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Credit: DisneyAlthough both Walt Disney World and Disneyland remain closed until further notice, certain maintenance is still occurring at both Disney theme parks to keep them in good condition for Guests’ return.
As Disney World President, Josh D’Amaro, discovered this week, the EPCOT International Flower & Garden topiaries are still in perfect condition, despite the extended Disney Parks closure. D’Amaro posted a touching picture of him looking at the 2020 Flower and Garden Festival Sorcerer Mickey topiary, still looking just like it did on the celebration’s opening day!
D’Amaro also shared an inspiring message with his followers, saying, “Like many of you, I spend most days at home, but every so often I come in to thank the small group of Cast maintaining the magic at WDW. On a visit to EPCOT this week, I was struck by the beauty and inspiration of our Flower & Garden Festival topiaries which are still here. They are a testament to how amazing our horticulture team is.”
“Our Disney parks are places with so much emotion, memories and enormous potential – potential the world needs to believe in right now. And potential our Cast and Imagineers have anchored their lives to. I’m reminded how EPCOT stands out in this message of hope and the world coming together.”
D’Amaro concluded his poignant post with, “And while EPCOT and other parts of our Resort are always special, they aren’t truly alive without our Cast. I know we’ll be back to make magic one day soon.”
This isn’t the first time D’Amaro has encouraged Disney Parks fans on social media during the closure. Disneyland President, Rebecca Campbell, has also shared inspiring posts with her followers.
Walt Disney World Cast Members have also been doing their part to keep the magic alive during this difficult time, with staff members at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort sharing sweet messages with Disney fans in recent days.
What’s Next For Disney’s Festivals?
When the Disney Parks closure was announced, both the 2020 EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival and the 2020 Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival were in full swing. The Disney World Festival was originally scheduled to end on June 1, 2020, while the Disneyland Festival was scheduled through April 21, 2020.
Although Disney Parks executives have not yet announced anything regarding festival extensions at the theme parks, there are some indications that they could continue after re-opening. One of the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival vendors filed for a permit that would indicate that the festival may be extended through September.
Furthermore, the maintenance of the Walt Disney World Flower & Garden character topiaries indicates that the Disney Parks team may be intending to extend the event until Guests are once again allowed into EPCOT.
Bring the Flower & Garden Festival Home!
Although we can’t visit EPCOT right now, there are ways to bring the delicious food from the Flower and Garden Festival home! Try this Berry Buckle recipe to feel like you’re strolling through the World Showcase without leaving your kitchen.
You can also whip up a batch of one of the Festival’s most popular treats, Violet Lemonade! This easy recipe will have you feeling Disney Parks-level happy in no time at all.
Are you excited that the EPCOT Flower and Garden topiaries are still there? Tell us what you’re most excited to do when you visit EPCOT again in the comments!