2005 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival

The 2005 Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival Celebrates 12 Years of Fantastic Flowers!

The 12th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival salutes the "Happiest Celebration on Earth" with the biggest showcase of flowers, trees and topiaries at Epcot April 15 - June 5, 2005. It's definitely going to be a time to welcome spring as Epcot blooms! Explore Farmer Mickey's Maze, visit Minnie's Magnificent Butterfly Garden featuring a butterfly house with hundreds of free-flying butterflies and try your luck at finding 50 Hidden Mickeys. You'll be able to tap the expertise of top horticulturists who will share gardening tips, demonstrate new backyard planting ideas and showcase millions of blooms from thousands of species from around the world. Relax “under the stars” at America Gardens Theatre and enjoy groovy music from the 60’s and 70’s during the Flower Power Concert Series. And don't forget to make your reservation for our scrumptious "Mother’s Day Brunch" on May 7th and 8th. Space is limited. Call 407-WDW-DINE for priority seating.

Themed Weekends: (Friday, Saturday & Sunday)

*"Premiere Weekend" - April 15, 16 & 17: Be among the first to see the 12th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival!
*"I Dig Bugs Weekend" - April 22, 23 & 24: Bugs are cool! Get a close-up look at unusual critters and join in a “good bug” release. Learn about garden friends who help keep our plants healthy.
*"Art in the Garden Weekend" - April 29, 30 & May 1: Get a unique look at nature through the eyes of "Plein Air" artists and see one-of-a-kind works of art by Art in the Garden artists. Be sure not to miss the "Kid’s Paint Out."
*"Mother's Day Weekend" - May 6, 7 & 8: Celebrate Mom's special day! Stop by the Festival Center and see beautiful floral arrangements at the Mother’s Day Flower Show. Moms are treated to a flower and a photo, exclusively on May 8.
*"Photography Weekend" - May 13, 14 & 15: Grab your cameras! Discover the ins and outs of photography as experts share their tips and secrets.
*"Characters in Bloom" - May 20, 21 & 22
*"Memorial Day Weekend" - May 28, 29 & 30: Don't miss the chance to take part in an old-fashioned "field day" complete with fun and games. Celebrate nature and the great outdoors and discover the joys of gardening!
*"Festival Farewell Weekend" - June 3, 4 & 5: Mark your calendars! Don’t miss the last chance to enjoy the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival!

Flower Power Concert Series (America Gardens Theatre): 5:45, 7 & 8:15 p.m.

Relax "under the stars" and enjoy the groovy music from the 60's & 70's:

Davy Jones: April 15 - 18
Gary US Bond: April 19 - 21
Paul Revere & The Raiders: April 22 - 25
The Buckinghams: April 26 - 28
The Grass Roots starring Rob Grill: April 29 - May 1
The Turtles Featuring Flo & Eddie: May 2 - 4
Vanilla Fudge: May 5* & 6 (May 5 showtimes are noon, 1:15, and 2:30 p.m.)
Greg Rollie Band: May 7 & 8
The Lovin' Spoonful: May 9 - 11
The Nelsons: May 12 - 14
Gary Puckett: May 15 - 17
Orleans: May 18 - 20
Rare Earth: May 21 - 23
BJ Thomas: May 24 - 26
Eric Burdon & The Animals: May 27 - 29
Felix Cavaliere's Rascals: May 30 - June 1
Arlo Guthrie: June 2 - 5

All events and times are subject to change.

The Ultimate Backyard Garden - Presented by The Home Depot (Morocco). See demonstrations here daily. Come see what’s hot in outdoor living in this state-of-the-art garden presented by The Home Depot. Great ideas to create the backyard of your dreams!

Container Gardening - Daily at 1pm
Topiaries - Daily at 2pm

NEW! Main Entrance Bed: Mickey and friends welcome Epcot Guests with their salute to the Happiest Celebration On Earth!

NEW! Minnie's Magnificent Butterfly Garden– Located adjacent to Innoventions East / Mouse Gear: Experience hundreds of free-flying butterflies as you venture through lush foliage in this unique garden and butterfly house.

NEW! Farmer Mickey's Maze - Located on the Imagination Walkway: Don't miss this chance to explore Farmer Mickey’s Maze! Your Disney favorites are waiting to welcome you to a garden full of fun. Appreciated by children 2-5.

Living with the Land - Fantastic Fruits!– The Land: Cruise through greenhouses featuring tropical fruits like bananas and jackfruits, then sail by 50-pound winter melons and gigantic pumpkins. Check out our new growing systems and photograph thefirst tomato trees grown in the USA!Alert: there may be hidden Mickeys in our pumpkin vines!

Behind the Seeds Greenhouse Tour – The Land: Take the family on a tour of The Land greenhouses and fish farm. Bring your camera to capture close-ups of gigantic fruit and take home ideas for growing your own fruits and vegetables! Do the herb-and-spice challenge and taste test, then feed the fish and check out the alligators, too!

Hidden Mickeys – Throughout the park: Try your luck at finding 50 Hidden Mickeys created especially for this year's Festival!

Tricks of the Trade – Presented by Walt Disney World Horticulture – Future World West: From topiary to hanging baskets, get a "behind the scenes" look at how Disney's Horticulture makes some of its most popular elements.

Turf Tips- Presented by Toro– Future World West: Stop by the Tip Top Turf garden and try your skill at putting on the green. See the evolution of the lawnmower from push to power!

Sculpture Garden– Future World West: See works of art on loan from some of Florida’s most prestigious collections in a beautiful garden setting.

Phyto-forms– Future World West (Sculpture Garden): Sculptor and Land Artist Julia Barton showcases her unique works that creatively combine art and horticulture. Don’t miss this fascinating exhibit!

Dooryard Gardens- Presented by FNLGA- Future World East: Expand your plant palette! Take home super ideas that will let you enjoy a beautiful view from your front door.

Water Garden Wonders – Future World East: Gather cool concepts for water gardens that add a “splash” of creativity to your landscape.

Fragrance Garden – Presented by Guerlain. France: Let your senses take over as you experience the pleasure of this captivating garden, featuring the radiant and sensual fragrances of Guerlain. Explore the ‘love story” between plants, fragrance and perfume.

Penjing (Chinese Bonsai) – China: This unique art form of dwarf trees is an ancient technique that predates its Japanese counterpart by hundreds of years.

Shishi-odoshi (Clacker Garden) – Japan: Hear how water and bamboo transform into a musical experience in this kinetic garden.

WaterFULL World – Outpost: Explore this unique garden and discover how water conservation helps us in our everyday lives. Ladybug Releases daily.

Italian Container Garden - Italy: Visit another time and place. Feast your eyes on bouquets of blooms as they tumble down the side of classic Italian containers. Gather planting ideas on how to combine colorful flowers, textured foliage and beautiful pots for dramatic results. See a showcase of ideas as (Deroma) containers greet you as you enter Italy or welcome you into a storefront Piazza!

Especially for Kids

SpaceNet - Presented by Landscape Structures: Reach for the stars and let your imagination soar! Climb to the sky on the SpaceNet and play! Adjacent to Minnie’s Magnificent Butterfly Garden. Appreciated by children 5 and up.

Minnie’s Magnificent Butterfly Garden- Located adjacent to Innoventions East / Mouse Gear: Experience hundreds of free-flying butterflies as you venture through lush foliage in this unique garden and butterfly house.

Farmer Mickey’s Maze – Located on the Imagination Walkway: Don’t miss this chance to explore Farmer Mickey’s Maze! Your Disney favorites are waiting to welcome you to a garden full of fun. Appreciated by children 2-5.

Garden Railway – Germany: Make a stop at the Garden Railway! See this Bavarian village participate in its own festival in the miniature.

Ladybug Release – WaterFULL World: Help keep our plants healthy! Meet us at the WaterFULL World Garden and join in the fun. (subject to availability)

The Ultimate Backyard Garden - Presented byThe Home Depot- Morocco: Kids can enjoy an innovative play area with great ideas that you can take home to your own backyard!

Mother's Day Weekend Brunch (World ShowPlace) May 7 & 8 is an Epcot tradition. Space is limited!
Saturday, May 7: 11am to 2pm
Sunday, May 8: 9am to 3pm
Call 407-WDW-DINE to make your reservation.
$22.99 Adult (plus tax, gratuity included)
$12.99 Child 3-11 (plus tax, gratuity included)
Children's buffet is available.

Poster Artist, Larry Moore -- Signing Dates:
April 15 - 17
April 29 - May 1
June 4 & 5

Festival Center (Innoventions West, Located behind Fountain View): Open Daily 9:00am - 7:00pm

Inside the Festival Center you will find:

"Great American Gardeners" presented by the American Horticultural Society; 11 a.m. & 2 p.m., Friday - Sunday

Paul James: April 15 - 17
Robert Bowden: April 22 - 24
Linda Blondheim: April 29 - May 1
Raymond Western: May 6 - 8
Gary Allen: May 13 - 15
Tom Turpin: May 20 - 22
Georgia Tasker: May 27 - 29
Tom MacCubbin: June 3 - 5

"Ask an Expert" -- Get your gardening questions answered! “Master Gardeners” from IFAS at the University of Florida will be available to answer your questions. Daily 10am - 5pm

"Disney Gardening at Home" - Get the “inside scoop” from Disney experts. Learn tips and secrets that you can use in your own garden. 11:00 am & 2:00 pm Monday – Thursday

"Planting Pointers" -Join the gardening experts from IFAS at the University of Florida as they present great gardening ideas for everyone. Daily 1:00 pm & 4:00 pm

Special Appearances- Festival Center: April 30 - Roja Dove

Art in the Garden Gallery- View the gardens of Epcot in a different way! Art in the Garden artists showcase their work in this collection of one-of-a-kind masterpieces.

Festival Blooms- Find your favorite Festival flower! Check out the blooms featured in displays throughout Epcot.

Festival Garden Marketplace
Wander through our garden marketplace full of your Disney gardening favorites. Invited garden merchants from all over the country will display their gardening products.

Guided Tours
"Epcot Garden Discoveries" - Guided tours designed especially for the garden enthusiasts! A Disney Horticulturist will be your host on a three-hour tour of special displays and the award-winning international gardens of Epcot. Space is limited. Register at Guest Relations or for advance registration information call 407.WDW.TOUR. (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday)

Festival Merchandise

Don't miss the chance to take home a souvenir of the great time you had at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival! Festival merchandise is available in the Innoventions Plaza, between the Towers in World Showcase and the Canada Pavilion, and inside the Festival Center. The Festival Center also features vendors from around the world showcasing their own products for your home and garden. Check out all of the merchandise – there is something for everyone!

Festival Garden Marketplace - Inside the Festival Center (open 9 am to 7 pm daily)
Festival Store - World Showcase Promenade, Canada side.
Find items created especially for the Festival, including pins!

Topiary Locator

Main Entrance: Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald and Pluto (all larger than life!)
Walkway to World Showcase: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Stitch
Showcase Plaza: Tinker Bell, Beauty and the Beast, Lion King
Minnie's Magnificent Butterfly Garden: Minnie
Farmer Mickey's Maze

All events and times are subject to change.

Flower Fest Invades Epcot April 15-June 5, 2005

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Just when you thought "The Happiest Celebration on Earth" couldn't get happier, the biggest showcase of flowers, trees and shrubs at Walt Disney World Resort gets into the act.

For seven weeks beginning April 15, Epcot will bloom with bouquets of custom displays themed to "The Happiest Celebration on Earth," Disney's global jubilee marking the 50th anniversary of Disneyland in Southern California. Roses, daisies, carnations, chrysanthemums and thousands of other varieties of flowers and trees at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival will add living color to the largest celebration in Walt Disney Parks and Resorts history.

"The Happiest Celebration on Earth," launching May 5, 2005, and lasting well into 2006, pays tribute to Walt Disney's dream of Disneyland, the original park that introduced an entirely new genre of family entertainment. Disney parks now span the globe and continue to offer the most visited attractions in the world, drawing 100 million visitors on three continents every year -- and still growing.

The Epcot festival showcases topiary displays specially themed to "The Happiest Celebration on Earth" from the park entrance to World Showcase Lagoon, including the signature Spaceship Earth garden, which will feature the "Fab Five" -- Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Pluto and Donald Duck. Last year's entrance display, themed to Magical Gatherings, won an Award of Excellence from the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association, and the festival's "Power of Flowers" display won the FNGLA's Floriculture Award.

Flower Power concerts return to America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase with nightly musical entertainment of top acts from the 1960s and '70s. Throughout the park, guests can attend gardening seminars and demonstrations. They also can browse among colorful displays that include an all-new Alice in Wonderland maze in Future World, The Ultimate Backyard Garden, presented by The Home Depot, and a Fragrance Garden.

Guests will again discover the hub of program activity at the Festival Center, located inside Innoventions West behind Fountain View Café. Guest speakers and demonstrations will be scheduled daily. Festival merchandise, program guides and information also will be available in this one-stop welcome shop.

Other festival highlights include:

* A WaterFULL World Garden focusing on the importance of water conservation and wetlands restoration via a meandering water display lush with native Florida plants.

* Dozens of fragrant rose varieties developed through the centuries in a display that touches on the history of roses.

* A "see and sniff" Fragrance Garden at the France pavilion highlighting flowers in several perfumes.

* The Ultimate Backyard Garden display, presented by The Home Depot, exploring the trend of gardeners enjoying their home gardens as a retreat or entertainment venue.

"More and more people are spending time in their backyards, and we'll focus on the latest ways to enjoy your home's great outdoors beyond puttering in the garden," says Eric Darden, horticulture manager of the festival. "This year, there are more creative ways than ever to enhance outdoor living spaces, and we're looking forward to helping guests develop ideas and plan inviting garden retreats."

Each festival weekend will be themed with special speakers and events.

"Themed weekends allow us to give our guests special treats by focusing on one aspect of the garden experience," Darden said. "Past themed weekends have included I Dig Bugs, Flower Photography and Art in the Garden.

"Mother's Day is also a huge weekend for us, with mothers and kids spending all day together among the flowers at Epcot," Darden said.

Epcot guests who can't get enough of the park's exotic floral displays, gardening tips and other festival activities can make plans for multiple visits to the 12th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival by calling 407/W-DISNEY. The festival is included in regular Epcot admission.