(Photo by Bayley Clark for MagicalGuides.com)
I was watching a comedian on Instagram a few weeks ago, and they were poking fun at what people do at Disney World. They mentioned that it’s filled with adults, walking around looking for snacks.
I had to laugh at first, and then realized he was right. I’m always looking for snacks at Disney parks, and my favorite has an orange head, and green leaf wings making up his little bird body as it’s mascot.
If you’re unsure of what I’m talking about it’s fresh Florida Oranges. No this is not a commercial paid for by the Florida Citrus Growers, but maybe my love for Florida started with those commercials on Saturday mornings.
Maybe it’s just being in central Florida, but I love all things orange. When you pair frozen Florida orange juice with vanilla soft serve ice cream, you get one cooling sweet team. I might need to book a Disney trip just thinking about that frozen treat.
(Photo by Bayley Clark for MagicalGuides.com)
I suppose oranges and Disney just go together, like Mickey Mouse. Did you know the first Disneyland was built on 160 acres of orange groves in California? Disney World is built in Orange County, and just a few miles from Polk County, home of the largest Florida citrus growers.
There I go chatting about random things when I really should be talking about the history of Disney’s Orange Bird. The small bird is charming and a part of Disney’s history. So join me today, as I explore the origins of Orange Bird, its adventures, and where you can find this charming mascot today.
Key take aways about the Orange Bird at Disney World
- Orange Bird is a beloved Disney character that has become iconic over the years, celebrated through collaborations with Anita Bryant and musical contributions from the Sherman Brothers.
- Various locations at Disney’s theme parks offer an enjoyable experience to celebrate Orange Bird, including Sunshine Tree Terrace and Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar & Grotto.
- Fans can also find Orange Bird in literature, comics, and exclusive merchandise offerings for a unique piece of Disney history!
The Origins of Orange Bird Disney
Born out of a collaboration between the Walt Disney Company and the Florida Citrus Commission, Orange Bird made its joyful debut in 1970 at Walt Disney World’s Tropical Serenade, later known as the Enchanted Tiki Room. This tiny orange bird with a head resembling an orange fruit communicates with orange-colored smoke clouds, adding to its unique charm.
Orange Bird’s story began when it chose to settle in Florida due to its high-quality oranges, making the Sunshine Tree in Adventureland it’s home. It quickly became a favorite among Disney guests, and its popularity has grown ever since.
The Sunshine Tree Terrace Connection
Located in the enchanting Adventureland at the magical Magic Kingdom park in the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Sunshine Tree Terrace is where Orange Bird comes to life. Here, it happily greets guests, poses for pictures, and reminds them to grab some delicious orange juice.
Sunshine Tree Terrace offers a variety of delicious treats. These include the Orange Bird Citrus Swirl, Orange Cream Float, and Orange Pineapple Smoothie. Visitors can find amazing Orange Bird merchandise in the store. Plush toys and stylish pins are some of the items available.
Enchanted Tiki Room Partnership
The Enchanted Tiki Room, located near the Sunshine Tree Terrace, was sponsored by the Florida Citrus Commission and joyfully celebrated the adorable Orange Bird. This partnership produced memorable commercials featuring singer Anita Bryant, who sang “The Orange Bird Song” and “Orange Tree,” tunes written by the talented Sherman Brothers.
These commercials helped spread the story of Orange Bird and the Florida Citrus Commission, further solidifying its place in Disney history and in the hearts of Disney fans.
The Adventures of Orange Bird
In the 1970s, Orange Bird appeared in commercials alongside singer Anita Bryant, promoting Florida oranges. These commercials were followed by a series of educational nutrition animated shorts in the 1980s, titled Foods and Fun: A Nutrition Adventure and The Orange Bird and the Nutrition Bandwagon. These shorts aimed to educate youth about healthy eating, as well as promote the sale of Florida oranges.
These adventures not only showcased Orange Bird’s fun-loving personality but also helped spread its story and message of healthy eating, making it an enduring symbol of Disney history.
Collaborations with Anita Bryant
The commercials featuring Orange Bird and Anita Bryant were a huge success, with Bryant joyfully singing “The Orange Bird Song” and “Orange Tree,” both written by the incredible Sherman Brothers. These collaborations helped Orange Bird gain popularity and recognition, becoming an iconic character in Disney’s history.
Sherman Brothers’ Musical Contributions
The Sherman Brothers, a renowned songwriting duo known for their work on Disney films like Mary Poppins and The Jungle Book, crafted the memorable tunes for Orange Bird commercials. Their musical contributions played a significant role in the success of these campaigns, further elevating Orange Bird’s status as a beloved Disney character.
Orange Bird’s Journey Through Time
In 2004, Orange Bird experienced a vibrant comeback at Tokyo Disneyland as part of Japan’s annual Orange Day celebration. This resurrection breathed new life into its story and introduced the character to a new generation of fans.
In 2012, Orange Bird made a triumphant return to its original home at the Sunshine Tree Terrace in Adventureland. The return of Orange Bird was met with overwhelming enthusiasm from Disney fans, leading to the reintroduction of its Citrus Swirl treat at the Sunshine Tree Terrace and the creation of new merchandise featuring the character.
Tokyo Disneyland Revival
Orange Bird’s revival in Tokyo Disneyland was a delightful surprise and a testament to the character’s enduring appeal. As part of Japan’s annual Orange Day celebration, Orange Bird was reintroduced to Disney fans and enjoyed a resurgence in popularity.
This revival not only helped to solidify Orange Bird’s place in Disney history but also paved the way for its eventual return to the United States, where it continues to delight Disney fans to this day.
Read more: The Best Way To Get To Universal Studios From Disney World
Return to Adventureland in 2012
In 2012, Orange Bird made an exciting return to Adventureland, coming back to the Sunshine Tree Terrace. This triumphant return was met with an outpouring of love and support from Disney fans, who were eager to see the character back where it all began.
With Orange Bird’s return came a resurgence in popularity, leading to the creation of new merchandise and the reintroduction of the Citrus Swirl treat at Sunshine Tree Terrace. Today, Orange Bird remains a beloved character at Disney theme parks, spreading joy and happiness with every encounter.
Merchandise and Memorabilia
From adorable plush toys to stylish pins, Orange Bird merchandise has become a must-have for Disney fans. These items not only help to spread the character’s story but also serve as delightful reminders of Orange Bird’s history and charm.
You’ll find Orange Bird merchandise available at Sunshine Tree Terrace, Disney Springs, EPCOT’s International Flower & Garden Festival, and even Cracker Barrel. These items make for perfect souvenirs and gifts for Disney enthusiasts and Orange Bird fans alike.
EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival Offerings
The EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival is an annual event at Walt Disney World Resort, showcasing beautiful topiaries, lush gardens, and delightful outdoor kitchens. Throughout the festival, you can find amazing festival-exclusive food items and merchandise related to Orange Bird Disney, including Orange Bird cupcakes, ice cream bars, and inspired cocktails.
These exclusive offerings not only add to the excitement of the festival but also help celebrate the legacy of Orange Bird and its enduring impact on Disney’s history.
Disney Springs Mural
(Photo by Bayley Clark for MagicalGuides.com)
At Disney Springs, you’ll find a stunning Orange Bird mural, showcasing the Florida citrus industry in a unique and beautiful way. This enchanting piece of art was created by Disney artist Kevin-John Jobczynski and serves as a testament to the character’s lasting impact on Disney’s history and Florida’s citrus industry.
In addition to the mural, Disney Springs offers a fantastic selection of Orange Bird merchandise, including tees, tanks, and accessories, allowing fans to take home a piece of the character’s vibrant history.
Orange Bird in Literature and Comics
Orange Bird’s adventures extend beyond its appearances in commercials and animated shorts. The character has a notable appearance in the Disney Kingdoms comic book series. Specifically, it was in the Enchanted Tiki Room series released in 2016. Additionally, Orange Bird makes a special appearance in The Bing Bong Book from the Inside Out series.
These appearances in literature and comics have further solidified Orange Bird’s place in Disney history and introduced the character to new generations of fans.
The Bing Bong Book Cameo
In The Bing Bong Book, a delightful book based on the movie Inside Out, Orange Bird Disney makes a charming cameo appearance. This cameo demonstrates the character’s widespread recognition and its beloved status among other Disney properties, further cementing Orange Bird’s place in the hearts of Disney fans.
Where to Find Orange Bird Today
(Photo by Bayley Clark for MagicalGuides.com)
If you’re looking to find Orange Bird today, you can visit Sunshine Tree Terrace, Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar, Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Each of these locations offers unique opportunities to interact with and enjoy the presence of this charming character, adding a touch of magic to your Disney experience.
From its humble beginnings as a mascot for the Florida Citrus Commission to its enduring presence in Disney theme parks, Orange Bird has truly become an iconic symbol of Disney history and a beloved character for fans of all ages.
Sunshine Tree Terrace
You can always find Orange Bird at its original home, the Sunshine Tree Terrace in Adventureland at Magic Kingdom Park. This delightful quick-service restaurant serves up delicious treats and refreshing drinks, all while celebrating the charming character and its connection to the Enchanted Tiki Room.
(Photo by Bayley Clark for MagicalGuides.com)
I really enjoy the frozen swirl of orange juice and vanilla ice cream, pairing that with the fried wontons with an orange sauce.
Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar and Grog Grotto
For a unique encounter with Orange Bird, head over to Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar and Grog Grotto at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. This exciting tropical tiki bar offers amazing food and drinks, and you just might spot Orange Bird making an appearance.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you can find Orange Bird in Minnie Mouse’s meet ‘n’ greet area, adding an extra touch of magic to your visit. Don’t miss the opportunity to snap a photo with this delightful character and take home a treasured memory of your time at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Summary
From its origins as a mascot for the Florida Citrus Commission to its enduring presence in Disney theme parks, Orange Bird has captured the hearts of Disney fans for decades. Its inspiring story, delightful personality, and charming appearances in literature and comics have made it an iconic symbol of Disney’s history. Whether you’re visiting Walt Disney World Resort or simply embracing the magic from afar, Orange Bird serves as a reminder of the joy and wonder that Disney brings to our lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the deal with this Orange Bird Disney?
Orange Bird is a beloved Disney character with an important backstory. Originally created in 1970, the Orange Bird was created as a mascot for the state’s citrus growers better known as the Florida Citrus Commission (FCC), and has since appeared in marketing campaigns and promotional materials.
His popularity continues to be celebrated today!
- Did Disney buy Orange Bird?
Yes, Disney purchased Orange Bird in 1970 and has continued to own the character since then. Disney has been responsible for all of Orange Bird’s appearances and marketing campaigns throughout the years and renewed the sponsorship agreement with the Florida Citrus Commission in 1981. As such, it can be said that Disney is the official owner of Orange Bird.
Jan 14, 2024, will mark the 50th anniversary of Disney’s ownership of Orange Bird. To celebrate this milestone in recent years, Disney has planned a series of special events and activities to honor the beloved character.
- What Disney movie is the little Orange Bird from?
The Orange Bird is a cheerful and friendly character that appears in Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room attraction. Originally created as a mascot for the Florida Citrus Commission in 1970, this cheerful orange bird was featured in commercials and other marketing materials, and even starred in his own record album narrated by singer Anita Bryant!
Today, the Orange Bird is an important part of Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room experience, bringing smiles to guests of all ages.
- Where can I find Orange Bird at Disney World?
Look for Orange Bird and his merchandise at Adventureland’s Sunshine Tree Terrace in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.
The character is also featured on merchandise available for purchase in the Emporium on Main Street USA and online through the Disney Store and other retailers.
If you are looking for other apparel, the options for Orange Bird have grown over the last few years. You can find t-shirts, a bobblehead figurine, and even sippy cups inside the parks or at the Marketplace Co-op at Disney Springs.
- What is the story behind the Disney Orange Bird?
Orange Bird is a beloved Disney character created in 1970 to serve as the mascot for the Florida Citrus Commission. He was featured in several marketing campaigns and promotional materials, as well as made an appearance at the Enchanted Tiki Room attraction at Magic Kingdom.
Orange Bird’s unique design and sweet disposition have endeared him to fans of all ages. I absolutely love the creative fun icon, and I know I’m not alone.
Are you a fan of Orange Bird? Feel free to leave a comment down below.
