We may all be shivering in our boots right now as the dark, chilly days of winter are hard upon us. But spring will be here before we know it, and with it, the return of sunshine, longer days, and the Epcot Flower & Garden Festival.
During the special event, Epcot becomes a gardener’s delight of seasonal blooms, gardening seminars and demonstrations – and even “flower power” music. But one of the most popular features are the more than 100 topiaries that grace the grounds during the festival.
Years past have brought us elaborate scenes featuring perennial favorites like Mickey and Friends, as well as the Princesses. But this year, in honor of the overwhelming success of “Toy Story 3,” Woody and the Gang will be featured in one of the park’s most prominent topiary displays at the front entrance.
According to festival horticultural manager Eric Darden, This will be the first time in seven years that all new topiaries are being created for the huge display, which greets guests at they enter from the turnstiles, and is a great place for souvenir photos. But creating the topiaries wasn’t without challenges.
“It’s meticulous work,” said Darden. “Woody is skinny, and it was a challenge to do his legs. The detail on Buzz is pretty daunting.”
But details don’t stop with the the way that the topiaries will look. Word is that Lotso Bear – the film’s resident bad guy – will actually smell like strawberries, just like he does in the film!
Other topiary displays will feature Lightning McQueen and Mater from “Cars 2,” set to hit theatres this June. And the large display area that connects Future World to World Showcase will feature none other than Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, and all of their friends in a Hundred Acre Wood setting.
The annual event, which celebrates its 18th year in 2011, will be held March 2 through May 15.
