Through the Years: The Beauty and the Beast Character Topiaries at Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival
Tale as old as time, song as old as rhyme. Beauty and the Beast’s topiary at the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival dates back to at least the early 2000’s. Since the festival is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2025, it could possibly be an original. I wouldn’t be surprised. However, it’s difficult to find information on the internet that dates back to those early festivals and our photography references put us at a 2019 start on the topiary historical timeline.
All the same, the unlikely couple have evolved tremendously over time. Before I started writing about Disney, we were loyal fans who visited regularly. It might be hard for some of you to believe but about ten years ago, these two didn’t have proper faces. It’s difficult to imagine how much more distinct the pair might become in their topiary forms. But Disney never ceases to improve upon these kind of things.
The pair reside toward the front of Epcot’s France Pavilion. They are in a raised bed behind the pavilion’s entrance fountain. Guests often sits around the bed, so it can be difficult to get a photo. If you’re hoping for a good photo, the earlier in the day, the better. The pavilion opens with the rest of the park, and some guests flock here to ride Ratatouille first thing. Others go straight to Les Halles Boulangerie and Patisserie for breakfast.
Here is a view that shows the details of Beast’s coat.
The pair face the World Showcase Lagoon.
A few steps away, you can usually find Lumiere and Cogsworth. If you look closely at the picture below, you can see where Beauty and the Beast are behind that black lamp pole on the left hand side.
This is how they were positioned in 2022.
We see a few changes to Beast’s look in 2023. He has become even more detailed.
Cogsworth and Lumiere swapped places but remained in the same location in front of the pavilion’s maze.
Then in 2024, Belle’s look received a few more details. Here are a few more photos.
It’s also worth mentioning that Lumiere’s flames light up at night. If you’re in the area after dark, you might stop to check him out. Of course, if you’re in the area that late, it’s always worth taking the time to see Impressions de France. It’s an original film that debuted when Epcot opened in 1982. We never tire of seeing it. The theater is only a couple of feet behind the Beauty and the Beast topiary.
I hope you enjoyed this Through the Years look at Beauty and the Beast’s character topiaries. For more in our series you might enjoy the following:
- A Look Back at The Three Caballeros Topiary at Epcot’s Flower and Garden
- Through the Years: Woody, Bo Peep, and Sheep Character Topiaries
- Photos: Captain Hook, Peter Pan, and Tick Tock Croc’s Topiary Trio
- Winnie the Pooh and Friends Topiary in Epcot’s United Kingdom Pavilion
You might also like our Epcot International Flower and Garden Guide. It features our festival coverage, including menus, a topiary list, scavenger hunts, and other activities.
In the Comments
Do you enjoy the Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot? Which topiary is your favorite? Let us know in the comments or on our social channels.
