New Gardens and Nighttime Glow Set for 2026 EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival
Disney World has officially pulled back the curtain on the 2026 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, revealing a season defined by fresh interactive experiences and high-tech horticultural displays. Running from March 4 through June 1, this year’s festival lead-off highlights several “firsts,” including a trio of brand-new themed gardens and a magical day-to-night transformation at the heart of the park.
What’s New for 2026 EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival
Disney is expanding its horticultural footprint this year with three entirely new garden experiences designed for discovery and play:
- Pluto’s Pet-Friendly Garden: Located in World Nature, this new spot focuses on pet-safe plants and gardening tips inspired by Mickey’s pal.
- Wildlife Crossing Garden: Inspired by the upcoming Disney and Pixar film Hoppers, this exhibit teaches guests how animals safely navigate their environments.
- Trendy Tropicals Garden: A curated look at exotic plants that remain “forever in style,” situated between the Morocco and France pavilions.
In a first for the festival’s nighttime atmosphere, Spike’s Garden at CommuniCore Hall will feature a “larger-than-life” transition as the sun sets. Visitors can expect a bioluminescent display with glow-in-the-dark fireflies and flowers that only “bloom” under moonlight, offering a new way to experience the festival after dark.
EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival 2026 Topiaries
The 2026 lineup features more than 60 character topiaries across all four EPCOT neighborhoods. While classics like Mickey and Minnie return, Pixar takes center stage this year. A massive greeting party, including Buzz, Woody, Bo Peep, and Lotso, will meet guests at the main entrance in World Celebration.
Fans of Cars and Monsters, Inc. will be pleased to see Lightning McQueen, Mater, Mike Wazowski, and Sulley returning to the park after a brief hiatus. These displays are part of over 31 distinct garden exhibits, which also include:
- Butterfly Landing: A walk-through kaleidoscope of real butterflies.
- Rain or Shine Fruit Stand : A new educational exhibit about the water cycle’s role in farming.
- The Honey Bee-stro: A sensory lesson on the importance of pollinators, complete with honey-themed snacks.
Sights, Sounds, and Flavors
The Garden Rocks Concert Series returns to the America Gardens Theatre with a mix of new and returning acts. Highlights of the 2026 schedule include The Music of ABBA (New for 2026), Simple Plan, and 98 Degrees.
For those wanting a “dinner and a show” experience, Garden Rocks Dining Packages are now available for booking through the My Disney Experience app. These packages guarantee a seat for the performance and include a full meal at a participating EPCOT restaurant, such as the Biergarten Restaurant or Spice Road Table.
To round out the spring festivities, Disney is launching two new merchandise collections featuring the festival’s mascots: Orange Bird and Spike the Bee. The “citrus-inspired” apparel and garden decor will be available at Creations Shop and festival kiosks throughout the run.
