8 Jaw-Dropping Secrets Revealed for the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival

Summary

New Moana Topiaries will debut at this year’s EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival.
New experiences will include a new playground inspired by Yacht Club and Beach Club Resorts and new Magic Shots.
Two new outdoor kitchens, new Garden Rocks Concert performances, and more will make their debut during the Festival.

Every spring at Disney World’s EPCOT is an enchanting spectacle, yet this year’s EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, taking place from March 5 to June 2, promises a unique and memorable event. As it commemorates three decades of horticultural wonders, the festival will showcase stunning floral arrangements, elaborate topiaries, and fresh experiences designed exclusively for Disney visitors. Whether you’re an experienced attendee or first-timer, there are plenty of exciting moments to anticipate during this special celebration. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the brand-new experiences coming to EPCOT in 2024.

1. New Topiaries Will Bloom

At EPCOT’s main entrance, a breathtaking topiary exhibit is set to captivate visitors, featuring oversized characters from the movie Moana, as shared on Disney Parks Blog. For the first time this year, Maui, Moana, Heihei, and Pua will grace the festival with their presence, meticulously designed by Disney’s expert horticulture team using delicate craftsmanship and vivid vegetation.

These fresh inclusions now complement an established collection of adored topiaries that have gained popularity as cherished festival attractions over time. Classic exhibits, including the enchanting Belle and the Beast from France, are continually enhanced, becoming increasingly awe-inspiring as they evolve year after year. Disney’s masterful horticulturists work closely with artists from Walt Disney Animation Studios and Imagineers to perfect their craft, employing diverse topiary designs and innovative plant sculpting methods to vividly animate characters in breathtaking fashion.

Disney’s artful topiaries can be traced back to their originator, Walt Disney himself, who drew inspiration from the intricate European gardens adorned with topiary figures. Enthralled by the notion of sculpting plants into familiar shapes, Walt motivated his animators and landscaping teams at Disneyland to channel their creativity into living works of art. This vision eventually came to life.

2. New Play Garden Set to Debut at EPCOT’s Flower & Garden Festival

2021’s EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is set to unveil a playground modeled after Disney’s Yacht Club and Beach Club Resorts. Situated between the Imagination Pavilion and World Showcase, this play area named Playalong Bay Play Garden (sponsored by Smucker’s Uncrustables) will provide a nautical-themed play environment for families to enjoy. Drawing inspiration from Stormalong Bay pool at Yacht Club, the playground will incorporate interactive elements meant to stimulate imagination and creativity in younger visitors during the festival.

3. New Magic Shots Add a Touch of Pixie Dust

The Disney PhotoPass Service will once more provide enchanting Magic Shots to embellish your festival memories. These are unique photos snapped by the Disney PhotoPass service, incorporating special effects, lighting or beloved Disney characters. Among the returning classics, this year introduces two fresh shots, including one showcasing a Figment Topiary Magic Shot, infusing a playful charm into any captured moment.

4. Savor Fresh Flavors from Two New Outdoor Kitchens

This year, two fresh additions to our outdoor dining scene will be introduced: Yacht Grub and Beach Grub. Both of these new spots will focus on seafood dishes. Although specifics about their locations are currently secret, further details are anticipated in the forthcoming Disney Parks Foodie Guide.

As a movie buff eagerly anticipating this year’s festival, I can’t help but get excited about the brand-new attractions! But let me tell you, it’s not just the newcomers that have my heart racing – Outdoor Kitchens, those delightful food stalls beloved by fans like us, will be back in action! Some of them even have fresh locations. Florida Fresh, for instance, will set up shop at the servery window of CommuniCore Plaza, while EPCOT Farmers Feast will find its new home inside CommuniCore Hall.

Now, these Outdoor Kitchens work a lot like the Marketplace Booths during the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival. They’re your opportunity to indulge in an array of tasty small plates and refreshing beverages, all inspired by the freshest ingredients available. So, grab your popcorn (or should I say, your festival food!) and get ready for a culinary adventure!

5. Festival Merchandise Blooms with New Collections

The merchandise planned for the 30th anniversary of the festival is expected to leave a lasting impression. It includes a coordinated shirt and short set, as well as a lively jersey, both displaying the Orange Bird and the event’s commemorative emblem. If you’re a fan of Spike the Bee, you’ll be excited to know that a Lug Bag inspired by him and a Spike the Bee Shoulder Plush will be up for grabs. Additionally, the festival’s Alice in Wonderland collection offers themed ears and a tea set, ideal for hosting an unbirthday party extravaganza.

6. A New Garden Inspired by Inside Out 2

In World Celebration, a unique garden exhibit is set to premiere, emphasizing the expressive power of flora through their emotional language. This innovative display, inspired by the upcoming Pixar movie Inside Out 2, will demonstrate how different plants can symbolize distinct emotions.

7. New Performers Join the Garden Rocks Concert Series

The Garden Rocks Concert Series makes a comeback, boasting a thrilling roster of acts. Five fresh performers are set to grace our stage this season.

March 30-31 – Queensryche
May 11-12 – Maverick City Music
May 23-24 – The Outlaws
May 30-31 – The Cat Empire
June 1-2 – We The Kingdom

8. A Fresh Activation at CommuniCore Hall

A grand showcase is about to debut at CommuniCore Hall, showcasing Disney’s Horticulture team in a larger-than-usual format, highlighting their work on the festival’s magnificent topiaries, flower towers, and other stunning floral arrangements. Visitors will also have the chance to savor a meal from EPCOT Farmers Feast while exploring the captivating realm of Disney’s botanical craftsmanship. With an abundance of fresh magic in bloom, this year’s EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is shaping up to be an extraordinary tribute to nature, innovation, and three decades of floral allure.

2025-02-13 05:25