Spring is in the air at Walt Disney World, and that means it’s time to eat, sip, and stroll through one of EPCOT’s most beloved festivals. The 2025 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival runs from March 5 to June 2, celebrating its 30th anniversary with new flavors, fresh ideas, and some all-new booths.
This year, I had the chance to sit on a panel with Disney chefs and festival planners to get the inside scoop on how this year’s menus came together. From sourcing local Florida ingredients to brainstorming new dishes on a massive whiteboard of ideas, here’s what goes into creating the perfect springtime menu at EPCOT.
Behind the 2025 Menu
How the Festival’s Menu Comes to Life
How far in advance do Disney chefs start planning? According to Chelsea Florig, project manager for food and beverage, the team starts about a year out, but they also leave room to stay on trend and innovate.
Meanwhile, Chef Daniel Sicilia shared that the team listens closely to guest feedback, taking notes on what people love—and what they don’t. And over on the pastry team, Chef Amanda Lauder revealed that sometimes ideas don’t make it into the festival right away, but they stay on the idea board for future years.
“We really listen to guest feedback and guest favorites. We know there are items that are absolute favorites. But we also want to introduce guests to flavors.” – Chelsea Florig, Project Manager for Food & Beverage
Standout Dishes for 2025
While guest favorites return each year, new dishes and drinks make this festival worth visiting again and again. Here’s what the chefs are most excited about for 2025:
- Grilled Oysters with Andouille Butter – A showstopper at Magnolia Terrace, these oysters will be grilled fresh at the booth for an incredible smoky flavor.
- Lemon Tart – A plant-based dessert that’s bright, citrusy, and topped with crunchy meringue—spring on a plate!
- Corn Cookie – Found at Farmers Feast, this unexpectedly sweet and savory treat is made with Florida-grown corn and finished with a touch of lime.
**Springtime Menu (Available April 6 through May 3) - Campfire S’mores Bar – Inspired by cozy nights by the fire, this dessert features a rich brownie, dark chocolate, toasted meringue, and smoked graham cracker crumbs (smoked at Regal Eagle Smokehouse!).
Date Idea: Garden Graze Stroll – This year’s plant-based food crawl is so good, you won’t even realize it’s all plant-based! Complete the stroll to earn a free festival treat.
Why This Year Feels Bigger Than Ever
EPCOT’s transformation is finally complete, and that means bigger spaces and new kitchens. Here’s what’s different for 2025:
Farmers Feast Moves to CommuniCore Hall – A full show kitchen means more creative, fresh dishes with a focus on Florida-grown ingredients.
New Outdoor Kitchens: Beach Grub & Yacht Grub – Inspired by beachside flavors and the neighboring Disney's Beach Club and Yacht Club Resorts, these booths bring grilled seafood and refreshing coastal bites to EPCOT.
“We are always testing and always eating. We let the theme of the booth drive us. You really want something to work, and it just isn’t the right fit, and it can be hard to let that go. But it does stay on the idea board.” – Chef Amanda Lauder
Plus it is right next to an all-new playground giving parents a chance to enjoy the delicious dishes while the kids get some energy out.
Final Thoughts: Is 2025 the Best Year Yet?
With exciting new flavors, expanded kitchens, and immersive chef-driven experiences, EPCOT’s 2025 Flower & Garden Festival is shaping up to be one of the best yet. Whether you’re here for the food, the drinks, or just the gorgeous scenery, there’s no better way to celebrate spring at Walt Disney World.
Want more Disney date ideas?
Check out these romantic spots at Walt Disney World, or cool off with some Disney mocktails.
