5 of Our Favorite World Showcase Gardens

During your Walt Disney World vacation, every once in a while it’s nice to get away from the hustle and bustle of the parks. You could take a shopping break at any of the nearby resorts (that Magic Kingdom resort monorail loop is one of our must-do Disney experiences!). Or you could have a relaxing day at your resort pool. You could even head to Disney Springs, or play a round of golf, or head out on a launch boat to enjoy the peaceful waters of Bay Lake or Seven Seas Lagoon. These are all wonderful (and highly recommended!!!) diversions, but you don’t have to leave the parks to find a peaceful retreat. There are many gardens tucked away here and there throughout the parks, and of course Spring heralds the arrival of chirping birds, colorful fields of flowers, and of course, the International Flower & Garden Festival at Epcot. The special event features delectable bites at outdoor kitchens and dozens of Disney-themed topiaries…not to mention hundreds of beautiful flowers and gardens. But springtime isn’t the only time you can enjoy breathtaking gardens at Disney…there are tons of colorful displays and well-manicured shrubs to be found throughout the year. Many of them can be found right in World Showcase, long after the Flower & Garden Festival has concluded. Here are some of our favorites:

1. A-Maze-Ing

First up is a pair of gardens in adjacent World Showcase pavilions. In the UK pavilion, the young and young at heart can wind their way through the hedge maze found in the central courtyard (below). The maze was inspired by the Somerleyton Hall yew hedge maze created in 1846. The path from the center of Somerleyton Hall’s maze to the exit is around 800 yards, but fortunately, the version in Epcot is quite a bit smaller. The UK Pavilion maze sports hedges that are 2 ½ feet tall, so those of you that are taller than that (I’m talking to you, moms and dads!) are on your honor not to peek!
Meanwhile, in the France pavilion, you’ll find the meticulously manicured jardin à la française (French formal garden). This beautiful landscaping style focuses on balance and symmetry as opposed to colorful blooms and was quite popular in the 17th century when a similar garden was created at Versailles (which you can see in the Impressions de France film). See if you can spot the beautifully manicured Hidden Mickey hiding in the shrubbery!

2. Quiet Tranquility

Across the lagoon in the China Pavilion, you’ll discover one of the most peaceful locations in all of Walt Disney World; the lotus water garden in front of the replica of the Temple of Heaven. While most people may hurry past the garden on their way to see Reflections of China (or to grab an egg roll at the Lotus Blossom Café), be sure to take a moment to gaze at the tranquil beauty of this lovely and unique water garden. For an even more peaceful moment of reflection, visit the pavilion after IllumiNations ends and take a stroll back to the far corner of the pond. It will seem as if you’re miles away from civilization, and the combination of a cool evening breeze, soothing music playing in the background, and the delicate beauty of the floating lilies will transport you to a place of relaxation and tranquility.

3. Victoria Gardens

One of the most beautiful (if not THE most beautiful) gardens in Walt Disney World can be found at Epcot’s Canada Pavilion, Victoria Gardens. The rolling hills, babbling brooks, and colorful flower beds were inspired by the Butchart Gardens near Victoria, British Columbia. The original gardens were completed in 1921, overseen by Jennie Butchart. Today, the Butchart Gardens includes The Rose Carousel, housed inside the 7,500 square-foot Children’s Pavilion. The carousel is enclosed by a 75-foot-tall glass-faced dome covered by a roof planted with native plant species. Unfortunately, there’s no carousel in the Canada pavilion, but you can still tour this beautiful country in the Canada Far and Wide show.

4. Quiet Reflections: The Gardens of Japan

The winding pathways behind the pagoda in the Japan Pavilion are often overlooked by Guests (even I am guilty of making a beeline to the Mitsukoshi Department Store at times!), but if you take the time to explore them they just might become one of your favorite “get away from everything” destinations in all of Walt Disney World. It all begins with a relaxing Koi pond, and it’s there that you might first notice the gentle “clunk” of the Shishi-odoshi (sometimes called bamboo water hammers). These simple but ingenious devices were often used to scare away deer and other animals, but have since become a meditative feature of many Japanese gardens. The gentle winding paths and bridges lead up to the courtyard near Katsura Grill, one of our absolute favorite places to relax (especially at night underneath the glow of the colorful paper lanterns).

5. The Butterfly and Knot Herb Garden in Epcot

Our final World Showcase stop is the United Kingdom, where you can wander through the Butterfly and Knot Herb Garden. There are numerous flowers that are placed to attract butterflies. You might even catch a few flitting about. In the herb garden, located near the replica of Anne Hathaway’s cottage, you’ll see things like parsley, sage, and rosemary.

Catch up on Summer Fun in Walt Disney World with the new Summer issue of Celebrations Disney Magazine!

Immerse yourself in the magic of Disney with features and pictorials on:
• Summer Fun at Walt Disney World
• The BoardWalk and BoardWalk Inn Resort
• Disney Parades Throughout the Years
• Percy Jackson
• Wayback Machine: The World of Motion
• Top Ten Facts About the Dreamfinder

• and Much More!!