The history of topiaries and Disney date back to Walt visiting Europe. As the story goes, after seeing the traditional European ones, Walt said he wanted some of his own. The first Disney topiaries didn’t appear in Disneyland until 1963 and those were just visible from the Disneyland Railroad. But with the opening of “it’s a small world” in 1965, they were placed in front of the attraction and became one of the most popular photo locations in the park.
“it’s a small world” topiaries 1988
When the Magic Kingdom opened in 1971, faux topiaries were installed to give guests something to look at on their way from the parking lot to the main entrance. But as the World began to expand, topiaries became common place. Fast forward to 2019 and the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival and the beautiful displays of dozens of topiaries all throughout Epcot.
Of course, that last one is not a topiary, but a display for the upcoming Disneynature Penguins opening April 17. This 9-foot-tall art sculpture made from recycled marine debris will be on display in Future World featuring an adult and baby Adélie penguin. Created by the non-profit organization WashedAshore.org, this work of art is designed to inspire Guests to keep our oceans and waterways clear of plastic pollution.
The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival has grown well beyond just topiaries into an almost three-month celebration of food, drink, music, and of course flowers! This amazing event continues through June 3rd and for more information visits FreshEpcot.com.