One of my family’s favorite displays at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is the Pixie Hollow Garden. Sure, the topiaries of Tinker Bell and her fellow fairies are amazing, but what we really like to study are the miniature fairy houses.
![pixie-hollow-roller-skate.jpg](/blogs/kristin-ford/pixie-hollow-roller-skate.jpg)
![pixie-hollow-watering-can1.jpg](/blogs/kristin-ford/pixie-hollow-watering-can1.jpg)
![pixie-hollow-watering-can2.jpg](/blogs/kristin-ford/pixie-hollow-watering-can2.jpg)
Near each topiary is a representation of what that fairy’s house would be like. The tiny dwellings are imaginative in their use of everyday household items. One of the most memorable uses a roller skate as its base. Other miniature model homes that have been displayed for multiple years feature water cans and teapots. A Disney landscape artist said they use these objects because they help illustrate the size of fairies.
![pixie-hollow-tink-and-periwinkle.jpg](/blogs/kristin-ford/pixie-hollow-tink-and-periwinkle.jpg)
The Epcot horticulture team has been creating these shelters since 2009, and there are some new fairy houses each year. That’s largely because Pixie Hollow Garden has grown each year with annual direct-to-DVD Tinker Bell movies that feature new characters. This year, however, is the first since 2008 that a new Tinker Bell movie will not hit the shelves. (“Quest for the Queen” is expected in Spring 2014.) So, the theming highlights Tinker Bell and her long lost sister, Periwinkle, who was revealed in “Secret of the Wings” in October 2012. In fact, their topiaries are the focal point at the entrance to this year’s garden.
Last year, Pixie Hollow Garden offered a special Winter Woods section that was made to recall the hues of snow and ice with beds of blue and white flowers. In years past, the garden contained a play structure for younger kids. This year, however, the play structure has been separated from the fairies; it still remains near the Test Track Walkway but has been re-imagined as a Radiator Springs outdoor area. The fairies have moved into the Butterfly House, which is located on the opposite side of the park. (Take a photo tour of the lifelike topiaries and even more images of the tiny houses in the AllEars.Net gallery.)
![flower-and-garden-lightning-mcqueen.jpg](/blogs/kristin-ford/flower-and-garden-lightning-mcqueen.jpg)
![flower-and-garden-radiator-springs.jpg](/blogs/kristin-ford/flower-and-garden-radiator-springs.jpg)
Like other aspects of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, the fairy houses can be replicated at home. Disney’s April issue of “Family Fun” magazine shows readers how to create a miniature house, called a Toad Abode, with very little construction involved. The editors suggest buying a small birdhouse and placing it in a shallow plastic plant saucer with small flowers and moss that are appropriate for your area of the country. (Be sure to drill drainage holes in the saucer beforehand.) Then, accessorize with doll furniture, small toys or craft-store items, such as a miniature fence.
![family-fun-fairy-house.jpg](/blogs/kristin-ford/family-fun-fairy-house.jpg)
Finally, wait for the fairies to move in. Though you’re not likely to see them, you’ll be alerted to their presence when things have been moved around in the saucer.
RELATED LINKS:
** Kids tour Epcot Flower & Garden Show TRYit food booths
** My Yard Goes Disney’ host Brandon Johnson takes guests behind the scenes of backyard makeovers at Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
** Check out our extensive Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Information!
Trending Now
A ride will close soon in Universal.
It's never to early to shop for Disney advent calendars!
Did you know Walt Disney World offers FOUR pet-friendly hotels?
We know what you'll be doing the next time you're in line for the Haunted...
Some new nonstop flights are available to MCO!
Sports lovers will want to head to McDonald's now!
These Haunted Mansion souvenirs are perfect for Foolish Mortals who wish to spend more time...
Unfortunately, we did the research and know that THESE attractions are NOT included in Lightning...
Royalty from the worlds of sports and entertainment just spent some time at the Magic...
Breaking this Disney World rule could be painful and ruin your vacation.
We've got so many holiday festivities to look forward to already in Disney World. So...
This is your official warning. Your Disney World trip is about to look TOTALLY different.
Let's talk about the 3 times we regret not splurging on a Deluxe Disney World...
A reliable park bag is ESSENTIAL in Disney World and we've got four from Amazon...
We officially know the pricing for the new Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane...
Looking for the perfect pants for your next Disney parks trip? Look no further --...
We have a warning if you are planning on staying at Disney's Pop Century Resort...
We tried out Disney World's new Lightning Lane skip-the-line service today and WOW were we...
There's a NEW holiday coming to Disneyland Resort!
Our readers have a LOT to say about the new skip-the-line service that just replaced...