From Florida to Ice Storm

I was blessed to spend a few days this week at the wonderful world of Disney in Orlando.  In addition to being amazing purveyors of entertainment, they also host very well-run business conferences.  In the midst of meetings, we did get to enjoy a little Disney magic.  Since I left snow behind in Iowa, I was especially grateful for the warmth and sunshine.

I got to go on a Disney Institute Hidden Treasures Tour of Epcot.  It was a three hour tour of every Epcot pavilion with insight into the creation of the park and some views of the behind the scenes landscape. 

These pictures were at the Oaxaca wood carvers exhibit in the Mexico pavilion.  I was inspired by the shapes and bright colors.

I really loved the colors and patterns of this big bright frog.

All of Disney was decorated for the holidays with special holiday programs, decorations, exhibits and even smells (the Yacht Club lobby smelled of cinnamon and pine ... the lobby of the Beach Club was scented with gingerbread).  In Germany's pavilion there were beautiful Christmas wreaths and poinsettias.

I loved this view across the lake.  Our tour guide was wonderful.  She was a retired Naval attorney who was enjoying her second career as a leadership speaker and tour guide through the Disney Institute.

We got to end the evening with the beautiful light and fireworks display at Epcot.  Watching from a platform near the United Kingdom pavilion, the view was breathtaking.

   

Lastly, the not so magical view from my hotel room :^).  It made me wonder why they even install a balcony to overlook the flat roof that holds the vends and cooling units.

Since the weather-people are predicting the landing of a horrible ice storm in Iowa tomorrow, I am even more appreciative of my time in the sun.

Comments

[lauren]

oooooooooooooh FLORIDA! (i really really wanted to go on that behind-the-scenes tour at epcot, but we didn't know about it until we were THERE and it was too late to book.)

awesome pics, btw!