From the Disney Parks Blog and written by: Steven Miller
Blossoming again in 2018, the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival returns to Walt Disney World Resort from February 28 through May 28. The festival marks its 25th Anniversary this year with brilliant gardens, fresh flavors, rocking entertainment, and commemorative merchandise. The seeds of this year’s merchandise assortment were planted more than a year ago by event product developer Cathy Dawson. By collaborating with a talented art team and incorporating beloved products from Disney Parks, Cathy tells the Festival’s story from a fresh new perspective.
“This year’s merchandise mixes the latest on-trend designs with products we know guests love such as headwear or home décor,” said Cathy. “Since this year is a milestone anniversary, everything has a new look and many items include a 25th Anniversary logo in the artwork. There’s something for everyone to remember a springtime visit to Epcot.”
A garden of more than 75 items was created for this annual event. Cathy included little details on many products, which are best seen on the stylish accessories and easy-to-wear apparel. New headwear, such as the Mouse-eared baseball cap, contain nods to Spaceship Earth, while the flower-covered headband is reminiscent of the millions of blooms guests will see at Epcot.
Cathy partnered with Disney Creative Group artists when creating four art collections that complement the Festival’s overall design. She referenced an artwork style guide during the design process so the products have a consistent look when displayed throughout the park.
The “Mickey’s Grove” collection with Mickey Mouse, Pluto, and Orange Bird contains a harvested assortment of apparel, accessories, home décor, and more. The lovable purple dragon Figment “unearths the unexpected” in the “Figment Discovers” collection with apparel, drinkware, and garden statuary. The “Fresh Epcot” collection has brightly colored picks of the season from a simple pocket t-shirt to collectible pins.
“My favorite collection is ‘Minnie’s Farmhouse Flower Shop’ as the adorable artwork of Minnie Mouse with her cat Figaro captures the essence of spring,” continued Cathy.
Annual Passholders attending the event will find a variety of Passholder Exclusive products including drinkware by Tervis, pins, apparel, and a handbag by Dooney & Bourke.
Additional Dooney & Bourke handbags with images of Minnie Mouse and Figaro will be available. Please note the wallet will be released at a future date during the Festival.
When the Festival kicks off on February 28, we are releasing two limited-edition retail MagicBands. The Mickey Mouse-themed one has an edition size of 2,000 and is packaged in an orange-scented box. The Passholder Exclusive MagicBand also has an edition size of 2,000 and complements other Figment products created for the event.
One additional MagicBand will be released at a future date during the Festival. Packaged in a box that smells like flowers, the Minnie Mouse-inspired item has an edition size of 1,000.
These products and many others, including the new springtime scavenger hunt, Spike’s Pollen Nation Exploration, will be found in select merchandise locations throughout Epcot.
For more information on the Festival, check out epcotinspring.com.
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