Grand Floridian Society Orchestra says Good-Bye after 32 years

If you’re a fan of visiting the Grand Floridian Resort, then you have heard the music from The Grand Floridian Society Orchestra. Their music has filled the lobby and entertain guests for 32 years.

Sadly over the weekend, The Grand Floridian Society Orchestra announced via Facebook that their time at the Grand Floridian Resort and Walt Disney World is coming to an end.

“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 Orchestra could be seen from the second floor of the Grand Floridian lobby for many years until they were moved to the first floor after the opening of The Enchanted Rose Lounge. Like many others, they were furloughed during the park closures due to COVID-19 but were brought back renamed “The Disney Society Orchestra” and are currently performing at the Theater of the Stars at Hollywood Studios.

Take a look at one of their performances at The Grand Floridian Resort in 2018:

Personally, I’m sad to see the orchestra leave. The Grand Floridian just will not be the same without hearing the orchestra play in the lobby. While no reason was given as to why The Grand Floridian Orchestra will be leaving Walt Disney World, I can only hope this is not the beginning of the end for the amazing entertainers, musicians, and performers at Walt Disney World.