Though the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival officially begins later this spring, the first signs of its arrival are already visible in the form of the iconic character topiaries. These living sculptures, meticulously designed and crafted by Disney’s horticulture team, are a central feature of the event.
If you’re planning to visit EPCOT soon, here’s a look at the topiaries that have made their debut and a glimpse at the festival preparations underway.
Topiaries in World Celebration
Our tour of the first topiaries starts in World Celebration near the Rosewalk pathway. This scenic area connects the Imagination Pavilion and CommuniCore Hall to World Showcase. Here, you’ll find the Goofy topiary standing proudly, depicted in a whimsical scene where he’s blowing dandelions across a colorful flowerbed.
This returning favorite sets the tone for the festival, highlighting the creativity and charm that guests have come to expect from these displays.
Topiaries in World Showcase
Continuing into World Showcase, several more topiaries have been spotted, each bringing a touch of Disney magic to the landscape. Between the Refreshment Port and the Canada Pavilion, you’ll find the beloved characters Bambi, Thumper, and Flower. Their playful poses and natural surroundings offer a delightful tribute to the classic animated film “Bambi.”
Further along in the China Pavilion, the giant panda topiaries make an appearance. These sculptures, nestled among lush greenery, embody the serene beauty associated with their real-life counterparts, adding a peaceful ambiance to this area of the park.
Over in the Norway Pavilion, a unique topiary known as the “Troll-piary” stands near the Royal Sommerhus meet-and-greet location for Anna and Elsa. This quirky addition offers a Nordic flair and a nod to the cultural heritage featured in the pavilion.
Festival Preparations
While these impressive topiaries are already in place, there’s still plenty of activity behind the scenes as EPCOT gears up for the festival. Flowerbeds near CommuniCore Hall and various other areas of the park are being prepped, ensuring that the entire space will bloom with vibrant colors and creative designs when the festival begins.
It’s worth noting that EPCOT is currently hosting the Festival of the Arts, so you may notice some artist tents and exhibits temporarily in place. These will make way for additional floral displays as the handover between festivals takes place.
Disney has also announced exciting additions for this year’s Flower & Garden Festival, including a new CommuniCore Hall Topiary Gallery and a Moana-inspired entrance display. These new elements will be unveiled closer to the festival’s official launch, ensuring fresh surprises for guests.
What to Expect During the Festival
The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival isn’t just about admiring beautiful topiaries. Guests can also enjoy outdoor kitchens serving up fresh, seasonal dishes, exclusive merchandise, themed activities for all ages, and live performances as part of the Garden Rocks Concert Series.
Whether you’re exploring the park for its stunning floral displays or sampling the festival’s culinary offerings, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Conclusion
If you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World this spring, be sure to check out these early topiary installations and stay tuned for more surprises as the festival draws closer. Guests of all ages can look forward to celebrating the arrival of spring with colorful displays, delicious treats, and unforgettable memories in the heart of EPCOT.
As always, stay tuned to the DVC Shop blog for all the latest developments for Disney theme parks and all the information you could ever need about the Disney Vacation Club resorts.
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If are planning an upcoming visit to Walt Disney World, staying at either Boardwalk Villas or Beach Club Villas will put you just footsteps away from the EPCOT park entrance. You can view confirmed reservations for rent at Beach Club Villas or confirmed reservations for rent at Boardwalk villas. With DVC rentals, you can experience Disney’s Deluxe resorts for less, even without being a DVC member!
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Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
