My family and I moved to Orlando this past February and purchased Disney annual passes for the first time. Although we love all the parks and have been enjoying them immensely, our favorite activity this summer has been going to see the Sounds Like Summer shows at the Epcot theatre. Apparently we are late to the game…we have met hundreds of annual pass holders who frequent these shows and are probably more qualified to give reviews, but I guess as new participants we can offer a fresh perspective. I think the fact that we have met so many people who love these shows and still come to nearly ALL of them for years says a lot. From my perspective, finding a "family" of rock fans who enjoy this music as much as we do is a gift in and of itself, especially since just moving here and not knowing anyone. We have loved meeting these wonderful people and enjoyed seeing them throughout these last two months. My husband and I both work, but we have come to see each of the bands this summer for at least one night, mostly on the weekends. Our favorites were the Boston, Billy Joel, and Eagles tribute shows. We liked the Journey show also, especially since it was the first show we saw there so it was really exciting, but by comparison it felt a little frantic…maybe they were just nervous and trying a bit too hard. The Boston group is not one of the locals favorites, but musically we thought they sounded really great! The Billy Joel tribute was outstanding on every level, and I'm not really even a Billy Joel fan, but I know a great show when I see and hear one. Apparently the local's favorite is the Eagles show which was the last one of the season. My husband and I are huge fans of the real Eagles, have been to 14 live concerts, and have a very discerning and critical ear when it comes to their music, so even with all the hype we didn't expect much. All I can say is WOW! We went to see them their opening night on Sunday, and went back every day. I didn't think it was possible, but these guys actually sound better than the real thing! We'll still go to see the real Eagles of course whenever they tour because they are rock icons and wrote all that amazing music we love so much, but to hear it in this smaller and more intimate theatre performed with such energy and attention to musical detail was absolutely wonderful. In addition, the friendly locals were kind enough to introduce us to these guys, as if they were family! They have made a lot of friends at Epcot, and apparently everywhere they go, many people follow them on their tours. It was a pleasure to meet them and get to know them better over the week, and they couldn't have been nicer guys…humble and kind. Just walk right up to them after the show, they are happy to meet you and great with the kids too. So Sounds Like Summer is now over for the season, and we miss it already! For those of you holding season or annual passes who haven't gone to these shows before, we highly recommend them. And to those visiting Disney World on vacation, take at least one day to go to Epcot and see one of these groups…it's definitely worth it. Even though we felt some of the groups were better than others, they ALL were great fun and entertainment, and the theatre is beautiful, has amazing sound for those of you who have a critical ear, and is a perfect place to relax and enjoy a show after a long day in the parks. Be sure to stay for the last show and watch the sun set in the distance while you listen to some of the best rock music of all time. Thank you Disney and Epcot for this unexpected PLUS with our passes! SOUNDS LIKE SUMMER TRULY ROCKS!
OK Frozen was a success but its time to move on. There is way to much frozen stuff happening all over the Disney Parks. There really is life after Frozen. While the project at Norway seems like it will be a good fit, the over the top gaudy promotion of the Frozen franchise at Hollywood Studios is over kill. The show and the stage that blocks an otherwise great view of the park from the entrance is just a terrible looking jumble of scaffolding and light grids and a worn out run of the mill show just like so many others that it takes away form the Hollywood experience and that park can hardly afford that any more since more and more empty spaces are showing up there. Hollywood needs something to kick start it but Frozen is not the answer.
Frozen Summer Fun is back for a second year, in a slightly watered down version. No merchandise bonanza with Wondering Oakens, and no ice skating rink. The mini-parade is slightly improved over last year, as are the fireworks. The nightly fireworks show is without question the highlight, and is a must see at Walt Disney World for this summer.