Who is this Orange Bird Flitting Around Disney World?

by Beth Keating

Disney History

November 30, 2024

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I was strolling past Sunshine Tree Terrace in the Magic Kingdom the other day, and overheard a dad ask his kids, “What movie is that weird looking bird from?”

Ahem, first of all, he’s “cute,” not “weird,” despite the oversized head, and his name is “Orange Bird.” Okay, not the most creative name in the Disney lexicon, but he’s adorable, nonetheless. And not from a Disney movie, or at least not exactly a movie.

Many people think of Orange Bird as a relatively new arrival on the scene, especially with his more recent merchandising on EPCOT Festival items. But he actually dates back to Disney World’s opening in 1971, when he made his theme park debut as a mascot for the Florida Citrus Growers.