EPCOTFeatured

Three Weeks Early, Disney Shuts Down EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival Attraction

With 20 days left of the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, Walt Disney World Resort made the surprising decision to end one of the seasonal offerings early. Here’s what Central Florida Disney Park guests need to know.

EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival Ended Early

Whimsical topiary bugs and giant pink flower sculptures decorate the garden at EPCOT during the Flower & Garden Festival at sunset.
Credit: Erica Lauren, Disney Dining

On May 12, WDWNT reported that Spike’s Garden, a walkthrough experience in CommuniCore Hall in the World Celebration neighborhood, had closed. This is unusual, given that the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival runs through June 1, 2026.

Signs and decals welcoming guests to “Sunlight to Starbright in Spike’s Garden” remain on the windows and doors, but all entrances to Communicore Hall are blocked by stanchions and chains. A sign hanging from one chain reads, “This Area is Being Reimagined.”

A vibrant flower bed by a sparkling pond, capturing the spirit of EPCOT’s ever-changing Festival landscapes.
Credit: Erica Lauren, Disney Dining

Walt Disney World Resort is likely preparing CommuniCore Hall for the return of GoofyCore, part of Cool KIDS’ SUMMER. This event, which debuted in 2025, returns to the Central Florida Disney parks from May 26 to September 1, 2026.

GoofyCore at EPCOT

GoofyCore, which debuted alongside Cool KIDS’ SUMMER, is an interactive character experience for young Disney Park guests. Goofy and his “Goof Troop,” made up of Disney cast members, lead children through interactive games and dances in the air-conditioned CommuniCore Hall building–a welcome reprieve for both parents and kids during the hot summer season at Walt Disney World Resort.

Goofy dances with young kids at EPCOT inside Disney World.
Credit: Disney

Last year, CommuniCore Hall was decorated with Goofy-themed decorations for GoofyCore, so Walt Disney World Resort likely closed Spike’s Garden early to get ready for the debut of Cool KIDS’ SUMMER on May 26. The rest of the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival continues through June 1.

Follow Disney Dining for updates on Cool KIDS’ Summer and other developments at Disney parks around the world!

 

Have you noticed any other changes at Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park? Share your experience with Disney Dining in the comments! 

Jess Colopy

Jess Colopy is a Disney College Program alum and kid-at-heart. When she’s not furiously typing in a coffee shop, you can find her on the hunt for the newest Stitch pin.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related Articles