Spring is officially underway as the EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival is full swing. It doesn’t seem like it can be Spring without the Flower and Garden Festival. This year the show is back, and bigger than ever. With HGTV presentations, the Flower Power concert series and more! We take a stroll through the gardens.
The opening topiary are always what sets the tone for the event. Last year it was the characters from Toy Story 3, with Lotso Huggin Bear made out of Strawberries. This year it’s the classic film Fantasia. Mickey stands high over the rest of the festival with his sorcerers hat. Hippos, alligators and ostriches adorn either side. It’s got to be one of my favorite scenes from one of my favorite films.
Characters from just about every Disney movie imagined are here. From Peter Pan, Snow White and even more!
You can learn where some of your favorite foods and beverages come from, as they have living versions of plants like Coffee and Tea.
A popular feature is Bambi’s Butterfly House. The area contains hundreds of Butterflies in all stages of life, from caterpillars to larvae and even amazing butterflies.
Many of the countries in World Showcase feature their signature topiary. You might find Dragons in China, Disney characters like Snow White in Germany (the area that the tale originated) and Tea in the UK.
If you want to find out more information on how to make your garden beautiful, then you can attend special workshops with HGTV celebrities.
More Info:
Location: On the HGTV Designers Stage at the Festival Center, between Universe of Energy and Mission: SPACE in Future World.
Show Times: Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 12:00 noon and 3:00 p.m. during the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival presented by HGTV, March 9 through May 20, 2012.
John Gidding, from Curb Appeal — presenting March 9 – 11, 2012
“Designing for Curb Appeal”
John shares an inside look at his popular HGTV series, Curb Appeal. Hear about the challenges—as well as the successes—through sketches, anecdotes, tips and amazing before-and-after images.NEW! Sabrina Soto, from The High Low Project — presenting March 16 – 18, 2012
“Decorating Design Tips, Tricks and Savvy Shopping Secrets”
Sabrina presents her top design tips that are sure to save you time and money! Learn best-kept tricks of the trade from The High Low Project and see how to get upscale, boutique looks on a penny-pinching budget. You won’t want to miss her super-savvy shopping secrets!NEW! Jason Cameron, from DIY Network’s Desperate Landscapes— presenting March 23 – 25, 2012
“Working Makeover Magic for Desperate Landscapes”
Join Jason as he shares landscaping tips, tricks and experiences from his DIY Network series Desperate Landscapes. Find out how a little hard work and creativity can turn the “worst” landscape on the block to the “first” landscape that neighbors talk about.NEW! Camille Styles, from HGTV.com, Design Happens — presenting March 30 – April 1, 2012
“Planning Garden Parties That Are Simple, But Not Your Garden Variety
Camille shows you how to welcome spring by hosting a garden party that celebrates flowers, food and friends. Your guests will love her seasonal recipes featuring homegrown vegetables, centerpieces that include herbs and decorative accents that enhance the flowers in your garden. Plus, learn how to transform seed packets into playful party favors. Your next party will be anything but garden variety.NEW! Dan Faires, from HGTV.com’s DanMade — presenting April 6 – 8, 2012
“Planning Your Planting with Terrarium, Vertical Gardens and Small Space Greenery”
Dan demonstrates how to plant with a terrarium and how to go vertical with a clever container garden. Learn creative techniques that make the most of minimal green-space; ideal for urban environments, smaller spaces, and even interior rooms. Whether you have acres of land or just a fire escape, Dan offers unique ideas to green up your space, inside and out.NEW! Brandon Johnson, from My Yard Goes Disney — presenting April 13 – 15, 2012
“Bringing Disney Inspiration and HGTV Design to Your Backyard”
Does your family dream of a backyard makeover with magical Disney touches? Brandon shares big designs and behind-the-scenes tales—along with tips that you can use for your own home.NEW! Meg Caswell, from Meg’s Great Rooms — presenting April 20 – 22, 2012
“Tips for Turning a Good Room Into a Great Room!”
Meg demonstrates how to transform the under-utilized spaces in your home into stylish and functional utopias. Learn her space-planning techniques for more practical layouts, while using big and bold design elements to create personal signature spaces. With Meg’s techniques, you can turn a good room into a great room!NEW! Monica Pedersen, from HGTV Dream Home 2012 — presenting April 27 – 29, 2012
“Make It Beautiful: Designs and Ideas for Entertaining at Home”
Monica showcases a variety of floral arrangements from her book, Make It Beautiful: Designs and Ideas for Entertaining at Home. Using a variety of flowers, containers and tablescapes, she’ll show you how to create beautiful floral arrangements for any occasion and budget.NEW! Antonio Ballatore, from The Antonio Treatment — presenting May 4 – 6, 2012
“Design Outside of the Box: How to Personalize, Customize, and Inspire”
To create original design you have to find inspiration in new places. Break out of boring interiors with help from Season 4 Design Star Winner, Antonio Ballatore.NEW! Carter Oosterhouse, from Million Dollar Rooms — presenting May 11 – 13, 2012
“10 Renovation Tips You Need To Know”
From successful shows like Carter Can, Red Hot and Green, and now Million Dollar Rooms, Carter shares exclusive tips for builders, designers and even weekend warriors. If you are considering a renovation, Carter’s clues will help improve your project immensely.Genevieve Gorder, from Dear Genevieve and HGTV Design Star — presenting May 18 – 20, 2012
“Turning Your Landscape Inside Out”
Finding inspiration and beauty in everyday life, Genevieve transforms homes around the world on her HGTV series, Dear Genevieve. Also an HGTV Design Star judge, Genevieve has an unmistakable style and enthusiasm that have made her one of America’s favorite interior designers.
Another favorite is the Flower Power Concert Series. All concerts are free with paid admission and are subject to change.
Full lineup:
Location: America Gardens Theatre at World Showcase
Show Times: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 5:15 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7:45 p.m.
Jose Feliciano
March 9 to 11
Known for Light My FireStarship Starring Mickey Thomas
March 16 to 18
Known for We Built This CityThe Guess Who
March 23 to 25
Known for American WomanThe Spinners
March 30 to April 1
Known for CupidChubby Checker & The Wildcats
April 6 to 8
Known for The TwistPaul Revere & The Raiders
April 13 to 15
Known for Good ThingThe Turtles Featuring Flo & Eddie
April 20 to 22
Known for Happy TogetherNEW! CHUCK NEGRON Formerly of Three Dog Night
April 27 to 29
Known for Joy to the WorldNEW! THE ORCHESTRA Featuring Former Members of ELO and ELO Part II
May 4 to 6
Known for Don’t Bring Me DownHerman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone
May 11 to 13
Known for I’m Henry VIII, I AmTHE MONKEES Lead Singer MICKY DOLENZ
May 18 to 20
Known for Last Train to Clarksville
Other events include “Art in the Garden themed weekends” with specialists talking about their special fields of study.
The Flower and Garden Festival runs until May 20th and is included with park admission.
For more information, including tickets, visit the official Walt Disney World website.
