International Flower and Garden Festival 2009

All last week we talked about the details around Disney World that make each park truly unique. This week I want to continue to talk about Disney Details. This is my first ever International Flower and Garden Festival and talk about details. So many flowers and butterflies! So all this week I want to share with you just a few of the things happening at the Flower and Garden Festival. But before we get started let me fill you in on the details of the Festival itself.

The International Flower and Garden Festival started March 18, 2009 and will run until May 31, 2009 (guess where I will be for the next couple of months). All events are located inside Epcot which you will need to purchase admission to the park in order to see the flowers and tours. There are many complimentary tours that occur in the late afternoon (many are scheduled around 2-4pm). Flowers and topiary are everywhere around Epcot not just in the World Showcase so get your camera ready and tour around.

The International Flower and Garden Festival is not just about flowers and gardens there is of course MUSIC! Head on over to America Gardens theatre Friday – Sunday and check out the Flower Power concert series.

Also for pin traders, there are of course special edition pins for the Flower and Garden festival so be on the lookout throughout the park.

Norwood and I are going to do it all and we will of course be sharing our stories and photos here. If you need more information about the events and the Flower Power Concert series check out the following links…

Flower Power Concert Series 2009 Schedule

International Flower and Garden Festival Special Events

Slippery When Wet – A Tribute to Bon Jovi

Slippery When Wet- A Tribute to Bon Jovi played Epcot’s America Gardens July 11- 20. Slippery is another crowd favorite. The seats where packed with dancing and singing Bon Jovi fans. The band was formed in 2003 because the lead vocalist was often asked if he were Bon Jovi. Like the other bands scheduled this summer Slippery When Wet has an impressive set list which include Bon Jovi hits such as "Wanted Dead or Alive" and "Blaze of Glory."

This week the Sounds Like Summer Band is “52nd street a Tribute to Billy Joel” (July 21- 27). If it is anything like the earlier bands this summer it promises to be a good time.

If you would like to see more of my Sounds Like Summer pictures check out my flickr set.

The Eagles Have Landed!

Week three of the “Sounds Like Summer Concert Series” kicked off with “Hotel California” a tribute to the Eagles. Much like the other two bands this summer, Hotel California paid great attention to the costuming details and sound of the Eagles. Norwood and I played their CD on the way to Epcot yesterday and when we arrived at America Gardens it was like we never left the car. Hotel California drew a large, very excited audience for their opening night shows. If you are an Eagles fan, make sure you do not miss this tribute band. They are at the America Gardens in Epcot June 23- 29 with show time of 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45.

Here are some photos of the band from last night to give you an idea of the show that they perform. Enjoy!








For more pictures of Hotel California and the rest of the "Sounds Like Summer Concert Series" bands go here.

Second Chance

Well at least my eyes are open in this picture! Norwood and I were at the last show for 2U a Tribute to U2 this weekend and I was given a second chance at a photo with Bono (Paul). This time I was talking while the shot was taken so I look like a chipmunk but my eyes are open!

We are a little sad to see them go. We went to several of their shows and got very used to going to Epcot for dinner and a 2U concert.

But no worries music fans because the summer sounds keep on coming. Yesterday was opening night for Stayin Alive A Tribute to the Bee Gees. For my take on the concert head on over to my guest post on All Ears.

Bono is at Epcot!

**Update June 12, 2008: If you have not already been to the Sounds Like Summer 2U Photo Page now is a good time to head on over. I just added a couple more pictures that include, more kids rocking on stage with Bono (Paul) and a hard core Bono fan singing with Bono (Paul) himself.


Well sort of. Yesterday was the kick off of the Sounds Like Summer Series at Epcot. This week the featured band was 2U A Tribute to U2. Wow those guys could rock! On their website they peg themselves as the "World’s 2nd Best U2 show period" and it is definitely true. Norwood calls them "U2 without the hassle." Not only did they play the songs to perfection they also were crowd friendly. Paul Mathos who is lead vocals jumped out into the crowd and took pictures with people and brought kids on stage. The first show the crowd was a little sluggish but by the second show the fans were dancing in the bleachers and crawling up to meet Paul. It was great fun. Take a look at some pictures of Norwood and I at the second show…







It figures that my one shot for a picture with Bono (Paul) my eyes are closed. But isn’t the picture of Norwood and Bono (Paul) great!

2U A Tribute to U2 are at Ecpot America Gardens all week. They perform three shows a night 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45. Norwood and I went to all three and are planning on heading back again this week. In addition to U2 they will also have tribute bands for the Bee Gees, Eagles, ABBA, Bon Jovi, Billy Joel, Elton John and The Supremes. Expect reports and tons of pictures from all the concerts here at Mouse Beat.

For more great photos go to my Epcot’s Sounds Like Summer 2008 Featured Photos Page. And if you want to hear some of their songs check out their My Space Page.

I have to stress even if you are mildly interested in the music of U2 you must go to this show. Just to give you an idea by the time they got to their last song for the night "With or Without You" the crowd was no longer watching and listening to 2U we were experiencing U2 in a small setting.