EPCOT is about to become the most picture-perfect location at Walt Disney World, and the transformation is already happening with just 11 days until the 2026 International Flower & Garden Festival officially opens on March 4. The 43-year-old park, which debuted on October 1, 1982, will be covered with over 60 Disney and Pixar character topiaries, at least 31 garden displays, outdoor kitchens, and nightly concerts running through June 1.
Topiaries have been appearing throughout EPCOT over the past week, even as the Festival of the Arts continues through February 23. Phineas and Ferb are near CommuniCore Plaza, Bambi and friends are along the bridge from World Celebration to World Showcase, and Goofy is positioned along the rose garden walk between Imagination Pavilion and World Showcase.
Disney Character Topiaries Transform the Park
The confirmed 2026 topiary lineup includes Toy Story characters like Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Bo Peep and her sheep, Lotso, and the Pixar Ball. Mike Wazowski and Sulley appear at the Creations Shop. Figment with flower topiaries and flower towers anchors World Celebration Plaza.
Encanto characters, including Mirabel, Antonio, Isabela, and Luisa, are near Imagination Pavilion alongside Simba and Friends featuring Rafiki, Simba, Mufasa, and Sarabi. Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Chip, Dale, and Pluto appear together. Lightning McQueen and Mater are near Connections Cafe. Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy is positioned near Cosmic Rewind. Stitch is near Mission: SPACE.
World Showcase pavilions feature Tinker Bell’s Fairy House Garden and Winnie the Pooh characters at the United Kingdom, Lady and the Tramp at Italy, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Germany, Beauty and the Beast at France, Tiana at American Adventure, and Miguel and Dante from Coco at Mexico.
Each topiary represents weeks of horticultural work shaping living plants into recognizable characters that must remain healthy throughout the three-month festival.
Garden Rocks Concert Series
Garden Rocks returns with nightly performances at America Gardens Theater at 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM, and 8 PM from March 4 through June 1. New acts include The Music of ABBA (March 5-7), Information Society (April 10-11), FireHouse (April 24-25), Katrina formerly of Katrina & The Waves (May 8-9), Josiah Queen (May 17-18), Iam Tongi (May 22-23), and Maverick City Music (May 31-June 1).
Returning favorites include Simple Plan, Blue October, Billy Ocean, 38 Special, Sugar Ray, Rick Springfield, Berlin, The Commodores, Air Supply, Plain White T’s, 98 Degrees, and Queensryche.
Dining packages pair meals at participating EPCOT restaurants with priority concert seating for guests wanting guaranteed access to specific shows.
Food and Activities
Outdoor kitchens throughout the park serve garden-fresh cuisine with seasonal ingredients and creative presentations. The kitchens offer specialty items available exclusively during Flower & Garden Festival.
Additional offerings include Spike’s PollenNation Exploration, Butterfly Landing presented by AdventHealth, Eggstravaganza Scavenger Hunt, Camp Get Out’ N’ Play Garden, Blossoms of Fragrance, English Tea Garden Tours, Rain or Shine Fruit Stand, and The Honey Bee-stro Garden.
Disney Festival Tips
Guests should prepare for seasonal allergies as significant pollen fills the air during spring months. Allergy medication helps prevent discomfort.
Weather varies dramatically across the March 4 through June 1 timeframe. Early festival dates may require layers during evening hours. Mid-festival sees Florida’s spring rainy season with afternoon thunderstorms making rain gear essential. Late May and early June experience intensifying summer heat requiring sun protection and hydration strategies.
Bees congregate around topiaries and near Joffrey’s coffee carts. Guests with bee allergies should maintain awareness near popular photo locations.
The Countdown
With 11 days until the March 4 opening, EPCOT’s transformation is accelerating. Landscaping teams are completing topiary installations while outdoor kitchens finalize preparations. Guests visiting during this transition will witness EPCOT in an unusual state. They will witness the Festival of the Arts continue while the Flower & Garden Festival begins to dominate the visual landscape.
By March 4, the 43-year-old park will look completely different with botanical displays, character topiaries, and garden-themed decorations. These additions transform EPCOT into a celebration of spring and horticulture. The Flower & Garden Festival has run since 1994, making this the 33rd edition of one of EPCOT’s most distinctive seasonal events.
