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.

Disney Parks Announces Layoffs of 28,000 Cast Members

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

A statement from Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, was just released. Approximately 28,000 domestic employees will be affected, of which about 67% are part-time. The statement reads as follows:

“In light of the prolonged impact of COVID-19 on our business, including limited capacity due to physical distancing requirements and the continued uncertainty regarding the duration of the pandemic – exacerbated in California by the State’s unwillingness to lift restrictions that would allow Disneyland to reopen – we have made the very difficult decision to begin the process of reducing our workforce at our Parks, Experiences and Products segment at all levels, having kept non-working Cast Members on furlough since April, while paying healthcare benefits. Approximately 28,000 domestic employees will be affected, of which about 67% are part-time. We are talking with impacted employees as well as to the unions on next steps for union-represented Cast Members.”

“Over the past several months, we’ve been forced to make a number of necessary adjustments to our business, and as difficult as this decision is today, we believe that the steps we are taking will enable us to emerge a more effective and efficient operation when we return to normal. Our Cast Members have always been key to our success, playing a valued and important role in delivering a world-class experience, and we look forward to providing opportunities where we can for them to return.”