The annual Epcot International Flower and Garden Show has become a spring tradition in Florida, with millions of people flocking to the popular park to enjoy Epcot in bloom since the first show in 1994. While gardening experts will be in green thumbed heaven, visitors don’t have to know their petunias from their poinsettias to enjoy this colorful event.
As well as taking in the visual spectacle of tens of millions of vibrant flowers, guests of all ages can pose for pictures with Disney themed topiaries, walk amongst hundreds of beautiful butterflies in Minnie’s Magnificent Butterfly Garden, and enjoy live music and educational events.
Exploring the Disney Topiaries at Epcot Flower Show
The topiaries of Disney characters are one of the highlights of the Epcot Flower and Garden show, and every year there are new topiaries to take in. The festival features more than 100 carefully crafted creations, making Epcot look like Edward Scissorhands has gone on a Disney rampage.
Every year, dozens of Disney World horticulturists fly into action and in a single night create the main topiary that greets guests at Epcot’s front entrance. In 2010, between guests going home at night and returning the next morning, the Disney team created an elaborate topiary with Donald Duck and pals on a camping adventure.
The Donald Duck topiary embraces the Great Outdoors and is the perfect first photo opportunity with the family. Donald is joined by Goofy, who’s trying his hand at fishing in a live waterfall and pond, as Daisy Duck roasts marshmallows over a campfire and Pluto prepares for a night of fun in his tent.
Other top topiaries to look out for include Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Donald and Goofy growing their own veggies in the new Community Garden, topiaries of Tinker Bell and friends in the expanded Pixie Hollow Fairy Garden, and Mickey and Minnie Mouse in their own twisted version of an “American Gothic” at World Showcase Plaza.
Expert Horticulturalists Provide Gardening Tips at Epcot
As well as marveling at the topiaries and the stunning range of flowers on display, garden lovers can take advantage of free gardening tips with top horticulturists. On the weekends, there are a number of home gardening presentations put on by Disney horticulturists and visiting gardening celebrities.
The Garden Town programs offer gardening advice and include demonstrations of advanced techniques from around the world. From Easy to Do Water Features to Tough Plants for Extreme Gardeners, there’s a range of tips to soak up. Visitors can chat to Master Gardeners from the University of Florida and ask the experts any gardening question they like.
There are also guided tours created for those who want to learn more about how the festival is put together. The three-hour tour of special displays is run on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, is led by a Disney horticulturist and costs $59. To book call 407-WDW-TOUR.
Flower Power Concerts Rock Epcot Flower and Garden Show
After soaking up the flower displays and Epcot’s other charms, visitors can relax with free concerts every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night through the Epcot Flower Show. The concerts feature well known artists, including Chubby Checker, Davy Jones, and Jose Feliciano, and kick off at 5.15, 6.30 and 7.45pm.
As the name would suggest, the Flower Power concerts celebrate music from the 1960s and 70s, and are held at the America Garden’s Theatre. The large outdoor waterfront venue overlooks the World Showcase Lagoon, and is a great place to sit back and put the feet up after a long, flower filled day.
2010 Epcot Flower Show Dates Extended
While some garden shows only last a couple of weeks, the Disney flower experience goes for more than a couple of months. It is so popular that in 2010 it has been extended – starting earlier and ending later than in previous years. The 17th annual Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival runs from the 3rd of March to the 16th of May at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
In announcing the extended dates the festival horticulture manager, Eric Darden, said the earlier starting time will not only let more people visit the flower show and plan for their own spring and summer gardening, it will also let Epcot be filled with a range of new flowers. “The advantage of starting earlier is that we’ll be able to feature more brilliant color than ever, with richly hued petunias, violas, snapdragons and other hardy flowers.”
Festival events are included in the cost of Epcot theme park admission. Some events have limited availability. A free Epcot Flower and Garden festival guide can be downloaded at Disney’s official website.
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