EPCOT is undergoing a transformation as the 2026 International Flower & Garden Festival approaches, starting March 4. Disney's landscaping teams are already installing character topiaries throughout the park, even before the Festival of the Arts ends on February 23.
Over 60 Disney and Pixar topiaries will be featured, along with 31 garden displays, outdoor kitchens, and the Garden Rocks Concert Series. Topiaries have begun appearing, including Phineas and Ferb near CommuniCore Plaza, Bambi and friends by the bridge, and Goofy along the rose garden walk. If you're visiting EPCOT now, you're getting an early glimpse of the upcoming festival!
The Topiary Takeover
The topiary lineup for 2026 features a wide array of beloved characters. In the Toy Story area, you’ll see Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Bo Peep and her sheep, Lotso, and the Pixar Ball. Mike Wazowski and Sulley are at Creations Shop, while Figment anchors World Celebration Plaza.
Encanto characters, including Mirabel and Antonio, are located near the Imagination Pavilion alongside Simba and friends. The classic Disney crew, Mickey, Minnie, Chip, Dale, and Pluto, appear together, with Lightning McQueen and Mater near Connections Cafe. Groot is placed by Cosmic Rewind, and Stitch is near Mission: SPACE.
World Showcase pavilions host character topiaries that align with their countries: Tinker Bell and Winnie the Pooh in the UK, Lady and the Tramp in Italy, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in Germany, Beauty and the Beast in France, Tiana in American Adventure, and Miguel and Dante in Mexico.
Creating these topiaries involves extensive planning and care from Disney's landscaping teams, resulting in impressive botanical sculptures that require ongoing maintenance throughout the festival.
EPCOT Garden Rocks Concerts Every Night
Garden Rocks Concert Series returns with performances at America Gardens Theater at 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM, and 8 PM nightly from March 4 through June 1. New acts this year include The Music of ABBA on March 5-7, Information Society on April 10-11, FireHouse on April 24-25, Katrina formerly of Katrina & The Waves on May 8-9, Josiah Queen on May 17-18, Iam Tongi on May 22-23, and Maverick City Music closing out May 31-June 1.
Returning acts 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 spread throughout the festival schedule. If you want guaranteed seating for specific shows you need to book dining packages that pair meals at participating EPCOT restaurants with priority concert seating, otherwise you're waiting in standby hoping there's room.
Outdoor Kitchens and Food
EPCOT will have a large collection of outdoor kitchens throughout the park serving garden-fresh cuisine that emphasizes seasonal ingredients and creative presentations. These function like the Food & Wine Festival booths but with menus focusing on lighter, fresher preparations that align with spring and early summer dining.
Additional festival offerings include Spike's PollenNation Exploration, Butterfly Landing, 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. These sponsored experiences provide activities for families beyond just looking at topiaries and eating at outdoor kitchens.
What You Need to Know for EPCOT
If you're visiting EPCOT during the Flower & Garden Festival, don't forget your allergy medication; pollen can be challenging for sensitive visitors. Weather fluctuates from chilly evenings in early March to hot, humid conditions by late May. Expect afternoon thunderstorms mid-festival as Florida enters its rainy season.
Be cautious around topiaries and Joffrey's coffee carts, as bees are attracted to flowering plants and sweet drinks—especially if you have bee allergies. With just 11 days until March 4, EPCOT is rapidly transforming for its 33rd Flower & Garden Festival, which has turned the park into a photogenic paradise since 1994.
