Every year, Walt Disney World showcases its landscaping and horticultural talents at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. The festival offers gardeners and spring break travelers a chance to enjoy some of Disney’s best green displays during its 75 days, which in 2012 run from March 7 – May 20.
Now in its 19th year, Flower & Garden is bringing some magic to the mix of bright blooms and topiaries with a new theme based on “Fantasia,” with topiaries of elephants, hippos and other familiar creatures from the 1940 animated film. The centerpiece of the theme will be its 12-foot-tall Sorcerer Mickey at Epcot’s entrance.
Read more on the “Fantasia” theming to the 2012 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. Or see a slideshow of Flower & Garden highlights, Disney topiaries, or what's new at the 2012 Festival.
But that’s just the tip of the topiary for Flower & Garden. In addition to the gardens around Future World and World Showcase, and the more than 75 Disney character topiaries, the festival offers special displays, style and design presentations and free concerts.
Overview of Epcot International Flower & Garden highlights
While touring Epcot is a delightfully colorful experience throughout the year, during Flower & Garden also has some must-see and do events:
Bambi’s Butterfly House: Three times the size of the festival’s original, this walk-through displays is home to multiple species of brilliant butterflies. It is located at Imagination Walkway by Innoventions West.
Pixie Hollow Fairy Garden: A favorite with children of all ages, these small Disney fairy topiaries, along with cleverly-designed fairy homes, are found in a whimsical garden near play structures for children ages 2-5 and filled with. Pixie Hollow may be found at the Test Track Walkway.
The HGTV Designers Stage: Disney guests have the opportunity to get design and style tips from experts. HGTV celebrities are in attendance on weekends, Friday – Sunday, while nationally recognized garden personalities are present Monday – Thursday. The Designers Stage is located at the Festival Center.
Disney Gardening at Home presentations: Disney horticulturists will offer gardening tips and lead hands-on, take-home activities at the Festival Center.
The Flower Power Concert series: Included with theme-park admission, the concerts feature music from pop-music legends. Scheduled to appear in 2012 are Jose Feliciano, Chubby Checker and The Wildcats, Paul Revere & The Raiders, Davy Jones, among others. There are three scheduled performances each day on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Performers and appearance dates are subject to change.
Walt Disney World guests who plan their trip to Orlando specifically to visit the festival might also take into account these special weekend events:
- An Art in the Garden: The celebration of plein air artists is scheduled for March 23 – 25.
- Florida Federation of Garden Clubs gathering will be held April 27 – 29.
- Fresh from Florida Farmer’s Market salute will take place May 4 – 6.
Disney guests who are planning to visit Epcot during the festival will also want to make sure to visit the Festival Center, located in Future World between Universe of Energy and Mission: Space. There, guests may shop for event merchandise, attend demonstrations and meet master gardeners.
To learn more about the festival, visit Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival or call 407/W-DISNEY (934-7639). Festival exhibits and programs are included as part of regular Epcot admission.
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