Ever since 1955 when Walt Disney opened his first theme park in Anaheim, California, the head of Mickey Mouse has graced the hillside just in front of the Main Street U.S.A. Railroad Station.

This month, for the first time ever, Minnie Mouse has replaced Mickey in honor of Women’s History Month. Floral Minnie will greet guests at the entrance of the Disneyland park for the month of March.

According to the Disney Parks Blog, “There have been some seasonal changes over the years,” said Horticulture Manager Sarah Day, whose team installed the display overnight. “But Mickey Mouse has always been the star of the show … until now!”

A team of 13 Horticulture cast members began the transformation process around midnight March 1, lights illuminating their intricate work. By 6 a.m., the transformation was complete, and Minnie Mouse, with her iconic bow and eyelashes, was center stage.

Horticulture Specialist Stacy Wise (pictured above) was tasked with creating the design in collaboration with her team. “I’m really excited to show my family,” said Stacy, whose passion for horticulture blossomed as a child while helping her father with his landscaping business. “I’m looking forward to getting my picture with the Minnie Mouse design and sending it to my dad.”

Stacy was tearful as she explained what this moment means to her. “It’s amazing that we’re having this step for Women’s History Month, and having Minnie Mouse featured is fantastic,” she said. “Minnie Mouse is just as iconic as Mickey Mouse, and she needs a little face time.”

The Horticulture team shared these fun facts about the floral: 

• The traditional floral design includes over 1,750 individual plants
• Minnie Mouse’s bow consists of approximately 750 individual plants, known as Nemesia 
• The swirls on either side of Minnie Mouse contain over 1,900 individual plants, including pansies, violas and petunias 

March is designated as Women’s History Month, a time to honor women throughout history, share their stories and celebrate their achievements. Women have always been a driving force behind many of our most treasured theme park experiences, and we will be sharing their stories all month long.