Visiting Disney World as a child is one thing, but going as an adult is a whole new experience. There on assignment, I embraced my childhood and felt like a true Mousekteer so much that I received my very own monogrammed ears from a Cast Member. In one short, five-day week I visited every park, shot promotional footage, participated as a “special guest star,” celebrated a birthday, visited many “countries”, and had VIP views for the Epcot Fireworks, Magic Kingdom Park Fireworks, and the Disney Main Street Electrical Parade. And I must say the full moon this week was so picture-perfect that I was tempted to wonder if Walt himself created it.
One of the most cherished experiences of the week was viewing Epcot’s 20th annual International Flower & Garden Festival, presented by HGTV, which is on now and going until May 19th. As a gardener who had recently appeared on HGTV, putting the two together in one place was an opportunity of a lifetime. I was euphoric over the gardens and all the care that was taken to create the magic for this short time period. The topiaries alone were incredible to see; boy, do I love topiaries, and these were out of this world. The new Monsters University topiaries were both large in scale and a breathtaking and innovative form of application.
I got a chance to learn how the gardens are constructed – planned and nurtured far in advance and then installed overnight! – and gained insight into the heritage of Disney’s Horticultural vision at Disney World Parks and how they have continued to evolve to become the award-winning vistas they are today. This is my drug of choice. (Well, this and shoes!)
No matter where I looked throughout Epcot, there was a feast for the senses. It inspired me to bring back more than just some mouse ears; I’ve come back with new ideas, too.
It’s a wonderful world at Disney, alright. Some folks go there to work, some to play; I was fortunate to do both. As a result, I think the Disney magic now has a little MARgic in it, too!
