The International Flower and Garden Festival is personally one of my very favorite festivals. The crowds are a little bit lighter than you generally find during the Fall festival and you can’t beat the beautiful weather, topiaries, flowers, butterflies, food… I can go on and on! Did you know there are nearly 70,000 festival blooms that will surround the lakes in Future World, and on the water, hundreds of colorful mini-gardens will be set afloat. It’s incredible!!
If you have not been to the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, you owe it to yourself to take the trip and visit Walt Disney World during this time of year. This festival has been running since 1994 and continues to get bigger and brighter each and every year.
**Bookmark this page and follow along for everything you need to know about the festival. Refer back to it often as it will be updated accordingly as announcements and details are shared.
The Flower and Garden Festival takes place in Epcot every year during the Spring. This is a much more relaxed atmosphere than the infamous Food and Wine Festival in the Fall. The Festival has grown in size over the years and the parks in general have become more crowded, so while it’s still quieter than its sister festival, still expect crowds at times especially on the weekends.
You will need a park ticket to enter into Epcot, but once in, you will be able to enjoy all aspects of the festival. What will cost additional is any food and/or drink you may decide to try at the various food booths scattered throughout Future World and World Showcase. Special merchandise is usually created for the event as well, including special Annual Passholder items, and those will come with an additional cost.
This year the event is running from March 4, 2020 through June 1, 2020 – 90 amazing days to explore and enjoy the festival.
NOTE: Epcot is undergoing an expansive transformation and will be for the next 2 years. There will be a lot of renovations throughout the park, both in Future World and World Showcase. Let that not deter you from visiting the park and enjoying this beautiful festival! But be aware there will be a lot going on at the park in addition to the festival. I don’t have any details or advice on how to handle it just yet, we’ll have to wait and see how much the renovations interfere with the festival, or if it does at all.
Each night during the Flower and Garden Festival a free special concert takes place at the America Gardens Theater. See details below:
- Where: America Gardens Theatre at World Showcase, Epcot
- When: From March 4th through June 1, 2020
- Showtimes: 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM and 8:00 PM
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Safety & Accessibility: May Remain in Wheelchair/ECV
Depending on the performer and popularity, generally you can line up for your seat 45-60 minutes before the concert time. Some performers draw larger crowds so the wait time might be slightly longer. You can gauge this by strolling past the theater before showtime to see how many people are already lined up.
- March 4-5 – Peabo Bryson NEW
- March 13-16 – Simple Plan
- March 17-19 – STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas
- March 20-23 – Mark Wills NEW to Garden Rocks
- March 24-26 – The Spinners
- March 27-28 – Sister Hazel
- March 29-30 – The Pointer Sisters
- March 31-April 2 – Former Journey Lead Vocalist Steve Augeri
- April 3-4 – Blood, Sweat & Tears
- April 5-6 – Exposé
- April 7-9 – Berlin
- April 19-20 – Rick Springfield
- April 24-27 – Plain White T’s
- April 28-30 – Don Felder, formerly of The Eagles
- May 1-2 – Don McLean NEW
- May 5-7 – Ambrosia with Peter Beckett NEW
- May 8-9 – Thelma Houston NEW
- May 10-11 – The Allman Betts Band NEW to Garden Rocks
- May 15-18 – Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
- May 19-21 – Mike DelGuidice & Big Shot NEW to Garden Rocks
- May 24-25 – Daughtry NEW
- May 26-28 – Marshall Tucker Band
- May 31-June 1 – Survivor
Is your favorite singer or band playing during the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival? Want to be sure to see him or her? Book a Dining Package at one of 4 participating restaurants for breakfast, lunch or dinner (at select restaurants) and you are guaranteed seating at one of 3 concert performances later that same day.
Biergarten Restaurant
Germany Pavilion
Lunch: $57 for adults; $32 for kids
Dinner: $57 for adults; $32 for kids
Coral Reef Restaurant
The Living Seas Pavilion
Lunch: $69 for adults; $22 for kids
Dinner: $69 for adults; $22 for kids
The Garden Grill Restaurant
The Land Pavilion
Breakfast $52 for adults; $31 for kids
Lunch: $65 for adults; $39 for kids
Dinner: $65 for adults; $39 for kids
Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room
United Kingdom Pavilion
Lunch: $57 for adults; $22 for kids
Dinner: $57 for adults; $22 for kids
- Valid Epcot admission is required and not included in dining package price
- Prices vary according to restaurant—tax and gratuity not included
- Advance reservations are highly recommended as events fill up quickly
- Reservations must provide a minimum 2.5-hour window prior to showtime and require a credit card guarantee
- Disney Dining Plan and Disney Deluxe Dining Plans require 2 table-service entitlements
- Alcohol will only be served to Guests ages 21 and older
Reservations are now open!
During the festival there are activities, demonstrations, special tours and events that Guests can enjoy! More to come on all of those as they are announced. Here is what we know so far is returning this year:
- Children and parents alike will love to explore and play in the festival’s Play Garden and Family Play Zone
- Gardens of the World Tour – Spring Edition – Explore what it takes to transform Epcot into the bright and beautiful Flower & Garden Festival! Take a 3-hour tour with a Disney Horticulturalist and learn all of the behind the scenes tricks for making the festival so special. Cost is $85 per person.
- The English Tea Garden Tour in the UK is back! Gain a new appreciation for this time honored beverage.
- Enjoy a sampling of tea and scones at The Royal Tea Garden Tour in the UK! Cost is $20 per person. Advanced Reservations are recommended.
- Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration Scavenger Hunt! Find Spike the Bee hiding among his favorite flowers throughout World Showcase. Purchase your map in Mouse Gear.
- Join the ever popular Behind the Seeds Tour! This one-hour walking tour of the fish farm and 4 greenhouses that make up The Land Pavilion is a fan favorite. Cost is $25 per adult, $20 per child.
- The Butterfly House is also back this year! This is one my very favorite parts of the festival! Over 1000 butterflies will fly amongst the garden (and Guests!) and the nearly 2 dozen nectar plants.
This longest-running Epcot festival BEST known for its themed topiaries, and the Epcot horticulture team works tirelessly to bring Guests some of the most beautiful topiaries each and every year. This year, expect to see a brand-new Remy topiary! It will be the centerpiece of a new Ratatouille Garden at the France pavilion! This delicious new garden will be planted with veggies used in a ratatouille recipe. He’ll join Belle and Beast, Kermit and Miss Piggy in France. Guests also will find favorite returning character topiaries including Snow White, Elsa and Anna, Belle and Beast, Mickey Mouse and of course the beloved Minnie Mouse.
This is last years edition, but I created a great checklist so you don’t miss any of the topiaries! I’ll update accordingly as soon as I hear more about the topiaries at this year’s festival and their locations. Print it and take it with you!
Let us not forget about the fabulous savory and sweet treats that can be found during this festival! Let’s see all the festival has to offer this year.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Food:
- Grilled Baby Vegetables with Hummus Cream and Red Pepper Coulis (PB)
- Seared Verlasso® Salmon with Farro Risotto and Micro-herbs
- Strawberry Mousse with Chocolate Crisp Pearls (KA)
Beverage:
- Blood Orange Agua Fresca (Non-Alcoholic)
- Cookie Butter Worms and Dirt (Non-Alcoholic, KA)
Food:
- Roasted Cauliflower with Buckwheat Honey Carrot Purée, Wild Rice Pilaf, Asparagus, Honey-blistered Grapes, Sunflower Brittle, and Coriander Flowers (GF, KA)
- Honey Tandoori Chicken Flatbread with White Cheddar Cheese, Charred Vegetables, Clover Honey Sour Cream, and Micro Citrus Greens
- Local Wildflower Honey-Mascarpone Cheesecake with Orange Blossom Honey Ice Cream garnished with Fennel Pollen Meringue Kisses (KA)
Beverage:
- Honey-Peach Freeze in a Souvenir Spike the Bee Sipper Cup (Non-Alcoholic, KA) (Novelty Sipper Only Available While Supplies Last)
- B. Nektar New Wave Lemonade Mead, Ferndale MI
- Florida Orange Groves Winery Orange Blossom Honey Wine, St. Petersburg, FL
- Honey-Peach Freeze with Blueberry Vodka
Food:
- Spicy Hot Dog with Pineapple Chutney and Plantain Chips
- Mixed Berry Buttermilk Cake
- DOLE Whip® (PB, KA)
Beverage:
- Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade (Non-Alcoholic, KA)
- DOLE Whip® with Fanta® (Non-Alcoholic, KA)
- Collective Arts Brewing Piña Colada Sour, Hamilton, Ontario
- Maui Brewing Co. Pineapple Mana Wheat, Kihei, HI
- SweetWater Brewing Company Goin’ Coastal IPA with Pineapple, Atlanta, GA
- Playalinda Brewing Company Violet Lemonade Ale, Titusville, FL
- Florida Orange Groves Winery Sparkling Pineapple Wine, St. Petersburg, FL
- DOLE Whip® with Parrot Bay Coconut Rum
- Pineapple Beer Flight
Food:
- Lobster Tail with Meyer Lemon Emulsion and Grilled Lemon (GF)
- Tuna TatakiBowlwithSpicy Yuzu Glaze, Mango, Avocado, and Pappadam Crisp
- Crispy Citrus ChickenwithOrange Aïoli and Baby Greens (GF, KA)
- Citrus Shortcake: Orange Chiffon Cake, Lemon Curd, Mandarins, Whipped Cream, and Citrus Crumble
Beverage:
- Orange Cream Shake in a Souvenir Orange Bird Sipper Cup (Non-Alcoholic, KA) (Novelty Sipper Only Available While Supplies Last)
- Islamorada Beer Company Coconut Key Lime Ale, Fort Pierce, FL
- First Magnitude Brewing Lemon Hefeweizen, Gainesville, FL
- Heavy Seas Brewery TropiCannon Citrus IPA, Halethorpe, MD
- Orange Sunshine Wine Slushy
- Beer Flight
Food Items:
- Fried Green Tomatoes with Blue Crab-Fennel Salad, Remoulade, and Smoked Paprika Oil
- Popsicle Trio: Honeydew, Raspberry-Mint, and Coconut-Lime (KA)
Beverage Items:
- Short’s Brewing Company Starcut Ciders Squishy Hard Cider, Bellaire, MI
Food
- Seared Scallops with French Green Beans, Butter Potatoes, Brown Butter Vinaigrette and Apple-wood Smoked Bacon (GF)
- Beef Tenderloin Tips, Mushroom Bordelaise Sauce, Whipped Potatoes with Garden Vegetables (KA)
- Griddled Maple Pound Cake with Warm Peach Compote and Sweet Corn Gelato (KA)
Beverage
- Maple Popcorn Shake (Non-Alcoholic, KA)
- Unibroue Éphémère Apple Wheat Ale, Chambly, Québec
- 81Bay Brewing Apricot with Maple Syrup, Tampa, FL
- Collective Arts Brewing Blackberry Fruit Beer, Hamilton, Ontario
- Maple Popcorn Shake with Tap 357 Maple Rye Whisky
- Beer Flight
Food:
- Tarte aux Oignons Caramélisés et Chèvre: Goat Cheese Tart with Caramelized Onions on a flaky Pastry Crust
- Canard Confit à l’Orange: Braised Duck Confit à l’Orange with Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- Tarte Tropézienne, Coulis Framboise: Brioche Cake filled with Light Pastry Cream and served with Raspberry Coulis
- Éclair Chocolat Framboise: Éclair filled with Raspberry and Chocolate Mousse
Beverage:
- Kronenbourg Blanc 1664 Draft Beer
- VeRy Raspberry: Rosé Wine with Natural Raspberry Flavor
- Bordeaux, Merlot and Cabernet Blend, Château Tarin
- La Vie en Rose Frozen Slushy: Vodka, Grey Goose l’Orange, St. Germain Liqueur, White and Red Cranberry Juice
Food:
- Carne Guisada with Black Bean Cake and Cilantro-Lime Sour Cream
- Spicy Blackened Shrimp and Cheddar Cheese Grits with Brown Gravy and Local Sweet Corn Relish
- Key Lime Tart with Toasted Meringue (KA)
Beverage:
- Watermelon Cucumber Slushy (Non-Alcoholic, PB, KA)
- Tampa Bay Brewing Company Twisted Strawberry Fest Fruit Ale, Tampa, FL
- Big Top Brewing Company Conch Republic Key Lime Wheat, Sarasota, FL
- First Magnitude Brewing Monarch Milk Stout, Gainesville, FL
- Florida Orange Groves Winery Sparkling Key Lime Wine, St Petersburg, FL
- Watermelon Cucumber Slushy with Gin
- Beer Flight
Food:
- Harissa Chicken Kebab with Dried Fruit Couscous Salad and Cilantro Oil
- Fried Cauliflower with Capers, Garlic Parsley and Chili-Ranch Sauce (KA)
- Walnut Honey Baklava
Beverage:
- Casa Beer
- Larroque Chardonnay, Meknes
- White Sangria
- Desert Rose: Sparkling Wine topped with Pomegranate Liqueur
Food:
- Frushi: Strawberry, Pineapple, and Cantaloupe wrapped in Sweet Rice and Pink Soy Wrap served with Whipped Cream, Drizzled Berry Sauce and Toasted Coconut (KA)
- Menchi Katsu Slider: Japanese-style Panko-breaded Beef Patty topped with Tonkatsu Sauce, Mayonnaise, Cucumber, and Pickled Lotus Root
- Salmon Flower Ikura: Fresh-cut Salmon, Salmon Roe, Spinach, Watermelon Radish, and Chilled Ramen tossed with Poke Sauce
Beverage:
- Kirin Draft Beer
- Strawberry Nigori Sake
- Furano Martini: Vodka, Lavender Syrup, and Yuzu Juice
- Mini Funnel Cake topped with Lemon Cheesecake Ice Cream, Blueberries, and Powdered Sugar (KA)
Food:
- Southern Seafood Boil: Shrimp, Mussels, Crawfish, Potatoes, Corn and Andouille Sausage
- Grilled Oysters with Cajun Butter
- House-made Boudin Two Ways with Spicy Mustard
- Pecan Cake with Maple Whipped Cream
- Pecan Praline
Beverage:
- Wild Heaven Beer Session Citrus Lager, Avondale Estates, GA
- The Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery Amber Ale, Farmville, NC
- Parish Brewing Co. Ghost in the Machine Double IPA, Broussard, LA
- Beer Flight
Beverage:
- Arendelle Aqua Lemonade: Frozen Lemonade with Monin Cotton Candy (Non-Alcoholic, KA)
- Redstone Meadery Black Raspberry Nectar, Boulder, CO
- Arendelle Aqua Lemonade: Frozen Lemonade served with Monin Cotton Candy and Ole Smoky Blackberry Moonshine
Food:
- La Regina “Margherita”: Rustic Italian Flatbread, Vine-ripened Tomatoes, Whole-Milk Mozzarella, Parmesan, and Basil (KA)
- Ravioli: Grilled Chicken Ravioli with Spring Vegetables and creamy Pesto Sauce (KA)
- Zeppole: Ricotta Cheese Fritters, Powdered Sugar, Raspberry Sauce and Chocolate-hazelnut Drizzle (KA)
Beverage:
- Peroni Nastro Azzurro Pilsner
- Pinot Grigio, Santa Marina
- Chianti, Gabbiano
- Prosecco, Villa Sandi
- Corbinello, Montegrande
- Moscato, Fior d’Arancio Montegrande
- Bellini
- Frozen Italian Margarita with Limoncello and Tequila
Food:
- Potato Pancakes with House-made Apple Sauce (PB, KA)
- Potato Pancake with Caramelized Ham, Onions, and Herb Sour Cream
- Toasted Pretzel Bread topped with Black Forest Ham and Melted Gruyère Cheese (KA)
- Warm Cheese Strudel with Mixed Berries (KA)
Beverage:
- M.I.A. Brewing Hugo, Doral, FL
- Bitburger Premium Pils, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
- Stiegl Brewery Radler Zitrone, Salzburg, Austria
- Apfelschaumwein: Sparkling Wine and Apple Liqueur
- Beer Flight
Food Items:
- Pineapple Skewer with Tajin Seasoning (PB, KA)
Beverage Items:
- 3 Daughters Raspberry Lemonade Dry Hard Cider, St. Petersburg, FL
- Short’s Brewing Company Starcut Ciders Mosa Hard Cider, Bellaire, MI
- Ciderboys Banana Bliss Hard Cider, Stevens Point, WI
- Cider Flight
Food:
- Szechuan Spicy Red-braised Beef Shank over Rice
- Bon Bon Chicken Skewer with Sesame and Peanut Sauce
- House-made Crab and Cheese Wontons
Beverage:
- “Panda” Bubble Tea: Classic Milk Tea with Black and White Boba Pearls (Non-Alcoholic)
- Jasmine Draft Beer
- Marco Boba: Amaretto, Iced Coffee, Milk, and Boba
- Kung Fu Punch: Vodka, Triple Sec, Mango Syrup and Orange Juice
- Time Out: Bacardi Rum, Peach Liqueur, Peach Syrup, Piña Colada, Sprite®, Soda Water, and Magic Boba
Food:
- Chilaquiles con Pollo: Chipotle-braised Chicken and Tortillas served with Salsa Ranchera, Monterey Jack Cheese, Crema Mexicana, and Guajillo Cheese
- Quesadilla al Pastor: Flour Tortilla filled with Monterey Jack Cheese and Pork Pastor topped with Grilled Pineapple, Salsa Verde, Red Onion, and Cilantro
- Choriqueso Torta: Bolillo Roll filled with Chorizo and Monterey Jack Cheese, Avocado Mousse, and Jalapeños
Beverage:
- Cruz Blanca Rosé Spritz: Effervescent Rosé Wheat Ale with Elderflower Liqueur
- Mango Mexican Lucky Margarita: Spicy Ancho Verde Liqueur, 100% Agave Tequila Blanco, Mango-Passion Fruit Purée, Lime Juice, Applejack, and Ginger Cordial served with a Tajin Chili-Lime Salt Rim
- Rosita Margarita: Rose Petal Liqueur, 100% Agave Tequila Blanco, Lemon and Cranberry Juices served with a Rose Petal Salt Rim
- Grilled Street Corn on the Cob with Savory Garlic Spread (GF, PB, KA)
- Impossible™ Farmhouse Meatball with Lentil Bread, Spinach, Marinated Vegetables, and Creamy Herb Dressing (PB)
- Chocolate Pudding Terrarium with Avocado Cream, Matcha Crumble, and Baby Herbs (GF, PB)
Beverage:
- Bloomin’ Blueberry Lemon and Ginger Tea featuring Twinings of London® (Non-Alcoholic)
- Playalinda Brewing Company Tropical Wonderland Wheat Ale, Titusville, FL
- Bloomin’ Blueberry Lemon and Ginger Tea featuring Twinings of London® with Tito’s Handmade Vodka served in a Mason Jar
Food:
- Lamb Curry with Sweet Plantains and Rice
- Sugar Cane Shrimp Skewer with Steamed Rice and Coconut-Lime Sauce (KA)
- Tropical Mousse Cup: Layers of Passion Fruit Cake, Coconut Mousse, and a Tropical Fruit Glaze with Fresh Pineapple (KA)
Beverage:
- Tropical Freeze (Non-Alcoholic, KA)
- Golden Road Brewing Tart Mango Cart Wheat Ale, Los Angeles, CA
- Tropical Freeze with Parrot Bay Mango Rum
Beverage Items:
- Assorted Coca-Cola® Slushies (Non-Alcoholic, KA)
- Nard Mouse Gear: Spring Berry Bliss –Frozen Strawberry and Coconut Syrup topped with Raspberry Vodka
- Near Canada: Orange Splash –Frozen Lemon mixed with Orange Vodka
- The American Adventure: Tropical Breeze –Frozen Lemon, Coconut Syrup, and Pineapple Rum
- Near Disney Traders: Passion Flower – Frozen Passion Fruit and Tea infused with Lemon Vodka
Every year the Flower & Garden Festival releases special Annual Passholder exclusives unique to the event. Here’s a peak at this year’s offerings.
Passholder-Exclusive Magnets – Passholders can receive two new complimentary magnets at this year’s festival. Both magnets will be available at Mouse Gear.
- “Donald Duck with Spike the Bee” magnet will be available March 4 through April 19
- “Orange Bird” will make his magnet debut April 20 through June 1.
Passholder-Exclusive Merchandise – Be on the lookout for Passholder-exclusives, including tees and pins. Also check out the new Orange Bird and Donald and Spike collections. Passholders can also take advantage of their 20% discount on merchandise.
Discounted Garden Rocks Concert Series Packages – The America Gardens Theatre will play host to performances by fan-favorite bands and musicians – including 20 new artists this year! Passholders can get a 10% discount on dining packages, which is the most seamless way to experience the concert series.
Discounted Tours – Delightful tours can be unearthed throughout the festival. Passholders get a 15% discount on the Behind the Seeds and Garden of World tours.
These are essential to organizing your day. Know where you are going and use your Passport to check off where you’ve been and what you’ve tried. At the start of the day, highlight the offerings that are your “must do’s”, this way you can prioritize those and you don’t miss out!
Each year, Disney announces the food booths long before the festival starts. This provides the opportunity to get to know what is being offered, and what you might like to try. Similar to tip #1, make a list of must try items! Leave room for spontaneity and discovery, but having a list will allow you to not miss anything you want to try and stay on budget.
With all the food and drink offerings at the festival, setting a limit right from the beginning is the best way not to go overboard. My suggestion is to put a set amount of money on the mini special event wristband gift cards. This will help you stay on track, and they are great souvenirs too!
Scouting out a place to sit and enjoy your tasty treats may be difficult, especially on weekends. There are a lot of high top tables around the World Showcase, but there are also many nooks and crannies where you can grab a seat and enjoy your food and wine. My recommendation, scout out a table before you purchase treats. Have a friend hold the table while you get the food – another tip, ask to share a table! It’s a great way to meet new friends! I have met some of the most interesting people by doing this!
Don’t forget or underestimate the offerings in Future World! Many think that the festival just takes place in the World Showcase, and in years past, that was the case. But over the last several years, booths have erected in Future World too! Be sure to check them out!!
With more and more options available to us every year at the Flower and Garden Festival, it’s easy to get over excited and dig right in to the food offerings. By the time you hit the halfway point, you’ve had enough! Prioritize what to eat and drink first and go slowly. There is plenty of time to try everything! Use your Festival Guide to help you navigate and plan.
Also, I highly recommend sharing with friends and family! This is a great way to maintain your appetite, save some money, and you get to try more things!
The Flower and Garden Festival offers super unique events and tours centered around Disney’s horticulture program. Take advantage of these. Try the Behind the Seeds tour, a one-hour guided tour throughout the greenhouses in The Land Pavilion. It’s relatively inexpensive ($25/adult and $20/child) and extra special during the Flower and Garden Festival.
None of any of this matters if you aren’t having fun. Let your hair down, try new things, make new friends and enjoy the atmosphere!!