"The Red Circle"

       There's this place that makes me feel at home at Walt Disney World in EPCOT. To my friends I call it “The Red Circle” or “The Rotunda.” It feels like it's been a part of me for so long. I do remember leaving Orlando in Jan 2015 being sad because after 7 months of doing this activity at least twice a month it wouldn't be a thing anymore. However, when I moved back to the Orlando area in Aug 2017 I could not wait to get back to this place. What am I referring to? “The Voices of Liberty.”

What is “The Voices of Liberty” you may ask? Well simply put it's a 10 to 15 minute pre-show at Epcot in a lobby where you wait to see a 37 minute stage show about USA history entitled “The American Adventure.” Each set contains 4 or 5 songs, all completely a cappella. The talent in the pre-show surpasses what you can in the main attraction. (This is not a knock to those who worked on the show. It is truly well done!) Do I enjoy “The American Adventure”? Sure. Will I watch it before 5pm? No. I would rather sit and listen to these super talented singers sing over and over again. When they go home at 5, then I don't mind watching the show. “The Voices of Liberty” do not sing the same songs all day. Now if you sit for all 7 sets you will hear repeats; but, they will usually switch out the soloists. Here you will hear songs such as: “America The Beautiful”, “Oh Susannah” “You Are My Sunshine” “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and even newer songs like “This is Me” from “The Greatest Showman”.

I have had the pleasure of witnessing some awesome things while sitting there. I've seen echo sets. What this means is, instead of 10-ish singers there are more like 24. This only happens on July 4th and the week of Christmas. I have met some families of said performers. I've witnessed first time solos, first day on the floor, last day on the floor, first day leading or first day trying a new vocal part. One time I saw a soprano, Kat, sing a new solo, while her family was in the audience. I glanced over at her mom during it, her face was beaming with tears streaming. Naturally I started crying. It’s really neat to experience them doing new things. To an average viewer you would think they had been doing this for years because of the sheer talent and ease they exude. I get to see them grow and challenge themselves as performers occasionally: I've seen some of the singers in other shows on Disney property and off property as well.

        Do I go just to hear them sing? Yes and No. I have built relationships with these singers over the last specifically 2 and a half years. There is a singer from WV, Aaron, we have bonded over that. Many of the performers in the group give me hugs or handshakes, call me by name. Once when I was having a bad day they changed the next set to try and cheer me up. Later that same day, one of the performers messaged me on instagram to reach out. It's nice to see the appreciation of their followers. It's not just a job. In 2019, they sang me "Happy Birthday", which was really neat. While I didn't really like all the attention on me, I also loved it at the same time. I couldn't help but smile and try to hold back awkward tears. That was a surreal 60 seconds and of course the most beautiful “Happy Birthday” arrangement! They do not do this for just anyone.

It’s not just about the talent. It's also about the friends you make when you sit “underneath the dome.” I have met some wonderful people, many of whom are around my age. Many 30 years older than me or 20 years younger than me, that sit there for the same reasons I do. Some of us made a little family and it's precious. We even had a little Christmas dinner together this season (2019)! I love how a mutual admiration for this talented crew creates friendships between sets. Sometimes there will be about 8 or 9 regulars just chilling all day. I make the joke ‘sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name”! Sitting there with a friend on a day where you witness something new is neat. It is especially important on a day where you need a friend.

I have introduced many people (parents, sister, niece, grandma, uncle, roommates, friends, cousins) to the rotunda over the years. During my dad’s most recent trip, he got to hear the medley of “Stand by Me” and “You've Got a Friend” being a fan of Carole King, he enjoyed that! He has seen this group multiple times; but my parents never protest seeing them again. Whether they visit together or separately, they always enjoy it. If I am planning your trip to EPCOT I will drag you there. It’s worth taking time out of a busy Epcot day to witness this talent. I think their talent is unmatched across all of Disney property. So next time you're at Epcot take 30 minutes to grab a seat “around the edge of that red circle” and listen to the best talent I know!

      What is one thing you could do over and over again and not tire of it?! Let me know! Also don't forget to like, share, comment. All photos by Bethany!