Walt Disney World has announced that the 2024 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival will return on February 28th. This beloved springtime event will transform Epcot with vibrant gardens, unique topiaries, tasty bites, and lively entertainment. Guests can look forward to these festival highlights:
Colorful Topiary Displays
The festival features over 100 Disney-themed topiaries including:
- New topiaries of Encanto’s Mirabel, Antonio, Isabela and Luisa near the park entrance
- Fan favorites like Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Snow White and more scattered throughout World Showcase
- Anna & Elsa in Norway, Belle & Beast in France
- The debut of a Tiana topiary in the America Gardens Theatre
- A 20-foot dragon topiary composed entirely of succulents in Japan
Topiaries are the stars of the festival. Keep an eye out for your favorite characters and discover new ones as you explore the park!
Rockin’ Garden Rocks Concert Series
The Garden Rocks concert series returns in 2024 with a fantastic lineup of talent. Concerts take place at the America Gardens Theatre from late afternoon into the evening. You can catch acts like:
- Former Journey frontman Steve Augeri
- Rock band Daughtry
- Pop group Plain White T’s
- R&B legends The Commodores
- Many more local, national, and international performers
With concerts happening daily throughout the festival, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy live music with Epcot as your backdrop.
Fresh Flavors at Outdoor Kitchens
A highlight for many guests is the Outdoor Kitchens food booths located around World Showcase. These booths serve up delicious bites, sweet treats, and refreshing drinks themed to the Flower & Garden Festival. Menu items change each year, but popular options have included:
- The Butterfly Koi: Fruity white sangria with melon liqueur and pear vodka
- Spicy Hot Dog with pineapple chutney and red pepper ketchup
- Crispy citrus chicken with orange aïoli and baby greens
- Chocolate pot de crème with fresh raspberries
With 15+ booths to choose from, you’re sure to find new flavors to love. Keep an open mind and sample something new!
Family Fun
While the concerts and food booths cater more to adults, families will find plenty to enjoy at the festival too. Kid-friendly activities include:
- Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration scavenger hunt
- Play areas like Bo Peep’s Playtime Training Ground
- Special festival-themed train displays
- Hands-on gardening seminars at the Goodness Garden Butterfly House
Have fun completing the scavenger hunt, playing in the fresh air, and learning how flowers and gardens grow. The festival offers entertainment options for all ages to take part in. The 2024 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival promises beautiful sights, catchy tunes, delicious bites, and family fun. With an extra early kickoff this year, you have even more time to soak up the floral magic at Epcot!
Topiary Displays
The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is best known for its whimsical topiary displays. Every year, Disney horticulturists create over 100 topiaries of beloved Disney characters using plants and natural materials. From Mickey Mouse to Snow White, Mirabel to Elsa, you never know which familiar faces you might spot at the festival! Here are some of the most popular topiaries to look out for:
Near the Park Entrance
- Mirabel, Antonio, Isabela & Luisa (Encanto): These newcomers greet guests as they enter Epcot with colorful flowers and butterflies surrounding them.
- Mickey & Minnie: No festival would be complete without Mickey and Minnie dressed in their spring best.
- Donald & Daisy: Donald and Daisy bring their own unique style to these classic character topiaries.
In World Showcase
- Snow White & Dwarfs (Germany): Snow White dances with her forest friends, who are always up to some hi jinks.
- Belle & Beast (France): Beauty and the Beast romance it up with a tale as old as time at this topiary display.
- Anna & Elsa (Norway): The forever popular Frozen sisters never fail to draw a crowd in their beautiful Norway home.
- Princess Tiana (America Gardens Theatre): Tiana makes her festival debut in 2024 looking lovely in front of the concert stage.
Future World & More
- Woody, Bo Peep & Sheep (Near Land): Rootin’ tootin’ Woody and Bo Peep topiaries stand ready for adventure with their sheep in tow.
- 20-Foot Dragon (Japan): Composed entirely of succulents, this towering dragon topiary is an unexpected surprise in Japan.
- Butterfly Topiaries: Colorful butterfly topiaries can be spotted fluttering throughout multiple festival locations.
Be sure to pick up a festival map to pinpoint all the topiary locations and start your scavenger hunt! Part of the fun is wandering and finding new displays along the way.
New Topiaries for 2024
The 2024 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival kicks off on February 28th, bringing exciting new topiaries and entertainment. For the first time, Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy will appear in topiary form near the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind attraction. The figure depicts Groot holding up a mixtape covered in vines and foliage.
New character topiaries are also coming from the Walt Disney Animation Studios film “Wish.” Asha, Valentino and the Wishing Star will be featured at the park’s main entrance. Additionally, Miguel and Dante from Disney Pixar’s “Coco” will take the spotlight with new topiaries in the Mexico pavilion.
Garden Rocks Concert Series
The Garden Rocks concert series brings chart-topping musical talent to perform on the America Gardens Theatre stage daily throughout the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. The 2024 concert lineup features new and returning artists spanning decades and genres. Local Orlando bands play earlier sets on weekdays, with bigger headliners taking the prime time slots Friday through Monday.
Concert Schedule
The Vybe – February 28 and 29th
Jason Scheff – March 1 and 2nd
Richard Marx – March 3 and 4th
Evolution Motown – March 5, 6 and 7th
Berlin – March 8 and 9th
Rick Springfield – March 10 and 11th
Dian Diaz – March 12, 13 and 14th
Modern English (New) – March 15 and 16th
Commodores – March 17 and 18th
Foreigners Journey – March 19, 20 and 21st
The Orchestra – March 22, 23, 24 and 25th
The Female Collective – March 26, 27 and 28th
Mike DelGuidice – March 29 and 30th
Pointer Sisters – March 31st & April 1st
Funkafied – April 2, 3 and 4th
Blue October – April 5 and 6th
Crowder (New) – April 7 and 8th
Hooligans – April 9, 10 and 11th
Jo Dee Messina – April 12 and 13th
A Flock of Seagulls – April 14 and 15th
M-80’s – April 16, 17 and 18th
Plain White T’s – April 19, 20, 21 and 22nd
Champagne Orchestra – April 23, 24 and 25th
Starship ft. Mickey Thomas – April 26 and 27th
Herman’s Hermits ft. Peter Noone – April 28 and 29th
Southbound – April 30th & May 1, and 2nd
Monsieur Perine – May 3rd
Raul Acosta & Oro Solido with Magic Juan – May 4th
Raul Acosta & Oro Solido with Luisito Ayala and the Puerto Rican Power Band – May 5th
TBA – May 6th
Gilly & The Girl Band – May 7, 8 and 9th
Simple Plan – May 10, 11, 12 and 13th
Element – May 14, 15 and 16th
The Spinners – May 17 and 18th
TBA – May 19 and 20th
Epic – May 21, 22 and 23rd
Lit (New) – May 24 and 25th
TBA – May 26 and 27th
Most concerts take place at 5:30 pm, 6:45 pm or 8:00 pm daily. Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially for popular acts. If you want guaranteed seating without the wait, book a Garden Rocks dining package for lunch or dinner, plus priority concert access. Just remember to make dining reservations at least 2.5 hours pre-show. With big names and music styles for all tastes, the Garden Rocks concert series has tunes the whole family can enjoy. Check the performance schedule online or in the My Disney Experience app to plan your concert days.
Food & Drink Options
A highlight of the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is the food and drink available across 15+ Outdoor Kitchens locations. These festival booths serve up bite-sized dishes, sweet treats and refreshing beverages themed to spring. Menu items change each year, but expect options like:
Food Dishes
- Crispy citrus chicken with orange aioli
- Charcuterie cone with cured meats, cheeses, and fig conserve
- ImpossibleTM farmhouse meatball with lentil bread crumbs and herb sauce
- Lobster tail with Meyer lemon emulsion
Sweet Treats
- Orange cream cheese mousse with orange jelly and shortbread crumble
- Berry basket with mixed berries, lemon curd and vanilla mascarpone
- Carrot cake with cream cheese icing and candied carrots
- Passion fruit cake with coconut Swiss meringue
Beverages
- Orange grove mimosa with orange juice and sparkling wine
- Dragon berry refresher with Bacardi dragon berry rum and brown sugar syrup
- Hibiscus hefeweizen with hibiscus and coriander
- Frozen desert violet lemonade with blackberry liqueur
Menus pull inspiration from the festival’s focus on gardens, nature and sustainability. Expect unique ingredients like edible flowers, herbs, fruits and vegetables. With so many kitchens and options, you’re bound to find new tantalizing tastes to try at the 2024 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival.
Garden Rocks Dining Packages Open Feb. 6
To guarantee priority seating for your preferred performances, be sure to check out Dining Packages, available at seven fabulous EPCOT restaurants:
- Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
- Biergarten Restaurant
- Coral Reef Restaurant
- Garden Grill Restaurant
- Rose & Crown Dining Room
- Le Cellier Steakhouse
- Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Brews & Barbecue (same-day, in-person walk-up packages only)
Creating and Designing the Magical Topiaries
The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival is one of the most popular annual events at Walt Disney World, drawing millions of guests to admire over 100 imaginative topiaries and 200,000 vibrant flowers and plants. Bringing these whimsical plant sculptures to life is no small feat. It takes a full year of planning and collaboration between horticulturists, engineers, and Disney Imagineers.
The Design Process
The design process for new topiaries starts 12 months before the next Flower and Garden Festival. Disney horticulturists partner with Walt Disney Imagineers and review upcoming movie releases and characters that would translate well into plant form. They make sketches and 3D models to visualize different shapes and sizes.For familiar characters like Mickey Mouse or Anna and Elsa, the teams refer to the original concept art and films to accurately capture recognizable details. On average, 8-10 new topiaries are added each year, requiring 300-400 man hours to build each one.
Constructing the Frames
Once the design is approved, metalworkers construct stainless steel welded frames to provide structure and stability. These cleverly engineered skeletons can cost up to $100,000 due to their large scale and intricate shapes.The characters are usually depicted full body to enhance realism. The frames feature movable joints at elbows, knees, and waists to allow flexibility for repositioning. Some elements like clothing or facial features are created as separate pieces that attach to the main frame.
Bringing Them to Life
With the frames fabricated, the lengthy process of transforming metal into magical topiaries begins. The figures are stuffed with a base of sphagnum moss to cushion the frame. Irrigation hoses are snaked throughout to water the plants from the inside.Next, a team of 8-12 horticulture experts hand-apply a special mix of potting soil specifically blended for the climate conditions at Epcot. Thousands of one-inch plant plugs are meticulously inserted into the frame to form a lush “skin” of leaves, needles, or vines that will continue to fill out over time.Skilled topiary artists use natural materials like seeds or dried palm fibers to construct realistic noses, eyes, shoes, and other accents. These meticulous finishing touches are what truly brings the characters to life.
Year-Round Care
During the 6-7 month festival, the maintenance team ensures the topiaries stay healthy and vibrant in Florida’s intense sun and humidity. Each character has an assigned horticulturist who monitors and trims growth daily. Damaged sections are promptly patched and enhanced.When the festival concludes, the topiaries move into shade houses and greenhouses to recuperate. Careful structural pruning keeps them in top shape before the transformation process starts again. This nonstop yearly cycle keeps Epcot blooming with Disney magic for guests to enjoy.
The End Result
Creating accurate and imaginative topiaries that delight Disney guests is no simple task. It requires artistic vision, horticulture expertise, and master craftsmanship. But seeing the joy on visitors’ faces makes all the effort worthwhile. The Disney team’s dedication and attention to detail is what makes the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival so special year after year.
Tips for Attending the Festival
- Avoid Crowds: The weekends tend to be more crowded, so visit during the weekdays if possible. Early mornings and evenings also tend to be less busy.
- Grab a Festival Guide/Passport: Pick one up at the entrance to help you navigate all the festival offerings and not miss anything. You can also collect festival stickers.
- Have a Game Plan: Decide which topiaries, gardens, and festival food booths are your top priorities and plan your route accordingly. Start left of Spaceship Earth and work counterclockwise.
- Bring Hand Sanitizer and Portable Utensils: With all the food booths, these make snacking on the go easier and more sanitary. Bring your own or purchase a Disney wristlet.
- Don’t Stress: It’s impossible to see and taste everything. Just relax and enjoy the parts you get to experience during your visit. The flowers and ambiance alone make it magical.
- Catch a Garden Rocks Concert: Check the daily schedule for celebrity artists or local bands playing pop/rock music at the America Gardens Theatre. Arrive early for a good spot.
- Shop the Festival Merchandise: Unique flower and garden themed souvenirs are sold at festival merchandise booths located throughout the park.
Mini Festival Gift Cards
Memory Maker (PhotoPass)
- Photos in iconic locations
- Select attraction photos and videos
- Video memories comprised of your photos—which you can create, download and share
- Memory Maker One Day includes all your photos and videos from one day of your choosing
- Memory Maker includes all your photos and videos from your vacation
Merchandise
Commemorate your visit with fresh festival merchandise—from apparel and accessories to garden gear.
Festival Markets
Visit pop-up markets across the park to find festival merchandise, as well as goods from visiting merchants.
2024 Festival Merchandise Collections
Take home a piece of EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival! Shop these themed collections at Creations Shop and select festival markets—available while supplies last:
- Orange Bird Collection: Spread the sunshine with adorable Orange Bird keepsakes in this collection featuring apparel, accessories, garden décor and more.
- Coco Collection: Keep the inspiring words “Seize Your Moment” top of mind with this Coco-themed collection that includes apparel, headwear and home décor.
- Butterfly Collection: Flutter through the butterfly garden alongside Minnie Mouse with items from this flowery collection.
- Annual Passholder Collection: Enjoy Festival treasures featuring Spike the Bee on apparel, accessories and trading pins exclusive to our Annual Passholder family.
Conclusion
The 2024 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival promises to delight guests with its colorful charm and springtime spirit. For over 90 days from February 28th through May 27th, Epcot will transform into a floral wonderland. Whimsical topiaries, rockin’ concerts, family fun, and fresh bites give you plenty of ways to enjoy the festival. Wander through World Showcase and discover new photo-worthy displays around every corner.
Sway along to the tunes from fan favorite bands and local artists. Fuel up on tasty snacks like lobster tails, impossible meatballs, and sweet berry treats in between rides on Soarin’ or Frozen Ever After. With so much to see and do, you’ll want to visit Epcot multiple times to experience it all. Or stay for an evening to catch the brilliant, Harmonious fireworks show after an afternoon of Flower & Garden Festival fun. Either way, get ready to celebrate the season at this beloved Disney event. The 2024 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival has all the ingredients for your next magical spring getaway. So come join the floral festivities this February through May!
