The 2026 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is officially underway, and as always, the springtime event fills EPCOT with colorful gardens, towering character topiaries, outdoor kitchens, merchandise, and live entertainment.
Food is a BIG part of the festival experience, and one of the first places you’ll encounter is the Florida Fresh booth located in CommuniCore Plaza. This kitchen focuses on flavors inspired by the Sunshine State, with a mix of returning favorites and something new for 2026. This was my first and most favorite stop from my festival day 1 visit!
The Menu
Florida Fresh is serving up three main food items this year. Two fan favorites have returned (the Florida Strawberry Shortcake and Conch Fritters) while a new Blackened Fish Slider joins the lineup. The booth also offers several beverage options, including a refreshing frozen drink that has become a repeat festival favorite.
Blackened Fish Slider
The new Blackened Fish Slider is served with fried green tomato and Cajun rémoulade on a brioche bun for $6.79.
The fish carries a smoky flavor with a lightly charred crust that almost gives it a barbecue-style taste. The seasoning is peppery and balanced, while the Cajun rémoulade ties everything together with a mild kick of spice. The fried green tomato adds a nice texture contrast and a bit of tangy freshness. It is a small slider, so you might be inclined to order more than one for sharing!
Conch Fritters
Returning again this year are the Conch Fritters with Key Lime aïoli for $6.49.
These come out crisp and golden with just the right amount of crunch without feeling heavy or oily. Portion-wise, the serving feels fair for the price, making it an easy snack to split or enjoy solo.
While the fritters themselves are satisfying, the real highlight is the Key Lime aïoli. The citrus flavor gives the dish a bright, tropical twist that pairs perfectly with the fried seafood.
Florida Strawberry Shortcake
No visit to Florida Fresh would be complete without the Florida Strawberry Shortcake, priced at $4.99.
This returning dessert layers vanilla pound cake with fresh Driscoll’s strawberries, strawberry sauce, whipped cream, and strawberry crumbs. The pound cake is soft, buttery, and lightly flavored with vanilla, giving it a rich base without being overly heavy.
The strawberries taste especially vibrant thanks to being in season, delivering a natural sweetness that really shines. The whipped cream tastes light and airy, while the strawberry crumble on top adds both texture and a little extra sweet-tart flavor. This crunchy topping reminds me of those classic strawberry shortcake ice cream bars!
Cucumber-Watermelon Slushy
For something refreshing, the Florida Fresh booth once again offers the Cucumber-Watermelon Slushy. The non-alcoholic version costs $4.99, while the cocktail version with gin is $13.25.
This drink is a returning favorite for good reason. The watermelon flavor comes through bright and juicy, while the hint of cucumber adds a crisp, cooling finish. On a warm Florida afternoon, it’s an especially refreshing way to take a break at the festival.
The Verdict?
If you’re drawn to classic Florida flavors like blackened seafood, citrus sauces, and fresh strawberries, Florida Fresh is absolutely worth a stop during the festival. This booth delivers a solid lineup of dishes that are both seasonal and satisfying. For me, it was the perfect first food stop of the day at this year’s Flower & Garden Festival. Bon appetite!
