Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Entertainers Among Disney Layoffs

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Resorts

A sad week on the news front for numerous Disney Cast Members as Disney is laying off 28,000 domestic employees. Unfortunately, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort entertainers are among the Disney layoffs.

As shared on the Tikiman’s Unofficial Polynesian Resort Pages: “I had to reuse this graphic made by Joshua L Harris today after many of the Cast Members were told they won’t be back, including the entertainers at the resort.”

The page also posted the following picture with: “Let’s hope this even comes back.”

Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show has been a Disney fan favorite for years at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Disney’s Polynesian Resort remains closed (outside of the Disney Vacation Club portion) until Summer 2021.

Grand Floridian Society Orchestra Shares Last Photo at Disney’s Grand Floridian

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Resorts

The Grand Floridian Society Orchestra announced they will be ending their days at Walt Disney World as of October 3.

Grand Floridian Society Orchestra has released another statement on their Facebook page:

“We are truly overwhelmed, very grateful and humbled at the massive number of heartfelt comments and sentiments you all have shared. We heard that someone started a petition to bring us back and there are over 1800 signatures on it so far. We can’t thank you all enough for showing your love and support… Unbelievable! Thank you so much! We need to clarify… our last day of performances, October 3rd, will be at the Theater of the Stars at Hollywood Studios… NOT the Grand Floridian. We have not played at the Grand Floridian since March 18th! For those of you asking… we do have CDs available. Please message us for details. We have so many great memories of our time at the Grand Floridian… our thanks to you all!”

Another post was shared on their Facebook page stating: “This is our last photo as GFSO members (both bands) at our last location at the Grand Floridian. (7/26/20). Front row L to R: Herb Bruce, Bobby Pickwood, Gene Hunn, Chris Queenan, Greg Parnell. Back row L to R: John Katalenic, Harold Johnson, Paul Parker, David Jones, Doug Mathews, Rex Wertz.”

Yehaa Bob Jackson Let Go After 23 Years at Walt Disney World

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Resorts

A sad week on the news front for numerous Disney Cast Members. Disney is laying off 28,000 domestic employees. Unfortunately, Yehaa Bob Jackson has shared he has been let go after 23 years with Walt Disney World.

As shared on Bob Jackson’s Facebook page: “And that’s how it ends, not with a bang but with a whimper. I’ve just learned my act will not be returning to Disney. I made so many friends over the last 23 years, it was a great time, we had a lot of laughs together. I’ll be continuing my Sunday shows for now. I’ll keep you posted, I’m still digesting all of this-“

You may remember seeing Yehaa Bob Jackson at River Roost Lounge at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort. He brought joy, excitement, and pure talent to the lounge, making his entertainment some of the most memorable.

The Grand Floridian Society Orchestra Ends October 3

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Resorts

Sad news to share, as we’ve learned The Grand Floridian Society Orchestra located at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will be ending their days at Walt Disney World as of October 3.

As shared on The Grand Floridian Society Orchestra Facebook page:

“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!”

Florida Moves Into Phase 3 Reopening; No Restrictions on Restaurant & Bar Capacity

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Parks, Disney Resorts

HUGE NEWS for Florida last week! Governor Ron DeSantis issued an executive order September 25, removing all remaining restrictions on businesses because of COVID-19. Bars and restaurants are no longer required to operate at less than full capacity effective immediately.

As shared by OrlandoSentinel: “We are today moving into what we initially called phase 3,” DeSantis said during a press conference in St. Petersburg. “And what that’ll mean for the restaurants is there will not be limitations from the state of Florida.” “We’re also saying in the state of Florida everybody has a right to work,” he added. “(Local governments) can do reasonable regulations but they can’t just say no.”

There are four major provisions of the order:

  • It removes all remaining state-level restrictions on businesses, including on bars and restaurants, which were capped at 75% capacity in Phase 3 of DeSantis’ original reopening plan.
  • It provides a general right to work and to operate a business. Local governments can limit and regulate businesses, but won’t be able to close businesses because of coronavirus concerns.
  • Local governments won’t be able to prevent restaurants from operating at below 50% capacity. Under previous orders, local governments could go further than state-level restrictions, and counties in South Florida kept restaurants and bars closed after the state allowed them to reopen. Also, cities and counties won’t be able to impose any restrictions without an economic and health justification.
  • Cities and counties can’t collect on any outstanding fines they issued as part of their pandemic response. The order, though, doesn’t compel local governments to refund anyone who has already paid a fine.