Epcot F&G changeover underway

[photoflight]

I don't know if this is really news but...Epcot's transformation for the Flower & Garden Festival is well under way.

Two weeks ago the area around the ponds near Innoventions and the Imagination Pavilion were still grass but staked out for the flower arrangements (I'm pretty sure it was like that last week when I was there but I didn't take pictures):
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Now the flower arrangements are planted and looking good; most of the vendor kiosks are in place too.
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Bambi's Butterfly House is framed up, directly behind "Club Cool" in Innoventions West
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[CamiLyn227]

I am getting excited to be there for my first Flower and Garden Festival this spring. Been to Disney 14 times but I've never had a chance to visit while it was going on.

 

[tecowdw]

Gee - what happens to all that sod that has to come up around the ponds? And I wonder if they reuse the same sod when it's time to replace it?

Either way it is ALOT of hard work for landscapers!

 

[WDWFigment]

As of last Saturday, the grass was still in place. On Monday, it was torn up with outlines of butterflies (no flowers) in place.

Just in case anyone REALLY wanted the exact timing!

Looks beautiful!

 

[photoflight]

As of last Saturday, the grass was still in place. On Monday, it was torn up with outlines of butterflies (no flowers) in place.

Just in case anyone REALLY wanted the exact timing!

Looks beautiful!

That's what I thought. I was there last Saturday too but I didn't take any pictures of it.

 

[raven]

Gee - what happens to all that sod that has to come up around the ponds? And I wonder if they reuse the same sod when it's time to replace it?

Either way it is ALOT of hard work for landscapers!

The sod is saved. Horticulture can do one planter area in about an hour. They attack it with 30+ people ripping out old plants, drilling holes, planting new ones and watering them. It's really amazing how fast they work yet how detailed the end result is. And when all is said and done, it looks like it's always been there!

 

[jjharvpro]

LOVE the Flower and Garden Festival!! Been there the past couple years in a row!

 

[JimboJones123]

The sod is saved. Horticulture can do one planter area in about an hour. They attack it with 30+ people ripping out old plants, drilling holes, planting new ones and watering them. It's really amazing how fast they work yet how detailed the end result is. And when all is said and done, it looks like it's always been there!

Thanks for the insight. THIS is why I love this site.

 

[NewfieFan]

Cool stuff! Thanks for posting.

 

[Mikester71]

Thanks for sharing! Have been to WDW four times, all during our Spring Break in March, so have been fortunate to catch it every time. Not used to seeing those areas without flowers though, so cool to see the before and after pics! :wave:

 

[JIMINYCR]

I am getting excited to be there for my first Flower and Garden Festival this spring. Been to Disney 14 times but I've never had a chance to visit while it was going on.

What a great time to go. The first time we attended we were so amazed at the colorful displays Disney put together. Coming from Maine at a time of year when everything is dull and brown to see such vibrant colors really makes us pray for Spring to hurry up.
Be sure to visit the butterfly enclosure too, worth taking the time to see.

 

[Bastia 33]

Thanks for photos , i like Flower and Garden Festival, it's beautiful event , i arrive in WDW on 13 March for see it:ROFLOL:

 

[sksowell]

This is always such a beautiful time at the park. Thanks for the pictures, it's looking great.

 

[Susan Savia]

We noticed this last week. One day in Epcot we saw the areas all staked out and baren of grass and flowers and the next day, it was all in place. Amazing transformation!! We took the same picures. It was very beautiful.

 

[CrackinStine]

They where just starting to switch everything over when I was there a couple days ago, this photo was from last Thursday(Feb 16th)

Kinda wish I could be there to see the finished result of "ALL" the transformations, but our annual trips take place early each year.

 

[mp2bill]

Cool. Thanks for the info.

 

[officeboy]

The sod is saved. Horticulture can do one planter area in about an hour. They attack it with 30+ people ripping out old plants, drilling holes, planting new ones and watering them. It's really amazing how fast they work yet how detailed the end result is. And when all is said and done, it looks like it's always been there!

I think they could make an attraction out of watching this transformation. Think Behind the Seeds (on steroids). If it was not for the logistics they could make a ton of money on selling tickets for this overnight 'show'. I have seen the video they shot a few years ago installing the F&G display at the front gate and I would shell out cash to actually see this in person. Being overnight work I assume I am in the minority though.

 

[photoflight]

Roughly a week to go before the official opening - here are some more previews from yet another rainy weekend:

Butterfly tent is up and almost finished
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I don't know if they're going to plant more roses, but what are there were very fragrant
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Play-area on the walkway between the Imagination Pavilion area and World Showcase
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Topiary in the UK Pavilion next to the Fish & Chips place
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Last year this topiary was on the opposite side of the walkway facing the dock area for the Friendship boats that go to the Swan & Dolphin/etc. This year it's on the other side, allowing much better access for pictures
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Snow White & the Dwarfs along the lake between Italy and Germany - they used to be under the trees next to Germany on the "Outpost" side
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Lady and the Tramp in Italy
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