The Grand Floridian Society Orchestra as of Oct 3, 2020, our days at WDW will come to an end.

[RaySharpton]

The Grand Floridian Society Orchestra
3h ·
It’s hard to find the words but, sadly, our days at the Grand Floridian are over. In fact, as of Oct 3, 2020, our days at WDW will come to an end as well.
The company brought us out of furlough, changed our name to “The Disney Society Orchestra,” closed us out of the GF to play a show of Disney themed show tunes at the Theater of the Stars in Hollywood Studios. We’ve been playing 9 shows a day, 7 days a week since Aug 2nd. The music is a far cry from the closely knit harmonies & sounds we became known for at the GF but. the guys are real pros and they sound great!
Well... Two weeks ago we got notice that the theater is going dark and our last day of work will be Saturday, Oct 3, 2020. As we all know, these are very uncertain times and can’t say what will happen from one day to the next.
So after 32 years of playing together and playing music we love... we’re done. We are so thankful for the opportunity to play in a beautiful setting for the hotel guests and friends we have met & made over the years. We’ll never forget you and how wonderful you’ve made us feel. We will miss you!

In light of this, in an email from Geoffrey Kiser, Executive Correspondence Specialist for Walt Disney World Resort, Disney has a shared a statement regarding the firing of the orchestra:

As you may know., we are always evaluating and refining our offerings and creating new ideas to build upon Disney stories. This philosophy is in keeping with Walt Disney’s vision for continuing to grow and evolve, giving Guests a mixture of familiar and new experiences with each visit. In alignment with this philosophy, we have made the decision to end the limited-time run of the Disney Society Orchestra and Friends this fall with their last performance being on Saturday October 3, 2020. We apologize for any disappointment that this may cause you and please be assured that we have shared all of your feedback with the appropriate Executive Leadership Teams.

Geoffrey Kiser, Executive Correspondence Specialist for Walt Disney World Resort

 

[CogsworthTN]

One of the reasons why the Grand Floridian is grand. So sad. The orchestra was so special to us.

 

[WishesQueen]

Absolutely terrible...can't even imagine sitting in the bar, lobby or RPC without the magical sounds of the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra.

I can only hope that everyone writes to wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com and shares their thoughts. Maybe maybe if enough of us do this, something very magical will happen!!

 

[ktlm]

They are why we like to stay at the Grand. There is nothing like having that live band playing above the lobby- even if you are just strolling through. One of my favorite WDW memories is us walking through the lobby coming back from a park- and my exhausted pre-schooler suddenly perked up and started dancing through the lobby- we stopped to listen a bit and dance with her. She has always loved them and still does. Even when we didn't stay at the Grand- such as during food and wine when we stay in the EPCOT area- we always get over there to have a meal and listen to the band. That lobby won't be the same without them. I don't see us spending the money to stay there without them- it would just make me sad.

 

[BridgetBordeaux]

We will especially miss the Christmas music performances.

So sad...............it feels like someone took away my Coke or shut down McDonalds......those performances were such an integral part of the GF lobby experience.

Thanks for all the memories!

 

[DisneyHomework]

This is the kind of experience that makes Disney magical to me and worth the cost. Very sad to hear.

 

[Mary Catherine]

Earlier today it was sadly announced that Disney is firing the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra after thirty two years of dedication. Please sign my petition to bring them back! Disboards does not allow links, but if you simply google “change.org grand floridian society orchestra” my petition will come up. The Grand Floridian will not be the same without them! If we get enough signatures, maybe Disney will listen to us. Please share this petition with any Disney fans you know! Thank you to anyone who signs!

 

[Jadyreen1282]

Yehaa Bob and that group over at POFQ will be next. To be honest I doubt POR\POFQ will open in the next couple of years. You have to be open full hours, full experience, planes have to be flying overseas and a disease can't be spreading for these places to be booked enough to stay open and acts paid for. We will see a lot more discontinuations before we see new experiences. Oh, and BTW with POLY down for a year SOA will be probably be next. I am so negative. I should go watch contagion again.

 

[Summer2018]

I know Disney is trying to save money, but little by little they are chipping away at what makes WDW magical. If they keep eliminating special things like the orchestra at the Grand Floridian, WDW will become just an ordinary theme park. If that happens, I won’t care to return.

 

[mmackeymouse]

Earlier today it was sadly announced that Disney is firing the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra after thirty two years of dedication. Please sign my petition to bring them back! Disboards does not allow links, but if you simply google “change.org grand floridian society orchestra” my petition will come up. The Grand Floridian will not be the same without them! If we get enough signatures, maybe Disney will listen to us. Please share this petition with any Disney fans you know! Thank you to anyone who signs!

Mary Catherine,

I actually started the original petition to re-instate the orchestra. I'd hate for there to be any confusion...I wonder if there is a way to combine the petitions.....I want there to be power of the people, and the more we can get, the better.

 

[morganms22]

Mary Catherine,

I actually started the original petition to re-instate the orchestra. I'd hate for there to be any confusion...I wonder if there is a way to combine the petitions.....I want there to be power of the people, and the more we can get, the better.

Petition signed! Hope you are able to get a lot of signatures...based on the comments from their announcement it shouldn’t be too hard.

 

[Mary Catherine]

Mary Catherine,

I actually started the original petition to re-instate the orchestra. I'd hate for there to be any confusion...I wonder if there is a way to combine the petitions.....I want there to be power of the people, and the more we can get, the better.

Oh I’m so sorry! I didn’t realize there was already a petition. I should have checked first! I completely agree with you about getting as much power to the people as possible. I’d hate for there to be any confusion as well. I’ll look into combing them! Also, I noticed my post is posted under the announcement about the orchestra, therefore my first sentence in my post is completely redundant. I thought I was making a new post which is why I included the first sentence as an explanation, so sorry about that. I like my post where it is now better anyways so it all worked out. I’m new to Disboards so I’m still figuring out how everything works. Thank you for bringing your petition to my attention! Hopefully we can combine them!

 

[Mary Catherine]

Mary Catherine,

I actually started the original petition to re-instate the orchestra. I'd hate for there to be any confusion...I wonder if there is a way to combine the petitions.....I want there to be power of the people, and the more we can get, the better.

Is your petition the one on petitions.net?

 

[ScubaCat]

"The cast members are the entertainment"

 

[Ross Kratter]

There's almost no live music left at WDW now. Absolutely awful. I had the opportunity to audition for the GFSO bass chair several years ago. The guys in the band are some of the nicest and most talented musicians I have ever come across, anywhere.

 

[Summer2018]

There's almost no live music left at WDW now. Absolutely awful. I had the opportunity to audition for the GFSO bass chair several years ago. The guys in the band are some of the nicest and most talented musicians I have ever come across, anywhere.

I really hope that one day when this nightmare is behind us, the musicians will return.

 

[Ross Kratter]

I really hope that one day when this nightmare is behind us, the musicians will return.

I hope so, too, but it seems like this change is, sadly, permanent.

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

I just don't understand why Disney is getting rid of so many things like this that have given the parks such charm. So frustrating.

 

[Ross Kratter]

I just don't understand why Disney is getting rid of so many things like this that have given the parks such charm. So frustrating.

I think it's Bob Chapek. He's been a penny pincher since day one.

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

I think it's Bob Chapek. He's been a penny pincher since day one.

And those few pennies he is pinching is ruining the charm and ambience of WDW.