Disney History: The Evolution of Disney’s Spectacular Topiaries
Every spring, Disney guests flock to EPCOT’s International Flower & Garden Festival to enjoy live music, festival treats, and a dazzling display of magical topiaries.
![Belle and Beast Topiary](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/belle-and-beast-topiaries.avif)
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
But have you ever wondered how this horticultural tradition began?
This week, Disney Parks Blog gives us a glimpse into the history and evolution of the spectacular topiaries we know and love.
![Elsa Topiary Frozen](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/elsa-topiary.webp)
![Elsa Topiary Frozen](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/elsa-topiary.webp)
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
Let’s check it out!
The Evolution of Disney’s Spectacular Topiaries
As with many of our favorite Disney attractions, the concept began with Walt Disney, who was inspired by the traditional topiaries he encountered on his travels around Europe.
![Walt Disney](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/walt-disney.jpeg)
![Walt Disney](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/walt-disney.jpeg)
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
Walt then asked Disney animators and landscapers to incorporate a series of “living” topiaries into Disneyland Park.
![Topiaries](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/vintage-topiary-photo-mickey.avif)
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
As a result, 24 original topiaries – including elephants, giraffes, poodles, and a waltzing hippo – were installed through the park in 1963. By 1966, the topiaries were permanently relocated to the area outside “it’s a small world.”
![Small World Topiaries 1966 Disneyland](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/small-world-topiaries.avif)
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
In the years since, Disney’s spectacular topiaries have continued to evolve, taking advantage of new techniques and technology to create the enchanting scenes we see in the parks today.
![Captain Hook EPCOT](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/captain-hook-topiary.avif)
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
Nowadays, Disney Imagineers begin the creation process with sketches and 3D models, which are ultimately crafted into EPCOT’s magnificently magical scenes.
![Tiana Topiary](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/tiana-topiary.jpeg)
![Tiana Topiary](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/tiana-topiary.jpeg)
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
Disney then sends the 3D models to a team of welders. These talented crews create frames that Imagineers and landscapers will ultimately transform into our favorite Disney characters.
![Snow White Topiary](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/snow-white-topiary.avif)
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
Using a technique called Sphagnum Topiary, artists use the frame to shape the desired figure. The Lady and the Tramp topiaries are a perfect example of this!
![Lady and the Tramp Topiary](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/lady-tramp-topiary.jpeg)
![Lady and the Tramp Topiary](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/lady-tramp-topiary.jpeg)
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
Additionally, modern lighting effects bring an extra dose of magic to these enchanting Disney scenes.
![Wish Topiary](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/wish-topiary.webp)
![Wish Topiary](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/wish-topiary.webp)
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
Disney’s amazing topiaries have come a long way since 1963 – and we can’t wait to see what’s next!
![Groot Topiary](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/groot-topiary.jpeg)
![Groot Topiary](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/groot-topiary.jpeg)
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
Stay tuned to MickeyBlog for all the latest Disney Parks news!