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| Photo Courtesy: WDWMagic.com |
Spring is in the air.... well, maybe not exactly. Spring may have technically started, but much of the country is experiencing very wintry conditions. But there is one place where spring is in full bloom: EPCOT's Flower and Garden Festival. Each spring, Disney works its magic to transform EPCOT into a celebration of Spring, with their famous topiaries and garden exhibits.
We've been to the Flower and Garden Festival twice, and we can tell you from personal experience that it is quite a sight to see. Unfortunately, we won't be able to make it this year. But through the power of the Internet, we can escape the frigid, wet weather around us and immerse ourselves in Springtime at Walt Disney World.
Come with us on a virtual tour of EPCOT's Flower and Garden Festival...
Alright, it's a beautiful Florida morning and we're up and on our way to EPCOT for the 20th anniversary of the Flower and Garden Festival. Since this is a virtual trip, let's pretend you were staying with us at the Grand Floridian and we've taken the monorail over to the TTC, transferred to the EPCOT monorail, and are now approaching our destination. As much as I love the convenience of staying at the Boardwalk or Beach Club resorts and simply walking over to EPCOT, there is something so cool about arriving on the monorail and getting that sneak peak of Future World as you circle around Spaceship Earth. Look, you can see some of the topiaries already!
Never been to the Flower and Garden Festival before? Well, you're in for a treat. Disney adorns the entire park with its famous topiaries, lush gardens, nature exhibits, and they have activities for both adults and kids, as well as a special "Flower Power" concert series. Even the experienced festival-goers have something extra special to look forward to this year, as they've added special food kiosks throughout the park as well!
We're here. C'mon, let's go!
One of the other great things about this virtual trips is that you can skip right through security and straight into the park. There is so much to see and do at EPCOT during this time of year, that they have to publish a separate park map highlighting it all. You can download yours here and just pretend along with us that we've picked it up at the main entrance.
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| Page 1 of the 2013 Flower and Garden Festival Map. |
Would you like to get a picture of your family at the entrance with Spaceship Earth behind you? For the festival, Disney's added the Fab Five in topiary form. They're celebrating the 20th anniversary with a cookout!
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| I hope Goofy doesn't drop that cake! |
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| These photos were all courtesy of runeatdatesleep.com |
Hey! no line for Spaceship Earth! Let's take a quick ride!
Around the back as we exit the Project Tomorrow interactive area, we find a couple of Disney pals. It's Phineas and Ferb! I wonder what those two are up today? and hey, where's Perry?
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| Photo Courtesy: WDWMagic.com |
Let's hang a left to check out some more topiaries. Over by the Festival Center, we find the fab five again.
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| Photo Courtesy: runeatdatesleep.com |
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| Photo Courtesy: runeatdatesleep.com |
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| Photo Courtesy: runeatdatesleep.com |
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| Photo Courtesy: runeatdatesleep.com |
The Festival Center is located in the old Wonders of Life pavilion. Inside, we can get tips from gardening experts on how to make our gardens at home more beautiful and eco-friendly. If we time it right, we might catch an HGTV star on the Designer's stage outside! They also offer a guided tour (for guests 16 and up, additional fee required)
Of course, they also have some neat garden merchandise inside as well! Did you remember to bring extra money for some Mickey garden gnomes?
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| Photo Courtesy: WDWMagic.com |
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| Photo Courtesy: Disney |
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| Photo Courtesy: Disney |
It's just a short walk from the Festival Center to infinity... and beyond, where we find Buzz Lightyear outside Mission: Space. This is one of my favorite rides, so I think I'll get on the single rider line and catch up to the tour in a few minutes...
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| Photo Courtesy: runeatdatesleep.com |
Circling back to our right we pass through the "For the Birds" garden presented by the National Audubon Society.
Ka-Chow! We've arrived at Route 66 and Radiator Springs! the cutest little town in Carburetor County... They've got my sons favorites: Lightning McQueen and Mater, as well as an interactive play area. It's going to be hard getting him out of there!
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| Photo Courtesy: runeatdatesleep.com |
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| Photo Courtesy: runeatdatesleep.com |
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| Photo Courtesy: runeatdatesleep.com |
Video of the Interactive Play area!
Video Courtesy: UnderCover Tourist
Not only did they set aside a place for the kids, but here's a spot for adults to relax in the Garden Retreat. It could do with a little more shade, but it's a nice spot to get off your feet for a bit. Can someone grab me a Mickey Ice Cream bar while I'm sitting here?
We're passing by one of the best gift shops in all of WDW... Mouse Gear! If you want to run inside, I'll be out here taking a picture of Spaceship Earth with the Fountain of Nations.
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| Photo Courtesy: runeatdatesleep.com |
And behind us, we've got the Lion King topiaries and a fun activity area for the kids where they can make African masks!
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| Photo Courtesy: runeatdatesleep.com |
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| Photo Courtesy: runeatdatesleep.com |
Video Tour of Tink's Butterfly House!
Video Courtesy: UnderCover Tourist
And right outside the Butterfly House is perhaps the best photo spot of the festival. The "Festival Blooms" painstakingly laid out against the water. Just beautiful! And if you wait just a minute, you can get the monorail in your picture too as it comes through! Don't forget to wave!
Next, we have one of this year's special exhibits: the "Land of Oz" Has everyone seen the movie, "Oz, the Great and Powerful" yet? This garden is inspired by the movie, and includes circus games and another great play area for the kids! Let's follow the yellow brick road on in and take a look!
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| Photo Courtesy: WDWMagic.com |
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| Photo Courtesy: WDWMagic.com |
Here's some video of the Land of Oz garden!
Video Courtesy: JeffLange DVD
Finishing out our tour of Future World, we find the "Water Wise Herbs and Vegetables" garden. I think Lisa wants this garden in our backyard! Then again, who wouldn't??
Wow. we've certainly seen a lot, and that was only Future World! We haven't even reached World Showcase yet! Tell you what. Let's take a break from the tour for a bit. Meet us back here at the Water Wise Herb and Vegetable Garden and we'll head to World Showcase for Part 2 of our tour! In the meantime, hit the bathroom, go use your Soarin' FastPass! get a bite to eat (but save room for the treats in all the countries!) and go back to revisit any of the exhibits we passed through!
It's a virtual tour, so you've got all the time you need! If you're hungry, be sure to check back tomorrow for our Tasty Tuesday segment on some of the Flower and Garden Festival treats they've added this year!
Special Thanks to the following sites we borrowed pictures and videos from:
This has been a Magical Monday blog post.
For other ideas of ways to add extra Magic to your Disney Vacation, click HERE.
Enjoying our Virtual Tour?? Leave us a comment and let us know you're on board! Don't forget to check in tomorrow for tasty Festival Treats!
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