Things may come and go in Disney World as the re-opening of the parks is an evolving situation. While some attractions that we may love have returned, others are taking a hiatus or closing altogether.
Recently, live entertainment hasn’t been back in the parks in the capacity that we’ve been used to in the past. Parades have been switched out for Character Cavalcades, fireworks are just starting to be tested again after being suspended, and character meet-and-greets are currently on a break (even though there are still a few modified character dining options in the parks and resorts).
After the Theater of the Stars stopped its Beauty and the Beast show in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, a new musical revue was put in place with “The Disney Society Orchestra.” Many of the band members that made up the group of talented musicians were from the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra.
Disney Society Orchestra Signs
However, according to a post made by the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra, the band will no longer be playing its show at the Grand Floridian or Hollywood Studios as of October 3rd. While there hasn’t been a notice on the Disney World website, we’ll make sure to keep checking back for confirmation and more details.
Grand Floridian Society Orchestra
Since the orchestra has been bringing music into the hearts of Disney fans for 32 years, we want to say thank you for making our visits extra magical. As Disney World releases additional details about the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra and The Disney Society Orchestra’s shows, we’ll be sure to keep you updated!
Should you go to Disney World right now? Here are our thoughts after visiting the parks!
Disney Park Reopening Details and Info
Click HERE for the All Latest Updates
Click HERE To See FULL LISTS of the Rides, Attractions, Shopping, Entertainment, and Restaurants Opening in Disney World!
TUTORIAL: How To Use Disney World's NEW Park Pass Reservation System
ALL Disney World Reopening Procedures
Disney World Hotel and Ticket Booking Information
We’re Visiting ALL the Reopened Disney World Hotels and Have All the Need-to-Know Details
We’re LIVE in Disney World's Magic Kingdom For the FIRST Time Since the Closures
We’re LIVE in Disney’s Animal Kingdom For the FIRST Time Since the Closures
We Got a FIRST LOOK at Disney World’s New Character Cavalcades and Entertainment!
Everything You NEED To Know About Wearing Masks in Disney World
Join the DFB Newsletter To get all the latest Disney Park Closure News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click here to Subscribe
Have you listened to either orchestra play in the parks and resorts during your trips? Let us know in the comments below!
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
Are they gone forever? Because we’re a family of musicians, the Grand FL Society Orchestra was always the biggest highlight of our visits + the reason to stay at GF + our next trip is at the end of Oct 😥
Sandy, it sounds like they’re gone permanently.
Oh, this is just terrible. What is Disney thinking? They are cutting everything, but prices still continue to increase.
I love the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra; as a singer and professional musician myself, they were the number one reason I enjoyed going to the Grand Floridian, and they were one of the things that I felt truly made the hotel unique and set it apart from all other Disney hotels. The members of the orchestra were also very nice to me when I told them one time how much I enjoyed their playing, and one of them gave me a free CD of theirs. It’s shameful that Disney would be dismissing them now, after 32 years being there, especially at a time when due to COVID-19 restrictions on public gatherings so few professional musicians and ensembles are able to perform anywhere in the first place.
Will they have other entertainment?
I recall walking into the Grand Floridian and hearing them for the first time shortly after the opening of the property 30+ years ago. As a DVC owner at VGF, my favorite part of a trip is no longer the parks and attractions, but the day spent at the resort enjoying the pool, spa, an amazing Citricos or Narcoosees dinner and drinks at the lounge while enjoying the sounds of the orchestra. Getting off the monorail after a day in the parks, walking through the sliding doors and immediately hearing the orchestra is a resort experience like no other. Without the orchestra, the Grand Floridian becomes just a hotel. The financial pressures that Disney is under right now to control costs are beyond what most of us can understand, but this decision indicates that management is failing to understand why many of us are Disney fans. Touches like the orchestra create unforgettable environments. It seems that the current team would prefer to eliminate as much staff as possible with increasing automation of the guest experience. People meet and gather in this lobby during evenings like no other resort on WDW property because of the atmosphere. The orchestra is responsible for that. This stunning lobby is going to feel lifeless. This change combined with some others has me questioning if it is time to walk away from DVC and spend my vacation dollars somewhere other than with Disney. To the orchestra, thank you for your dedication to creating magic. Experiencing what you created are memories we will never forget.
What is DISNEY thinking???? This Orchestra is awesome. We always take the time to stop and listen whether we are staying at the Grand Floridian (one of our Home Resorts with DVC) or just stopping in to eat at one of the restaurants. They added so much class to the atmosphere of the place and they sound amazing. Why on earth would Disney give them walking papers?
They were just so wonderful in the atrium of the Grand Floridian as we waited for family to arrive. We love Big Band music and were able to dance our cares away.
So so sorry to hear this.
All the musical entertainment they have been cutting has been heart breaking (even before the closure). They were the reason I went to the GF and had a drink or more from the bar to listen to them play at least 2 sets. I was bummed when Mitzer’s went away and worried what would happen to them. I was happy to find them on the 1st floor and now this. They keep getting rid of the things that make Disney World special.
As per Sandy’s comments…. we too are a family of musicians and have always enjoyed (for 22 years) dropping into the Grand Floridian to listen to the band (and enjoy a cocktail). Very relaxing!
Removal of another classic!!,who’s the genius that thinks this stuff is Good? Their was nothing like sitting in the lobby and listening to great music before and after dinner or while sitting in a lounge.Disney please stop removing all the classics!!
Joni, we haven’t heard yet. We’ll update if we do.
I guess Disney doesn’t want to give anything away anymore. Their new motto is “No More Perks”. I know there are cuts going on but that doesn’t make this any easier. This was a classic and should be the last thing to go. I hope Disney reconsiders their decision in the future.
This is truly a sad day…WDW must make some serious & difficult decisions. Are they going to simply save money by charging full fare for most things while cutting some of those most cherished of things…? I covered EPCOT.s opening for a magazine & have produced several video doc shorts on WDW over the years & always marveled at their creative capacity to delight visitors. Keeping the Magic going requires both a “healthy” ie non Covid environment & a realization that cutting too many attractions or nickel & diming will come back to haunt them…& the bottom line. Mickey & his bosses should realize that Pixie Dust is both powerful & ironically fragile.
I have been going to WDW since they opened in 1971. It was bad enough when they got rid of Off Kilter. This is ridiculous! I know Disney’s biggest push is that they try to “stay current”. What are they going to do – replace the orchestra with hip-hop?