Walt Disney World and live entertainment go hand in hand. Unfortunately, every now and again, a tradition meets its maker. It is with a heavy heart that we report to you the following: Disney has let The Grand Floridian Society Orchestra go. The orchestra revealed on their Facebook page that their last gig at Walt Disney World would be on Oct. 3, 2020.

If you have ever stepped foot in the decadent lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, your ears have been graced by the class act that is The Grand Floridian Society Orchestra. Located on the second-floor balcony, the 6-piece orchestra set the tone for the entire Victorian-era resort by entertaining guests with every style of music, from ragtime to Dixieland, traditional jazz to Disney standards.

“The memories our music and entertainment had for our guests is priceless,” orchestra leader Harold Johnson reported in the June 2018 music issue of Walt Disney World’s Eyes and Ears magazine. “It’s a wonderful feeling to be part of that.”

Recently, guests were delighted to find the crew make their way outside Walt Disney World’s flagship resort. Since Aug. 2, 2020, The Grand Floridian Society Orchestra (The Disney Society Orchestra) has performed a showcase of Disney-themed ditties seven days a week at the Theater of the Stars in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

The following message was posted via Twitter by the band:

“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!”

Disney’s official website describes the Orchestra, which is still listed as “Temporarily Unavailable,” as:

“Step into the sumptuous lobby at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and listen as marvelous melodies float through the air. Unwind in Victorian-era elegance and be transfixed by a symphony of beloved songs. The Orchestra plays most afternoons and evenings.“