A Slower Kind of Magic: How to Enjoy EPCOT’s Flower & Garden Festival Without the Rush
EPCOT’s Flower and Garden Festival located at EPCOT in Walt Disney World runs March 4- June 1, 2026 and includes topiaries, outdoor kitchens, a concert series and more. There is something for everyone to enjoy during this event, but one thing we love most about this festival- it offers guests a chance to enjoy quiet and beauty even in the middle of a theme park.
EPCOT is a park that can appeal to guests of all ages and for all experiences- whether you want a thrill ride, great entertainment, delicious food or even a quiet corner to rest. And the Flower and Garden Festival is a festival that offers even more of the latter. While some festivals and events in the park make you feel like you need to go, go, go- Flower and Garden Festival lets you move at a slower pace.
So what is it about this festival that creates this sense of calm?
For most guests, they will find that the beauty created around them with the flowers and the topiaries- made into colorful tapestries to enjoy at every turn around the park- allows them to take a deep breath, slow down and literally smell the flowers. Guests could spend a full day (maybe even more) going around and looking at each of the exquisite topiaries designed by Disney’s team. And each year they will find new characters or details to enjoy.
The Outdoor Kitchens at this festival provide guests the opportunity to try delicious and lite seasonal items. From Strawberry Shortcake to a Seafood Bake to the ever popular Frushi and more, the food at this festival might just be the best of any of the EPCOT festivals. Most food items even count as a snack credit for guests on one of the dining plans from Disney, making it easy to try your favorites and something new too.
During the festival, guests wanting a bit of entertainment or ways to explore have options too. Each year, there is a beautiful butterfly garden at the Butterfly Landing over by the Imagination Pavilion (note that this closes at dusk) and guests can explore the park searching for Spike the Bee (official maps can be purchased in many of the gift shops and you can earn a small prize for finishing).
Guests wanting more energy and excitement can check out the Concert series which features artists like Billy Ocean, the Commodores, Plain White T’s, 98 Degrees and even Iam Tongi from American Idol. While no additional purchase is required to access the concert inside the park (beyond your park ticket/admission), if you wish to avoid longer lines and crowds, especially for more popular artists, guests can book a dining package which allows them to enjoy a meal at select restaurants in EPCOT and then have priority seating to one of the shows for the concert series that day (and many of these are included on the Disney Dining plan too!).
If you want to enjoy the festival at your own pace, it’s best to visit during a week day that does not have extended evening hours for Deluxe resort guests. This will allow you to experience the festival with lower crowds as more guests visit on the extended hours day as well as on the weekends.
Want help planning your best Flower and Garden experience? Reach out to your Goofy Getaways Travel Advisor today.
