March 18 - May 31, 2009

An elaborate “Cinderellabration” topiary featuring four Disney princesses dressed in “blooming” finery will set the scene for the 16th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival March 18-May 31.

Cinderella and Prince Charming, Snow White and the seven dwarfs, Sleeping Beauty and Prince Phillip, and Belle and Beast from “Beauty and the Beast” will debut as the grand front-entrance topiary during the 75-day festival. Princess Ariel from “The Little Mermaid” also will greet guests by the front-entrance fountain.

And that’s just the beginning. More than 70 topiaries in all showcasing the extraordinary craftsmanship of Disney gardeners will dot the park landscape. Sweeping floral beds and exhibits will feature 30 million blooms. The art of bonsai will “wow” guests at the Japan showcase, and a large “green” garden between France and Morocco pavilions will reveal the many ways home gardeners can “go green” with their own landscapes.

2009 Festival highlights also will include:

Disney Gardening at Home presentations: Disney horticulturists share gardening tips and lead guests in a hands-on, take-home activity.

The Great American Gardeners series: Gardening celebrities and authors from across the country will share their gardening secrets.

The Garden Town festival center: Guests can shop for festival merchandise, attend speaker presentations and demonstrations and ask gardening questions of the experts.

The family-oriented Growing Future Gardeners: A garden of delight where kids and parents can get colorful (and tasty) planting ideas.
Kids’ activities and character meet-and-greets.

Flower Power concerts: Popular bands rock the open-air America Gardens Theatre every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. The concert lineup is slated to include Davy Jones, Paul Revere & the Raiders, Jose Feliciano and other top acts.

Further 2009 details to be announced at a later date.

Contact mona@magicaltripplanner.com