Meet the Disney Cast Member Who Has Cared for EPCOT Gardens Since Opening Day

Meet the Cast Member Who Has Kept EPCOT Blooming Since 1982

For over 40 years, Disney Cast Member Gary has had a front-row seat to the evolution of Walt Disney World Resort, witnessing the magic blossom season after season. What began as a role as an EPCOT gardener has grown into a distinguished career as an Urban Forester. Today, Gary leads a dedicated team of arborists responsible for the health and beauty of the thousands of trees that define the Disney landscape.

“I originally started because I loved being outdoors and working with plants,” Gary says. “But I soon realized the sheer scale of our impact. We aren’t just gardening; we’re crafting environments that enhance storytelling and guest comfort. Being part of that is a huge point of pride for me.”

From relocating massive trees to supporting the immersive storytelling of alien flora in Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Gary has spent his career balancing Walt Disney World’s continued growth with environmental responsibility and care for the land.

EPCOT has always held a special place in his journey. Gary began his Disney career there decades ago and has witnessed the park’s transformation firsthand, including supporting the very first EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival in 1994.

“At the time, no one imagined it would become what it is today,” Gary says. “Did I expect it to grow into this? No. Not at all. But every year, it gets better.”

While Gary isn’t responsible for planning the festival, he has supported every single one since it began. His role focuses on the behind-the-scenes work that makes the magic possible, from crane operations to large-scale installations, helping bring the festival to life safely, thoughtfully, and sustainably.

Over time, the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival has grown from a simple plant showcase into a park-wide celebration of storytelling, craftsmanship, and horticultural artistry — reflecting EPCOT’s evolution and its continued commitment to blending innovation with nature.

His work reflects a core arboricultural belief: mature trees matter and protecting them requires foresight, patience, and advocacy.

“They provide shade, environmental benefits, and a sense of place you can’t get overnight,” Gary explains. “You can plant new trees, but the benefits of a mature tree are exponential. They’re the backbone of the landscape.”

As Walt Disney World continues to grow and EPCOT evolves, Gary and his team work proactively to inspect trees, manage risk, and preserve existing landscapes—finding thoughtful solutions that support both longstanding infrastructure and new development.

One of Gary’s proudest accomplishments is helping build an arboriculture program that prepares the next generation of cast members to carry this responsibility forward. While he’s quick to credit the teams who do the work every day, his leadership has helped ensure care for the land remains a priority as the resort continues to evolve.

From EPCOT’s earliest days to its ongoing transformation, Gary has had a front-row seat to how innovation, environmental stewardship, and storytelling can grow together. And each spring, when EPCOT blooms once again, every vibrant garden reflects decades of care, patience, and dedicated cast members working behind the scenes.

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