As Disney World has continued its reopening phases, we’ve seen restaurants open to guests again (looking at you, Cinderella’s Royal Table!) and entertainment make its way into the parks and resorts in brand new ways.
Although character meet-and-greets aren’t happening at the moment, there are still modified character dining experiences as well as Character Cavalcades instead of parades. Entertainment like the Dapper Dans are back harmonizing in the Magic Kingdom, while Disney has started testing fireworks once again too.
However, not every part of the magic has been able to return recently. And, we’ve even had to say goodbye to some experiences permanently. According to a recent post made by the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra, the band may also be playing its last show on October 3rd.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort stopped featuring the orchestra when it originally opened to guests. But, the musicians were moved over to the Theater of the Stars in Disney’s Hollywood Studios instead to replace the Beauty and the Beast show with “The Disney Society Orchestra and Friends.”
While the post states that both Disney’s Grand Floridian and Hollywood Studios will not have the orchestra playing anymore, Disney World hasn’t confirmed this news yet. We’ll continue to check back for more details about the shows and entertainment around the parks!
Take a look at the updated Disney World park hours through December here!
Have you listened to either orchestra play in the parks and resorts during your trips? Let us know in the comments below!
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That is such a shame. It was always so wonderful to listen to the music in the lobby before going for dinner at Citrico’s. Come on Disney it’s not all about the money , it’s about the memories also.
This is heartbreaking and quite frankly an absolute outrage. Disney’s giving the GFSO the axe is one more ( and in my opinion) the final straw in eliminating performances, attractions, etc…All they seem to care about is $ anymore, and anything that doesn’t directly generate a profit has to go. In doing this they’ve cut out the heart and soul of the Grand Floridian and have now basically eliminated everything that’s made it so special. No more Orch. no more Mizner’s, etc…It’s now just like any other hotel. The GFSO was one of the main reasons many people not only stay at the GF or Villas, plus come there to eat, drink, shop, and enjoy the atmosphere. For them to cry $ and pretend the coffers are bare is equally ridiculous. When you’re paying $500 + dollars a night, having the band there is really the least they could do, and lends so much to the atmosphere. The band’s long-time drummer and leader Pat Doyle (RIP) is rolling over in his grave. On a personal note, I’ve been hanging out at the GF for as long as I was allowed to go off on my own, and became good friends with many of the band members. It was also one of the reasons I became an owner at the Villas next door. I’ll be taking far less trips to WDW in the future because of this, if I don’t sell my DVC entirely. Maybe they’ll bring them back if there’s enough of a public outcry, but I won’t hold my breath. Shame on you Disney management.
That’s a shame. I thought it was a unique touch. I enjoyed sitting in the lounge enjoying a glass of wine and listening. For a period, they offered cocktail service. It was even nicer to sit on the coaches with a glass of wine and listen to them.
In spite of the outrageous cost of tea at the Garden View Tea Room, or the cost of buying anything in the Grand Floridian stores, the space the band occupies doesn’t earn any money. Too bad. I really enjoyed their skillful playing through the years. They made any visit to the GF special and will be missed. Seems like all the “magical” experiences are falling to the wayside for all the money spending experiences.
The money was built into the costs of rooms, restaurants and stores there. There was a time at the Disney company when every square millimeter of space had to directly show a profit. They did things like this solely to delight guests.
I totally agree. Looks like Disney World will soon just be another Universal Studios with the latest greatest hot rides and nothing provided for the real memories. Sad that the once “Leader” of theme parks is now “just another” theme park.
That is such sad news.. Everyone at the Grand Floridian waits to hear that music day in or day out. It just flows with the hotel, and when you walk in, you know your welcomed!! I sure hope they change there mind. We’ve been coming for many many years and it’s something we look forward to!! It’s just not the same if they take it away!! Kids who are young and adults too love to hear the music when your sitting on the couch and just listen to the band as people go by!! Also as weddings come and go, it plays fantastic music to all who is welcome!! I hope they come back to the hotel!!