Around the World at Epcot's International Flower and Garden Festival
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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?!
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Deanne Revel
United Kingdom
Here's the crocodile from Peter Pan.
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Deanne Revel
France
And Cogsworth and Lumiere from Beauty and the Beast.
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Deanne Revel
Morroco
This topiary was made from a variety of spices.
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Deanne Revel
Japan
The traditional bonsai tree garden in this pavillion was expanded for the festival.
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Deanne Revel
Italy
Naturally, Lady and Tramp were spotted pretty close to the pasta restaurant.
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Deanne Revel
Germany
Snow White was published by the Brothers Grimm more than 100 years before the iconic Disney animation.
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Deanne Revel
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?
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Deanne Revel
China
Check out the varying textures on this dragon topiary.
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Deanne Revel
Norway
I think we all know who this is.
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Deanne Revel
Mexico
There were so many beautiful orchids draping over Mayan-inspired features.
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Deanne Revel
You can see all of these amazing installations until May 30.