Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival at Walt Disney World
features theme weekends
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Interactive bug releases, colorful art pieces,
family activities and nature photography sessions add plenty of themed
fun to every weekend of the 12th annual Epcot International Flower &
Garden Festival April 15 to June 5. Each of the eight festival weekends
features a special theme with events and activities that add to the
daily festivities.
Premiere Weekend April 15-17
* Epcot opens with 30 million blooms, topiary magic, gardening activities
and kickoff moment.
* Davy Jones launches the Flower Power concert series at America Gardens
Theatre.
* Paul James, a.k.a. "The Gardening Guy(" and host of HGTV's
"Gardening By the Yard," answers gardening questions and provides
helpful insight into this popular hobby as part of the Great American
Gardeners series presented by the American Horticultural Society on
April 15, 16 and 17 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
* Festival poster artist Larry Moore signs posters of the artwork he
created for this year's festival.
* Kids can take part in a Slithering Sam craft activity at the Rose
Walk.
I Dig Bugs Weekend April 22-24
* Guests discover that bugs are fun and keep gardens healthy.
* Disney's Animal Kingdom bug specialists appear from 12-5 p.m. Saturday
and Sunday in Future World East to give guests a close-up look at caterpillars,
spiders and other creatures.
* Robert Bowden, director of the lush Harry P. Leu Gardens in Orlando,
shows guests how to create a butterfly experience in their own backyards.
* Jiminy Cricket and friends make special appearances in Future World
throughout the weekend at various times from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
* Ladybugs will be released more frequently throughout the I Dig Bugs
Weekend.
* Kids can make their own Chenille Critters at the Rose Walk craft activity.
Art in the Garden Weekend April 29-May 1
* Guests can observe landscape artists at work while they capture
the beauty of the Epcot gardens. Sixteen plein air artists paint at
locations around the World Showcase promenade from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday
and Sunday. Twelve Art in the Garden artists who work in various media
paint works for sale.
* Renowned plein air artist Linda Blondheim talks with guests about
her passion for the outdoors at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
* Fragrance expert Roja Dove talks about perfumes and provides "scent
profiling" for several lucky guests Saturday and Sunday.
* Festival poster artist Larry Moore signs his artwork for guests all
weekend.
* Chalk artist Lee Jones creates sidewalk masterpieces.
* Kids can participate in chalk art activities.
* Children can enjoy the Kids Paint Out experience located inside the
Sculpture Garden daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A half dozen easels and
special paint bottles are set out for kids to paint freehand (or any
other style) with the assistance of a professional artist nearby.
Mother's Day Weekend May 6-8
* Members of the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs exhibit a spectacular
display of floral arrangements at the Festival Center.
* Moms are treated to a complimentary photo and a flower exclusively
on Mother's Day, May 8. Photo locations are at Canada, Germany, Norway
and The Land pavilions.
* Families can celebrate mom at the Mother's Day Brunch May 7-8 at World
ShowPlace. Times are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
on Sunday. Guests can make reservations at 407/WDW-DINE (939-3463).
* Guerlain perfume specialist Raymond Western talks about the intimate
relationship between perfumes and plants like those displayed at the
France pavilion's Fragrance Garden.
* The Fairy Godmother from "Cinderella" meets and greets guests.
* Children can create the perfect Mother's Day card at the Rose Walk.
Photography Weekend May 13-15
* Guest photographers present daily at the Festival Center.
* Landscape designer, radio and TV personality Gary Alan shows guests
how to create their own magical landscapes as part of the Great American
Gardeners series.
* Kid's photo frame projects take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. all weekend
on the Rose Walk.
* Atmosphere entertainment including Walking Flower Arrangements and
Stilt Flowers entertains guests.
* Kite shows are scheduled above World Showcase Lagoon.
Characters in Bloom Weekend May 20-22
* More than 30 Disney characters are everywhere in the park for a
character extravaganza that includes the Country Bears, Snow White and
friends, Lilo, Goofy and others.
* The Home Depot supplies children with the tools for some hands-on
gardening fun throughout the weekend.
* FamilyFun magazine hosts the Garden Critters craft activity for children
at the Rose Walk.
* Award-winning entomologist and "Bug Bowl" founder Tom Turpin
talks about the benefits of insects.
* The brand-new Farmer Mickey Maze features popular character topiaries
and provides fun for the entire family.
Memorial Day Weekend May 28-30
* Georgia Tasker, Miami Herald gardening writer and author of Wild
Things, the Return of Native Plants, talks with guests about native
gardening.
* Children ages 3-9 can take part in Field Day activities near The Land
with beanbag tosses, relay races and other outdoor fun.
* A five-piece U.S. Army ensemble, The Volunteers, will play for guests
several times throughout the day.
* American Forests' Jeff Meyer appears May 27 through 29.
* Children can craft their Toothbrush Keepers at the Rose Walk activity
station.
Festival Farewell Weekend June 3-5
* At the Festival Center, Central Florida gardening celebrity Tom
MacCubbin talks about filling gardens with good things to eat as part
of the Great American Gardeners series.
* Festival poster artist Larry Moore signs his artwork for guests Saturday
and Sunday.
* Characters and stilt walkers appear throughout the park, and kite
shows are scheduled above World Showcase Lagoon.
* Surprise craft activities help kids wrap up their festival fun.
