It's no surprise that my favorite Disney park is Epcot. When I'm on a buget and can't afford a trip to Europe, I book a cheap flight to Orlando and walk around the pavillions at Epcot's World Showcase. It temporarily satisfies my international-travel hunger plus I get to practice my (poor) French with real French employees at the France pavillion.

Special events like the International Flower and Garden Festival through May 30 make the park even more magical. Disney characters come to life in giant topiaries. My favorites are placed throughout the World Showcase because I'm reminded that many of these beloved characters have origins from other countries. 

Here's what caught my eye in other countries.

Canada

Who knew Bambi, Thumper and Flower were Canadian?! 

United Kingdom

Here's the crocodile from Peter Pan.

France

And Cogsworth and Lumiere from Beauty and the Beast.

Morroco

This topiary was made from a variety of spices.

Japan

The traditional bonsai tree garden in this pavillion was expanded for the festival.

Italy 

Naturally, Lady and Tramp were spotted pretty close to the pasta restaurant.

Germany 

Snow White was published by the Brothers Grimm more than 100 years before the iconic Disney animation.

The Outpost

This isn't a pavillion, just an African-themed area between Germany and China. But how could you not stop to check out Timon and Pumbaa?

China 

Check out the varying textures on this dragon topiary.

Norway 

I think we all know who this is.

Mexico

There were so many beautiful orchids draping over Mayan-inspired features.

You can see all of these amazing installations until May 30.