, you can buy a map and stickers at select EPCOT merchandise locations. Then look out for Spike the Bee hiding around the World Showcase and other EPCOT areas. Match the correct sticker with the correct location on the map. Once you’ve completed the map, head to Disney Traders or World Traveler for a special surprise.

For something egg-stra special, you can also enjoy the Egg-Stravaganza Scavenger Hunt. Beginning March 13, look out for giant eggs with Disney characters on them. This scavenger hunt works just like Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration. You can buy a map for $9.99, fill it out with the included character stickers, and then redeem a prize at Disney Traders or World Traveler once you are done.

Rock out at the Garden Rocks concert series

One of our favorite parts of the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival is the Garden Rocks concert series, formerly known as the Flower Power concert series. Throughout the event, EPCOT offers free concerts to its guests by a series of famous bands, from Smash Mouth to Kool & The Gang to Rick Springfield.

Shows are at 5:30, 6:45, and 8 PM nightly. Be sure to show up at least 30 minutes before showtime to get a seat. You might need to show up earlier for more popular bands.

You can check out the entire 2023 Garden Rocks Lineup, Schedule, and Dining Package Information here.

Shop for Exclusive Merchandise

Every EPCOT Festival is a chance to purchase unique collectibles and memorabilia. The 2023 EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival is debuting four merchandise collections.

• Orange Bird Collection: Spread the sunshine with groovy Orange Bird keepsakes, including 70s-inspired apparel, accessories, garden décor and more.
• Snow White Collection: Discover cheerful merchandise that celebrates Snow White’s favorite flowers and forest friends.
• Figment Collection: Grow your imagination in Figment’s cactus garden—showcased in this assortment of fresh fashions, collectibles and more.
• Annual Passholder Collection: Find Passholder-exclusive Festival treasures featuring Figment, Orange Bird and Snow White. This extensive collection includes apparel, toys, drinkware, garden stakes, trading pins, PANDORA® jewelry and Dooney & Bourke handbags.

End Your Day with a Dazzling Show at Spaceship Earth

EPCOT’s lighting package upgrade is one of the best additions Disney World made for its 50th Anniversary. WDW has been adding new seasonal light shows to Spaceship Earth, and each EPCOT event is a new opportunity to see the park’s icon come to life in new ways.

The 2023 EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival Spaceship Earth light show is “What Else Can I Do” from Encanto, which is a very apt song for this flower filled fest. Last year’s show was set to “Colors of the Wind” from Pocahontas. The show can be seen multiple times nightly. The park’s entrance plaza is a great viewing spot.

EPCOT Flower & Garden Outdoor Kitchens

Of course, no EPCOT Festival is complete without a lineup of delectable dishes. Like the Food & Wine Festival, food and beverages are served at food booths found throughout the entire park, as well as some quick service dining locations.

Whether it’s the Orange Sesame Tempura Shrimp at the Citrus Blossom or the Frushi (fruit sushi) at Hanami in Japan, there are so many fresh flavors to taste at this festival. We are particularly intrigued by the BRUNCHCOT Outdoor Kitchen located near Test Track. Avocado Toast and Fried Cinnamon Roll Bites? Yes, please.

In fact, there are 23 special menus found at this year’s festival. Here’s the complete lineup of 2023 EPCOT Flower & Garden Outdoor Kitchen Menus.

EPCOT Flower & Garden Tips

• What days to avoid at the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival: As with every EPCOT Festival, the weekends get extremely crowded with locals flocking to the park to try the new food and beverage. Try to visit EPCOT Monday-Thursday during the festival, especially early in the day.
• Early bird doesn’t necessarily get the worm: As with weekends, try to avoid the first few days of the festival if you can. Disney bloggers and annual passholders will fill the World Showcase trying everything that’s new.
• Late mornings and early afternoons are your friends at the Outdoor Kitchens: Lines can get looooong at the food booths around dinner time. They are usually much more reasonable in the morning, especially in off dining hours. Try for an early or late lunch, or just do what I do and graze throughout the day.
• Set a budget for the Outdoor Kitchens: While the small bites at each food booth aren’t that expensive, they tend to add up quickly. Disney Gift Cards are great for this. Every booth takes Disney Gift Cards, and this way you can set a budget and avoid doing too much impulse buying. Check out our article on how to use gift card hacks to save 5-20% on Disney Gift Cards to get the most out of your budget.
• Pack your own straw and utensils: You will plow through a lot of plastic cutlery over your time at the Outdoor Kitchens, and Disney’s paper straws are awful. Here are a few options for reusable travel utensils and straws that we recommend. Note: Disney does not allow knives of any kind, so if you have a travel cutlery set, leave the knife in your hotel room. Even if it isn’t that sharp! I included a travel spork as part of my recommended items. You won’t need a knife for most items anyway.

How to Plan a Fantastic Flower & Garden Vacation

Planning a trip to the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival? This guide is just the beginning. Get in touch with our friends at Vacationeer for free Disney World vacation planning. Their travel agents can help you plan your vacation for no extra cost. They’ll make sure you get the most out of your visit to EPCOT and the other WDW theme parks. Plus, they are Disney experts, so they’ll have their own recommendations and advice.

Don’t miss our other Disney World guides, which help you learn the basics of planning a WDW vacation. Our Guide 2 Disney Genie and EPCOT Lightning Lane Guide will help you spend less time waiting in line for EPCOT’s best rides and attractions. Plus, we have an in-depth section on EPCOT Tips & Tricks, EPCOT Rides & Attractions, an EPCOT Character Guide, as well as EPCOT Restaurants and Dining.

Let Us Know Your Thoughts

What’s your experience at the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival? Let me know in the comments below!