A staple of Walt Disney World entertainment is ending after over 30 years. The Grand Floridian Society Orchestra has announced that October 3, 2020 will be their last day playing music for guests at Walt Disney World.
The group made the announcement via their Facebook page.
“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!
Thank you-thank you- thank you!”
The Grand Floridian Society Orchestra was one of those little extras that made staying at the Grand Floridian Resort feel extra special. Hearing them play in the resort’s lobby helped the location live up to its “Grand” name. All of the members were extremely talented and a joy to listen to, even if you were just visiting the lobby for a brief moment.
Unfortunately, the group has been bounced around over the last couple years. The addition of the Enchanted Rose lounge at the resort shifted the orchestra to a new location in the lobby. Then, when the NBA took over the resort during its tournament, the orchestra moved to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and became the The Disney Society Orchestra. Now, its final performances are drawing to a close.
It’s easy to explain the ending of The Disney Society Orchestra as a budget cut related to the current health and financial climate. But, changes like these are often permanent and probably won’t return once things improve. This cut will likely be one of those special Disney memories that make repeat guests fondly remember the past while questioning the direction of the future.
Here’s hoping that Disney remembers that it’s the little extras that make trips to Walt Disney World so memorable and enjoyable.
Photo via The Grand Floridian Society Orchestra Facebook page.
