Spring in Bloom: EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival 2016

Spring has arrived, and with it comes my favorite time of year at Walt Disney World—the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival! This annual event, which started in 1993, transforms EPCOT into a colorful celebration of blooms, outdoor kitchens, and family-friendly fun. For 2016, the festival has expanded from 75 days to 90, running from March 2 to May 30, making it the perfect way to kick off spring.

As we get ready for the 2016 festival, let’s take a look back at the highlights of 2015 before diving into what’s new and exciting this year.

The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is a feast for the senses. With over 30 million blooms, 700 gardens, and 200 floating flowerbeds, every corner of EPCOT bursts with color and life. Topiaries of more than 70 Disney characters create picture-perfect moments, while butterfly gardens, hands-on exhibits, and outdoor kitchens offer something for everyone.

Topiaries and Gardens: Disney Magic in Full Bloom

The topiaries are always a fan-favorite, and for 2016, Disney has taken it up a notch with new additions and nighttime lighting that makes the displays a must-see day or night. Here are some of the character topiaries you can expect to see:

• New for 2016: Fresh Food, Fun & Flowers at the Main Entrance: Featuring Donald, Daisy, Huey, Dewey, and Louie

• 

  New for 2016: Ranger Mickey & Friends In Future World East

• Buzz Lightyear: in Future World East
• Fantasia: Future World West
• Phineas and Ferb: Future World East
• Minnie, Mickey & Pluto: Showcase Plaza
• Anna & Elsa: Norway
• Bromeliad Dragon: China
• Simba & Friends: African Outpost

• 

  Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: Germany

• Lady and The Tramp: Italy
• Woody’s: American Adventure
• Beauty and the Beast: France
• Winnie the Pooh and Friends: United Kingdom
• Peter Pan, Captain Hook, and the Croc: United Kingdom
• Bambi & Friends: Canada

If you’re traveling with children, don’t miss the interactive play areas. The new Harmony Garden Musical Playground and Cactus Road Rally featuring Mater and Lightning McQueen let kids be part of the fun while learning how desert plants survive the heat.

Outdoor Kitchens: Fresh Flavors and Culinary Adventures

Food lovers are in for a treat as outdoor kitchens return for another year. These kitchens bring fresh flavors from around the world to EPCOT. Here’s what’s new for 2016:

• La Isla Fresca – World Showcase Promenade
• Cider House – United Kingdom
• Urban Farm Eats – Walkway near Imagination!

Returning favorites include the Pineapple Promenade, Bauernmarkt in Germany, and The Smokehouse at the American Adventure. With so many options, it’s hard to pick a favorite. Whether you’re in the mood for savory barbecue or something sweet and refreshing, the festival’s outdoor kitchens offer plenty of choices.

Themed Weekends at the Festival Center

In addition to the gardens and food, the Festival Center is the hub for presentations, workshops, and merchandise. Open Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Festival Center features themed weekends that offer unique experiences:

• Art in the Garden Weekend (April 1-3)
• Outdoor Family Fun Weekend (April 8-10)
• Earth Day Weekend (April 22-24)
• Florida Fresh Weekend (April 28-May 1)
• Florida Federation of Garden Club (May 6-May8)

Each weekend features special presentations by Disney horticulturists and local experts, along with activities for the whole family. The “Making of the Flower & Garden Festival” video inside the Festival Center is a must-watch for any fan interested in learning how Disney creates this incredible event.

Garden Rocks Concert Series: Music and Memories

Music lovers won’t want to miss the Garden Rocks Concert Series, which brings a variety of bands to the American Gardens Theatre. This year’s lineup includes classic acts like STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas, the Little River Band, and Night Ranger. These concerts are included with park admission and take place every weekend throughout the festival.

• 

  March 4–6: The Orchestra starring former members of ELO “Evil Woman”

• March 11–13: STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas “We Built This City”
• March 18–20: Little River Band “Reminiscing”
• March 25–27: Village People “Y.M.C.A.”
• April 1–3: Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone “I’m Henry VIII, I Am”
• April 8–10: The Guess Who “American Woman”
• April 15–17: NEW! Blood, Sweat and Tears “Spinning Wheel”
• April 22–24: NEW! “Bad Company former lead singer”, BRIAN HOWE “Can’t Get Enough”
• April 29–May 1: NEW! Georgia Satellites “Keep Your Hands to Yourself”
• May 6–8: Gin Blossoms “Hey Jealousy”
• May 13–15: NEW! Darlene Love “Wait Till My Bobby Gets Home”
• May 20–22: NEW! Night Ranger “Sister Christian”
• May 27– Monday, May 30: The Spinners “Working My Way Back To You”

Butterfly House: A Guest-Favorite Experience

Butterflies also take center stage at “Butterflies on the Go,” where you can learn about the migration of monarch butterflies and even get up close with them. At the end of the festival, the butterflies are released into the wild, adding a beautiful conclusion to this magical experience.

Special tours are available for those looking to take a deeper dive into the festival. Options include the English Tea Garden Tour, Gardens of the World Tour, and Behind the Seeds Tour. Annual Passholders can also collect exclusive Flower & Garden Festival prints featuring Donald Duck, Goofy, and Mickey Mouse throughout the season.

With so much to see and do, the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is the ultimate springtime celebration. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned festival-goer, this year’s expanded offerings promise to make 2016 the best festival yet.

Get all the details at www.freshepcot.com and thanks for visiting, watching, and reading SamsDisneyDiary!

The Ultimate 2015 EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival Photo Drop

Flower and Garden 2020 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival Top 20, Jammin Gardeners 2019, Flower and Garden  2018  Night Ranger, Behind the Scenes  2017 , Epcot  Flower and Garden Festival 2015, Epcot Flower and Garden Festival 2012, Garden Rocks: Jon Anderson of YES (2019)