Over the weekend we shared the news that the Grand Floridian Orchestra Band will be let go in October.
The news was posted on their Facebook page announcing their dismissal.
Today Disney’s issued the following statement concerning the Grand Floridian Orchestra being dismissed.
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
Unfortunately, fan uproar still was not enough to prevent the release of the band. It will be strange to go into the Grand Floridian Resort and not hear them playing…
There is a petition online to save the Grand Floridian Orchestra. We are not affiliated with this petition in any way, we are just sharing it…
Will you miss the Grand Floridian Orchestra too? Let us know in the comment box below.
Photo Credit Grand Floridian Orchestra
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Disney has been going downhill for years. This just adds to it. Universal is far better now and that’s where our Florida vacations/ money goes to.
One of the best parts of the Grand! My family visits at least two times a year. I Always look forward to listening! It just won’t be the same moving forward.
Unfortunate. Sad. So disappointing.
So sad! Another tradition gone. We will never stay there again.
The beautiful band playing at the Grand Floridian was one that we always looked forward to hearing. Shame on WDisney!! It was a group that added true elegance to your hotel. We will not be staying at the GF in the future! J. BLAND
So basically we just need BLM to express outrage over the matter and then you guys will actually listen?
Disney – long ago, you used corporate sponsors to pay for live music, and the park was filled with it. This led to our area being filled with amazing talent. Please re-install that practice so that you can employ more, not fewer musicians, at no cost to you. It is the smart thing to do for your business, and you become the good guys again.
They have been there 32 years! They are part of the environment Guests look forward to hearing upon their visits. So, they are the ‘…familiar…’ in the statement.
‘Always evaluating…’, so over the 32 years, repeatedly brought value as I’m sure each evaluation concluded they should stay. What changed now requiring their release?
‘…limited-time run…’? Uhm, I don’t think 32 years qualifies as a limited time run.
Please bring them back AND bring back the Japan, UK, France, Italy live entertainment and MK street performers!
As a Grand Floridian DVC member, the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra was a welcome addition to any stay at the GFV’s. The orchestra drew crowds from other resorts as well, and allowed guests to rest for a while and enjoy the ambiance and beautiful music at the Grand. The decision to remove them will be a huge loss for all who stay at the GFV’s. These types of changes at Disney are not promoting purchasing DVC, and I fear that if the finer things continue to be removed, the “magic” will soon be gone, and Disney may become nothing more than an overpriced amusement park. It’s the little things that make the Disney Magic! I hope they seriously reconsider this decision.
The fun of Disney was so many different activities and things to do. They seem to be changing that by taking a lot of good and fun things to do away. No longer something for everyone. Stop ruining tradition.
We live in Central Florida and are annual pass holders. We frequently went to the GFon Saturday or Sunday to have dinner and listen to the band. We got to know many of the band members personally. Based on recent changes at WDW we are seriously considering not renewing our passes.
Disney’s statement: “we have made the decision to end the limited-time run of the Disney Society Orchestra and Friends this fall” does not at all address what our concern is. Everyone expected their appearance at Hollywood Studios to be a limited run. We want to know why – after 32 years – they aren’t returning to the Grand Floridian. This is a very disappointing decision by Disney. Live entertainment is what I’ve always enjoyed the most at Disneyworld. All of these cuts are definitely not the way to attract out-of-state visitors to return.
So very disappointed in this decision. These talented musicians were a joy to listen to. They totally made the ambiance of the GF lobby such a delight. Will be terribly missed.
DVC member since 2004 and would always go to the GF one night to listen and enjoy, will be missed.
Sometimes new isn’t better than old. Enjoying the orchestra has been part of our tradition for years! Very disappointing.
I cried when I heard the news. Every trip to WDW included a trip to the GF to sit for a set or two, sometimes 3 to hear this fabulous group. They not only made the GF special, they made WDW special, magical, unlike any other place. It’s so sad that Disney musicians are some of the first to go. Our family has traveled to WDW every year for the last 21 years. With so many special touches on the chopping block, I’m not so anxious to return.
Over the last 20 years Disney has a deplorable history concerning musicians. Having live music is one thing that Walt insisted on having that added to the magic in the Parks. I wonder how he would have felt about about this latest termination.
What a disappointment Disney.
Unfortunately Disney’s track record is not very good when it comes to bringing the magic in the last couple of years. Higher prices for everything and crowding parks and parties, plus ending too many perks. Not bringing in any new magic to speak of, just tired ideas and mediocre stopgaps. Such a disappointment.
One more unfortunate decision.
WOW could not believe it was anything but saving money for the Walt Disney World management, such nonsense you should be ashamed of whom you have become today!
More Disney magic that is going away. How sad.