The exhibit was first conceived in 2018 by Tracy Micciche, the gardens\u2019 events and marketing director, because her daughter, then 14, had an interest in fairies.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy daughter loved fairies growing up; she was very much in that magical world of Fairyland,\u201d Micciche said. \u201cI had this idea of building fairy doors and having a little scavenger hunt in the gardens.\u201d<\/p>\n
Each of the fairies has a story, a job, a favorite flower and a name that draws on folklore and cultures from around the world. This year, the doors are all plant-themed.<\/p>\n
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Patrick Connolly\/Orlando Sentinel<\/p>\n
A door belongs to Elida, the butterfly fairy, during the Fairy Doors exhibit at Leu Gardens in 2022. (Patrick Connolly\/Orlando Sentinel)<\/p>\n
\u201cThere will be moon fairies and sun fairies, but their door is a plant,\u201d Micciche said, noting one bonsai-themed door. \u201cThat\u2019s going to be the cool factor this time, a little different than we\u2019ve done before.\u201d<\/p>\n
The doors are crafted by City of Orlando employee Colin Worley, and are then sent to a local artist for painting and decoration.<\/p>\n
This magical exhibit is meant to inspire a deeper relationship with the gardens.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis helps you walk through the gardens and sometimes in places you\u2019ve never been before,\u201d Micciche said. \u201cPeople are still coming back; it doesn\u2019t matter what age they are. Those who have grown up with it are coming back as adults now, and I think that\u2019s the coolest part of this exhibit. It spans all ages.\u201d<\/p>\n
The most rewarding part of putting this special showcase together is hearing the cheers of celebration throughout the 50-acre space.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can hear people yell that they found the fairy door. You\u2019re in the gardens, you hear people say, \u2018Yay!’\u201d Micciche said. \u201cThere\u2019s high fives, and it puts a smile on my face to know that we created something that is a great, memorable experience.\u201d<\/p>\n
Visit leugardens.org<\/a> to learn more.<\/p>\n Find me\u00a0@PConnPie on Instagram<\/a>\u00a0or send me an email:\u00a0pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com<\/a>. Stay up to date with our latest travel, arts and events coverage by subscribing to our newsletters at\u00a0orlandosentinel.com\/newsletters<\/a>.<\/p>\n Our 2026 Foodie Award winners list revealed \u2014 see who won<\/a><\/p>\n \t\t\t