Orlando, Florida (March 10, 2012) – On the road again, this time headed north. Orlando is a bit cloudy today, but I have a feeling the city will get a lot brighter around 8:00 pm. And it’s a Sat-uh-day – how appropriate!
We checked in at the Grand Bohemian and had a blast telling the hotel staff about the Pilgrimage Part Deux (and making our bartender very jealous). Very cool and very Eltonesque hotel (thanks, Lisa)!
Even better, we were able to walk to the Amway Center from the hotel. Love not having to deal with parking. And the Rocket Club seats were a bit better – same vicinity as Fort Lauderdale, but this time stage left, which means we get a closer, more direct view of EJ.
(Ok, so I must comment that Rocket Club seats aren’t as good as they used to be, but I can’t complain too much. I do get to purchase them one day before tickets go on sale officially. And, after you’ve had front row, left of center, right in front of his piano bench seats, what can you expect)?
Speaking of expectations, the 2Cellos opened promptly at 8:00 pm – and rocked the house once again. Did I mention how amazing they are?
And also as expected (but nonetheless as intense), Elton and the Band performed (electric music, solid walls of sound) for over 3 hours.
A couple of observations/notes from Orlando:
- Yes, they played the same set list, but that doesn’t make it any less exciting to see it again, two days in a row. I actually kind of like it – I know what’s coming (and I could forewarn the people behind me when I was going to get up and dance). The folks behind us were very gracious.
- The Orlando crowd seemed much friendlier and more exuberant than the Fort Lauderdale crowd (shame, shame, SoFlo fans). And Elton seemed to feed off of this – he talked more, swaggered more, and even signed more autographs.
- The lady sitting next to us rushed the stage right before the encore and was able to get Elton to sign her tote bag. Can you say jealous?
- Lisa and I were utterly exhausted when we got back from the concert. We sat in the Klimdt Rotunda at the hotel (along with many other concert-goers), ordered some wine, and couldn’t even talk for at least 10 minutes. Just basked in the afterglow of the concert. (I was so exhausted, in fact, that I didn’t even notice that the server gave me someone else’s Amex card – and a different colored one at that! Made sure to take care of that right away).
So, that means Orlando’s a wrap. Sigh. But this train DOES stop here (any more). Next on the itinerary – Estero, Florida – Tuesday, March 13, 2012 – can’t wait!
The Captain and the Kim 