Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival; When to go for the best viewing, when to avoid, plan 2012 now
From the movie "Cars" this little guy debuted a little late, but when he did, was cute. Now he's a man-made-machine, filled in and ready to go. Photo by Rori Paul.
Each early spring visitors from around the world walk the famed and much loved pathways of Epcot and it’s International Flower & Garden Festival to see the best of Disney’s horticultural offerings, admiring topiary, flowers, gardens, vegetables, growing tips and more. From the topiary spread throughout the property to the stages and booths of the Festival Center to the many shopping options throughout, gardens lovers come away with a range of ideas, creative inspirations and more.
That very first week, way back in March, Laura and I walked these pathways to bring you early photos. We captured those topiary, plus butterflies, gardens, the garden railroad and the excitement on tap. Those early days, for as lovely as they were, could have been seen as a somewhat disappointing experience. The flowers were in many cases still coming in, many displays were not complete and topiary were a few blooms away from a party.
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The weekend of April 29th – with only two weeks left until the May 15th closing day – we discovered a blooming paradise. (more photos below)
Sadly, a very dry and drought like spring had too many blooms in desperate need of a good soaking, but that aside, the flowers and veggies, herbs and topiary had grown into a virtual Garden of Eden.
To remind you of our previous visit, here are the articles we posted from the first week.
2011 Flower & Garden: In full bloom
Flower & Garden Festival Tip:
Based on last year and this, we recommend that if you can plan your visit for the 2012 Flower & Garden Festival, do so for some time in the middle of the event. Try to avoid the last two weeks as we’ve seen the blooms can already be wilting, gone, and the overall look past its peak.
And stay tuned for our reviews of the 2012 event! Can’t wait to show you another year of this beautiful time at Walt Disney World…
The giant oval container that line many of the entry walks have filled in to a rich and appealing mass of blooms. Photo by Rori Paul
Throughout the year the gardens of Canda are full, but during Flower and Garden Festival seem to take on a commanding pride. Photo by Rori Paul
The flower baskets throughout - includeing here in France - are fuller, richer, more vibrant all the weeks into the event. Photo by Rori Paul
Even the fun details are fuller after the first week or two as this sign shows - each detail taking the Flower & Garden Festival to a new height of visiual enjoyment. Photo copyright Rori Paul.
