Your own topiary – Epcot

It is so much fun to run around Epcot and try to find all the different pieces of topiary but sometimes as I mentioned this week it is hard to get pictures of your favorites without other people in the shot. A way to combat this is to 1) wait until your favorite piece is people free (sometimes this is just a few minute but if it is Cinderellabration at the main gate you may be waiting for a long time) 2) search for pieces that are not that popular (like Bambi and Stitch) or 3) buy your own topiary for your home! There are several pieces that you can buy at any of the outdoor booths. Here is a list of prices of the pieces available…



Some of my favorites are the Bears and the large Mouse. If you have a garden with Disney topiary in it I would love to see the pictures. Have a magical weekend!

Stitch – Epcot

Today is another piece of topiary that is not listed on the map. In fact if you look at the map in the Mission Space area you will see that there are no markings for anything special. Located to the right of the Mission Space entrance is Stitch. Surrounded by a cluster of red flowers Stitch is very impressive. Look at his teeth! This Disney Character topiary is another that is overlooked and you can spend a lot of time with him taking photos at many different angles.

Characters of Bambi – Epcot

Today’s Disney Character hunt characters are not on the map. I was surprised to find in Canada Bambi, Thumper and Flower from Disney’s Bambi. Set right in the middle of Canada you will find the three stars. They are not a popular stop on the topiary scavenger hunt, in fact many people almost miss them while they are taking pictures of Canada. While I was taking my shots I heard a little girl tell her mother after she spotted me leaning over the little fence to take photos… “Oh… there is Bambi!” If you want to get a good shot without many people of Disney Character topiary this spot is your best bet. A lot of people walk by but there are not many stoppers.

Let’s Get Moving –Epcot

Another great place to find Disney Characters depicted in topiary is in the Imagination Walkway. Here you will find Goofy, Donald, Pluto , Minnie and Mickey all playing their favorite sports. This is not just a place where you can see classic Disney characters doing their favorite outdoor activities it is also a place where little ones can also play. There are structures to climb on and outdoor work out equipment. One of the favorites that I saw a line for was the mini stair steppers perfect for children 2-5 years old. The space is small so for the photo hunters it might be best to take your shot and then move on.

Simba’s Birthday Celebration – Epcot

Brand new to the International Flower and Garden Festival there is a character topiary scavenger hunt for families. At the festival information center cast members will hand you a list of the items to find on your scavenger. This week I thought I would take you on a character topiary hunt around Epcot. First up this week a little lion whose birthday celebration was depicted in topiary. Simba’s Birthday Celebration is a beautiful collection of several pieces of topiary located in the World Showcase Plaza. Directly in the middle (as you are walking into the World Showcase) is the main scene. Rafiki holds up samba while Mufasa and Sarabi watch. Then to the left Scar and Zazu sit and to the right Timon delivers the birthday feast while Pumba rocks a cool hair do…



This collection of Lion King topiary is not hard to spot and is a popular destination for many Disney Character Topiary Scavenger Hunters.

Cinderellabration at Epcot

Where do we begin talking about the 2009 International Flower and Garden Festival? There are so many things to learn about and so many flowers and gardens to see during the Flower and Garden Festival. Well the best place to start is probably at the beginning. The celebration of Spring occurs right at the entrance with Cinderellabration.

Right when you walk up to the first Kodak picture spot in Epcot you will see the Princesses and their princes in topiary all celebration the coronation of Cinderella. It is really quite amazing what they can do with plant and flowers and we spent at least 20 minutes just walking around the front garden. Here I am in front of the Beast at the Kodak picture spot…



And here are some of my favorite shots from the main entrance exhibit…


Here is the royal couple themselves dancing in a garden of beautiful purple, white and pink flowers. And here are a few of their guests…





If we keep walking around the island that is host to Cinderellabration we run into Cinderella’s Couch (photo by Norwood)



And then we come back around to see Snow White and the Seven Dwarves…



There is so much detail right at the entrance from the topiary to the flowers it is beautiful art that definitely makes you want to celebrate Spring.

Tomorrow I will continue our tour through Epcot during the 2009 International Flower and Garden Festival. Norwood and I are having a great time and sometimes we even turn the camera on each other…