The Holy Grail of garden shows, the EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival offers up extraordinary fare for gardeners and home improvement enthusiasts, with stunning landscape displays and advice from top gardeners, but it’s the character topiaries who take center stage. And no wonder. This is Disney after all.
EPCOT FLOWER AND GARDEN FESTIVAL: TOPIARIES ON DISPLAY
The Flower and Gardne Festival at EPCOT delivers the largest display of character topiaries anywhere in the world, a fact made even more impressive when you consider the time and skill required to create each life-like figure. Crafted by gardeners, horticulturalists, irrigation specialists and even welders, it can take close to 60,000 blooms to bring each mesmerizing character into existence and hundreds of bedding plants to build the scene they call home.
Each year, a new theme draws a host of characters into the limelight, some often coming out of hibernation just for the festival. While you can be sure to catch more than a glimpse of Mickey and his friends, Bambi as well as Thumper, Chip, Dale and more recently, Mater, have also made appearances in the park during the annual event.
You never know who you might meet, turning the corner or walking down a main thoroughfare. A 14-foot tall Goofy became the tallest topiary ever at the EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival in 2008, but stunning special effects have been known to keep guests on their toes. Chipmunks blowing bubbles, potted plants squirting water, and glowing jewels from the mine of the Seven Dwarfs have added dimension to past displays—proof that Disney imagineers are always hard at work to make each year a new experience.
In 2022, horticultural experts invited special guests to join the characters. While the garden for Bambi and friends was the designated butterfly haven, it wasn’t uncommon to see these winged friends enjoying locations throughout the park. Again, you just never know who you might see hanging out at EPCOT’s Flower and Garden Festival.
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Beauty and Education Combine
Seminars are offered throughout the festival and tackle continuing and emerging challenges in horticulture and landscape design. Experts address popular topics such as mobile gardens or improving home value through landscaping. Each year, the festival also looks at issues of sustainability, with seminars offered on green gardening and displays that highlight the principles of green living.
Each seminar provides a remarkable opportunity for festival-goers to gain valuable insights and hands-on knowledge. Whether you’re a gardening enthusiast looking to enhance your green thumb or someone interested in elevating the aesthetics and sustainability of your outdoor space, these sessions cater to a wide range of interests and expertise levels.
The experts leading these session not only share their wisdom but also engage with participants, fostering a vibrant learning environment. Members of EPCOT’s horticultural team, as well as experts in landscape design and garden, ensure that visitors leave the festival not only inspired but equipped with the know-how to transform their own gardens into thriving, environmentally-conscious oases.
Flower Power Concert Series
Topping off select nights during the festival is the Flower Power concert series. Past years have seen artists such as Davy Jones or Gary Puckett and The Lovin’ Spoonfuls take center stage in the America Gardens Theater overlooking the World Showcase Lagoon.
It’s worth noting that the Flower Power concert series is not only a fantastic addition to the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival but also a testament to its popularity. These live performances infuse the festival with a lively, nostalgic energy that draws in visitors from all around. While the concerts are complimentary for EPCOT resort guests, it’s essential to plan ahead, as the seating capacity at the America Gardens Theater is limited. Arriving a bit early can be a smart move to secure a prime spot to enjoy the melodic tunes and iconic hits from celebrated artists.
The Flower Power concert series is the perfect crescendo to your day at the festival, creating lasting memories against the backdrop of the World Showcase Lagoon.
Exploring Culinary Wonders: EPCOT’s Flower and Garden Festival Outdoor Kitchens
The EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival isn’t just a visual feast for the senses; it’s also a culinary adventure as well. The festival-exclusive Outdoor Kitchens offer a delectable array of seasonal dishes and beverages that celebrate the flavors of spring. Over the years, these Outdoor Kitchens have showcased the culinary expertise of Disney’s chefs, infusing the festival with a gastronomic charm that perfectly complements the botanical wonders on display.
At past events, guests have been treated to a mouthwatering variety of dishes, each inspired by different ingredients and the bounty of nature. From savory to sweet, these offerings have included everything from grilled street corn and citrus-poached salmon to decadent desserts like violet lemonade tarts. The festival’s beverage selection has also been a highlight, featuring craft beers, unique cocktails, and non-alcoholic options like the famous Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade. In 2024, visitors can anticipate a continuation of this culinary excellence, with new and exciting dishes likely to be added to the menu.
The Outdoor Kitchens serve as a flavorful journey around the world, inviting guests to savor the essence of spring while exploring diverse cuisines.
Isn’t It Time to Visit the EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival?
With amazing topiaries, awe-inspiring landscape design, outdoor kitchens and the Flower Power Concert Series, spring may be the best time yet to visit Disney World. If you’re still not sure, take a look at more topiaries below.
