Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

The 19th Annual Epcot Flower & Garden Festival kicks off gardening wizardry with a new Sorcerer Mickey topiary conducting floral magic at Epcot's front entrance. Even as spring is just beginning to put on a colorful coat, Sorcerer Mickey will conjure up a riot of color in manicured shapes of dancing broomsticks, buckets, mushrooms, hippos, alligators and elephants reminiscent of the classic Disney film, "Fantasia."

Beyond the dazzling displays of blooms and topiaries, special gardens, events and children's play areas throughout the park offer more reasons to visit the festival than ever. The 2012 Festival highlights include:

• Bambi's Butterfly House will be three times the size of the festival's original and will be "a-flutter" with multiple species of beautiful butterflies.
• Disney fairy topiaries will greet young fans at the Pixie Hollow Fairy Garden This whimsical garden features play structures for children ages 2-5 and will be located at the Test Track walkway.
• HGTV celebrities will take to the HGTV Designers Stage each weekend (Friday through Sunday) and nationally recognized garden personalities Monday through Thursday at the Festival Center.
• Popular bands will rock the open-air America Gardens Theatre every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. during the Flower Power concerts.

The full line-up* for the 2012 Flower Power concerts has been announced. Expect to see 20th Century pop favorites return when Jose Feliciano, Chubby Checker and The Wildcats, Paul Revere & The Raiders, Davy Jones and others take to the America Gardens Theatre stage. Also, new to the stage this year is Chuck Negron, formerly of Three Dog Night, and former members of Elo and Elo Part II. The Festival and Flower Power Concerts are included in regular Epcot admission. Seating is limited, so plan on getting in line for the concerts early. The full 2012 line-up includes:

• March 9-11 - Jose Feliciano
• March 16-18 - Starship Starring Mickey Thomas
• March 23-25 - The Guess Who
• March 30-April 1 - The Spinners
• April 6-8 - Chubby Checker & The Wildcats
• April 13-15 - Paul Revere & The Raiders
• April 20-22 - The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie
• April 27-29 - Chuck Negron (formerly of Three Dog Night)
• May 4-6 - The Orchestra (featuring fomer members of Elo and Elo Part II)
• May 11-13 - Herman's Hermits Starring Peter Noone
• May 18-20 - Micky Dolenz (THE MONKEES Lead Singer)

Of course, you won't want to miss:

• The Festival Center where you can shop for festival merchandise and attend demonstrations from master gardeners.
• Disney Gardening at Home presentations by Disney horticulturists will share gardening tips and lead guests in a hands-on, take-home activity at the Festival Center.
• Special Weekend Celebrations:
  • March 23-25 - Art in the Garden celebration of plein air artists.
  • April 27-29 - Florida Federation of Garden Clubs gathering.
  • May 4-6 - Fresh from Florida Farmer's Market salute.

I've been fortunate enough to attend the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival several years. Photo opportunities are absolutely everywhere — the flowers are always so beautiful and it is a great time to pick up tips for your own garden. If you're a fan of 60s and 70s music, you'll also enjoy the Flower Power Concerts.

The 19th Annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival kicks off March 7 and continues through May 20, 2012. The festival, including all gardening programs and exhibits, is included in regular Epcot admission. More information about the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is available by calling 407-W-DISNEY (407-934-7639) or by visiting DisneyWorld.com/Flower.

*Entertainment is subject to change without notice.