Re: This week's podcast....F&G

[Neverland98]

I've never had the privilege of attending the Flower & Garden Festival in Epcot. However, coming from a landscape design background, I'm sure I'd love it!

I was interested in Pete's review of the show. I have to say, I agree about repeating. Granted, I've never been to this festival, but it is what makes the Rose Parade my favorite parade to watch each year - each float is built for THAT year. It is always a "new and fresh" parade!

It would mean Disney would have to put more work into the event each year, but what a fabulous department to work in - redesigning the topiaries each year!

I also agree about appealing to the repeat visitor. If Disney doesn't shake things up now and again, will the repeats keep coming back with such frequency? Or will their yearly/twice yearly visits diminish to ever 2 or 3 years? I know the opening of the new Fantasyland will inspire many to come visit, but I hope they continue with their traditional festivals, too - breathing new life into them year by year!

 

[k5jm]

I've never had the privilege of attending the Flower & Garden Festival in Epcot. However, coming from a landscape design background, I'm sure I'd love it!

I was interested in Pete's review of the show. I have to say, I agree about repeating. Granted, I've never been to this festival, but it is what makes the Rose Parade my favorite parade to watch each year - each float is built for THAT year. It is always a "new and fresh" parade!

It would mean Disney would have to put more work into the event each year, but what a fabulous department to work in - redesigning the topiaries each year!

I also agree about appealing to the repeat visitor. If Disney doesn't shake things up now and again, will the repeats keep coming back with such frequency? Or will their yearly/twice yearly visits diminish to ever 2 or 3 years? I know the opening of the new Fantasyland will inspire many to come visit, but I hope they continue with their traditional festivals, too - breathing new life into them year by year!

I was just at Flower and Garden last weekend and when I compare it to 2006, 2007 and 2009, I have to say that that there was a lot that was missing. The huge Rose gardens are not there anymore. At one time, there were a bunch of vendors lining the World Showcase along with exhibits. The expo hall was also empty compared to previous years. It was a 6 for me also.

 

[cindyland]

So maybe the parks will be less crowded for Spring Break if everyone has already been there, done that? Head over to Universal and check out the all-new Harry Potter stuff (and leave the DW parks for those of us who have new things to see after 20 years!)

 

[jcb]

I have never been to food and garden, uh, flower and wine, or whatever it is. I compare it to the Christmas decorations, which seem to be decreasing with each year (dare I say Lights of Winter).

But seriously, what puzzles me is the HGTV connection. HGTV's corporate headquarters are here in Knoxville so they sponsor charity events which I attend. Needless to say, when HGTV does the "room" the decorations are outstanding. There is, of course, a difference in degree between decorating a convention facility and EPCOT but it is one of scale, not competence.

I don't suggest EPCOT contract out Flower and Garden but it sounds like WDW could sure provide some expertise and help. Of course, it isn't about the ability, just the money.

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

I'm hoping to see for myself in early May.

If all the stars aline properly, I'll be able to head to WDW for a quick weekend. I was at the F&G Festival for the first time in 2009 so it will be interesting to compare the 2.