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.”

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!”

New Temperature Screening Process In Place at Monorail Resorts in Walt Disney World

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

With the reopening of the Magic Kingdom comes the inevitablity that Guests will stay at the monorail resorts and visit the park. Why else would you stay there, after all? Since the temperature check and security screening for day Guests is located at the Transportation and Ticket Center, Walt Disney World has set up similar systems at the resorts along the Monorail as well.

Signs and markers direct Guests ahead of security to the temperature screening area. Guests must have their temperature checked before proceeding to the security checkpoint.

Metal detectors and inspection tables are set up at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, along with social distancing indicators and an a-frame sign to inform Guests of standard security procedures.

Plexiglass and metal barriers are also set up along the path to the Monorail’s boarding platform.

Similar procedures are in place at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The sign of AdventHealth, Disney’s temperature screening provider, is much more prominently displayed here.

And also at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, these signs and Cast Members are at the ready to guide Guests on to their relatively-safe day of magic.

Grand Floridian Walkway To Magic Kingdom Construction Update

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Disney Resorts

Work is coming along on the pathway that will allow guests to walk from Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and the Magic Kingdom. Let’s take a look and see what’s been happening!

Now that one of the drawbridges between the resort and the park has been tested in the “closed” position, work on connecting the bridge to the path has begun in earnest, as they begin to build what looks like a kind of ramp that will lead guests onto the bridge.

The bridges will open and close in the evenings to allow the floats of the Electrical Water Pageant to enter and exit the Seven Seas Lagoon.

In time, all this work will be done, and getting between Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and the Magic Kingdom will be easier than ever.

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Grand Floridian Walkway Seen In A Closed Position For First TIme

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Disney Resorts, Magic Kingdom

Via wdwnt.com

The bridge for the Magic Kingdom to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort walkway was in the closed position this morning as work continues. This is the first time our reporters have caught the bridge in the closed position, which will let guests cross the Electrical Water Pageant canal.

We can see where the bridge will connect with the land on the side of the Magic Kingdom. Of course, there will be a walkway and a lip that the bridge will connect to so guests don’t have to jump to cover that small gap.

The pivoting side of the swing bridge seems to be much further along with the ground being less torn up. Also, this is where much of the equipment is staged as they had to install all the mechanisms here.

The lush Magic Kingdom walkway beckons and will be a welcoming sight for guests walking to or from the park in the bright Florida sun. It appears this side of the bridge needs some additional soil for some leveling of the terrain to match the height of the bridge.