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

[disneydreamer781]

"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



Evolving? The fact is I don't like what they are evolving into.

This is really foul! I'm packing up, taking my ball, and going home! My days of visiting Disney parks regularly are coming to an end and a DVC will be on the resale market in the next year. This has been brewing for a couple of years now and part of it is the expense and another part of it is that they are just losing me. I know because of COVID there would be cuts but personally, for me, this is just the breaking point. The so-called person in charge and minions just have no idea of what Disney is really about. I guess if you can't charge someone for it, it's gotta go.

 

[RaySharpton]

PHOTOS and VIDEO: The Grand Floridian Society Orchestra Played Their Final Performances in Disney World Today

After the show was halted at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, members of the orchestra were moved over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios to perform as the Disney Society Orchestra, with characters making an appearance during their set list.

However, today’s the day that the orchestra played its last tunes together at the Theater of the Stars for fans to enjoy. Since we’ve grown to love them over the 32 years, we made sure to listen to the music and experience the magic of the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra one last time.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1312498206438162434

https://twitter.com/x/status/1312498333907181573

https://twitter.com/x/status/1312498841464139776

…and got emotional during “Muppet Show Theme Song.” It might be the last time the orchestra will “play the music” and “light the lights” in Disney World, but our memories with them will last us a lifetime.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1312499340200476672

The Grand Floridian Society Orchestra finished their set and let all their listeners know that they’ve loved playing for them for so long. And, we are so thankful for each song we’ve gotten to hear over the years. Thank you for the magic, friends!

 

[grannyminnie]

With the announcement of this decision, I am now considering not staying at the Grand. That orchestra was such an integral part of my enjoyment of the resort!
I have an AP, but because I have not activated it yet, am unable to check to see what other MK area resorts I might try. Can someone who has access please check rates for me at the CR, WL DVC, and Poly DVC, for Nov. 9-13?
Thanks in advance.

 

[Ssplashhmtn]

With the announcement of this decision, I am now considering not staying at the Grand. That orchestra was such an integral part of my enjoyment of the resort!
I have an AP, but because I have not activated it yet, am unable to check to see what other MK area resorts I might try. Can someone who has access please check rates for me at the CR, WL DVC, and Poly DVC, for Nov. 9-13?
Thanks in advance.

I hear you and I feel the same. I wonder if the petitions have been delivered. I’ve had no response to me emails....sadly, magic diminishing....

 

[grannyminnie]

Yes, and annoyingly, the rates are NOT diminishing.

 

[grannyminnie]

On another note, has anyone heard (or seen) if the pianists will still play?

 

[kkar]

I had posted this on another site:

They've now taken the heart and soul out of the GF. The GFSO was the "weenie" that drew you in to the lobby. It was the big reveal, both visual and auditory, that made you feel that you had just entered something "Grand". And when you ventured up to the second floor, there was a further reveal of an actual cocktail bar right behind the orchestra! Where else would you ever find something like that?!? Now, sadly, nowhere.

With every visit to the World, we ALWAYS set aside one evening to dress up a bit, enjoy some cocktails at Mizners while listening to the Orchestra, and have a nice dinner at Citrico's. Now, between no Mizners (and yes, we've been to the Enchanted Rose - a complete mismatch for the resort), no orchestra and continually rising prices at the restaurants, we really have no reason to return.

Between dining, drinks, valet, and the occasional purchase in one of the hotel's shops, we always spent hundreds (sometimes thousands if we brought friends) on each visit to the hotel. Disney has finally lost us.

 

[chalee94]

I had posted this on another site:

They've now taken the heart and soul out of the GF. The GFSO was the "weenie" that drew you in to the lobby. It was the big reveal, both visual and auditory, that made you feel that you had just entered something "Grand". And when you ventured up to the second floor, there was a further reveal of an actual cocktail bar right behind the orchestra! Where else would you ever find something like that?!? Now, sadly, nowhere.

With every visit to the World, we ALWAYS set aside one evening to dress up a bit, enjoy some cocktails at Mizners while listening to the Orchestra, and have a nice dinner at Citrico's. Now, between no Mizners (and yes, we've been to the Enchanted Rose - a complete mismatch for the resort), no orchestra and continually rising prices at the restaurants, we really have no reason to return.

Between dining, drinks, valet, and the occasional purchase in one of the hotel's shops, we always spent hundreds (sometimes thousands if we brought friends) on each visit to the hotel. Disney has finally lost us.

Agree - the Orchestra was a big part of the magic of that resort. I definitely also feel like WDW is moving away from me. Not of fan of the current executives at all.

 

[mrsap]

For anyone who lives in the area...

https://blogmickey.com/2020/10/gran...stra-reuniting-for-jolly-creek-holiday-event/

 

[Ross Kratter]

For anyone who lives in the area...

https://blogmickey.com/2020/10/gran...stra-reuniting-for-jolly-creek-holiday-event/

This is wonderful news! Sadly I'll miss it by just a week.