MickeyBlog News for March 8th, 2026
EPCOT’s oldest festival has returned for 2026, and it’s better than ever!
We’ll discuss all the excitement in the latest edition of MickeyBlog News.
Festival Season!
This past week, the 2026 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival debuted.
Remarkably, that’s not the only new Disney festival this week, either.
Guidemap – 2026 DCA Food & Wine Festival
On Friday, the 2026 Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival began.
Yes, festival season has arrived at Disney’s theme parks, and you should rejoice.
Virtually overnight, a slew of exclusive, limited-time merchandise appeared at both parks.
Fans are happily lining up to purchase new festival swag and sample the new tasty treats.
As usual, we’ll focus on Walt Disney World, but I can assure you that both events are spectacular.
At EPCOT, our staff brought you along for the ride during an epic first day of the festival.
Disney introduced the Flower & Garden Festival in 1994 and then expanded it several times.
In 2016, Disney added more dates, turning the exhibition into a three-month affair.
This year’s event lasts through June 1st, giving you plenty of time to experience everything.
Some of the activities are interactive, such as Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration.
The ever-popular Eggstravaganza Scavenger Hunt is available once again as well.
These festival-related scavenger hunts can be all-encompassing for some, and I mean that in the best possible way.
One of my perennial favorites, Butterfly Landing, has also returned this year.
In recent years, Disney has expanded the number of fun-and-games options for kids.
Camp Get Out ‘N’ Play Garden is sure to keep children entertained while their parents relax.
Playalong Bay, one of the new options in the 2020s, is also back and provides a similar distraction.
Lately, Disney has prioritized festival amenities that encourage everyone to hang out and have fun.
This year’s festival really goes all-in on that premise, but your favorites are also back.
Let’s Talk Food and Merch
We all know what our favorite parts of EPCOT festivals are. We’re in it for the food and merch.
Disney knows this and has turned its various festivals into a cottage industry of limited-time goodies.
Let’s just get right to the good stuff here. This is the comprehensive list of Flower & Garden merch.
As usual, the Orange Bird is on full display, and we all have our favorite items.
Personally, I’m a big fan of the Alice in Wonderland butterfly headband.
The Orange Bird Dole Whip Mug is also pretty great due to the bird’s relaxed pose.
Oh, and I’d be remiss if I failed to mention the salt and pepper trash cans. Dear Disney: more of this!
As for the food, MickeyBlog’s crack team of ace reporters had a grand ole time.
Brunchcot Spread
Our staff methodically created a list of high-priority targets on opening day.
Then we embarked on a seek-and-destroy mission for all the foods and beverages.
We discovered several standouts this year, including Lan Yuan, which aced the taste test.
I’ll tip you to the fact that Jardin de Fiestas is a MUST-DO for 2026.
You’ll also want to check out Primavera Kitchen, which surprised us with its flavors.
Still, if we had to pick a winner, we’d probably go with the ever-reliable BRUNCHCOT.
By the way, I’d also encourage you to visit Pluto’s Pet Garden, which is such a joy.
Also, I haven’t even mentioned one of the perennial favorites, the Garden Rocks! concert series.
Photo: Disney
This year’s lineup is better than ever, a statement that applies to the entire 2026 Flower & Garden Festival.
You definitely don’t want to miss out on this one. So, speak with MickeyTravels to book a trip before it’s too late!
Saying Goodbye
Of course, the other huge news this week is that Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith has closed.
MickeyBlog showed you the crowds from the final night, and the lines were impressive.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith – Last Day
Still, Disney didn’t even wait for Steven Tyler’s body to get cold before removing the ride from the park map.
The Aerosmith signage was removed from the façade by the following morning! Let people mourn!
Park officials also revealed that Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets will be a Tier 1 Lightning Lane.
So, that will change your summer park strategies a bit, at least if you buy a Lightning Lane Multi Pass.
By the way, you can already purchase pressed pennies for the new version of the ride.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is currently undergoing a massive makeover.
We just updated you on three new filings that hint at upcoming Animation Courtyard additions.
Over the next six months, this park will change so much you’ll barely even recognize parts of it.
Disney Miscellany I
Photo: Disney
Let’s start with the news that could impact your wallet the most on a Disney vacation.
People who own the Disney Rewards Chase Visa can get a free dining plan right now.
Photo: Disney
Here’s another reason for you to speak with a MickeyTravels agent today to learn how to maximize this offer.
Next, as I mentioned, we have another festival happening right now at Disneyland Resort.
Sip and Savor Pass – 2026 DCA Food & Wine Festival
MickeyBlog has reporters on the West Coast, too, and we brought you a first look.
Here’s what you get when you purchase a Sip and Savor Pass. Let’s just say you get your money’s worth.
Food Preview – 2026 DCA Food & Wine Festival
By the way, DCA’s Food & Wine merchandise is definitely worth a look.
Before we head east to Walt Disney World, I’ll encourage you to read this article.
MickeyBlog attended Disneyland After Dark: 70 Years of Favorites, and it was incredible!
Disney Miscellany II
CrazyShake by Black Tap – Disney Springs
At Disney Springs, the Sprinkles void has been filled by a new contender for best dessert in Orlando.
We tried CrazyShake by Black Tap Pop-Up, and, well, who doesn’t love a decadent milkshake?
CrazyShake by Black Tap – Disney Springs
This is a variant of Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes at Downtown Disney.
I’m emphasizing the “Pop-Up” part of the name because it’s not guaranteed to be here for long.
CrazyShake by Black Tap – Disney Springs
You should definitely check it out just in case someone buys the building and puts something else here.
Speaking of Disney Springs, we don’t know any details, but the Raglan Road lawsuit has ended.
CrazyShake by Black Tap – Disney Springs
The other big news is that the Disney Adventure will embark on its maiden voyage next week.
Disney has sent several of its top emissaries to Singapore, including future CEO Josh D’Amaro.
MickeyBlog is covering all the big cruise news as we get it. So, please stay tuned!
You’ll want to learn everything you can about the Adventure, Disney’s largest cruise ship ever.
Photo: Disney Cruise Line
This one’s basically a theme park at sea, which makes it all the more tantalizing.
