Last week, we reported that preparations were underway for Butterfly Landing and construction around the playground at EPCOT ahead of the 2026 EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival. Now we see additional preparation has begun as plants spring up around the park.
Flower and Garden Festival Plantings
We spotted many plantings cropping up around World Discovery, including ones that form the shape of a butterfly and a flower around the pond.
On the other side of the pond, more butterfly and flower images are made up of plants. These are shaded slightly by the tree beside the water.
Up close, these images are made up of many, many small plants. The plantings and installations will continue in the weeks leading up to the Flower and Garden Festival, which opens on March 4.
Flower & Garden Topiaries
Earlier today, Walt Disney World announced this year’s festival topiaries and gardens. This year’s topiaries will include Buzz, Woody, Bo Peep and her Sheep, Lotso, and the Pixar Ball, greeting guests as they enter World Celebration.
Returning characters who haven’t appeared in years include Stitch, Mike Wazowski and Sulley, and Lightning McQueen and Mater.
Here’s the full list of topiaries and their locations:
Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Chip ‘n’ Dale, and Pluto in World Celebration
Tinker Bell’s Fairy House Garden in the United Kingdom Pavilion
Simba and Friends (Rafiki, Mufasa, and Sarabi) near the Imagination! Pavilion
Winnie the Pooh and Friends (Rabbit, Eeyore, Piglet, and Tigger) between the Canada and United Kingdom Pavilions
Goofy walkway between the Imagination! Pavilion and World Showcase
Lady and the Tramp in the Italy Pavilion
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in the Germany Pavilion
Beauty and the Beast in the France Pavilion
Princess Tiana in the American Adventure Pavilion
Miguel and Dante in the Mexico Pavilion
Mirabel, Antonio, Isabela, and Luisa are near the Imagination! Pavilion
Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Bo Peep and her sheep, Lotso, and the Pixar Ball near the Main Entrance
Lightning McQueen & Mater in World Discovery, near Connections Café
Mike Wazowski & Sulley in World Celebration, near the Creations Shop
Figment & Topiary Flowers in World Celebration Gardens
Groot in World Discovery, near Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company
Stitch in World Discovery, near Mission: SPACE
New and Returning Gardens
There are several new gardens this year, alongside returning offerings.
*NEW* Wildlife Crossing Garden near CommuniCore Hall: Learn how animals safely roam at this garden inspired by the new Disney and Pixar film Hoppers.
*NEW* Pet-Friendly Garden in World Nature, near The Seas with Nemo & Friends: Learn about pet-friendly gardening—inspired by Mickey’s best pal.
*NEW* Trendy Tropicals Garden between the Morocco and France Pavilions: Discover a world of plants that never go out of style.
*NEW* Rain or Shine Fruit Stand Presented by Outshine near CommuniCore Plaza: Celebrate the water cycle and how water nurtures crops—in all its forms.
Butterfly Landing presented by AdventHealth near the Imagination! Pavilion: Observe a kaleidoscope of butterfly species up close in this vibrant walk-through experience. Closes at dusk.
Camp Get Out ’N’ Play Garden presented by OFF! Repellents in World Discovery near Creations Shop: Families can venture into a camp-themed garden where little ones are invited to jump, play, and climb.
Blossoms of Fragrance presented by Scentsy on the bridge to World Showcase: Follow your nose and create lasting memories with fresh, unforgettable fragrances in the garden. Then, sniff your way through the festival to discover which festival topiary is featuring Scentsy’s Strawberry Sweetie for 2026.
English Tea Garden Presented by Twinings in the United Kingdom Pavilion: Unearth the history and art of tea-blending at this elegant garden.
The Honey Bee-stro Garden Hosted by The National Honey Board on the walkway between the Imagination! Pavilion and World Showcase: Learn about honey bees’ critical role in the environment, and enjoy sweet and savory treats made possible by their hard work.
The Community Garden in World Nature, near The Land: Connect with the earth—and each other—at a spot inspired by communal gardens.
Spike’s larger-than-life Garden will take place in CommuniCore Hall with glow-in-the-dark fireflies, flowers that open by moonlight, and more as it transitions from day to night.
Returning festival activities include Spike’s PollenNation Exploration and Eggstravaganza Scavenger Hunt.
Are you looking forward to seeing more preparations underway at the park? Let us know on social media!
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