EPCOT is preparing for its annual transformation as it transitions from the Festival of the Arts to the 2026 EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival, starting March 4 and running through June 1. This year, the festival will feature over 60 Disney and Pixar-themed character topiaries, at least 31 garden displays, outdoor kitchens with fresh cuisine, and the Garden Rocks Concert Series. EPCOT, the Disney park that opened on October 1, 1982, has hosted the festival since 1994, evolving it into a significant seasonal celebration.Despite the ongoing Festival of the Arts, which runs until February 23, preparations for the Flower and Garden Festival have already begun. Topiaries of characters like Phineas and Ferb, Bambi, and Goofy have been placed around the park, along with butterfly and flower-shaped displays, indicating robust landscaping efforts for the upcoming event.Credit: Erica Lauren, Inside the MagicThe Visual Transformation of the Disney ParkThe most unique aspect of the Flower and Garden Festival from a visual presentation perspective is the character topiaries that transform EPCOT from a typical theme park into a botanical showcase where beloved Disney and Pixar characters appear throughout the property, sculpted entirely from living plants. The confirmed topiary list for 2026 includes Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Bo Peep and her sheep, Lotso, and the Pixar Ball; Mike Wazowski and Sulley at Creations Shop; Figment with flower topiaries and flower towers at World Celebration Plaza; Encanto characters including Mirabel, Antonio, Isabela, and Luisa near the Imagination Pavilion; Simba and Friends featuring Rafiki, Simba, Mufasa, and Sarabi also near Imagination; and Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Chip, Dale, and Pluto.Credit: Erica Lauren, Inside the MagicAdditional topiaries include Lightning McQueen and Mater near Connections Cafe, Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy positioned near the Cosmic Rewind attraction, Stitch near Mission: SPACE, Tinker Bell’s Fairy House Garden at the United Kingdom Pavilion, Winnie the Pooh and Friends with Rabbit, Eeyore, Piglet, and Tigger also at United Kingdom, Lady and the Tramp at the Italy Pavilion, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Germany, Beauty and the Beast at France, Tiana at The American Adventure, and Miguel and Dante from Coco at the Mexico Pavilion.The scale of these installations cannot be overstated. Each topiary represents weeks or months of horticultural planning, cultivation, and maintenance by Disney’s landscaping teams, who shape living plants into recognizable character forms that must remain healthy and visually impressive throughout the three-month festival. The topiaries become some of the most photographed elements at Walt Disney World during the Flower and Garden Festival, transforming EPCOT into an Instagram-worthy destination that attracts guests specifically for photo opportunities rather than just rides and attractions.Garden Rocks Concert SeriesThe Garden Rocks Concert Series returns with nightly performances at the America Gardens Theater at 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8 p.m. from March 4 through June 1. The 2026 lineup includes new acts like The Music of ABBA on March 5-7, Information Society on April 10-11, FireHouse on April 24-25, Katrina formerly of Katrina & The Waves on May 8-9, Josiah Queen on May 17-18, Iam Tongi on May 22-23, and Maverick City Music closing out May 31-June 1.Returning acts include Simple Plan, Blue October, Billy Ocean, THE ORCHESTRA starring former members of ELO, Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone, 38 Special, Chubby Checker, Sugar Ray, Rick Springfield, Berlin, The Commodores, Air Supply, A Flock of Seagulls, Plain White T’s, 98 Degrees, The Spinners, and Queensryche spread throughout the festival schedule.Credit: DisneyGuests wanting guaranteed seating for specific shows should book dining packages pairing breakfast, lunch, or dinner at participating EPCOT restaurants with priority seating for evening performances. Most packages include three-course meals or full buffets with beverages, though Spice Road Table offers a modified package with two small plates per guest, shared tagine, and shared dessert platter.Outdoor Kitchens and Food OfferingsEPCOT will host a large collection of outdoor kitchens throughout the park serving garden-fresh cuisine that emphasizes seasonal ingredients, fresh flavors, and creative presentations that complement the festival’s horticultural theming. The outdoor kitchen concept allows Disney to offer specialty food items available exclusively during Flower and Garden Festival, creating limited-time menu offerings that drive guest interest and encourage multiple visits throughout the three-month event.Credit: Disney Parks BlogThese kitchens function similarly to the food booths at Food and Wine Festival but with menus emphasizing lighter, fresher preparations that align with spring and early summer dining preferences. Guests can sample items from multiple kitchens during a single visit, creating tasting experiences that showcase culinary variety across different cuisines and preparation styles.Additional Festival Offerings at the Disney ParkBeyond topiaries, concerts, and food, the 2026 Flower and Garden Festival includes Spike’s PollenNation Exploration, Butterfly Landing presented by AdventHealth, the Eggstravaganza Scavenger Hunt, Camp Get Out’ N’ Play Garden presented by OFF! Repellents, Blossoms of Fragrance presented by Scentsy, English Tea Garden Tours presented by Twinings, Rain or Shine Fruit Stand presented by Outshine, and The Honey Bee-stro Garden hosted by The National Honey Board.These sponsored experiences provide interactive elements beyond just viewing topiaries and eating at outdoor kitchens, creating activities for families with children who need engagement beyond passive observation of botanical displays. The scavenger hunt in particular has become a popular festival tradition that encourages guests to explore the entire park while completing festival-themed challenges.Practical Advice for Festival AttendanceGuests planning to visit EPCOT during the Flower and Garden Festival should prepare for seasonal allergies, as significant pollen fills the air throughout the park during the spring months when plants are actively blooming. Having allergy medication available can prevent discomfort from interfering with festival enjoyment.The weather varies dramatically from March 4 through June 1. Early festival dates may still see relatively low temperatures, requiring layers or light jackets during evening hours. Mid-festival stretches through Florida’s spring rainy season when afternoon thunderstorms are common, making rain gear or ponchos essential. Late festival dates in late May and early June experience intensifying summer heat as Florida fully transitions into hot, humid conditions that require sun protection, hydration strategies, and realistic expectations for spending extended time outdoors.Bees congregate around topiaries and sometimes near Joffrey’s coffee carts, attracted to both the flowering plants and sweet beverage offerings. Guests with bee allergies or concerns should maintain awareness and avoid disturbing bees that may be present near popular photo locations.The 11-Day Disney Park CountdownWith just 11 days remaining until the March 4 opening, EPCOT’s transformation is accelerating as landscaping teams complete topiary installations, outdoor kitchens finalize preparations, and festival infrastructure gets positioned throughout the park. Guests visiting during this transition period will witness EPCOT in an unusual state where Festival of the Arts programming continues operating while Flower and Garden Festival elements increasingly dominate the visual landscape.Credit: Erica Lauren, Inside the MagicBy March 4, EPCOT will look completely different from its current appearance, with botanical displays, character topiaries, and garden-themed decorations transforming the 43-year-old park into a celebration of spring, horticulture, and Disney storytelling expressed through living plants. The transformation happens annually, but the scale and visual impact never diminish, making Flower and Garden Festival one of EPCOT’s most distinctive and photogenic events that attracts guests specifically for the experience rather than just as an added bonus during typical park visits.The post 43-Year-Old Disney Park Is About to Be Completely Transformed in 11 Days appeared first on Inside the Magic.