Celebrating 30 Years of Magic at the 2025 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival
EPCOT is in full bloom this spring as it celebrates the 30th anniversary of the International Flower & Garden Festival. This event brings together vibrant floral displays, seasonal flavors, and live music in the most magical way. From stunning topiaries and beautifully curated gardens to flavorful bites from Outdoor Kitchens and toe-tapping performances at the Garden Rocks Concert Series, the festival offers something for everyone.
Experience the magic of spring in full bloom at EPCOT’s International Flower & Garden Festival, happening March 5 through June 2, 2025! The festival is included with your valid EPCOT admission, though a park reservation may be required, depending on your ticket type. Be sure to check the latest guidelines before your visit to make the most of your experience. With EPCOT open daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, you will have plenty of time to explore the gardens, sample fresh flavors, and take in all the festival fun! This post covers all of my favorite highlights from this year’s celebration—consider it your full guide to everything I experienced and loved at the 2025 festival.
Be sure to grab a Festival Passport at the park entrances or any festival booth. This handy guide is your key to navigating the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, featuring outdoor kitchen menus, entertainment schedules, and activity details to help you make the most of your visit. It also highlights the Garden Graze, a delicious culinary challenge that invites you to sample ten specially selected dishes from various outdoor kitchens. Each time you try one of the featured items, you will collect a stamp in your passport. After gathering five stamps, head to the designated redemption location—this year at Pineapple Promenade—to claim a special festival-exclusive treat as a tasty reward for completing the journey!
Favorite Festival Outdoor Kitchens
One of my favorite parts of any EPCOT festival is tasting my way around World Showcase, and the Flower & Garden Festival is no exception. Each Outdoor Kitchen brings fresh, garden-inspired flavors—many featuring seasonal produce, fragrant herbs, and floral notes that make every dish feel like a celebration of spring.
This year, I sampled from a handful of booths, each offering something unique and delicious. Whether you are craving something savory, sweet, or refreshing, there is no shortage of flavor at this festival. Below is a look at the Outdoor Kitchens I visited this year, complete with my honest thoughts and a few tips to enhance your festival experience!
Florida Fresh – CommuniCore Plaza
- Conch Fritters with Key Lime Aïoli ($6.50, DDP Snack Eligible)
- Cubanito with Mojo-marinated Pork Belly, Ham, Swiss Cheese, Pickles, and Stone Ground Mustard Sauce ($6.75, DDP Snack Credit Eligible)
The conch fritters were an absolute standout! Light, crispy, and packed with flavor, they paired beautifully with the zesty key lime aïoli—each bite felt like a little taste of Key West. The Cubanito was another highlight, offering a satisfying combination of savory pork belly, melty cheese, and tangy pickles. It was a solid portion for the price and packed with bold, classic Cuban flavors.
(NEW!) Beach Grub – Walkway between World Showcase and Imagination! Pavilion
- Seafood Bake with Shrimp, Mussels, Clams, Andouille Sausage, Red Potatoes, Corn on the Cob, Persillade Butter, White Wine Broth, and Grilled Sourdough ($8.50, DDP Snack Credit Eligible)
This seafood bake was incredible! Every element—perfectly cooked seafood, smoky sausage, and buttery broth—came together for a hearty and flavorful dish. One pro tip: stop by Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie in the France Pavilion to grab a baguette. The grilled sourdough served with the bake is good, but a fresh baguette takes it to the next level, letting you soak up every last drop of that delicious white wine broth.
(NEW!) Yacht Grub – Walkway between World Showcase and Imagination! Pavilion
- Trio of Dips and Chips – Caramelized Onion Dip, Whipped Feta Dip, and Pimento Cheese with House-made Potato Chips and Caviar ($6.50, DDP Snack Credit Eligible)
This was one of the more fun and shareable bites at the festival. Each dip had something special to offer, but the caramelized onion dip stole the show for me with its deep, rich flavor. The chips were fresh and crispy, but there were not quite enough chips for the generous portions of dip. If you took my tip about the baguette in France, you might want to grab a full-size one—because, trust me, you will want extra for these dips!
The Honey Bee-stro Hosted by National Honey Board – Near Port of Entry
- Chicken and Waffles – Crispy Chicken and a Sweet Honey-Jalapeño-Bacon Cornbread Waffle with Whipped Honey Butter and Spicy Honey ($7.00, DDP Snack Credit Eligible)
A festival classic for a reason! The balance of flavors here is perfect—crispy fried chicken, sweet and slightly spicy waffle, and that silky honey butter tying it all together. If you have not tried this dish yet, it is a must.
Swirled Showcase – Walkway between World Showcase and Imagination! Pavilion
- Liquid Nitro Honey-Mascarpone Cheesecake with Fresh Honey, Granulated Honey, and Honey Mead-blueberry Compote ($5.50, DDP Snack Eligible)
This was one of the few sweet treats I tried at the festival, and it did not disappoint. The mascarpone base kept it from being overly sweet, and when paired with the honey and blueberry compote, it was absolutely divine. The liquid nitrogen technique also made it a refreshing, slightly chilled bite—ideal for a warm Florida day.
Refreshment Port – Near Canada Pavilion
- (NEW!) Provence Poutine – Herbes de Provence seasoned French Fries, Goat Brie, Lavender Honey, Hazelnut Croquant, and Fresh Lavender ($9.00, DDP Snack Eligible)
I had never tried poutine before, but this floral-inspired twist was a great introduction! The herbes de Provence seasoning gave the fries a deliciously aromatic flavor, while the goat brie added a creamy richness. The drizzle of lavender honey and crunch from the hazelnut croquant balanced it all out, making for a sweet-savory bite unlike anything else at the festival.
La Isla Fresca – Between France and Morocco Pavilion
- (NEW!) Jamaican Jerk Chicken with Pigeon Pea Rice, Roasted Sweet Plantains, and Cinnamon Butter ($6.25, DDP Snack Credit Eligible)
This dish was so good—I just wish the portion had been a bit bigger! The jerk seasoning had the right amount of spice, which was perfectly offset by the sweet plantains and fragrant rice. If you are looking for something with a little kick that still feels balanced and comforting, this is a great choice.
Festival Favorites from Past Years
While I focused on trying new dishes this year, I cannot forget some of my all-time favorite Flower & Garden Festival bites from previous visits:
- Northern Bloom (Canada Pavilion)
This booth never disappoints, and over the years, I have tried (and loved) all three of its delicious staples. The Seared Scallops are always a standout—perfectly caramelized and paired with buttery accompaniments that elevate every bite. For something savory and satisfying, the Beef Tenderloin Tips are hearty, well-seasoned, and full of flavor. And to top it all off, the Chocolate-Maple Whiskey Cake is rich, decadent, and infused with just the right touch of maple—a must-try dessert and one of my festival favorites!
- Tangerine Café: Flavors of Medina (Morocco Pavilion) – This is one of my top picks for any EPCOT festival. The Chermoula Chicken Grilled Kebab with Carrot-Chickpea Salad is always a winner. The chicken is juicy and full of Moroccan-inspired spices, while the carrot-chickpea salad adds a fresh, slightly sweet contrast. If you’re a fan of bold, warm spices, this is a must-try.
This year’s Flower & Garden Festival delivered some incredible flavors, and while I only scratched the surface, every bite was well worth it. Whether you are a returning guest or visiting for the first time, there is always something new and exciting to discover. Let me know in the comments—what was your favorite dish from this year’s festival?
Garden Destinations
One of the most enchanting aspects of the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is how the park transforms into a living showcase of botanical beauty. Scattered throughout EPCOT, these Garden Destinations offer a chance to slow down and appreciate the artistry of nature, from floating floral arrangements to immersive, fragrant landscapes. Each garden is designed to highlight a unique aspect of plant life—ranging from the delicate beauty of orchids to, the rich history of tea cultivation, to the powerful role scent plays in shaping our experiences. As you explore these lush displays, take a moment to enjoy the intricate details and thoughtful design that make the festival such a magical experience.
Festival Blooms & Floating Gardens – World Celebration and World Nature
The Festival Blooms are one of EPCOT’s most breathtaking floral displays, transforming the park’s landscape with vibrant, large-scale flower beds arranged in stunning color-blocked patterns and shapes. Spanning across World Celebration and World Nature, these carefully designed gardens create mesmerizing aerial views and a striking visual experience from every angle. The vivid hues shift throughout the festival, ensuring a fresh and ever-changing spectacle with each visit.
Complementing the Festival Blooms are the Floating Gardens, where suspended floral arrangements seem to hover above the shimmering waters of EPCOT. These delicate floating planters create a dreamlike reflection on the water, blending seamlessly with the surrounding natural beauty. The combination of bright blooms and serene floating displays makes this area a must-see, offering a peaceful retreat and a perfect photo opportunity amidst the festival’s lively atmosphere.
Blossoms of Fragrance – Bridge to World Showcase (World Celebration)
This beautifully designed garden invites you to experience the power of scent through a vibrant floral display. Sponsored by Scentsy, the Blossoms of Fragrance feature a variety of flowers and plants that highlight different fragrance families, from fresh and citrusy to floral and woody. As you wander through, you can stop at interactive scent stations, taking in the different aromas and learning how fragrance influences our emotions and memories. It is a simple yet immersive way to engage with the natural beauty of the festival and a must-visit for anyone who loves florals and botanicals.
English Tea Garden – Presented by Twinings® (World Showcase – United Kingdom)
Step into the charm of the English Tea Garden, a delightful stop in the United Kingdom Pavilion that showcases the connection between plants and the world of tea. Here, you will find beautifully arranged tea plants, herbs, and flowers used in Twinings’ signature blends, each displayed in oversized teacup planters. If you are a tea lover, this is a great spot to learn about the origins of different varieties and how they are cultivated.
Throughout the festival, you can also join a complimentary guided tour, where experts share insights into the history of tea and its role in British culture. Whether you are sipping on an iced Twinings brew from the nearby tea shop or simply strolling through the garden, this destination feels like a little slice of England.
Tropical Rainforests and Extraordinary Orchids – World Showcase (Mexico Pavilion)
Lush, exotic, and bursting with color, the Tropical Rainforests and Extraordinary Orchids garden highlights the biodiversity of Mexico’s rich ecosystems. Nestled within the Mexico Pavilion, this vibrant display features a breathtaking collection of orchids, bromeliads, and other tropical flora that thrive in humid rainforest environments. The orchids, in particular, steal the show with their delicate yet striking blooms, showcasing the incredible variety found throughout Central and South America. As you explore this garden, you will gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate balance of rainforest habitats and the essential role they play in our planet’s ecosystem. It is a stunning and educational stop that transports you to a tropical paradise right in the heart of EPCOT.
Topiaries at the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival
One of the most iconic parts of the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is the stunning array of topiaries and themed gardens scattered throughout EPCOT. These living sculptures bring beloved Disney characters and scenes to life, adding a touch of magic to the lush gardens and vibrant landscapes. As you explore EPCOT during the festival, be sure to seek out these stunning creations, each thoughtfully placed to complement its surroundings.
With over 30 topiaries on display throughout the park, each one is a vibrant showcase of artistry and horticultural skill. From beloved characters to stunning floral sculptures, they are a must-see—whether you are a seasoned plant enthusiast or just love a good photo op. Here are a few of my favorites from this year’s festival.
World Celebration
Main Entrance: (NEW!) Disney Moana 2 with Moana, Maui, Heihei, and Pua
Near the Imagination! Pavilion: Simba and Friends.
Walkway between the Imagination! Pavilion and World Showcase: Goofy
World Celebration Gardens: Figment
World Showcase:
Between Disney Traders and Port of Entry Featuring Pandora Jewlery: Disney’s Encanto with Mirabel, Antonio, Isabela, and Luisa
Near Refreshment Port: Bambi and Friends
The American Adventure: Tiana
Italy: Lady and the Tramp
Germany: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Mexico: Disney Pixar Coco with Miguel and Dante
Near Mission: SPACE®: Buzz Lightyear
Near Joffery’s Coffee & Tea Company®: Groot
Entertainment & Activities: Fun for Kids of All Ages
Beyond the vibrant gardens and delicious festival bites, EPCOT’s International Flower & Garden Festival offers plenty of interactive experiences and family-friendly activities to explore. These attractions offer an extra layer of fun and discovery—perfect for families with kids or anyone looking to experience the festival in a more hands-on and memorable way.
NEW! A Bee’s Eye View of a Garden That’s Larger Than Life – CommuniCore Hall
Debuting this year, CommuniCore Hall is a fantastic new addition to EPCOT’s festival lineup, offering an experience that brings the magic of gardening to life. “A Bee’s Eye View of a Garden That’s Larger Than Life” allows visitors to shrink down to the perspective of a bee, exploring an oversized garden filled with vibrant, larger-than-life flowers. This immersive exhibit highlights the importance of pollinators in nature, giving guests a newfound appreciation for the tiny creatures that help our world bloom. It is a fun and educational stop that blends storytelling with science—perfect for curious minds of all ages.
Butterfly Landing Presented by AdventHealth
Step into a world of delicate beauty at Butterfly Landing, where hundreds of butterflies flit among bright blossoms in this enchanting walk-through garden. Guests can observe these fascinating creatures up close as they sip nectar from colorful flowers, rest on leaves, and gracefully glide through the air. Informational displays throughout the garden offer insight into the butterfly life cycle, from caterpillar to chrysalis to fully grown butterfly.
From snapping photos to soaking in a quiet moment surrounded by nature—or simply marveling at these winged wonders—Butterfly Landing is a must-visit for festival-goers of all ages. These charming experiences bring a sense of wonder and discovery to the Flower & Garden Festival, making it truly a celebration of nature’s beauty, creativity, and the magic of springtime.
Garden Rocks Concert Series – America Adventure Pavilion
If you are visiting EPCOT in the evening, the Garden Rocks Concert Series is the perfect way to cap off your festival day. Taking place at the America Gardens Theatre in the American Adventure Pavilion, this concert series brings a rotating lineup of legendary bands and fan-favorite artists to the stage. The energy is always high, with performances featuring iconic hits from the ’80s, ’90s, and early 2000s—songs that have the whole crowd dancing, singing along, and reminiscing.
Best of all, these concerts are included with park admission, so you can easily catch a show in between exploring the festival’s gardens and indulging in outdoor kitchen bites. If there is a specific artist you would love to see, be sure to check the performance schedule in advance to plan your visit accordingly!
We kicked off the festival with Evolution Motown, an Orlando-based band that brought soulful energy and incredible vocals to the stage. Their setlist was filled with classic Motown hits and Motown-inspired songs, making for a lively and nostalgic performance. They were fantastic and set the perfect tone for the festival’s opening show!
The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is truly a celebration of nature, creativity, and delicious flavors. From stunning topiaries and immersive garden displays to fresh, seasonal dishes at the Outdoor Kitchens, every detail of the festival is thoughtfully curated to bring the beauty of spring to life. Stroll through vibrant floral landscapes, indulge in a foodie adventure around World Showcase, or enjoy live music at the Garden Rocks Concert Series—there is something special to discover at every turn.
If you are planning a visit, I highly recommend taking your time to soak in all the sights, scents, and flavors this festival has to offer. No matter how many times I attend, there is always something new and exciting to experience.
For more detailed information and updates about the festival, visit the official EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival website here.
Have you visited this year’s EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival?
I would love to hear about your favorite bites, gardens, and must-do experiences—drop a comment below about all things springtime at EPCOT!
Lauren
The pictures are so colorful! It looks amazing 🙂