The Blackened Fish Slider debuts at the 2026 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival with Cajun flavors at Florida Fresh in CommuniCore Plaza. We tried it on the opening morning of the event. What did we think? Should you get it?
The flavors of spring are in full bloom at the 2026 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, and one of the newest savory bites is making waves at Florida Fresh in CommuniCore Plaza. This year’s Florida Fresh Marketplace is serving up a brand-new dish: the Blackened Fish Slider, available through May 25, 2026. We stopped by to see if it’s worth adding to your festival foodie checklist.
Blackened Fish Slider – Florida Fresh (CommuniCore Plaza) – $6.79
Blackened Fish Slider with fried green tomato and Cajun rémoulade on a brioche bun (New)
At first glance, this slider looks like it came straight off a Gulf Coast menu. The fish filet is generously seasoned with blackening spices, giving it a deep, smoky color and a bold aroma before you even take a bite.
Flavor & Texture
The blackened seasoning delivers exactly what you’d expect: warm Cajun spices with a subtle kick, but nothing that overwhelms. The fish itself is flaky and tender, with a crisp exterior that holds up well against the sauce and tomato.
The fried green tomato adds a tangy crunch that beautifully balances the richness of the fish. It’s not just there for Southern flair. The tomato genuinely enhances the bite with texture and brightness. However, it can overwhelm the fish. Also, the fried green tomato had a hint of pickle flavor. This may have just been our order. However, guests should be aware of that possibility.
Then there’s the Cajun rémoulade. Creamy, slightly zesty, and lightly spiced, it ties everything together without making the bun soggy. In fairness, most guests will want more of the sauce flavor. Once again, the fried green tomato overwhelms the sauce at time. Speaking of the bun, the brioche is soft and lightly sweet, complementing the bold seasoning on the fish.
Portion & Value
As with most festival sliders, this is a snack-sized offering. It’s not meant to be a full meal, but it’s hearty enough to feel satisfying. Nonetheless, it might be tough to share. If you’re building a savory crawl around CommuniCore Plaza, this makes a strong addition. Compared to other festival sliders from past years, this one feels thoughtfully composed rather than thrown together. Every ingredient has a purpose.
Our Ordering Experience at Florida Fresh
The Florida Fresh location, outside CommuniCore Hall at Epcot, will open most morning of this event earlier than the other Outdoor Kitchens. We arrived around 9:40 a.m. to the Florida Fresh location. However, we did not get our slider until around 9:57 a.m. This location was struggling on the opening morning. Guests were waiting for this slider and several other returning items like the Conch Fritters and Florida Strawberry Shortcake.
Blackened Fish Slider: Is It Worth It?
For seafood fans, absolutely. The Blackened Fish Slider is one of the stronger savory newcomers at this year’s Flower & Garden Festival. It feels fresh, flavorful, and distinctly “Florida,” which is exactly what the Florida Fresh booth should deliver. If you’re looking for something beyond the usual festival mac and cheese or flatbread, this slider offers a welcome change of pace. However, you need to like fried green tomatoes. The blackened fish is good on its own. We enjoyed that very much. However, on this day at least, the fried green tomato plays a major role with the Blackened Fish Sllder.
The Epcot Flower & Garden Festival Blackened Fish Slider is available at the Florida Fresh Marketplace in CommuniCore Plaza through May 25. Guests should note that this Epcot festival food and beverage location will stop before the festival ends on June 1, 2026.
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