Innovative Topiaries, Merchandise Spring to Life at the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival
Originally published at Disney Parks News
Innovation can take many forms and often requires a group of people working together to make it possible. That’s what’s happening right now as teams across Walt Disney World Resort – from Horticulture to Merchandise – prepare to make the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival more spectacular than ever before.
Guests will see the fruits of all this work when the popular springtime festival debuts on March 1 and continues through July 5, 2023, at EPCOT.
Disney Horticulture and Walt Disney Imagineering worked together to design, build and grow diverse topiary masterpieces, including the debut of fearless Princess Tiana from the Walt Disney Animation Studios classic “The Princess and the Frog,” plus the courageous Madrigal sisters and young Antonio from Disney Animation’s Academy Award-winning “Encanto.”
This process of pushing boundaries and growing new magic began nearly a year ago. Talented artists developed sketches, Imagineers designed 3D models, skilled welders molded frames, and horticulture specialists chose plant materials. The results are charming, whimsical – and definitely photo-worthy!
Speaking of fresh additions to this year’s festival, the merchandise collections will feature bold new designs.
In fact, a little Orange Bird told me that a new ‘70s-inspired collection will help spread sunshine to guests of all ages!
From the stylish Spirit Jersey to the cute Loungefly backpack, the bright orange shades contrast beautifully with the lush gardens around World Showcase. Add a sparkling headband, a limited-edition Disney Munchling, CORKCICLE tumbler and I’m ready to capture photos for my social feeds!
I’m also blooming with joy over the new Snow White collection with its Dooney and Bourke bag. The collection also features a charming garden-inspired headband. And it’s hard to resist these comfortable and adorable Figment Crocs from the Figment collection. Guests can visit Festival Markets, Odyssey, and Creations Shop to purchase these collections while supplies last.
Starting at sunset, festival guests can celebrate with a vibrant spectacle of light on Spaceship Earth set to a fresh and fun new soundtrack.
To experience the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, you must have both valid admission and a park reservation for EPCOT on the same date. Keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog for more details!
