🌸 EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival Opens for 2026 — What Guests Are Seeing Opening Week

The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival officially returned to Walt Disney World this week, transforming the park with colorful topiaries, Outdoor Kitchen food booths, and springtime gardens throughout the park.

This has always been one of our favorite festival seasons at EPCOT. Winter is finally gone, more or less, the weather is usually very pleasant, the park just feels lighter and brighter this time of year — and honestly makes us feel a little happier too.

Running from March 4 through June 1, 2026, the festival brings Disney character topiaries, seasonal gardens, and festival food booths across EPCOT’s World Celebration, World Discovery, and World Showcase neighborhoods.

Opening week is always exciting because it’s the first chance to see how everything looks this year — and guests visiting the park this week are already spotting a few highlights.

🌺 The Topiaries Are Back Across EPCOT

One of the most recognizable parts of the Flower & Garden Festival is the collection of Disney character topiaries displayed throughout the park.

From classic characters near the entrance to elaborate scenes around World Showcase, these living sculptures have become a tradition guests look forward to every spring.

A client visiting opening week even shared a photo of the Toy Story topiaries welcoming guests near the front of EPCOT, moved front and center this year to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Toy Story's release in theaters.

Even if you’re not actively searching for them, you’ll probably find yourself slowing down to take photos once you start spotting the different displays around the park.

If you’re planning to explore the festival this year, our complete Flower & Garden Festival Guide breaks down the topiary locations, gardens, concerts, and activities you’ll find throughout EPCOT.

🍽 Outdoor Kitchen Booths Are Already Drawing Lines

Like the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival in the fall, Flower & Garden features Outdoor Kitchens serving small plates and seasonal drinks inspired by spring flavors.

Opening week visitors are already reporting that several booths are drawing lines by late morning — especially for popular snacks and desserts.

That’s fairly typical for the start of the festival, particularly as spring break crowds begin arriving at Walt Disney World.

🧚‍♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip:If you want shorter lines at the Outdoor Kitchens, earlier in the day is usually the easiest time to explore the booths.

If you want help deciding which booths to prioritize, our Flower & Garden Festival Food Booth Planning Guide highlights popular dishes, returning favorites, and a few snacks that are worth seeking out.

And if you like having a visual layout while you explore, our EPCOT Festival Map shows where the Outdoor Kitchens and Garden Graze locations are spread throughout the park.

🎶 Garden Rocks Concert Series Returns

The Garden Rocks Concert Series has also returned to EPCOT’s America Gardens Theatre.

These live performances feature a mix of classic bands and newer artists, with multiple shows scheduled most evenings during the festival.

For many visitors, the concerts have become a fun way to end a day exploring the festival — especially after spending time sampling festival food booths around World Showcase.

🌼 Why Opening Week Feels So Lively

Flower & Garden’s opening week often overlaps with the beginning of spring break travel season, which means the park can feel lively right from the start.

Visitors this week are already seeing longer waits for popular attractions and earlier Lightning Lane return times disappearing for some rides.

The good news is that Disney typically extends park hours during this season, giving guests more time to explore both the festival and EPCOT’s attractions.

If you’re planning to visit in the coming weeks, it’s worth remembering that EPCOT evenings tend to get busier as guests hop over from other parks to enjoy the festival booths.

Planning a Visit to the Festival?

If you’re planning a trip to EPCOT during the festival, these guides can help you make the most of your visit:

• Our Flower & Garden Festival Guide covers everything happening during the event, including topiaries, gardens, concerts, and activities.

• Our Flower & Garden Festival Food Booth Planning Guide helps you choose which Outdoor Kitchens to prioritize.

• Our EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival Map makes it easier to find booths, gardens, and festival locations throughout the park.

The Flower & Garden Festival remains one of the most colorful times of year to visit EPCOT — and with spring break season now underway, the park is already buzzing with activity. We are bummed we won't be visiting until April this year, and are looking forward to seeing all the floral festivities for ourselves. Until then, tag us @practicallyperfectpixiedust in the comments of your Instagram Flower & Garden Festival Pics, so we can enjoy the fun along with you!

Pixie Dust Hugs,

Bren, Lyn, and Kim 🧚‍♀️