#Epcot Blooms

[griffinkid]

Plushie moodboard for Bloom 🏖️

Bloom came from Canada... via Epcot, not actual Canada. That doesn't stop her from telling people she's Canadian, despite spending her early life in Disney World.

Stock pics from Unsplash, pics of WDW and Bloom are my own

[emaadsidiki]

Millions Upon Millions Blooms ❁ཻུ۪✾⚘༉ DISNEY's EPCOT

[magicaltrash]

It's time for the 5th annual Magical Trash Year-in-Review, where we take a look at trash cans at the Disney theme parks and resorts worldwide. Yes, it's a weird idea, but you are going to keep reading, right? (View previous Year-in-Reviews) Some may note that it's been a somewhat rocky year for the Mouse, but trash can activity has been strong. As we've seen in previous years, this year's additions were primarily driven by attraction openings, including Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway at Disneyland, the opening of the World of Frozen in Hong Kong, and the arrival of the Zootopia in Shanghai. Unfortunately, we also saw the fastest introduction-to-removal can timeline with the closing of Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser - which had opened just a year earlier at Walt Disney World. Over the past year, MagicalTrash.com celebrated the 1,000 trash can photo milestone (only took 14 years!), while adding over 100 new entries. This was complimented by 1,600+ posts across social media networks, including Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Mastodon, Threads, and Bluesky. Posts were also added to Twitter/X, but frankly it's hard to continue supporting that platform due to its overall decline on many fronts (and I say that as someone who works in corporate social media professionally!). For 2023, Magical Trash tracked 16 substantial trash can design changes, a 14% increase vs. 2022's 14 tracked changes:

Added: 14

Historical Cans Added: 4

Updated: 0

Endangered: 0

Removed: 2

The US-based parks saw the most activity, with Disneyland Resort experiencing 6 changes, while Walt Disney World recorded 4 changes. Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and Disneyland Paris Resort both recorded 2 updates, and Shanghai Disney Resort saw 1 new addition. No notable changes were recorded for Tokyo Disney Resort or Disney Cruise Line.

Here's a detailed breakdown of updates:

ADDED New trash can designs that debuted in Disney theme parks over the past year

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway (El CapiTOON Theater) - NEW Disneyland, Mickey’s Toontown With a movie theater setting, iconography is anchored by a popcorn bucket image with large “EC” letters.  

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway (M.A.G.I.C.) - NEW Disneyland, Mickey’s Toontown Outside the attraction are cans associated with M.A.G.I.C. - short for the Municipal Agency of Garbage Identification and Collection. Now that's a group we want to join!  

World of Frozen (Arendelle Crest) - NEW - NEW Hong Kong Disneyland, World of Frozen The official crest of Arendelle features a crocus - a multi-color flowering bulb that typically blooms in the spring - and seen throughout the Frozen franchise.  

World of Frozen (Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs) - NEW Hong Kong Disneyland, World of Frozen Furthering the rugged forest theme of the family coaster, decorative Scandinavian folk art patterns are found throughout queue, with geometric shapes highlighted in red, green, and orange hues.  

Zootopia - NEW Shanghai Disneyland, Zootopia A surprising entry to Shanghai's bland trash can scene, green trash cans with zebra-like stripes on the lower portion combine with a city emblem.  

San Fransokyo Square - NEW Disney California Adventure, San Fransokyo Square The shoehorned Big Hero 6 retheme of DCA's Pacific Wharf gave us new cans that looked a lot like the old cans - but with bonus "SFS" branding. Ho hum.  

Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana - NEW Walt Disney World, Epcot, World Nature You can tell this is a modern Disney attraction because the name is an IP-laden paragraph. Lots of storytelling to explain "scenery."  

Parkside Market - NEW Disneyland Resort, Downtown Disney Probably one of the more visually-stunning additions in 2023, Mickey Mouse + mid-century design. Simple concept, well-executed.  

The Villas at Disneyland Hotel - NEW Disneyland Resort, The Villas at Disneyland Hotel New DVC borrows much of its design from Aulani. Not ugly, but also not magical. Were these picked out of a catalog?  

Pixar Place Hotel - NEW Disneyland Resort, Pixar Place Hotel The retime of Disneyland's Paradise Pier Hotel features trash cans very similar in design to those implemented at The Villas at Disneyland Hotel. Maybe they got a 2-for-1 deal?  

Disneyland Paris Reusable Tableware Cans - NEW Disneyland Paris, Adventureland France's Anti-Waste and Circular Economy Law is focused on phasing out improper disposal of waste. Food service at the French parks has implemented reusable table settings, which has impacted trash can design.  

"Fantasyland 2" Backstage - NEW Disneyland Paris, Fantasyland A backstage can makes an appearance onstage as a support trash can from the “Fantasyland 2” zone, parked where everyone can see.  

Pym Test Kitchen Food Waste - NEW Disney California Adventure, Avengers Campus After debuting combination food waste trash cans in Tomorrowland around 2021, Disneyland expanded the practice to the Avengers Campus at DCA.  

Jollywood Nights Temporary Media Can - NEW Disney's Hollywood Studios, Grand Avenue Throw a sticker on an existing trash can and it's something new! Temporarily rethemed can at Disney's Hollywood Studios during a media event for Jollywood Nights holiday entertainment.  

HISTORICAL CANS ADDED Retro trash can designs that were unearthed by new research this year, but are no longer in use

MK Main Street (1974) - HISTORICAL ADDITION Magic Kingdom, Main Street U.S.A. Early years of the Magic Kingdom featured very detailed trash cans on Main Street U.S.A, often in multiple colors. Quite a contrast from the undecorated brown cans used in the 2000s.  

Farmer's Market (Late-1980s/Early-1990s) - HISTORICAL ADDITION Epcot, Future World, The Land The famed umbrella tables at The Land found their shapes emulated via the trash cans, which were primarily brown with light tan arches represented on all sides.  

River Country (2010) - HISTORICAL ADDITION Walt Disney World, Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground 9 years after the water park closed, remnants of the ‘Ol’ Swimmin’ Hole’ could still be spotted at Fort Wilderness.  

Mulholland Madness (2007) - HISTORICAL ADDITION Disney's California Adventure, Paradise Pier Tacky theme was on-point for DCA 1.0. This green can with road sign decal found a home in Paradise Pier.  

UPDATED Existing trash can designs that have been modified or revised in the past year

None for 2023  

ENDANGERED Trash can designs that still exist, but will most likely disappear in the future

None for 2023  

REMOVED Trash can designs that have been eliminated from use at Disney theme parks

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser (Interior) - REMOVED Walt Disney World, Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser The in-wall trash cans for the 100-cabin Corellian MPO-1400 model Galactic Starcruiser were in use for just 579 days.  

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser (Terminal) - REMOVED Walt Disney World, Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser You won't be needing to dispose of your garbage before boarding the MPO-1400 Star Cruiser Halcyon, as these cans will probably have a longer life than the hotel ever had.  

One massive disappointment in 2023 was Walt Disney World's opening of TRON Lightcycle / Run in the Magic Kingdom's Tomorrowland. Generic silver cans, thus reinforcing WDW's continual cheapening out on themed trash can design. Paul Pressler called and even he thinks you can do better.

Here at Magical Trash we celebrated our 14-year anniversary covering the world of Disney trash cans, which included keeping up with various salt shaker merchandise releases that showcase the iconic can shape. 6 new designs were released during festivals: The Dude with the Food (DCA Food & Wine 2023), Amazingly Sweet (DCA Food & Wine 2023), Groovy Garden Orange Bird (Epcot Flower & Garden 2023), Stuck on Imagination Figment (Epcot Flower & Garden 2023), Chef Mickey (Epcot Food & Wine 2023), and Spaceship Earth (Epcot Food & Wine 2023).

If you happened to be at Tokyo Disneyland, you could have picked up a mini figure version of a Tomorrowland trash can or a TDS trash can toy. In the U.S. you could pick up a shirt or water bottle with a recycling can image proclaiming that you "Love Our Disney Parks" -- Disneyland or WDW-specific versions. There was plenty of trash can auction action as well.

Thanks to everyone who contributed photos, visited MagicalTrash.com, and interacted with this weird hobby over the past year. You've put a smile on my face as we all follow this goofy passion. As it's impossible to be omnipresent at 12 theme parks and numerous resorts around the world, let us know what we've missed! Thanks for an interesting year, CanFans! - Steve Tanner, your Magical Trash host

[All photos used by permission.]

[samsdisneydiary]

2025 Epcot Flower & Garden Preview: Meet the Experts Behind 30 Years of Blooming Beauty

2025 Epcot Flower & Garden Preview: Meet the Experts Behind 30 Years of Blooming Beauty

The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is back in 2025, celebrating its 30th anniversary with fresh flavors, new experiences, and a few nods to three decades of blooming magic. This year’s festival includes new outdoor kitchens, expanded areas, and inventive culinary creations highlighting Florida’s rich agricultural offerings. We recently attended a virtual media preview featuring…

[xenoholidays]

Best Orlando Vacation Packages – All-Inclusive Deals & Disney Adventures with XenoHolidays

Planning a trip to Orlando? Look no further! XenoHolidays offers the best Disney Orlando all-inclusive vacation packages and all-inclusive Orlando Florida vacation packages to make your trip hassle-free and unforgettable. Whether you're traveling with family, friends, or as a couple, we provide tailored vacation packages to suit every need.

Orlando Holiday Trip Highlights

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Orlando is more than just Disney! With our all-inclusive Orlando Florida vacation packages, you can also explore:

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[momercurio]

#NEW! Fragrance Flowers and Scentsy Bars in fragrances featured at the 2024 EPCOT® International Flower & Garden Festival at Walt Disney World® Resort in Florida. 🌹🌿🌼

https://momercurio.scentsy.us/shop/c/39601/flower-and-garden-festival-happiness-blooms-collection?partyId=18195896

[heydaytravelcompany]

New Details Revealed for 2024 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

It may be winter according to the calendar, but spring is nearly blooming at Walt Disney World Resort. And nothing says springtime fun like the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival! This year’s festival will begin on Feb. 28 and continue through May 27 for ninety days full of beautiful topiaries, inspirational gardens, delicious dishes and rockin’ music celebrating spring. From the tiniest tykes to the young at heart, there’s something for everyone! Today we’re sharing more details, from new topiaries to acts coming to the Garden Rocks concert series. Let’s dig in! New Topiaries to Enjoy Each spring, we look forward to the astounding topiaries our Disney horticulture cast create for the festival. This year, more than 70 topiaries, featuring a delightful array of Disney characters as well as other figures and whimsical items, will fill the park. As part of the topiary magic, guests can also look forward to seeing everyone’s favorite dragon, Figment, in the newly opened World Celebration Gardens. Something else we’re excited to share: For the first time, Groot takes root at EPCOT! The flora colossus from the “Guardians of the Galaxy” trilogy will appear near Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind in World Discovery. Also new this year, guests can look forward to viewing new topiaries from the Walt Disney Animation Studios film “Wish,” including Asha, Valentino and the Wishing Star, at the park’s main entrance. And in Mexico, we’re thrilled to share that Miguel and Dante from Disney Pixar’s “Coco” will take center stage! Fresh Garden Rocks Concert Series It’s time to dance and sing along to guest favorites as the popular Garden Rocks concert series takes to the American Gardens Theatre stage daily during the festival. Featuring local and globally recognized acts, there’s something for everyone. This year, we’ll welcome new groups, including Modern English, Crowder, Lit, Monsieur Perine, and Fonseca. And for the first time, Raul Acosta & Oro Solido will share the stage with Magic Juan, then return the next day with Luisito Ayala and The Puerto Rican Power Band in a series of unforgettable performances.* Garden Rocks Dining Packages Open Feb. 6 To guarantee priority seating for your preferred performances, be sure to check out Dining Packages, available at seven fabulous EPCOT restaurants: - Akershus Royal Banquet Hall - Biergarten Restaurant - Coral Reef Restaurant - Garden Grill Restaurant - Rose & Crown Dining Room - Le Cellier Steakhouse - Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Brews & Barbecue (same-day, in-person walk-up packages only) For more information, including pricing and availability, visit DisneyWorld.com. Packages go on sale beginning Feb. 6. Flavor Abounds at Outdoor Kitchens It wouldn’t be an EPCOT festival without innovative and delicious dishes and drinks to savor! Stay tuned to Disney Travel News for the official Foodie Guide to EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival as we dish on all the new flavors coming to this year’s event, but in the meantime, we’re thrilled to share that many guest favorites will also return to Outdoor Kitchens located throughout the park. We can't wait to dig into Chicken & Waffles at The Honey Bee-stro Hosted by the National Honey Board! Also returning: the Muffuletta Panini at Magnolia Terrace and the Chocolate Whisky Cake at Northern Bloom. Inspiration and Play: There’s Something for Everyone Looking for interactive fun? At this year’s festival, the whole family can enjoy two seasonal scavenger hunts. Throughout the festival, follow Spike the Bee on his pollination trail where he’s “buzzing” to collect nectar from all the beautiful gardens with Spike’s Pollination Exploration. And for a limited time, guests can also hop around World Showcase for the Egg-stravaganza Hunt! Twelve beautiful, bunny-inspired eggs will be placed throughout the park; can guests find them all? Both scavenger hunt maps will be available for purchase while supplies last. Once the journey is complete – whether or not guests find all the items – they can redeem their map at Disney Traders, Creations Shop or World Traveler at International Gateway for a special surprise.** Also back this year, Butterfly Landing Presented by AdventHealth offers guests the chance to get up close and personal with some of nature’s most beautiful pollinators – butterflies! This walkthrough butterfly house highlights the lifecycle of butterflies and contains valuable pollinator gardens. At Blossoms of Fragrance Presented by Scentsy, guests create lasting memories with the help of unforgettable fragrances. And new this year, guests will be able to bring home some of their favorite fragrances experienced at Blossoms of Fragrance! Looking for a place to get a little energy out? At Camp Get Out N’ Play Garden Presented by OFF!, families can explore a camp-themed garden where kiddos can jump, play, climb and explore this area created just for them. So, summon the flower power, because everything will be coming up roses at the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival before we know it! *Entertainment subject to change without notice. **Redemption valid through May 27 or while supplies last. Read the full article

[southeastasiadiary]

Day Twenty-Seven, Part One: An Excursion to Ayutthaya

Since tomorrow is a free day until my ride to the airport for the flight home, today was the last day of my scheduled tour. I spent it about 47 miles north of Bangkok, visiting two major sites. The first was Bang-Pa-In, the summer palace of King Rama V.

If I was comparing certain parts of Bangkok to Pirates of the Caribbean yesterday, Bang-Pa-In is more like EPCOT: an amazing variety of cultures and styles set side-by-side.

If you look closely, you can see elements of Classical, Gothic, Renaissance, Chinese, and Thai architecture, sometimes in different buildings, sometimes in the same building.

A bridge leading into part of the complex is divided into two parts: a covered area for women,

and an open area for men.

The idea was that women of the court were not to be seen by other men.

All over the estate, the Indian cock flower blooms, and its blossoms fall everywhere.

A watch tower served a dual purpose. Soldiers could keep an eye on the surrounding area, but also visiting guests could get a nice view of the property.

Topiary animals are a common feature of the garden.

One hall has been completely constructed in Chinese style with prominent red and gold designs.

Even the nearby spirit house continues this theme.

Water on the property is controlled by a series of locks and dams so that the proper level is always maintained.

[timeoutvillas]

Exploring Orlando: A Comprehensive Guide to Must-Visit Attractions

Orlando, Florida – a city synonymous with enchantment and adventure. Home to a captivating blend of world-renowned theme parks, cultural treasures, and natural wonders, Orlando offers a vacation experience like no other. Whether you're a family seeking thrills, a couple searching for romance, or a solo traveler looking to immerse yourself in the magic, this guide to Orlando attractions will help you curate an unforgettable journey.

Walt Disney World Resort: A visit to Orlando is incomplete without a trip to the iconic Walt Disney World Resort. Explore the enchanting realms of the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom. From classic characters to cutting-edge attractions, this is where dreams come true.

Universal Orlando Resort: Immerse yourself in the wizarding world of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort. With two theme parks, Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure, you can join the adventure alongside your favorite movie characters and experience heart-pounding rides.

SeaWorld Orlando: Dive into an aquatic adventure at SeaWorld Orlando. Witness breathtaking marine life displays, thrilling rides, and interactive animal encounters that provide both education and entertainment for the entire family.

ICON Park: Enjoy stunning views of Orlando's skyline from the ICON Park's observation wheel. This entertainment complex also offers dining, shopping, and entertainment options to suit a variety of preferences.

Gatorland: Get up close and personal with Florida's most famous residents at Gatorland. Home to thousands of alligators and crocodiles, this park offers unique shows and experiences that will leave you in awe.

The Orlando Eye: Embark on a journey above the city on the Orlando Eye, a massive observation wheel that provides unparalleled views of the landscape, perfect for capturing breathtaking photos.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex: Delve into the wonders of space exploration at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Learn about the history of space travel, view real space shuttles, and experience simulated launches.

Discovery Cove: Indulge in a serene oasis at Discovery Cove, where you can swim with dolphins, snorkel through coral reefs, and relax on pristine beaches.

Harry P. Leu Gardens: For a tranquil escape, wander through the lush landscapes of Harry P. Leu Gardens. Discover a variety of plants, blooming flowers, and relaxing pathways.

The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art: Immerse yourself in culture at the Morse Museum, home to an exquisite collection of Tiffany glass art, American decorative arts, and more.

After a day of exploring these captivating attractions, there's no better way to unwind and rejuvenate than in the comfort of TimeOut Villas. Our luxurious vacation homes are strategically located near all these incredible sites, ensuring that your adventure is only a stone's throw away. With our high-end amenities, spacious accommodations, and personalized service, your Orlando getaway will be truly extraordinary.

Don't miss out on any of Orlando's magic – book your villa through TimeOut Villas and embark on a vacation that combines the excitement of the city's attractions with the tranquility of a private retreat. Your adventure starts here!

[travellerfufi-blog]

Epcot Blooms With Magical Freshness Every Spring

Envision you your family and the most mystical mix of topiaries sustenance and the Florida sun Envision the experience of getting a charge out of in the midst of a staggering exhibit of reviving greens with sufficient alternatives for the sake of entertainment Envision that time when the worlds most joyful scene gets significantly progressively new and amazing in the eye of Disney fans and amusement park vacationers from all over

Spring is a standout amongst the most brilliant occasions of the year and what better approach to commend the equivalent at the Epcot Theme Park in Orlando Florida The world-well known WDW (Walt Disney World) Park is taking care of business during the season Each spring the Park changes into a regularly reviving ocean of blossoms and greens Additionally the exceptional spring celebration here enlivens a ceaseless adventure of freshness and pleasures Pressed with an astounding cluster of shows workshops commercial centers and live diversions it will in general move visitors since beginning Truth be told the celebration is a standout amongst the most foreseen occasions of its benevolent that WDW brings to the table Because of The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival that enlivens the most enchanted spring festivity ever

The stand-out spring occasion continues getting greater and all the more energizing each year Truth be told there is a totally different encounter sitting tight for you each time you visit the occasion Regardless of whether its the consistently expanding and inconceivable topiaries or those energizing classes and displays on planting the stunning shows and unrecorded music appears or the open air kitchens and thats only the tip of the iceberg the climate at the Fest is simply wonderful walt disney world resort

The topiaries are among the fundamental features of the Event From top to toe they are the genuine instances of flawless sculptingAnd I think the demonstration of exhibiting nature in such astonishing point of interest is simply mystical For the eye of the onlooker they are the most captivating treats ever The more you wonder at these uncommon manifestations the more you get pulled in by them Every last one of them displays its own extraordinary intrigue Likewise its energizing to have Anna and Elsa including Chip and Dale gazing the rundown of Disney topiaries just because this year

With regards to cultivating the Festival is by a long shot the most appropriate event to learn and get instructed about the different insider facts of planting Regardless of whether its about water protection or data about natural planting strategies signs to pull in winged creatures and butterflies or more its everything accessible out there at the different workshops and classes facilitated by VIP specialists related article

The enchanted and intuitive nursery displays including Illuminated Gardens Butterflies in a hurry and Mike and Sulleys Monstrous Garden make a definitive setting to praise the season at the Festival Indeed even the nourishment and drink displays have taken the middle stage at the Event as of late A visit to any of the most loved Outdoor Kitchen here resembles treating your faculties with crisp regular flavors

Previous Article

[steadyasthebeatingdrum]

The Earth has music for those who listen. 🌷🌼🌺 . . . . . #epcot #flowerandgardenfestival #favorite #bestfestival #wdw #waltdisneyworld #disneyparks #happiness #spring #flowers #bloom #spring #minnieears #rosegold #freshepcot #iphonetography (at Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival Fans)

[disneyphotoshare]

Fantasia Ostrich by disneylori Via Flickr: Characters in bloom weekend.

[samsdisneydiary]

Garden Rocks 2025: Live Music Blooms at the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival!

Garden Rocks 2025: Live Music Blooms at the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival!

Spring is just around the corner, and EPCOT is ready to celebrate with the return of the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival! From March 5 to June 2, 2025, the festival will dazzle guests with vibrant blooms, delicious bites, and of course, the Garden Rocks Concert Series at the America Gardens Theatre. This year’s lineup is filled with internationally recognized artists and local bands,…

[dausy]

I worked last week and then my husband came home for a few days. So I took days off to hang out together.

We ended up going to the Atlanta Botanical Garden which is someplace I've been wanting to go. I've heard its pretty during Christmas time, just havent been able to make it. It was nice weather. I dont think their flowers were as in bloom as they could have been. I don't know enough about plants to know if we were too late in the season or too early. But it was a nice stroll anyway. Stopped by a restaurant that had sushi tots. I was so excited for sushi tots. The sushi part was great. The tots were not. Its like back when my mother used to bake frozen ones in the oven. Sad.

and speaking of plants my little garden is growing in so well. I haven't killed them yet. I had a single cherry tomato for the longest time and I was getting nervous he was going to turn red and I'd only have..one..cherry tomato..but I think he's been the same size for years at this point but I have 30 other cherry tomatos growing in Im about to be overrun. I already have plans. They're all going to get baked. Thats really the only way I like tomatos in baked. You bite into them and they explode in your mouth. Add a little salt and italian seasoning and parmesan or add balsamic *thumbs up*. I have 2 cucumbers growing in as well. I'm ok living off of cucumbers and cherry tomatoes tbh.

I've actually been living off of cucumber salad already. We went to a friends bbq and they served us cucumber salad with watermelon in it. cucumbers, onion, watermelon, fetacheese...what..I did not know about watermelon and fetacheese but I'm a fan. Surprisingly.

and then we went to the Ga renaissance festival. Last year we went I guess we just got lucky..plus the mask wearing probably helped cull the crowds. But this fest has been going on for almost 2 months I didn't think it could possibly have that many people going and I WAS WRONG. I didn't feel that crowded out when we were just at Disney for easter (we were in epcot tho so...). Surprisingly I didnt get sunburned. But it was hot and extremely shoulder to shoulder crowded. I saw mainly people dressed up as Geralt from The Witcher. I think I saw some people cosplaying Our Flag Means Death but I can't be positive. Anywho, it was fun people watching.

I don't work until wednesday it looks like so I'm trying to come up with something that I could paint relatively quickly before I have to go back to work.

oh and Chip and Dale was great.

[slynapza]

A man full of life, who spent time with his family and loved to eat Chip’s Ahoy cookies, turned into a man who could could no longer walk or talk without bringing intense pain doing the simplest things. Never understanding why he couldn’t do everything, and looking down at a young girl with blonde hair, blue eyes that would weep everytime this man was in pain. The little girl was me, and that man is my father. Cancer not only affected my father’s life, but also my life and the memories I have of him as well.

He had gray, but once brown hair and hazel colored eyes that made the room light up every time this man came in. Being co-captain of his former basketball team, he was 6 foot and four inches tall. His outfit usually contained a loosely fitted t-shirt of multiple colors ranging from black to white. Blue jeans were his favorite style of pants, and were most comfortable to him. His signature mustache covered the top of his lips that he used to speak what was going on in his unique mind. Wire-rimmed glasses on the bridge of his nose as he looked around and cracked jokes in his truck as he did his daily job delivering light bulbs. This man was my father, his name is Roger Traczyk. My father had a heart of gold, and was powerful with his smile. He had a laughter that would influence you to laugh even if it wasn’t the best timing. He was a Christian and strongly believed in God and the Holy palace above us. He was a man that loved his children, and his beautiful wife of thirty-five years. You could talk about the strangest topics and he would always have something to say. My father was special, and nobody could ever compare to him.

Of course, the memories of my father and I are so heart-touching due to his love and compassion for me. We went to baseball games, wearing blue and yellow to support our home baseball team, the Rays. He loved baseball but not more than working in his blooming and colorful gardens. He would willingly work all day in the sizzling heat for his bushes of roses and daisies. Traveling to his hometown and him showing me where he went to school and his favorite restaurants, I shall never forget. The funniest memory with my father was when we went to the most magical place on earth, Disney! We decided to go to Epcot, which is one of the four parks in Disney World. This trip was for his birthday and I was still young and thought everything had to be my way. Yes, I was stubborn but Roger didn’t mind that. We did everything I wanted to do and I got to look for evil villains around the parks, the “villains” were actually a creative imagination that I came up with and he played along. I’m pretty sure everyone thought we were absolutely insane but we didn’t care, we had fun just like how we always did.

Even though life with my father had been full of happiness, it started to change before my eyes. My father experienced a lot of excruciating pain in his lungs and decided to go to the doctor to see what was going on. The doctors diagnosed him with pneumonia and prescribed medications that would help. Every day, it felt like he was getting worse and it was so painful for the whole family to watch. One day my father couldn’t take the pain he was experiencing and went to the emergency room to figure out what was really wrong with him. Instantly, the doctors told us that he definitely doesn’t have pneumonia, instead, he has stage four lung cancer. From that moment, my family’s lives were messed up and tough to deal with. My mother had to take care of him every day, and made sure he had the strength to fight against the horrendous cancer that eventually took over his entire body. We never knew when his last day would be, and that personally killed me more and more each day. We never wanted my father to leave, but we knew it would be soon

All of the sudden, December eighteenth of twenty-thirteen came around. It was the day my father had died, and a hole in my red, beating heart formed. I wasn’t there for his last day, I had gone to a Jingle Ball christmas concert. I was having a great time, listening to the music blasting outside of Amalie Arena, when my mother got the call from her sister. My mother had to drop me off with my friend because she was rushing home, hoping the handsome man that she shared a life with, would still be alive when she arrived back at the house. I thought he was going to spend his restless night at the hospital, turns out I was wrong. When I arrived home, my entire family was drenched in waterfalling tears. I was in confusion and had no sense of what could be going on. I went to my bedroom to change and my mother, with my brother, came in and told the heart-breaking news. My father, of thirteen years, had died that night. I doubted the statement as soon as my mother said it. Seeing my brother cry, and holding on to me woke me up and made me realize it was true. I grieved in pain and still to this day, I grieve silently when I hear someone talk about cancer. When I see the number “18”, my heart starts to break down in pain. I think of him nonstop, and I tribute every single thing I do towards him.

Cancer can be a hell of a sickness and unfortunately, some cannot escape the battle that cancer provides. My father will forever be someone I can look up to, and smile with even though he is in a different place. The memories I have of my father have grown more meaningful and I hold them close to my heart. And I have a new meaning of life, and that is to be the reason that my father looks down and has a face of pride. I hope right now, he is clapping loudly for me as I finally get to write in his honor again.

[pureimagineering]

Sooo this is helpful!

In academia, Experiential Storytelling is called “active learning.” (It’s what makes my classes fun!)

And an educational psychologist named Benjamin Bloom deduced a few different sets of Experiential Objectives! (Or, as he calls them, “learning outcomes.”)

If Disney ever wanted to redesign EPCOT properly—and return it to its “edutainment” roots—this would be an invaluable tool for designing its stories.