The 2020 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival had just started when Disney World announced it was closing because of the COVID-19 pandemic on March 16. As of now, we are five weeks into the closure, and there’s still no official reopening date.
(Courtesy Brooke Fehr)
For many visitors and Florida locals, the festival is synonymous with spring, so it’s definitely been strange to sit this one out.
Disney hasn’t shared publicly its plans for a reopening date. And we don’t know if the festival will extend beyond its scheduled June 1 end date. However, we can still look back on the few days of festival fun we did have. And we can dream of more magical days to come.
Fortunately, I visited the festival the week before the closure. I thought at the time that it would be one of many trips to see the flowers this year. That remains to be seen.
(Courtesy Brooke Fehr)
However, if you’re missing the festival as much as I am, I thought you might enjoy a virtual visit. Although this isn’t everything (because see above), it should be enough to put some sunshine into your soul.
There’s a lot to cover, so today, we’ll hit up the topiaries. Next week, we’ll visit the Outdoor Kitchens and see some of the exhibits.
And together, we’ll believe we’ll all be enjoying Epcot festivals safely and joyfully again soon.
Topiaries
Of course, topiaries are one of the biggest draws at the Flower and Garden Festival.
Future World Topiaries
Normally, the front bed at the entrance of the park has a huge scene, but this year, with all of the construction, you have to travel into the park before you get the goods.
(Courtesy Brooke Fehr)
Pluto and Chip n’ Dale frolic in the flowers of Showcase Plaza as well.
(Courtesy Brooke Fehr)
What would F&G be without those butterflies? We were super happy to see them back again! They’re right outside of this year’s Butterfly House (yay! also back again!) in Future World West.
(Courtesy Brooke Fehr)
Sorcerer Mickey and Friends also make appearances near here.
We’ll hope to see the rest of the Future World Gang—Bambi, Buzz, Bo, Figment and more—when the park reopens. (Please, flower gods. Let it be so.)
World Showcase Topiaries
As you head to World Showcase, Miss Piggy and Kermit greet you between Canada and the UK Pavilions.
(Courtesy Brooke Fehr)
Seriously. I can’t get enough of Kermie.
(Courtesy Brooke Fehr)
Winnie the Pooh and Tigger too (and the rest of the Hundred Acre Wood Bunch) are keeping residence in the UK.
(Courtesy Brooke Fehr)
(Courtesy Brooke Fehr)
Before you cross over the bridge to France, witness Peter Pan and Captain Hook taking care of some unfinished business.
(Courtesy Brooke Fehr)
Belle and Beast hold court in France.
(Courtesy Brooke Fehr)
However, there’s a new French kid in town. Remy has joined the festival just in time for his new attraction to open later in 2020!
(Courtesy Brooke Fehr)
Remy Topiary Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
The dragon, which was previously in China, has been relocated to prime real estate in Japan. I absolutely love how he’s placed here with this perfect view.
(Courtesy Brooke Fehr)
Meanwhile, Dopey and Snow White whistle while they work in Germany.
(Courtesy Brooke Fehr)
And Simba joins Rafiki, Mufasa and Sarabi in a moving tableau near the Outpost. Yay! Circle of life.
(Courtesy Brooke Fehr)
There’s lots more to see, including Anna and Elsa, The Three Caballeros, Lady and the Tramp, and So. Much. More. We’ll trust that the amazing Disney horticulture team is keeping the lights on for us until we can all return and see them firsthand.
Until then…See you real soon, Epcot.