In a shock to many, it was announced on Saturday that Walt Disney World was effectively letting go of The Grand Floridian Society Orchestra after a series of changes, and ultimately, the COVID-19 shutdown. Their last show will be as the “The Disney Society Orchestra” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on October 3. Over the weekend, fans everywhere voiced their deep disappointment on social media as the fan-favorite band said their goodbyes after 32 years.
In light of this, in an email from Geoffrey Kiser, Executive Correspondence Specialist for Walt Disney World Resort, Disney has a shared a statement regarding the firing of the orchestra:
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
While this is probably just the first entertainment group at Walt Disney World to be formally canned post-COVID, it will likely be one of the greatest losses.
If you’re feeling nostalgic for this incredible band, here’s a clip of them playing at their original location on the second floor of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort:
