Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom Discussion Thread

[ernierockerWhy do I still have a donkey title???]

^

Last Monday I had the opportunity to attend a special D23 event for a very small group of people (65 to be exact) celebrating the re-opening of the Sunshine Tree Terrace at the Magic Kingdom. Mind you, we did not yet know officially about (though most of us were prepared for) the unveiling of the return of the Orange Bird, but we were happy to attend.

[COASTER FREAK 11"CACTUS SHARP!!"]

Why is this bird so special? It gets a poster, shirts, a quick service counter, sipper cups, pins, ears, ect. Why is this bird so important to WDW?

[SharkTumsSite Admin]

^I kind of agree. I'm a fan of WDW, and I lived in FL for a while...but I have no idea what this bird is or why I should buy all of his merchandise!

I remember when Anita Bryant was pushing orange juice
for the Florida Citrus Comission (?) back in the day, there
were a few commercials done with the Sunshine Bird, whistling along.

Silly - but apparently they sold a lot of juice, too.

"Come to the Florida Sunshine Tree..."

(That's all I got - and all I want to remember, lol.)

[coasterfreak101Gimme Some Candy!]

^I prefer not to tie her to anything good in life, and just remember her by the time she got pied in Iowa. Orange Bird can sell me all his merchandise so long as Anita doesn't show up!

^ Heh heh.

I totally agree with you on that.

[MechanicCan you see the donkey in my toast?]

Why is this bird so special? Its gets a poster, shirts, a quick service counter, sipper cups, pins, ears, ect. Why is this bird so important to WDW?

The only thing I can imagine is that they're trying to appeal to the generations that remember Orange Bird and also introduce what was a fairly successful character (as far as I'm aware) to a new generation.

An old Florida orange juice commercial with Orange Bird:


YouTube Videolink

[BeemerBoyWDW Monorail Fanatic]

Why is this bird so special? Its gets a poster, shirts, a quick service counter, sipper cups, pins, ears, ect. Why is this bird so important to WDW?

I guess the best way to explain it is that it's just one of those things that triggers memories for a lot of people who have been going to the park since the beginning. The bird doesn't, and never did play a big role in anything, but it was just a simple Disney touch that a lot of people remembered from the park.

It's similar to the astronauts that used to adorn the Space Mountain sign, the RCA dog, or even the parrot that used to sit out front of Pirates of the Caribbean. None of 'em had big roles, but were memorable in their own ways. Rest assured, as with almost anything these days, if a company can profit off of the "retro-ness" of something......they will. In this case, it's just a cool little bird that they created.

Hope that helps, or makes some kind of sense.

[jedimaster1227Open Up Happiness]

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/04/opening-dates-announced-for-beast’s-castle-seven-dwarf-mine-train-more/

Many of you have asked us – here on the Disney Parks Blog and on our @WaltDisneyWorld Twitter account – about opening dates for the attractions and restaurants planned for New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park. I’m thrilled that we finally have some news to share today!

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The next phase of Storybook Circus, which includes the second half of the Dumbo the Flying Elephant attraction and the Casey Jr. Splash ‘n’ Soak Station, will open in July 2012.

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And, it looks like we’ll have plenty to celebrate this holiday season, including the openings of Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid, Enchanted Tales with Belle, Be Our Guest Restaurant, Gaston’s Tavern, and Ariel’s Grotto.

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Additionally, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train will debut in 2014.

Now, who’s planning a visit?

[jedimaster1227Open Up Happiness]

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/05/tickets-on-sale-for-not-so-scary-very-merry-events-at-walt-disney-world-resort/

I’m such a planner – especially when it comes to vacations. In the time leading up to any big trip, I’m making reservations, planning out our days, and picking out extra activities just in case it rains.

Those of you who are already busy planning fall vacations will be happy to hear that tickets are now on sale for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Parties and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a Halloween-themed special event held on select evenings at Magic Kingdom Park. Purchase of an additional admission ticket is required to attend, and plenty of fun is in store, including trick-or-treating, performances of Mickey’s Boo-to-You Parade and Happy HalloWishes Fireworks, Disney characters in costume, themed décor and much more.

Parties will take place:

• September 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28 and 30
• October 4, 5, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30 and 31
• November 2

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a special event that takes place on select nights at Magic Kingdom Park throughout the holiday season. Don’t miss Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade, a very special holiday fireworks display, live entertainment with your favorite characters, snow on Main Street, U.S.A., free hot cocoa and cookies, and so much more! Purchase of an additional event admission ticket is required to attend.

Parties will take place:

• November 9, 12, 15, 16, 25, 27, 29 and 30
• December 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20 and 21

TIP: Purchasing tickets ahead of event dates may get you a discount of $10 per ticket!