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Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide

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Seventy-five percent of the animal world consists of various species of bugs.  Bugs can be found almost anywhere, breed in large numbers, and have developed clever ways to avoid enemies.  Just a few years ago, they even managed to land a starring role in Disney's animated adventure "A Bug's Life."

We don't always consider bugs when we are thinking about gardening.  If we do, it is usually in an effort to figure out how to control the pesky things.  The gardeners of Disney make a special effort to educate guests on the difference between good bugs and bad bugs in the garden.  During the annual Flower and Garden Festival, they really focus on teaching kids the benefits of good bugs.  There are lots of bug-related activities for kids, including ladybug releases, butterfly releases, and debuting this year - the Bug Adventure Garden.

A climbing apparatus in the Bug Adventure Garden.

Tucked away in the Outpost section of the World Showcase, is this great playground, the Bug Adventure Garden.  It is a great place for kids to use pent up energy.  (This is an especially wonderful escape for four year olds who are tired of soaking up various cultures of the world.)  Several times a day, Dr. L. Bug teaches kids how to help plants stay healthy.  Then they all participate in a ladybug release.  The adventure is heightened when Timon and Pumbaa appear to lead a fun garden bug hunt and teach kids how bugs help in the garden.

The Garden also has this slide and zip line equipment.

East Future World is the home of "Big Bugs," a unique exhibit reminding us that bugs play an important role in our environment.

One of the bug sculptures in Future World.

A sign posted in the area gives the history of this collection representing familiar bugs found in most gardens.

"These amazing, larger than life bugs were created by New York artist David Rogers. This collection of garden sculptures is created entirely from natural materials.  Various combinations of whole trees, cut green saplings, dry branches, and other forest materials give these bugs character, definition, and a sense of movement."

Here are a few more of David Roger's creations...

A bee, hanging around it's hive.

A bee collecting pollen.

The dragonfly.

A rather large ladybug.

Praying Mantis.

The Spider.

If you'd like to create gardens that attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other entertaining creatures, check out the Backyard Habitats and Butterfly Gardening pages in the Magical Gardens of Disney section of MousePlanet.

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