Summary
- New Moana Topiaries will debut at this year’s EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival.
- New experiences will include a new playground inspired by Yacht Club and Beach Club Resorts and new Magic Shots.
- Two new outdoor kitchens, new Garden Rocks Concert performances, and more will make their debut during the Festival.
Springtime at EPCOT in Disney World is always a sight to behold, but this year’s EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, running from March 5 through June 2, marks a particularly special occasion. Celebrating 30 years of horticultural magic, the festival will feature breathtaking floral displays, intricate topiaries, and a host of brand-new experiences for Disney guests to enjoy. Whether a seasoned festival-goer or a first-time visitor, there’s plenty to look forward to at this year’s celebration. Here’s a look at some of the all-new experiences coming to EPCOT in 2024.
1. New Topiaries Will Bloom
A stunning new topiary display will take center stage at EPCOT’s entrance, welcoming guests with larger-than-life figures from Moana, according to Disney Parks Blog. This year, Maui, Moana, Heihei, and Pua will make their festival debut, carefully crafted by Disney’s skilled horticulture team with intricate detail and vibrant plant materials.
These new additions join a lineup of beloved topiaries that have become festival favorites over the years. Iconic displays, such as Belle and the Beast in France, continue to evolve, growing more breathtaking with each passing year. Disney’s horticulture experts collaborate with Walt Disney Animation Studios artists and Imagineers to refine their techniques, using a variety of topiary designs and plant-based sculpting methods to bring characters to life in spectacular ways.
The art of Disney topiaries traces back to Walt Disney himself, who was inspired by traditional European topiary gardens. Fascinated by the idea of shaping plants into recognizable figures, Walt challenged animators and Disneyland’s landscape teams to apply their creativity to living sculptures, a vision that became reality.
2. New Play Garden Set to Debut at EPCOT’s Flower & Garden Festival
This year’s EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival will introduce a playground inspired by Disney’s Yacht Club and Beach Club Resorts. Located in the flex space between the Imagination! Pavilion and World Showcase, the Playalong Bay Play Garden, presented by Smucker’s Uncrustables, will offer a seaside-themed play area for families. Drawing inspiration from Yacht Club’s Stormalong Bay pool, the playground will feature interactive elements designed to spark adventure and creativity for younger festival-goers.
3. New Magic Shots Add a Touch of Pixie Dust
Disney PhotoPass Service will once again offer special Magic Shots to enhance festival memories. Magic Shots are photos taken with the Disney PhotoPass service that include special effects, lighting, or Disney characters. In addition to returning favorites, this year introduces two new shots, including one featuring a Figment Topiary Magic Shot, adding a whimsical touch to any photo.
4. Savor Fresh Flavors from Two New Outdoor Kitchens
This year, two brand-new Outdoor Kitchens will make their debut, Yacht Grub and Beach Grub, serving up seafood-centric menus. While full details on these locations are still under wraps, more information is expected to be revealed in the upcoming Disney Parks Foodie Guide.
Alongside these exciting new additions, fan-favorite Outdoor Kitchens will be returning to the festival, some with new locations. Florida Fresh will now be located at CommuniCore Plaza’s servery window and EPCOT Farmers Feast will be moving inside CommuniCore Hall. These kiosks function much like the Marketplace Booths at the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival, offering guests the chance to sample an assortment of seasonal small plates and beverages inspired by fresh ingredients.
5. Festival Merchandise Blooms with New Collections
The festival’s 30th anniversary merchandise lineup is set to impress, featuring a matching shirt and shorts set and a vibrant spirit jersey, both adorned with Orange Bird and the festival’s commemorative logo. For those who love Spike the Bee, a Lug Bag inspired by the character and a Spike the Bee Shoulder Plush will be available. The festival’s Alice in Wonderland collection also brings new themed ears and a tea set perfect for an unbirthday party celebration.
6. A New Garden Inspired by Inside Out 2
A fresh garden experience will debut in World Celebration, focusing on the language of emotions through plants. This new offering, inspired by the Pixar film Inside Out 2, will showcase how different plants can represent various emotions.
7. New Performers Join the Garden Rocks Concert Series
The Garden Rocks Concert Series returns with an exciting lineup of performances. This year, five new artists will take the stage:
- March 30-31 – Queensryche
- May 11-12 – Maverick City Music
- May 23-24 – The Outlaws
- May 30-31 – The Cat Empire
- June 1-2 – We The Kingdom
8. A Fresh Activation at CommuniCore Hall
A new exhibit is set to open at CommuniCore Hall, offering a larger-than-life perspective on Disney’s Horticulture team and its work behind the festival’s topiaries, flower towers, and other breathtaking floral displays. Guests will also be able to enjoy a meal from EPCOT Farmers Feast while immersing themselves in the fascinating world of Disney’s botanical artistry. With so much new magic in bloom, this year’s EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival promises to be an unforgettable celebration of nature, creativity, and three decades of floral enchantment.
