Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival

The 2005 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival opened on April 15 and will end its run on June 5, 2005. 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, Fab 5, Snow White and Dwarves, Belle and Beast, Lion King, 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- photography, bugs, and art (to name a few). Again, these special events are for all ages.

This year brings a number of new "Festival Highlights" to the Epcot. You'll want to check out Penjing (Chinese Bonsai) and Italian Container Gardens in World Showcase, and later Minnie's Magnificent Butterfly Garden, Farmer Mickey's Maze, and "Living with the Land" Fantastic Fruits all in Future Word.

Take time to smell the roses...or any other flower! They are everywhere and in bloom! Keep your eyes peel 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, 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, festival merchandise, the Festival Garden Marketplace, Art in the garden gallery, 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. 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 "Guided Garden Tours", "Behind the Seeds- Greenhouse Tour", and "Living with the Land- Fantastic Fruits". 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 pins! A special box set is available at the Festival Center, as well as "limited edition" and Passholder exclusive pins for sale in Future World.

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

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