The Grand Floridian Society Orchestra as of Oct 3, 2020, our days at WDW will come to an end.

[Disney loving Iowan]

They also recently cut British Revolution and the electric harpist at Epcot.

Makes me wonder how far will they take it. Should we be worried about VOL and the Dapper Dans ?

 

[Ross Kratter]

Makes me wonder how far will they take it. Should we be worried about VOL and the Dapper Dans ?

The Dapper Dans are already back to work, albeit as the Cadaver Dans. VOL are coming back soon, per some inside knowledge. That said, they're Equity members rather than AFM.

 

[ScubaCat]

Really terrible decision.

It's disgusting. The cost of one room at Grand Floridian should easily cover the cost to pay them for a day. This is what happens when people run a company and don't understand (or care) about WHY it's successful. They just look at numbers on a balance sheet and try to figure out how to make a line near the bottom as big as possible. [free hint for Chapek & Co.: To maximize profits, retain the offerings that draw guests to return year after year and pay your insane prices for average hotel rooms... Like the frikkin GF band you idiots!!]

 

[BC1836]

They also recently cut British Revolution and the electric harpist at Epcot.

Indeed. The list goes on and on. No doubt, though, Disney management is top heavy.

 

[RaySharpton]

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

 

[BC1836]

The Executive Correspondence Specialist for Walt Disney World Resort doesn't even know the correct name of the musical lineup we are talking about.

 

[Ross Kratter]

The Executive Correspondence Specialist for Walt Disney World Resort doesn't even know the correct name of the musical lineup we are talking about.

It's the same band. The band has announced that they have been renamed and that they will not be returning to the Grand Floridian.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

The Executive Correspondence Specialist for Walt Disney World Resort doesn't even know the correct name of the musical lineup we are talking about.

If I’m not mistaken, that’s the name Disney gave them when they brought them back to play at DHS a month or so ago (I can’t recall exactly when that started). FWIW.

 

[Ross Kratter]

If I’m not mistaken, that’s the name Disney gave them when they brought them back to play at DHS a month or so ago (I can’t recall exactly when that started). FWIW.

That's correct.

 

[BC1836]

It's the same band. The band has announced that they have been renamed and that they will not be returning to the Grand Floridian.

Indeed. Well aware of the two incarnations. However, one would think that the band's long-term name would be used in the email. All the best to "H," David, John, Rex and the rest of the talented crew.

 

[WishesQueen]

Just wrote my email to Guest Services...Power of the Pen!!! I hope everyone is doing the same....fingers crossed someone listens.

 

[Ross Kratter]

Just wrote my email to Guest Services...Power of the Pen!!! I hope everyone is doing the same....fingers crossed someone listens.

The petition has well over 2,000 signatures already, so between that and all the emails everyone is sending, hopefully it'll catch someone's attention at Disney.

 

[WishesQueen]

The petition has well over 2,000 signatures already, so between that and all the emails everyone is sending, hopefully it'll catch someone's attention at Disney.

Thats great!!!! I hope it keeps growing!!

 

[Ssplashhmtn]

Makes me wonder how far will they take it. Should we be worried about VOL and the Dapper Dans ?

 

[ScubaCat]

It's the same band. The band has announced that they have been renamed and that they will not be returning to the Grand Floridian.

If I’m not mistaken, that’s the name Disney gave them when they brought them back to play at DHS a month or so ago (I can’t recall exactly when that started). FWIW.

Correct. He wrote that as if people were upset that the stage show at DHS was being discontinued. He doesn't even know who they are or what the problem is, and instead added insult to injury with bastardized Walt Disney platitudes. Nothing but the best for the current executive regime. I hope the extra yacht from the bonus this cut will incur brings them much joy (and capsizes stranding them on an unknown island, never to be found again.)

 

[ice cube]

Correct. He wrote that as if people were upset that the stage show at DHS was being discontinued. He doesn't even know who they are or what the problem is, and instead added insult to injury with bastardized Walt Disney platitudes. Nothing but the best for the current executive regime. I hope the extra yacht from the bonus this cut will incur brings them much joy (and capsizes stranding them on an unknown island, never to be found again.)

You took the words right out of my mouth!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[RaySharpton]

The Grand Floridian Society Orchestra, who have been playing at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa for over thirty years. The band has also been playing as The Disney Society Orchestra as a temporary replacement for Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage. Recently, they shared on Facebook their final photo together as The Grand Floridian Society Orchestra.

This photo of both bands in the orchestra was taken in July. The members in the front row (from left to right) are Herb Bruce, Bobby Pickwood, Gene Hunn, Chris Queenan, Greg Parnell, and in the back row (from left to right): John Katalenic, Harold Johnson, Paul Parker, David Jones, Doug Mathews, Rex Wertz.

 

[BridgetBordeaux]

View attachment 528833

Thanks for the musical memories!

 

[ShirikiUtundu]

But you'll still pay full price to stay at this resort and go to the parks, even though there's only a fraction of the experience available to you.

If they're going to take away the things that make staying there worth the big bucks, then guests should demand that they adjust the room rates accordingly.

Bingo. Money talks. Not petitions. The number of people who are willing to go to WDW right now amidst a global pandemic and still paying nearly full price for a very reduced experience is wild.

 

[Jenniebee]

The Trip Advisor description of GF calls out the Orchestra. It really was a signature part of the hotel. I really hope they can bring them back once we get back to better times.