HGTV Design Celebrities and Disney Character Heroes Headline Flower & Garden Festival March 2-May 15

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- While Woody and Buzz battle the latest toy villain, HGTV's design gurus just might give their toy box a stylish makeover. As the lead toys of the Disney(Pixar film "Toy Story 3" take the art of Disney topiary "to infinity and beyond" for the 18th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival March 2-May 15, HGTV adds star power to the festival lineup.

 

Genevieve Gorder, Vern Yip and a constellation of HGTV stars bring their flair for design to the festival with weekend appearances covering a variety of design and landscaping topics. Meanwhile, the floral facsimiles of Buzz Lightyear, Woody and their nemesis Lotso the strawberry-scented teddy bear will welcome guests at the Epcot World Showcase front entrance garden.

As part of the HGTV sponsorship, the Festival Center will open daily with entertaining presentations and Disney gardening workshops. And Bambi's Butterfly Garden expands to accommodate more butterflies, plants and  guests in celebration of the upcoming release of "Bambi" Diamond Edition on Blu-ray Hi-Def.
Also new at the festival:

• At Pixie Hollow Fairy Garden, favorite Disney Fairies will pose for photos and sign autographs throughout the day. Young fans who enter this whimsical garden also discover play structures for children ages 2-5.
   
• Sleek floral topiaries of "Cars 2" stars Mater and Lightning McQueen will shine at the World Showcase Plaza in anticipation of the June 24 release of the original film's sequel.
   
• A Hundred Acre Wood wildflower display sets the scene for topiaries of Winnie the Pooh, Tigger and pals, set to appear in the "Winnie the Pooh Movie" this summer.

More information about the 18th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is available by calling 407/W-DISNEY (934-7639) or by visiting disneyworld.com/flower. The festival, including all gardening programs and exhibits, is included in regular Epcot admission.