The Taste of EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival begins on March 3rd, and with the installation of the festival topiaries and booths occurring in waves, I thought it might be fun for you and I to take a sneak peek tour of the park. Ready? Grab a cup of Twinings tea and settle in!
Our first stop is at Mission: Space in Future World East to see the Buzz Lightyear topiary. I especially love the added detail of four crayons on the ground behind him as if Andy had just stepped away.
Bambi and friends can be found just outside of Mouse Gear. They were located in this spot for last year’s festival as well.
Buzz’s counterparts, Woody and Bo Peep and her sheep, can be seen on the opposite side of Future World. Extra planters in the form of wooden alphabet blocks add a nice touch to the installation.
As I mentioned in a previous article, butterfly topiaries are near the Imagination pavilion, and they’ll welcome guests as they make their way to The Goodness Garden Butterfly House.
Speaking of the Butterfly House, which is located again this year between The Land and the Imagination pavilion, the signage for the interactive exhibit is now up and ready for opening day.
The Simba, Rafiki, Mufasa, and Sarabi topiaries can be found this year in a large raised planter near the butterfly topiaries. When I stopped by, guest after guest was taking advantage of this gorgeous photo opportunity.
The waterways in Future World West look lovely with their impatien-filled floating planters. The planters feature both standard and New Guinea impatiens.
The festival’s Outdoor Kitchens are in place and ready for the big day. If you missed checking out the full list of menus for this year’s Outdoor Kitchens, click here to read them all and make your must-eat list. Please let me know in the comment section below what your first item to try would/will be!
As we’ve seen in recent years, the Three Caballeros stand ready to party near the Mexico pavilion. They bring such joy, don’t they?
The Anna and Elsa topiaries can be found near their Sommerhus in the Norway pavilion. Elsa definitely looks like she’s up to something. Hmmm…
The Norway pavilion’s troll makes a return this year as he keeps watch over the line for Frozen Ever After, which, due to physical distancing measures, reaches to the China pavilion on most days.
Speaking of the China pavilion, a trio of playful pandas can be found here near the bamboo. They are the cutest things.
The Alpine Miniature Garden can be found in front of the Germany pavilion. If you’re planning a visit to the festival, please be sure to pencil in a few extra minutes to stop and take in the detailed work found here.
Snow White and Dopey are hanging out again this year just outside of the Germany pavilion’s bathrooms. I love the knowing look on Snow White’s face. It has to be hard trying to keep seven little friends in line.
The Italy pavilion is dripping with flowers, and it’s simply lovely. If you’re a flower fan, you’ll definitely want to stop here and take a good look around.
Lady and the Tramp can found along the Italy pavilion’s waterfront.
The Morocco pavilion’s topiaries take on a unique look befitting their environment. Seeds and such take the spotlight here.
The dragon topiary can be found along the waterfront in the Japan pavilion. A PhotoPass cast member is stationed at this spot to take guests’ pictures in front of the Torii gate.
Beauty and her Beast can be found in the center of the France pavilion. I love the way they welcome guests to the area in such regal style.
The Remy topiary is located nearer to the France pavilion’s expansion entrance this year, and, as a Remy fan, I appreciate this nod to his forthcoming attraction.
Captain Hook and Peter Pan can be found dueling near the Yorkshire County Fish Shop in the United Kingdom pavilion.
If you’re a fan of the flower-filled teacups, rest assured that they’re along for the ride again this year.
Tinkerbell is found in the courtyard of the United Kingdom pavilion. She’s surrounded by intricate fairy houses, and it’s a fun departure from the other topiaries.
Winnie the Pooh, Rabbit, Tigger, Eeyore, and Piglet can all be seen along the path in the U.K. pavilion. They’re just so cute lined up in a row like that.
Kermit and Miss Piggy can be found this year across from Winnie the Pooh and his friends.
The gardens in the Canada pavilion are always lovely, but never more so than during the Flower and Garden Festival. I know that there are fans out there of the pavilion’s diminutive cottage, so I wanted to be sure to include a picture just in case.
The hillside flower quilt is truly coming into form. The blooms have really filled in over the last two weeks, and I’m looking forward to watching the area continue to explode with color.
