Disney World just confirmed a significant event will return in 2026, and fans couldn’t be more excited.
For longtime visitors, this confirmation carries real meaning. It signals that something deeply woven into Disney World’s identity isn’t just continuing—it’s being prioritized. At a time when so much feels temporary, that kind of commitment stands out.
Why EPCOT Relies So Heavily on Its Events
EPCOT has always moved to the rhythm of its events. Festivals don’t simply add decorations or limited-time menus. They reshape how guests explore the park from one season to the next.
Walkways feel different. Familiar spaces take on new energy. Even repeat visitors experience EPCOT in new ways without a single ride changing. That seasonal reinvention has become the park’s calling card.
Because of that, long-term confirmations matter, when EPCOT locks in an event years in advance, it shows trust in what still resonates with guests.
A Festival With Deep Roots
The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival ranks among Disney World’s longest-running seasonal offerings. For more than 30 years, it has grown steadily while staying true to its original vision.
What began as a garden-focused celebration has evolved into a full-scale experience. Yet it has never lost the calm, open atmosphere that separates it from EPCOT’s other festivals.
At its core, the festival celebrates spring, creativity, and Disney’s ability to turn nature into storytelling. That balance continues to define it year after year.
EPCOT Comes Alive Through Gardens and Topiaries
Visual storytelling drives the Flower & Garden Festival. EPCOT becomes a living gallery filled with character topiaries, themed gardens, and immersive floral displays.
More than 60 topiaries inspired by classic Disney characters appear throughout the park. Alongside them, over 31 gardens and floral exhibits encourage guests to slow down and explore.
That design invites wandering. Guests don’t rush from place to place. Instead, EPCOT becomes a park meant to be enjoyed without a plan.
Outdoor Kitchens Add a Fresh Flavor
Food plays a central role in the festival’s appeal. Outdoor Kitchens return with menus inspired by fresh ingredients and lighter flavors.
These offerings feel intentionally different from EPCOT’s other festivals. The dishes are seasonal and refreshing, reinforcing the springtime theme rather than overwhelming it.
Guests can also take part in the Garden Graze food stroll. A Festival Passport turns sampling select dishes into an experience of its own, adding a playful layer to exploring the park.
Music Takes Over as the Sun Sets
As evening approaches, live performances anchor the festival’s energy. The Garden Rocks Concert Series fills America Gardens Theatre with familiar songs and crowd-pleasing acts.
Shows take place every weekend and feature a blend of established names and newer talent. Park admission includes access to the concerts, with seating available on a first-come basis.
The Musical Lineup: The Music of ABBA (March 5–7), Simple Plan (March 8–9), Blue October (March 13–14), Billy Ocean (March 15–16), THE ORCHESTRA starring former members of ELO & ELO Part II (March 20–23), Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone (March 27–28), 38 Special (March 29–30), Chubby Checker (April 3–4), Sugar Ray (April 5–6), Information Society (April 10–11), Rick Springfield (April 12–13), Berlin (April 17–18), The Commodores (April 19–20), FireHouse (April 24–25), Air Supply (April 26–27), A Flock of Seagulls (May 1–2), Plain White T’s (May 3–4), Katrina formerly of Katrina & The Waves (May 8–9), 98 Degrees (May 10–11), The Spinners (May 15–16), Josiah Queen (May 17–18), Iam Tongi (May 22–23), A.J. Croce: Croce Plays Croce (May 24–25), Queensrÿche (May 29–30), and Maverick City Music (May 31–June 1).
Dining Packages Simplify the Experience
For guests seeking guaranteed seating, dining packages provide a smooth option. These packages pair a meal at select EPCOT restaurants with reserved concert access later that day.
Reservations open February 5 through the My Disney Experience app or the official Walt Disney World website. Options include full meals, buffets, and a shared small-plate experience at Spice Road Table.
Fun for Every Age
The festival keeps things playful for younger guests. Spike the Bee’s scavenger hunt invites kids to explore EPCOT with purpose.
Families can also enjoy a spring-themed egg hunt and a walk-through butterfly garden. These experiences balance the festival, making it just as engaging for kids as it is for adults.
Why 2026 Matters
Disney’s confirmation of this event’s return in 2026 feels bigger than a routine announcement. It reinforces the idea that some of Disney World’s most important experiences aren’t built of steel and concrete.
After more than three decades, the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival continues to thrive. In a park that is constantly changing, that consistency still matters.
