EPCOT Pictorial

Two days prior we were experiencing another reduction in force nationwide. I started to feel peculiar because my emotions were not tied to the people getting laid off, even the ones I knew. Some sadness was there, but mostly I felt numb. We've let go of hundreds of people nationwide in the last year and a half. What was another few hundred? I was thankful I could escape today to help celebrate my friend Myrna's 47th birthday at a Disney park: EPCOT.

Months ago we decided we would attend the Flower and Garden Festival at EPCOT. We would go on her birthday so she could get in free with advance registration. This has got to be one of the best thing's Disney has implemented. The celebrant also receives a giant pin with Happy Birthday and their name written on the pin. I would say that about 90% of the employees we encountered wished Myrna a happy birthday during our trek around the park.

Myrna was greeted at my the door with brownie cake I made sporting several lit candles. The running joke is that there were several years I was not advancing Myrna's age when her birthday came around. She was turning 42 when we met. Something like, "You're turning 42, right?" would escape me every year. This is the first year I am acknowledging that she is 47.



We had breakfast on the way to Orlando and after the 45-minute drive, we were soon ogling all the topiaries and bright colors offered for the festival.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs


The icon of EPCOT: Spaceship Earth which contains a ride that take you from the dinosaur age to computers, showing how technology has evolved in the world. I could've sworn it was Dame Judy Dench narrating the exhibit.


I love this pattern. Hmm..How many sides are there?


Three ostrich looking mighty fine.


Lady and the Tramp! So cute.


Bromeliad Dragon: This was in front of the China exhibit. The colors are stunning.


Just a view of the dozens of gardens showcased in the event.


Fleur-de-lys in the France exhibit.


Bulletins pasted on a column -- also in the France exhibit.


Sleeping Beauty (aka Princess Aurora) was one of the many characters walking around greeting guests and available for photo opportunities like this with a young visitor.


A scary troll topiary in front of the Norway exhibit.


If you've seen the movie Finding Nemo then you'll recognize these characters.


Beauty and the Beast


This is a great pic of Cinderella in front of Spaceship Earth.


I was teasing Myrna that Cinderella had been waiting for her prince so long that she grew moss.


We arrived at my apartment safe and sound not to mention tired! I had to work the next day and Myrna had to hurry home to her husband and celebrate what was left of her day. I went to bed dreaming of gardens and mossy princes. Ha.

EPCOT Pictorial