It is safe to say that I am, and have been, a Walt Disney World fan for a very long time. While I have moved a significant portion of my travel itch to cruising, there is still the Disney itch that needs the occasional scratch.

If you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World in 2025, you won’t want to miss the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival! This annual springtime event transforms EPCOT into a stunning floral paradise, packed with colorful gardens, Disney-themed topiaries, delicious outdoor kitchens, and live entertainment. Whether you’re a nature lover, a foodie, or just looking for a fun and relaxing day, this festival has something for everyone.

Here’s my one-day travel guide to help you experience the best of the 2025 Flower & Garden Festival!

Start Your Day with Stunning Topiaries

The moment you step into EPCOT, you’ll be greeted by incredible topiaries—larger-than-life plant sculptures shaped like your favorite Disney characters! Every year, Disney’s gardening experts create these works of art using flowers, moss, and greenery.

Some of the must-see topiaries in 2025 include:

• Encanto Garden: A brand-new display featuring Mirabel, Antonio, and the magical Casita, surrounded by bright tropical flowers.

• Mickey & Friends: A classic display near the entrance with Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and Pluto.

• The Lion King: Simba, Timon, and Pumbaa in the Africa section of the park, set among exotic plants.

• Beauty and the Beast: Belle and the Beast in the France Pavilion, surrounded by roses.

Take your time exploring and snapping photos of these impressive sculptures before moving on to your next adventure.

Taste Your Way Through the Outdoor Kitchens

One of the best parts of the Flower & Garden Festival is the food! Special outdoor kitchens pop up all around the park, serving fresh and seasonal dishes inspired by spring flavors. There are many that are my favorites, but there are just as many dishes that I am not yet brave enough to take on.

Since you only have one day, here are some of the top food stands you won’t want to miss:

1. Florida Fresh

🌿 What to Try:

• Florida Strawberry Shortcake – A sweet treat with vanilla pound cake, macerated strawberries, strawberry sauce, and whipped cream.

• Cubanito – with Mojo-marinated Pork Belly, Ham, Swiss Cheese, Pickles, and Stone Ground Mustard Sauce

2. The Citrus Blossom

🍊 What to Try:

• Orange Sesame Tempura Shrimp – Lightly fried shrimp with a tangy citrus glaze.

• Lemonade with a Twist – A refreshing drink made with Florida lemons and a hint of honey.

• Lumpia- with Plant-based Pork, Green Papaya Salad, and Yuzu Sweet-and-Sour (Plant-based) (Garden Graze Item)

3. EPCOT Farmers Feast (Menu changes throughout the festival)

🌾 What to Try:

• Grilled Asparagus with Truffle-Sherry Vinaigrette – A delicious spring dish featuring fresh asparagus and flavorful dressing.

• Scallop – with Spring Pea Risotto featuring BEN’S ORIGINAL™ INTERNATIONAL GRAINS™ Arborio Rice, Lemon-Beurre Blanc and Gremolata

4. Hanami (Japan Pavilion)

🍣 What to Try:

• Frushi (Fruit Sushi) – A fun twist on sushi made with fresh fruit: Strawberry, Pineapple, and Honeydew wrapped in Coconut Rice and Tri-color Soy Wrap served with Coconut Cream Sauce and Toasted Coconut

• Takoyaki– Octopus Tako Balls served with Spicy Mayo, Okonomiyaki Sauce, and Crunch Rice Pearls

5. Jardin de Fiestas (Mexico Pavilion)

🌮 What to Try:

• “Giant” Tostada de Carne – Oaxacan Tostada, Barbacoa Beef, Guacamole, Jícama, Pumpkin Seeds, and Salsa Macha

• Chocoflan – Layered traditional Mexican Flan and Chocolate Cake with Toasted Walnuts

Since the food portions are small, I recommend sharing dishes with your group so you can try more flavors throughout the day!

Explore the Beautiful Gardens & Butterfly House

After filling up on delicious food, take a relaxing stroll through EPCOT’s themed gardens. Some of the most beautiful spots to visit include:

• The Butterfly House: Walk through a greenhouse filled with hundreds of colorful butterflies fluttering around beautiful flowers.

• The English Tea Garden (UK Pavilion): A charming area where you can learn about different types of tea plants.

• The Floating Gardens: Dozens of floating flower beds on the waters near the Imagination Pavilion—perfect for photos!

Catch a Live Concert at the Garden Rocks Series

Every evening during the festival, the Garden Rocks Concert Series takes place at the America Gardens Theatre in the World Showcase. This is a great way to relax after a day of walking and eating. Performers change throughout the festival, but past acts have included Simple Plan, The Pointer Sisters, and Rick Springfield.

I will be doing the dinner and show package during our April visit and the band playing will be “A Flock of Seagulls”, dinner before the show will be at Chefs de France.

Be sure to check the concert schedule in advance and grab a seat early or plan the dinner and show package to have reserved show seats for the best view!

End the Day with a Fireworks Show

Before leaving, don’t miss Luminous: The Symphony of Us, EPCOT’s incredible nighttime fireworks and light show over the World Showcase Lagoon. It’s the perfect way to end your magical day at the festival!

Final Tips for a Perfect Visit

✔ Arrive early – The festival is popular, so getting there when the park opens will help you avoid crowds.

✔ Wear comfy shoes – You’ll be walking a lot (I repeat….A LOT), so comfortable sneakers are a must!

✔ Bring sunscreen & sunglasses – Florida sun can be strong, especially in the spring.

✔ Use the Disney app – Check wait times, find food stands, and look at the festival map.

✔ Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of water, especially if you’re trying different foods and drinks.

Ready to Plan Your Trip?

The EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival is an unforgettable experience filled with stunning flowers, delicious food, and live entertainment. If you’re thinking about visiting in 2025, let A Simple Life Travel help you book the perfect trip! I can assist with discounted Disney tickets, hotel stays, and dining reservations to make your visit smooth and stress-free.

📅 Book your EPCOT adventure today! Contact me for more details and let’s start planning your magical Disney getaway!

Would you love to visit the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival? Let me know in the comments below!

Travel often and travel well my friends.