“Toy Story 3″ Heroes Meet HGTV Stars at 18th International Epcot Flower & Garden Festival
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – “Toy Story 3″ heroes Woody and Buzz Lightyear take Disney magic to infinity and beyond as topiary based on characters from Disney-Pixar films greet guests for the first time at the 18th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, March 2 through May 15. In another first, HGTV is now a festival sponsor with HGTV design gurus presenting workshops each weekend, included in regular Epcot admission.
This year’s 75-day festival showcases more than 100 expertly crafted topiaries based on favorite Disney characters and now, for the first time, Disney-Pixar characters. The festival’s front-entrance garden features Buzz, Woody and Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear from Oscar-nominated “Toy Story 3.” Another show-stopper will be new topiaries of “Cars” characters Mater and Lightning McQueen. “Cars 2″ debuts in theaters June 24.
Flower & Garden Festival Center presentations will showcase HGTV and HGTV.com celebrities on weekends and other experts seven days a week. HGTV personalities appearing include Genevieve Gorder (“HGTV Design Star”), Kim Myles (“Myles of Style”) and Vern Yip (“HGTV Design Star”).
Bambi’s Butterfly House more than doubles in size, the first time the popular garden has expanded since its 2005 debut. For the first time at Pixie Hollow Fairy Garden, favorite Disney Fairies will pose for photos and sign autographs throughout the day.
The Flower Power concert series returns with popular bands playing the open-air America Gardens Theatre Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. New Flower Power performers include Melissa Manchester (“Don’t Cry Out Loud”) March 25-27 and Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr. (“You Don’t Have to Be a Star”) April 8-10. Returning acts include Jose Feliciano (March 4-6) and Davy Jones (May 6-8).
More information about the 18th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is available by calling 407/W-DISNEY (934-7639) or by visiting disneyworld.com/flower.
