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The 2012 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival takes place from March 7 through May 20.

It'll be here before you know it!

I know the concert schedule has already been posted elsewhere, but I figured for those interested in the event as a whole I'd start collecting information all on one thread.

From MousePlanet...

Flower & Garden performances, speakers announced

Walt Disney World has announced the schedule of performances for the Flower Power concert series and HGTV presentations during this spring's Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. The Festival takes place from March 7 through May 20 this year.

The Flower Power concerts will take place at the America Gardens Theatre on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings during the festival. Performances will be at 5:15, 6:30, and 7:45 p.m., and are included in park admission. The current lineup is:

  • March 9-11 – Jose Feliciano
  • March 16-18 – Starship Starring Mickey Thomas
  • March 23-15 – The Guess Who
  • March 30 to April 1 – The Spinners
  • April 6-8 – Chubby Checker & The Wildcats
  • April 13-15 – Paul Revere & The Raiders
  • April 20-22 – The Turtles Featuring Flo & Eddie
  • April 27-29 – New! Chuck Negron, Formerly of Three Dog Night
  • May 4-6 – New! The Orchestra Starring Former Members of ELO
  • May 11-13 – Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone
  • May 18-20 – Davy Jones

Chuck Negron and The Orchestra are both playing the Festival for the first time.

HGTV is again serving as a sponsor for the Festival, and as such is providing television personalities to present each weekend at the Festival Center. The current schedule of HGTV celebrities appearing is as follows:

  • March 9-11 – John Gidding, HGTV’s Curb Appeal: The Block
  • March 16-18 – Sabrina Soto, HGTV’s The High/Low Project
  • March 23-15 – Jason Cameron, DIY Network’s Desperate Landscapes and Man Caves
  • March 30 to April 1 – Camille Styles, HGTV.com Entertainment contributor
  • April 6-8 – Dan Faires, HGTV.com’s DanMade, Fan Favorite HGTV Design Star Season 5
  • April 13-15 – Brandon Johnson, host of HGTV’s My Yard Goes Disney
  • April 20-22 – Meg Caswell, HGTV’s Meg’s Great Rooms
  • April 27-29 – Monica Pedersen, HGTV Dream Home Tour 2012 and Designed to Sell
  • May 4-6 – Antonio Ballatore, HGTV’s The Antonio Treatment
  • May 11-13 – To be determined
  • May 18-20 – Genevieve Gorder, HGTV’s Dear Genevieve and HGTV Design Star

http://www.mouseplanet.com/9863/Walt_Disney_World_Resort_Update

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Oh fine... be a stickler. To be honest, I steer clear of the WDW site because it's a big, honkin, navigation nightmare most of the time... when it's working at all. (harumph)

For those of you lazy like me, here's what you'll find if you click Lou's link...

Overview

Excitement is in bloom at Epcot theme park this spring with the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival presented by HGTV!

Watch Disney spring to life with colorful flowers and gardens, dazzling Disney character topiaries, live music and fascinating programs. Held March 7, 2012 through May 20, 2012, this special event beckons you to be inspired by nature at its finest.

Designer Presentations

See how green your thumb can be as some of the nation's top designers help you plan everything from planting your first garden to enhancing your home's curb appeal. With expert advice from HGTV stars and Epcot gardening experts, you're sure to be inspired!

Topiaries

You'll find more than 100 topiaries throughout Epcot theme park—including more than 75 Disney character topiaries! Highlights include character topiaries representing Buzz, Woody and Lotso from the Disney•Pixar film Toy Story 3, as well as Lightning McQueen and Mater from the Disney•Pixar film Cars 2.

Flower Power Concert Series

Enjoy unforgettable live music from the 1960s and 1970s during the Flower Power Concert Series. You'll find a different artist every weekend during the festival at America Gardens Theatre. Show times are Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 5:15 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7:45 p.m.

Admission

Epcot theme park admission is required. Most Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival events are included with admission to Epcot theme park. Availability is limited for some events. Events may be rescheduled or cancelled at any time.

Festival Highlights

Behold brilliant botanicals, unique gardens and so much more at Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival presented by HGTV. From March 7, 2012 through May 20, 2012, you can enjoy the following festival highlights:

  • Educational presentations
  • Themed weekends
  • Special displays
  • Fun activities

Whether you want to improve your gardening skills or simply savor colorful scenery, a spectacular array of experiences awaits you at Epcot theme park during this year's festival.

Educational Presentations

  • HGTV Designers Stage: See informative and entertaining presentations from nationally recognized garden personalities. At 12:00 noon and 3:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday at the Festival Center.
  • Greenhouse Stage: Gardening experts share tips and secrets that you can use in your own garden. Visit the Festival Center for daily topics. At 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. daily at the Festival Center.
  • Planting Pointers: Get great gardening ideas from the gardening experts at the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences at the University of Florida. Visit the Festival Center for daily topics. At 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.
  • Ask an Expert: Get your gardening questions answered by master gardeners from the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences at the University of Florida. From 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily at the Festival Center.

Themed Weekends

  • Art in the Garden Weekend: See nature through the eyes of "plein air" artists and behold one-of-a-kind works of art. At World Showcase from March 23 through 25, 2012.
  • Disney's Animal Kingdom Specialists: Meet the experts and learn about incredible indigenous insects that are part of our world. At the Festival Center from April 13 through 15, 2012.
  • Florida Federation of Garden Clubs: See amazing arrangements that defy description. At the Festival Center from April 27 through 29, 2012.
  • Fresh from Florida Weekend: Discover the bounty of Florida—from Apalachicola to Zellwood! At the Festival Center from May 4 through 6, 2012.

Special Displays

Delight in special displays presented by HGTV and Twinings of London® Tea, including:

  • Bambi's Butterfly House, presented by HGTV: Experience hundreds of native butterflies and see some of your favorite characters from Bambi, presented in topiary. Located at Imagination Walkway.
  • Sustainable Beauty, presented by HGTV: This unique garden showcases sustainable gardening ideas that you can try at home.
  • English Tea Garden, presented by Twinings of London® Tea: Discover the art and history of tea blending during a 20-minute tour of this elegant English Tea Garden, featuring classic tea blends and new herbal teas for 2012. Tours are held Monday through Thursday at 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., and Friday through Sunday at 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Register for your guided tour at The Tea Caddy. Located at the United Kingdom Pavilion.

Plus, enjoy a variety of unique gardens located throughout Epcot theme park:

  • Bonsai Collection—located at the Japan Pavilion
  • Festival Blooms, Presented by Syngenta—located at Future World East and West Lake
  • Kid Garden (official name to be determined), Presented by Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association
  • Orchids—located at the Mexico Pavilion
  • Spice and Herb Garden—located at the Morocco Pavilion
  • Water Wise Herbs & Vegetables, Presented by Rain Bird Corporation

Fun Activities

  • Epcot Gardens of the World Tour: A Disney horticulturist is your host on this 3-hour, guided tour designed especially for garden enthusiasts. Available Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Register at Guest Relations or call (407) WDW-TOUR. Cost is $60.00, including tax, and theme park admission is required. Available to Guests ages 16 and up only. Please note: Price of the tour is subject to change.
  • Let's Get Moving: Unique play structures offer fun for the little ones—the Evos™ play systems for ages 6 and older and the Weevos™ play systems for ages 2 through 5. Located at Imagination Walkway.
  • Pixie Hollow Fairy Garden: Explore the garden world of Pixie Hollow and find some of your favorite fairy characters presented in topiary. Play structures are designed for ages 2 to 5. Located at Test Track Walkway.
  • Sounds of Nature, Presented by Nature Conservancy: Relax as you listen to the soothing sounds of nature. Located next to Pixie Hollow Fairy Garden at Test Track Walkway.

Please note: Events and experiences are subject to change without notice. Gardens with play structures close daily at dusk.

Flower Power Concert Series

Musical entertainment pairs perfectly with botanical beauty during the nightly Flower Power concert series. Enjoy a varied lineup of performers throughout the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, March 7 through May 20, 2012.

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. Date Performer Known For

March 9 to 11

Jose Feliciano Light My Fire

March 16 to 18

Starship Starring Mickey Thomas We Built This City

March 23 to 25

The Guess Who American Woman

March 30 to April 1

The Spinners Cupid

April 6 to 8

Chubby Checker & The Wildcats The Twist

April 13 to 15

Paul Revere & The Raiders Good Thing

April 20 to 22

The Turtles Featuring Flo & Eddie Happy Together

April 27 to 29

NEW! Chuck Negron Formerly of Three Dog Night Black & White

May 4 to 6

NEW! The Orchestra Starring Former Members of ELO Don't Bring Me Down

May 11 to 13

Herman's Hermits Starring Peter Noone I'm Henry VIII, I Am

May 18 to 20

Davy Jones I'm a Believer

Please note that Epcot theme park admission is required. Entertainment is subject to change without notice. All songs listed are for artist recognition only and may not be included in the playlist.

HGTV Designer Presentations

Learn to build a better garden with fascinating tips, tricks and techniques from talented HGTV designers and personalities. Presentations are held at the Festival Center at 12:00 noon and 3:00 p.m. each Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival presented by HGTV.

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., from March 7 to May 20, 2012.

Featured HGTV designers include:

  • John Gidding, HGTV's Curb Appeal: The Block—presenting March 9 - 11
  • Sabrina Soto, HGTV's The High/Low Project—presenting March 16 - 18
  • Jason Cameron, DIY Network's Desperate Landscapes and Man Caves—presenting March 23 - 25
  • Camille Styles, HGTV.com Entertainment contributor—presenting March 30 - April 1
  • Dan Faires, HGTV.com's DanMade, Fan Favorite HGTV Design Star Season 5—presenting April 6 - 8
  • Brandon Johnson, host of HGTV's My Yard Goes Disney—presenting April 13 - 15
  • Meg Caswell, HGTV's Meg's Great Rooms—presenting April 20 - 22
  • Monica Pedersen, HGTV Dream Home Tour 2012 and Designed to Sell—presenting April 27 - 29
  • Antonio Ballatore, HGTV's The Antonio Treatment—presenting May 4 - 6
  • To be determined—presenting May 11 - 13
  • Genevieve Gorder, HGTV's Dear Genevieve and HGTV Design Star—presenting May 18 - 20

Whether you wish to learn a few new gardening techniques or simply catch a glimpse of one of your favorite television personalities, each HGTV designer presentation is a special experience that you won't want to miss!

Please note that theme park admission is required and HGTV designer presentations are subject to change without notice.

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  • 5 weeks later...

From WDW Magic...

2012 Flower and Garden Festival guide now available

Feb 24, 2012

Here is the 2012 Flower and Garden Festival guide to help you plan your trip to this year's festival. The event begins in less than two weeks, running from March 7 to May 20 2012.

View Guide

More information on the Flower and Garden Festival

http://www.wdwmagic.com/Events/Epcot-International-Flower-and-Garden-Festival/News/24Feb2012-2012-Flower-and-Garden-Festival-guide-now-available.htm

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From WDW Magic...

Mobile web app part of this year's Flower and Garden Festival

Feb 28, 2012

Just as it did with last year's Food and Wine Festival, Disney is making a mobile web app available for guests attending the 2012 International Flower and Garden Festival. Called 'Epcot in Bloom', the site is now available at http://m.epcotinbloom.com, and from inside the park you will once again be able to scan a QR code to be taken to the site.

The mobile site offers maps, topiary details, event guides, and even an audio guide. You can see some screenshots from the web app below running on an iPhone, or try it for yourself at http://m.epcotinbloom.com

More information on this year's Flower and Garden Festival.

http://www.wdwmagic.com/Events/Epcot-International-Flower-and-Garden-Festival/News/28Feb2012-Mobile-web-app-part-of-this-year%27s-Flower-and-Garden-Festival.htm

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From AllEars...

Epcot Flower & Garden Festival offers lots of activities for kids

EDITED_FG_playground.jpg

If you think the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, which begins March 7, is just for adults, think again! Sprinkled throughout the beautiful scenery are several interactive opportunities for kids that will make parents smile as well.

For my elementary-age children, the hands-down favorite is the annual "Let's Get Moving" area along Imagination! Walkway. This is the only time during the year that guests will find play structures this elaborate at Epcot.

The first year we saw the crowded play area, my husband and I thought, "Why do we want to waste time at Epcot on a playground -- something we can do anywhere other than Walt Disney World?" But the bright colors and unusual shapes called to my kids, so we went inside to check out the PlayBooster play sets, which are made for ages 5 to 12.

EDITED_FG_playground2.jpg

Our opinion changed after we saw just how much fun our son and daughter had. Honestly, they would stay there for hours each visit if we let them! There is also a PlayBooster Weevos area just for 2- to 5-year-olds and a Sensory Play Center.

The photos pictured above are from the play set from the past few years. I'm told this year's new, larger equipment, the PlayBooster Vibe, is expected to look like this.

EDITED_FG_butterflies.jpg

Bambi's Butterfly House

While you're on that side of Epcot, be sure to check out Bambi's Butterfly House. Hundreds of native butterflies float through the air and guests can see them growing at different life stages. Topiaries of favorite characters from the movie Bambi lead up to the enclosed gazebo.

EDITED_FG_fairy.jpg

Pixie Hollow Fairy Garden

Another must-do for our family is the Pixie Hollow Fairy Garden, which is located in the Test Track Walkway and presented this year by Disney's Secret of the Wings, which will be released in the fall. The garden, which first debuted in 2009, has grown as Disney has released each direct-to-DVD Tinker Bell movie over the last four years.

Inside the lush area, guests will find beautiful topiaries of the Disney Fairies and miniature fairy houses. The creativity and attention to detail in the houses is just amazing, and my kids enjoy trying to find everyday items incorporated in the structures. A Disney landscape artist said they use things like watering cans and teapots because they help illustrate the size of fairies.

Kids of all ages can make crayon rubbings in the garden, and young visitors (ages 2 to 5) can check out the Weevos play set and the Cozy Dome hide-away tucked into the landscape.

Adjacent to the fairy garden is Tinker's Nook, where kids can color and receive fairy stickers and seed packets.

New this year

The Backyard Play Garden, located between Morocco and France in the World Showcase, is a new play area full of unusual gardening ideas for families. See how to turn a concrete block wall into a planter, reuse an old bathtub outdoors or make the roof of your doghouse green. "The whole theme of the garden is getting your kids out of the house and into the yard," said Eric Darden, horticulture manager for the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival.

Also new this year is a Haiti garden near Germany -- only at Epcot! This is the first illuminated night garden in the 19-year history of the festival. Kids of all ages can participate and show off their creativity by coloring their very own Haitian “Tap-Tap.” Families will also find other ways to delve into the Haitian culture and refreshments in this produce garden and marketplace.

(Check out the AllEars Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival page for even more details.)

There are many other kid-friendly aspects to the Flower & Garden Festival, from Sorcerer Mickey and Toy Story topiaries to concerts to HGTV presentations. Disney Channel fans won't want to miss Brandon Johnson, who plays Gary Wilde on Shake It Up, talk about his other show, My Yard Goes Disney, on April 13, 14 and 15. (The premiere of My Yard Goes Disney aired Friday, and you can get a sneak peek at what this season holds in my previous AllEars blog post.)

The festival, including all gardening programs and exhibits, is included in regular Epcot admission.

http://land.allears.net/blogs/guestblog/2012/02/epcot_flower_garden_festival_o.html

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from the Disney Parks blog...

Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Returns March 7

posted on March 5th, 2012 by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Social Media Manager

Who’s heading to Epcot this spring for the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival?

This year’s event, which runs March 7-May 20, will feature the largest-ever Disney topiary (a Sorcerer Mickey) and a new Haiti: Garden of Many Colors display located in World Showcase. Guests can also enjoy weekend presentations from HGTV designers and hosts, as well as the Flower Power concert series, which features the music of the 1960s-70s. Kids’ favorites, like Bambi’s Butterfly House and the Pixie Hollow Fairy Garden play area are back, too.

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the work that went into creating this year’s festival.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-G0cwG_m1o

One easy way to navigate through this year’s festival is to use the Epcot International Flower & Garden mobile site on your smartphone, which you can access by visiting epcotinbloom.com. The mobile version of this site has a map of the events, Disney topiaries and gardens, plus an audio tour and information on Flower Power concerts & HGTV presentations.

fgr358123SMALLc.jpg

Also, if you see a QR code while viewing a topiary or garden, scan it to learn more information about it.

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/03/epcot-international-flower-garden-festival-returns-march-7/

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From WDW Magic...

PHOTOS - Preparations for the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival

Mar 02, 2012

The 2012 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival begins in less than a week on March 7. Horticulture teams are adding the topiaries and planters daily, so we get a sneak peek at some of what is to come before the official start of the festival. Here is a photo tour around World Showcase of what is in place so far. As always, you can click on the thumbnail image to view the full size photo.

2012 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival details.

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Photos by WDWMAGIC

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http://www.wdwmagic.com/Events/Epcot-International-Flower-and-Garden-Festival/News/02Mar2012-PHOTOS---Preparations-for-the-Epcot-Flower-and-Garden-Festival.htm

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From WDW Magic...

Monkees band member Micky Dolenz added to the Flower Power Concert line-up

Mar 07, 2012

Monkees band member Micky Dolenz has been added to the Flower Power Concert line-up and will perform from May 18-20 2012. Flower Power Concerts are included with Epcot admission, and take place at the American Adventure Pavilion. View the full line-up here.

http://www.wdwmagic.com/Events/Epcot-International-Flower-and-Garden-Festival/News/07Mar2012-Monkees-band-member-Micky-Dolenz-added-to-the-Flower-Power-Concert-line-up.htm

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From the Disney Parks blog...

First Look at 2012 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival Merchandise

posted on March 7th, 2012 by Steven Miller, Merchandise Communications Manager

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With the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival kicking off on March 7, I paid a visit to the Festival Center in Future World to catch a glimpse of some new merchandise we have created for the annual event. The Festival Center, located between the Mission: SPACE and Universe of Energy attractions, is home to a variety of seminars, demonstrations and an extensive merchandise location. I spoke with Bob Holden from Disney Design Group about the main artwork that features Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck as topiaries.

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“For this year’s assortment, we used artwork provided by our Disney marketing team,” explained Bob. “My role was to apply that artwork to a variety of apparel items, mugs, key chains and more. I like how the artwork relates to things that guests will see at the event such as the topiaries.”

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The topiary theme continues with this year’s signature poster designed by long time Disney Design Group artist Randy Noble. I love the colors used in this print (and the happy sun makes me smile).

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There will also be a variety of items to decorate your own garden including my favorite Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as garden gnomes (now if I only had a green thumb).

Here are a few more favorite items from this year’s event. The Festival Center will operate daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. through May 20, 2012. but496743THUMB.jpg stt4978532THUMB.jpg lla396753THUMB.jpg

http://disneyparks.d...al-merchandise/

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More from WDW News Today...

First Look at the 2012 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival

Mar 6, 2012 by wdwntadmin ico_post_comments.png4 Comments ico_post_date.png Posted under: Epcot, Photo Reports

WDWNT Reporter Melissa Weber stopped by Epcot earlier today to find that the park is just about ready for the Flower and Garden Festival which officially begins tomorrow:

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Everything hasn’t completely grown in yet, but the Fantasia display already looks spectacular

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This might be my favorite display ever!

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Too cool…

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Hyacinth Hippo, Ben Ali Gator, Lady Upanova, and friends make up the back portion

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The princesses are out near International Gateway again

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Woody and Buzz near the American Adventure

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Beauty and the Beast in France

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Lady and the Tramp in Italy

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Mater and Lightning McQueen in Japan

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Garden at United Kingdom

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Pooh and Friends also in the U.K.

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Piglet riding Eeyore

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Peter Pan characters between Future World and World Showcase

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China

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Don’t forget, the festival starts tomorrow!

http://wdwnewstoday.com/archives/8890

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From Orlando Theme Park News...

Beautiful flowers:

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Bambi's Butterfly House:

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Some work being done on the bridge leading to World Showcase:

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Great:

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The temporary play area near the Imagination Pavilion is now complete:

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But there's more...

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Topiaries in France:

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Cars topiaries in Japan:

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Toy Story topiaries in the American Adventure pavilion::

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Lady and the Tramp:

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Snow White and the Sven Dwarfs:

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The Haitian Gardens:

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Dragon topiary in China:

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Pandas!:

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Going back to Future World, here's the Fairy Garden, along with its play area:

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http://orlandoparksnews.blogspot.com/2012/03/epcot-update-next-gen-additions-more.html

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From the Disney Parks blog...

VIDEO: Constructing the Sorcerer Mickey Topiary at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

posted on March 9th, 2012 by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Social Media Manager

If you head out to the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival this year, one of the first sights you’ll see is an eight-foot-tall Sorcerer Mickey topiary, which sits just inside the park’s gate.

Standing atop a 12-foot-tall floral mountain cliff, Sorcerer Mickey directs a riot of dancing broomsticks, buckets, mushrooms, hippos, alligators and elephants. The scene, inspired by Disney’s “Fantasia,” is constructed out of pink geraniums, white poppies and violet petunias, among other flowers.

Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how the topiary – one of the largest ever featured at the festival – was constructed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKSKGF0GVAo

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From The Disney Blog...

EPCOT 2012 Flower & Garden Festival Photo Update

Posted on March 14, 2012 by John Frost

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I definitely recommend arriving to EPCOTon the Monorail when the Flower & Garden Festival is underway. It’s gorgeous from above and on the ground. (Click for Larger.)

I was out of town for the opening of the 2012 Flower & Garden Festival at EPCOT. But finally made it over for a quick jaunt around the park on Monday. I only had time to hit the highlights and, while there’s technically a bit less this year than last, what they did install is amazingly beautiful.

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Looks to be something of a butterfly theme this year. The new larger butterfly tent is back too. (Click for Larger.)

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Sorcerer Mickey graces the entrance. (Click for Larger.)

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The festival begins outside the gates this year with a small tableau. This is a subtle sign of the feel for the rest of the festival. (Click for Larger.)

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A bit understated compared to previous years entrance sculptures, Sorcerer Mickey looks great none-the-less. (Click for Larger.)

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Why is this picture of empty bushes here? Because in the past there would have been topiary here. Wonder where they went? (Click for Larger.)

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A tribute to NBC? (Click to embiggen.)

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Big Boss and his main squeeze. (Click for Larger.)

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The orchids are back in Mexico in a big way. (Click for Larger.)

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This is one of my favorite exhibits and I’m very happy to see it back. (Click for Larger.)

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White flowers around the Stave Church look like snow. (Click for Larger.)

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While wild flowers make an attractive meadow. The whole festival is filled with amazing ground cover like this. Stuff you could stare at for hours if inclined. (Click for Larger.)

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Nice to see Haiti represented here. They represent a large portion of the Disney Cast Member corps at Walt Disney World and still need a lot help recovering after the earthquake. (Click for Larger.)

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Toy Story characters are hanging out in the America Pavilion. Love the ABC Garden with Lotso Huggin’ Bear and the smell of strawberries.. (Click for Larger.)

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I call this, a moon rises under the Bonsai tree. (Click for Larger.)

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Cars 2 exhibit was moved to Japan this year. (Click for Larger.)

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Beast and Belle look great in France. (Click for Larger.)

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Sleeping Beauty. (Click for Larger.)

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Keeping up another tradition, DisneyNature’s next film, Chimpanzee, is promoted via an excellent sand sculpture.. (Click for Larger.)

Thanks for reading. I wasn’t able to see everything in one afternoon, but I got a good feel for the festival and it looks like a good one. Let me know what you think of this year’s Flower and Garden festival in the comments.

http://thedisneyblog.com/2012/03/14/epcot-2012-flower-garden-festival-photo-update/#more-16088

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From Orlando Theme Park News...

Epcot's 19th Flower & Garden Festival - VIDEO

postdateiconqw.png Tuesday, March 13, 2012 | postauthoriconkej.png Posted by OTPN administrator

Epcot is in full bloom and looks better than ever this time of the year, as the 19th Flower & Garden Festival just started a few days ago (on March 7, 2012). Take a look at this nice video-overview that shows some of the great topiaries, flower beds, and themed exhibits that can be seen at the park this year:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23u5eWWdQKg

http://orlandoparksnews.blogspot.com/2012/03/epcots-19th-flower-garden-festival.html

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  • 2 weeks later...

From the Disney Parks blog...

Meet Disney Artist Randy Noble at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival at Walt Disney World Resort

posted on March 27th, 2012 by Steven Miller, Merchandise Communications Manager

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A few weeks ago, I gave you a first look at items created for the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. Since that time, I went to the festival with my parents who were visiting from Ohio and my son (hello, new favorite coconut flavored beverage from the “Haiti: Garden of Many Colors” display!). While in the Festival Center, I spotted the original watercolor print for sale created by Disney Design Group senior artist and fellow Ohioan, Randy Noble. I recently spoke with Randy about the creation of this year’s colorful, topiary-inspired image.

“This is my second poster for the [Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival],” explained Randy. “I’ve also created works for the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival as well as for Star Wars Weekends.”

Randy, who has been with the company for 14 years, had a strong background in painting before joining Disney. He said he worked closely with developer Lindsay Voigt to create the image.

“One of the original concepts I had featured Winnie the Pooh with a giraffe topiary,” continued Randy. “Yet, Lindsay and I decided to use the topiary artwork of Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Donald Duck to tell a more cohesive story.”

Randy will be meeting with fans in the Flower & Garden Festival merchandise tent on the World Showcase promenade near Canada Pavilion during the following dates and times:

  • Friday, March 30 – 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, April 28 – 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, May 5 – 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/03/meet-disney-artist-randy-noble-at-the-epcot-international-flower-garden-festival/

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More photos from MiceChat...

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Tigger, just as bouncy as a plant.

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Donald and Daisy greet visitors.

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Pluto says hello!

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France is a particularly beautiful pavilion at this time.

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Cogsworth.

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Mrs. Potts

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Lumiere.

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Then, of course, Beauty and the Beast.

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Woody resides over the crowds with a "Hey Howdy Hey!"

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And then there's Lots-O-Huggin Bear.

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Don't worry. He can't hurt you.

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Lady and the Tramp are in Italy.

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There is also the butterfly house which is a must-see.

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Cocoons of future butterflies.

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Winnie the Pooh.

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Eeyore and Piglet.

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Rabbit and Tigger.

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Prince Phillip and Aurora.

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Cinderella and her Prince Charming.

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The Seven Dwarves.

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continued...

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The fairest of them all, Snow White.

There is even a small exhibit dedicated to Haiti.

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Yummy Haitian goodies.

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Of course there is a festival shop.

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These Mickey gnomes are actually cute.

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There is a great design for this year's event.

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http://micechat.com/blogs/orlando-parkhopper/3372-no-change-test-track-flower-garden-festival-universal-seaworld.html

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