How Early Are the Topiaries Made in Epcot for F&G?

[Stefecatzz]

I was wondering if anyone can tell me how early before the official opening date of F&G there are topiaries in Epcot? I'm sure they must be getting ready at least one week before.

 

[hiroMYhero]

Some will be out in time for the Princess 1/2 Marathon weekend: 2/19 - 2/21.

In 2014 for the 5K, we stopped for photo ops with the topiaries.

 

[SnackCredit]

Some topiaries (specifically the one between the main entrance and Spaceship Earth) are set up overnight on the first day from the time the park closes the night before to rope drop the next day. It's a monumental effort, but they get it done! (I remember seeing a video in the Wonders of Life/ Festival Center showing how they set it up that year.)

 

[DSLRuser]

to answer the question....YEARS in advance. It can take years to train the main structure. Then ornamental grass and moss can be added last minute.

In years past they have started to prep for F and G soon after Festivus decorations come down. So in mid to late january you can see them going up.

 

[Stefecatzz]

Thanks!

 

[mickeyluv'r]

As another poster said, in years past the Wonders of Life pavilion had some great informational displays on the topic. There were also live gardeners available for questions.

I'm not quite sure if this is what you mean, but some of the items displayed at the festival are very old Bonsai trees. Some have been in training for many decades. Let's say many are older than Epcot itself.

I can also add, WDW has had topiaries since at least the early 70's. There used to be many of them growing under the path of the MK monorail.

We've also witnessed the overnight transformation of Epcot, and talked to CM's about it. Some plants are out before the start of the festival. Some festival items are in the park, but covered. Many arrive overnight. Plantings are ripped out and replaced overnight.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Looks like some bonsai are donated by the Bonsai Society of Florida.

 

[Stefecatzz]

I asked because I'm not sure if I'll be able to make it for the opening like I originally planned. If I had to go sooner, I was wondering if I'd at least still get to see some of the topiaries in the WS.

Thanks for all the info, though! That's really awesome how much effort gets put into them!

 

[mickeyluv'r]

I asked because I'm not sure if I'll be able to make it for the opening like I originally planned. If I had to go sooner, I was wondering if I'd at least still get to see some of the topiaries in the WS.

Thanks for all the info, though! That's really awesome how much effort gets put into them!

Some of the plantings, yes. We've been in WDW for the start of the festival a number of times.

As I sorta said earlier, it isn't like pre FG Epcot is ugly. Let's just say I wish my garden looked as good as the plantings they remove to make way for festival gardens!

The pre festival plantings tend to be cold tolerant plants like pansies.

One year though, the first day was SO cold that the butterflies in the butterfly house didn't move all day. We went by early in the morning. Clearly, they'd transported the butterflies in a special box. The butterflies were just emerging from the box. When the sun hit them, they came to life. When the sun went behind a cloud, they were motionless.

We watched for a bit, then left. Most of the day was overcast. We went by the butterflies later in the afternoon, and they had barely moved! Most were still sitting on the box!