NEWS: New ‘Disney Society Orchestra’ show debuts at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

A new entertainment offering has made its debut at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, taking the place of “Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage” — “The Disney Society Orchestra and Friends.”

The new show features a six-piece band playing hit songs from the iconic Disney stories represented at the park, including The Muppets, Star Wars, Toy Story, and more.

“The Disney Society Orchestra and Friends” does not feature any equity actors, but does include appearances from character performers; in contrast to “Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage,” which did include a cast of equity actors and performers.

This exclusion has caused some worry in the Disney community, as it appears that this new show may be the result of the ongoing dispute between the Actors’ Equity Association and Disney. A similar change was made to “UP! A Great Bird Adventure” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, as the equity performer was also removed and the show was retooled into “Feathered Friends in Flight.”

It is unclear how long this show will be offered, as decor for “Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage” is still present at the Theater of the Stars.

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My enthusiasm for all things Disney all started when my parents took our family to WDW for a vacation. My first trip was at age 13. Since that first time, I have made a trip to WDW almost every year from age 13. As far as I knew there was only one place to vacation! My fascination with WDW began on that first trip. I wanted to know how things at WDW operated and what made it so magical. I wanted to know details like how many people worked there and the length of the monorail track. It is that fascination that fueled my interest in WDW. Each year that my family vacationed at WDW, I learned more about WDW as they built more parks and added more attractions. I am not the average fan; I want to know all the details and I love researching the facts of WDW. I research facts through the Internet, books and DVDs. To me, the best part is to conduct research trip at WDW. After college, my father was transferred to Orlando and I moved with my parents. Seeking employment, I applied for a job at WDW. I passed the first rounds of interviews and was proud to join the Disney family as a security cast member! The job was great. It included Disney-specific training and security training before assuming four duties: driving a security vehicle, standing a post, working in a resort or walking a park or other area. Sometimes I even had special duties like working the Epcot Christmas Processional. I would escort the celebrity guests from backstage to onstage. Interestingly, every cast member is given a WDW fact book monthly to aid in answering guest questions. The pocket book contained great Disney facts that added more fuel for my thirst of Disney facts. Well, all-good things must come to end so we moved back to NJ. In the summer of 2010 I moved back to Florida I am now living in Orlando less then 15 minutes from WDW and living the dream and have fun along the way. Favorite Park – Magic Kingdom Favorite Character – Mickey Mouse Favorite restaurant – California Grill Favorite attraction – Toy Story Mania Favorite resort – Bay Lake Tower / Contempoary First time at a disney park – 1976 & have been every year since Who was on your first disney trip – My entire family Favorite disney memory – My first trip and my first trip with my kids How far do you live from disney now – 15 minutes When is your next Disney trip? – every weekend Favorite Disney Movie – Jungle Book & Toy Story

NEWS: New ‘Disney Society Orchestra’ show debuts at Disney’s Hollywood Studios