EPCOT in Full Bloom: A First Look at This Year’s Flower & Garden Festival

March 6, 2025 Kungaloosh Radio

Today’s the day! The opening day for Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival!
You would expect blue skies and plenty of sunshine… and we had none of it.

Gray skies, a passing shower, and some wind. But nonetheless, we are here for the festivities.

Since it’s opening day, let’s get that festival passport shot.

For this year, there’s a new topiary for Moana 2.

So Disney changed up rope drop procedures. The Cast Members would keep everyone cordoned off before you reached Spaceship Earth. Now, we were held back by the Guest Services/Connections Cafe area.

But once those “ropes” were dropped, all hell broke loose. People were running to Guardians, others were heading to Creations for merch. I saw a woman in an Orange Bird spirit jersey mow down three people for the merch line.

I have been doing this for the past few years, and this was the most chaotic I have ever seen.

We made it inside, and it was super crazy! People were going nuts for the merch. Pushing and grabbing! Wtf!

Here’s a look at what was getting everyone riled up.

After getting some goodies, we went to check out the topiaries.

Donald was back by Connections in his bee garden.

Groot is in a more visible spot. He’s in the old Prehistoric Gardens area by the breezeway for Guardians.

There’s always a gap between getting merch and when the booths open for the day. We mulled around for a bit.

Once 11am hit, we went right inside the Citrus Blossom building. You know we have to grab some yummy orange flavored goodies.

We had the Tempura Shrimp with an orange sauce.

Lumpia…

And I grabbed the Avocado Toast from Brunchcot.

All solid choices, but the Lumpia was not as good as a few years ago.

Yes, we had a merch haul. I love the Spike the Bee shoulder plush!

All signs point to Citrus Blossom.

For the first day of the festival, I like to grab a scavenger hunt map and get my prize. Sometimes, they sell out of the good prize choices. Flower and Garden always has a Spike the Bee themed hunt.

This year’s prizes are watering cans with Mickey, the Caterpillar from Alice in Wonderland, Spike the Bee, and Orange Bird.

Let’s check out the topiaries. Yes, we’re those people who start in Canada.

Here’s a look at the Canadian Flag in flower form.

The United Kingdom has Pooh and Friends.

And Tick Tock Croc from Peter Pan.

This year’s fest is celebrating 30 years.

Off to France, and Cogsworth and Lumiere are there. They look a tad different.

The French Bouquet Garden is one of my favorites.

A new display: Haute Nature. Dresses with a garden flair.

Belle and the Beauty are also back.

Since it was starting to rain, this was a good time to enjoy the American Adventure Pavilion and the Voices of Liberty.

By now, the rains were coming down. Not the best time to see all the topiaries.

We did say “Hi!” to Elsa and Anna.

Even under gray skies, the flowers are still beautiful.

Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Chip, and Dale are out in the World Celebration area.

The flower blankets are always stunning!

We have a new flower display: the flowers of Inside Out 2. They are based on all the emotions.

Time to check out Communicore Hall.

Now everyone is complaining that this version of Communicore Hall is not as good as the Disney on Broadway, but what else can do yoi do with this small space?

We have displays explaining the topiary process.

Spike the Bee takes center stage!

More displays about hanging baskets and floating gardens.

These large flowers decorate the space near the entrances.

The Farmer’s Feast booth is located inside, and it features a seasonal menu.

Full look at the Hall.

And our boy, Spike!

There is also these “Farmer’s Almanac” type displays.

While I’m quick to criticize Disney, I do like this space.

The 30th Anniversary Ear topiaries are out.

We wanted to check the new manatees, but they were a little shy.

There’s a new nautical-themed playground.

And I had to check out the dino-themed gardens. The Prehistoric Plants was moved to a quiet space by Guardians of the Galaxy. It is super scaled-down from previous years.