piano playing in disney

[primecap]

HI folks
My daughter plays piano and would like to keep up her practices during our disney trip. Does anybody know if there is anyplace where she might have access to a piano? We will be staying in jambo for 2 nights and then BLT for 5.
Thanks. Hope everybody has a great Memorial Day!

 

[mjfox]

Not sure about AKL but Comtemporary has a piano on the 2nd floor. It used to be somewhere around the escalators but I think they moved it to the end of the hall where the ballrooms are.

 

[Simba's Mom]

What about the one at POR that piano player Bob uses at night? I think I remember a kid playing on it in the morning one day. I'm kind of glad to see this post, though. DS is also a musician, and on a trip with him, I was very surprised that he brought his trumpet to practice every day. He quoted me something from (I think it was) Dizzy Gillespie, something like "If you don't practice one day, you notice. If you don't practice two days, your band notices. But if you don't practice 3 days, your audience notices." So I understand her desire to practice at WDW and hope she can find somewhere.

 

[Quilter007]

We have taken a fold up key-board with us. This only works for beginners though! Only works for beginners because it's not a full keyboard and it's a keyboard! How can I say that better? It doesn't feel like a piano -- it's all flat, like the difference between typing on a manual typewriter and a laptop, only worse because this is a really flat laptop. It doesn't have the changes in dynamics & things like that. Finding a real piano would be a much better solution. I'm not sure that my kids are going to like the answer -- vacations are pretty much the only times they get out of practicing!

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

It's been a while since I've been there but there was a piano in the lobby of the Grand Floridian.

 

[RobDoc]

Most of the pianos in public areas at WDW will be locked when not being used by Disney pianists. There are times when you may find one unlocked, but that is the exception.

I'd ask the concierge staff at your resort to see if they can offer any suggestions.

 

[primecap]

thanks everybody for your suggestions. i think we'll try the concierge for advice upon arrival.

 

[bwvBound]

Perhaps Disney's Imagineers could design a multi-disciplined instrument simulator! Could be a new perk added to each DVC Resort Community Hall or a new toy in Epcot's Figment attraction.

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

What about the one at POR that piano player Bob uses at night? I think I remember a kid playing on it in the morning one day. I'm kind of glad to see this post, though. DS is also a musician, and on a trip with him, I was very surprised that he brought his trumpet to practice every day. He quoted me something from (I think it was) Dizzy Gillespie, something like "If you don't practice one day, you notice. If you don't practice two days, your band notices. But if you don't practice 3 days, your audience notices." So I understand her desire to practice at WDW and hope she can find somewhere.

How did your neighbors feel about the trumpet playing?

As for trumpet playing...

My sister played trumpet and I played Baritone horn through h.s. and college.

 

[Simba's Mom]

How did your neighbors feel about the trumpet playing?

As for trumpet playing...

My sister played trumpet and I played Baritone horn through h.s. and college.

No one really objected. But then again, he's not bad (if proud Mom does say so myself!) A few months after that vacation he was hired by Disney to play in the All American band at DL. Then four years later, he was nominated for a Grammy Award. But on vacation we had a Boardwalk view and he used to sit on the balcony and play. Oh, and years ago, he played baritone also.

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

No one really objected. But then again, he's not bad (if proud Mom does say so myself!) A few months after that vacation he was hired by Disney to play in the All American band at DL. Then four years later, he was nominated for a Grammy Award. But on vacation we had a Boardwalk view and he used to sit on the balcony and play. Oh, and years ago, he played baritone also.

Wow! You must be a very proud Mamma!

 

[bringmethathorizon]

ds plays percussion ,think anyone would mind.

 

[VLee]

Last week, we were at the Grand Floridian for dinner and during an orchestra break, there was a gentlemen who was playing the grand piano in the lobby. This fascinated my 10-year-old grandaughter (who just began piano last September)
We sat and listened to several songs he played and I suggested to her that she ask him to see if she could play her recital piece for him. He told her "sure". I think he was plesantly surprised at her talent and remarked to me about it and her good technique. (her piano teacher has been real excited all year about her progress in advancing 4 levels and her potential talent).
When she finished her piece, she was applauded by others in the lobby.
So, now she gets to tell her piano teacher that she has played the grand piano at the Grand Floridian!

 

[Deb & Bill]

When no one is playing the piano at the GF, it is locked.

 

[VLee]

When no one is playing the piano at the GF, it is locked.

Yes, as previously stated by Doc, pianos in public places will be locked. I was just relaying our delightful experience with the Disney pianist, not suggesting that people use this piano for practice.

 

[Simba's Mom]

ds plays percussion ,think anyone would mind.

Just have him wear a sign-"Jammitor in training"

 

[bringmethathorizon]

please tell me you got pictures.
that would have been very cool.

 

[VLee]

please tell me you got pictures.
that would have been very cool.

Well, just about all of her playing was captured on my camcorder and I was only able to snap one picture of the Disney pianist with my still camera. It happened so suddenly and unexpectedly, while being the only adult to also watch my 3- and 7-year old grandchildren who were also along.

 

[Mickey527]

why can't you bring a practice board or maybe a small keyboard with you?
Personally if I was relaxing in one of the resort lobbies I wouldn't want to listen to someone's kid practicing on the piano. I am sure she is good, but practicing is boring repiticion, not something I would want to hear.
I am sure Disney feels the same way and that is why they lock the pianos, they don't want someone just coming along and banging on keys when it is costly to tune a piano.
I am not meaning this as a slam to your daughter's abilitys, but you would be overstepping boundaries. It might be "cute" to see a little one play but maybe 2 minutes max would be enough "cute" for me.

 

[CarolAnnC]

You could check out music schools in the local area such as Kissimmee and Orlando who may be able to accomodate you, but personally I would (and did) let her take a break during vacation. There will be lots of time for practice once you are home!