Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival

The 2006 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival opened on April 21 and will end its run on June 11, 2006. As in past years, the event is filled with wonderful sights, sounds, and experiences for the "green thumb" gardener to people like me who can only grow a silk plant (at best!).

We attended opening weekend and were pleasantly surprised at all the event had to offer. Besides the traditional favorites like the Disney topiaries (Bambi, Pooh, Belle and Beast, etc.) and Flower Power Concert series, there were lots of attractions that for avid gardeners, children, and unknowing visitors lucky enough to plan their vacations during this event.

Each weekend is headlined by a special event theme. Anything to do with the outdoors is game for a theme- art, bugs, and Disney characters (to name a few). Again, these special events are for all ages.

As an added honor, the U.S. Postal Service will unveil a special Commemorative Stamp Set entitled “The Art of Disney: Romance” which will be available nationwide on April 22. This set will be issued to honor romance as imagined by the Walt Disney Studio animators. The stamps are recreated throughout the park using dried flowers in fantastic topiaries!

This year brings a number of new exhibits and some old favorite "Festival Highlights" to the Epcot. You'll want to check out the Fragrance Garden in France, the Ultimate Backyard Garden Party in Morocco, and Italian Container Gardens in World Showcase

Later don't forget to check out Minnie's Magnificent Butterfly Garden, Tinker Bell’s Fairy Garden, and Tricks of the Trade all in Future Word.

Take time to smell the roses...or any other flower! They are everywhere and in bloom! Keep your eyes peeled for hidden Mickey's and enjoy the serene beauty of the Sculpture Garden while you are on the hunt!

Kids have a special place at the festival in a series of activities and locales designed especially for them. Of particular interest will be the SpaceNet for climbing, the daily Ladybug Release, WaterFULL World, and numerous hands-on activity centers and play areas throughout the park!

For the serious gardener there is the "Festival Center" which is the hub of program activity! Here you'll have access to, among other things, merchandise at the Festival Store, Art in the Garden Gallery, Planting Pointers, and of course daily Ask the Expert question and answer opportunities.

One of the highlights of the International Flower and Garden Festival is the opportunity to participate in informative and entertaining presentations by nationally recognized garden personalities. These are presented each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of the festival from 11am – 2pm. Disney experts also are available Monday through Thursday to share how to do "Disney Gardening" at home.

As always, Disney has developed outstanding informative tours! These include "Gardens of the World Tour" and "Behind the Seeds- Greenhouse Tour Call 407-WDW-TOUR for details and to secure your spot!

To remember your visit to the International Flower and Garden Festival be sure to pick up event merchandise! There are collectable pins, posters, shirts, and more!

We are anxious to visit Epcot again to see what we missed opening weekend. Disney continues to outdo itself in annual events such as this. If at all possible, plan a full day (at least) to take in the International Flower and Garden Festival!

Jane in FL
MFL Event Reporter

Browse through this year's Festival Guide

Click here to read Jane's review of the 2005 Flower & Garden Festival.

For more International Flower & Garden Photos, check out the 2005 Epcot International Flower & Garden section of our Photo Gallery.

Updated May 25, 2006