Why the Orange Bird is So Popular

With all of the hype over Orange Bird Sippers and Merchandise you may be wondering what the fuss is all about. Who is Orange Bird?

 Disney's Orange Bird is a character created by Disney for the Florida Citrus Commission in 1970. The Orange Bird was created as a mascot to promote Florida's citrus industry and was featured in several marketing campaigns and promotional materials. The character is an orange bird with a green beak and leaves for wings. The Orange Bird was also featured in a short film called "The Orange Bird" and had a prominent role in the Enchanted Tiki Room attraction at Walt Disney World. Although the character's popularity declined in the 1980s, it has recently made a comeback, and Orange Bird merchandise is now available at the Disney parks and online.

Orange Bird History

As we mentioned before, the Orange Bird was created by Disney in 1970 as a character to promote the Florida Citrus Commission, a group that represented the state's citrus growers. The character was designed by Disney artist, Sam McKim, and was intended to appeal to both children and adults. 

The Orange Bird was originally featured in a series of promotional materials, including billboards, TV commercials, print ads, and even on Walt Disney’s show, “World of Disney”. Walt would use this classic Sunday show to share with audiences new feature film projects, theme park projects, attractions and more. He used Orange Bird to make guests excited about another Disney theme park. 

In 1971, the Orange Bird became an official character at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. The character was prominently featured in the Enchanted Tiki Room attraction, which was sponsored by the Florida Citrus Commission. The Orange Bird also had its own walk-around character, and visitors could take pictures with the character at designated locations throughout the park.

Could you imagine how crazy people would be if Orange Bird appeared back in the parks?!

The Orange Bird's popularity declined in the 1980s, and the character was eventually retired from the park. However, in recent years, Disney has brought back the Orange Bird in various ways. The character has made appearances on merchandise and in special events at the Walt Disney World Resort, and the famous Orange Bird Citrus Swirl treat has returned to the Sunshine Tree Terrace in Adventureland.

Today, the Orange Bird remains a beloved character among diehard Disney fans, and its iconic design has become a symbol of the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Some would say the Orange Bird is among one of the cult icons of Disney World, up there with Figment and the Haunted Mansion. 

For us, the Orange Bird represents Florida’s citrus industry AND is a Disney icon. Put those two together and this Floridian has a high level of love for the Orange Bird! While for many it’s a Disney icon, I find that it has a special place in many Floridians' hearts. 

Orange Bird Reboot

The Orange Bird made a surprise visit to Tokyo Disneyland in the early 2000s and it surprised long term Disney goers. It’s safe to say the Orange Bird’s popularity quickly rebooted after this reprise! The Orange Bird then returned “home” to Adventureland in 2012 and the crowd went wild. 

Where to Find the Orange Bird

The Orange Bird resides at the Magic Kingdom but the merchandise can be found through Disney World. Getting your hands on Orange Bird Disney merchandise is now a fun and exciting experience since its official return. Iconic merchandise will never go out of style and the Orange Bird history makes it something that will continue to thrive at Disney World! The “lost” mascot is back and can be found on a variety of types of merchandise including pins, hats, plush items, and much more. 

Sunshine Tree Terrace

The Sunshine Tree Terrace is a quick-service restaurant located in Adventureland at the Magic Kingdom park in Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. The restaurant serves a variety of citrus-inspired treats, including the famous Orange Bird Citrus Swirl, which is a refreshing frozen treat made with vanilla soft-serve ice cream and orange juice.

The Orange Bird is prominently featured at the Sunshine Tree Terrace, both in the theming of the restaurant and in the menu items. The walls of the restaurant are adorned with Orange Bird artwork, and there are various Orange Bird-themed decorations throughout the dining area. Visitors can also find Orange Bird merchandise for sale, including plush toys and pins.

In addition to the Citrus Swirl, the Sunshine Tree Terrace serves other delicious treats like the Orange Cream Float and the Orange Pineapple Smoothie. The restaurant also offers other floats, sometimes themed to Pixar shorts, and little savory munchies like Fried Potstickers. 

The Sunshine Tree Terrace is a popular spot for visitors to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the park and enjoy a refreshing treat or a quick meal. And for fans of the Orange Bird, it's a must-visit location to soak up the nostalgia and enjoy some delicious citrus-inspired snacks.

Disney Springs

There is a vibrant Orange Bird mural located at Disney Springs in Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. The mural can be found on the exterior wall of the Disney Springs Marketplace Co-Op, a retail location that features a variety of Disney merchandise.

The Orange Bird mural was created by Disney artist, Kevin-John Jobczynski, and features a colorful and whimsical depiction of the character. The mural showcases the Orange Bird sitting on a tree branch with leaves made of oranges, surrounded by other colorful fruit and flowers.

The Orange Bird mural is a popular spot for visitors to take photos and capture a piece of Disney nostalgia. The bright colors and playful design make it a standout feature in the shopping district, and it's a great place to stop for a quick photo op while exploring Disney Springs. Definitely qualifies as an Instagrammable selfie spot, no filter required! 

Epcot Flower and Garden Festival

Since the 2019 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival, Orange Bird has been the host of the festival! This means that you will find him all over all of the merchandise and he will be prominently displayed throughout the festival.  

Ever since that first festival as host, Orange Bird has had his own custom sipper cup with frozen citrus drinks! These sipper cups are hot items and can draw long lines. Thankfully, Disney continues to restock them throughout the festival! 

BONUS: Florida Finds

If you are traveling elsewhere in Florida be on the lookout. I was shocked on a trip to the Cracker Barrel to find none other than the Orange Bird hanging on the wall behind the rocking chairs out front! You just never know where this little guy is going to pop up. 

Awesome Orange Bird Merchandise

Everyday Orange Bird Souvenirs

There is a variety of Disney Orange Bird merchandise available for purchase, including:

Orange Bird Plush 

You can find soft and cuddly Orange Bird plush toys of various sizes, perfect for kids and collectors.

Orange Bird Homegoods

We have seen everything from serving trays, to trinket dishes, to even oven mitts and aprons! You could have a full citrus and Orange Bird kitchen! 

Orange Bird Apparel

 Orange Bird apparel includes t-shirts, hoodies, hats, socks, and more, with the cute character emblazoned on them.

Pins and Buttons

Orange Bird pins and buttons are a popular way to show off your love for this iconic Disney character.

Kitchenware

You can also find Orange Bird-inspired kitchenware, including mugs, tumblers, and even a citrus juicer.

Accessories

 Accessories like phone cases, bags, and backpacks with Orange Bird designs are also available.

Vinylmation & Funko Pop!

 Disney's popular vinyl figure collection has included an Orange Bird edition.

You can find Orange Bird merchandise at various locations in the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, including the Emporium on Main Street USA and the Sunshine Tree Terrace in Adventureland. Additionally, some items may be available for purchase online through the Disney Store website or other online retailers.

2023 Orange Bird EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival Merch!

Don’t worry if you can’t make it down to Walt Disney World in time! All of the Orange Bird EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival merchandise is available on shopDisney. 

Orange Bird Ear Headband 

You’ll enjoy orange ears to go with your green thumb when wearing this souvenir ear headband from the EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival 2023. The little Orange Bird from Florida’s Sunshine Tree is featured on the simulated leather ears of this headband which includes a sparkling orange sequin bow. Retails for $34.99.

Orange Bird Shirts

The 70s are back in this groovy burnt orange and citrusy-colored collection of tops, complete with the groovy daisies of yesteryear. There are both t-shirts and tanks included in this collection and both feature the muted orange palette and 70s-inspired text and graphics. Retail is $36.99. 

Orange Bird Coffee Mugs

Coffee mugs are one of the best souvenirs because it is something that you can reasonably say that you will use every day. But this Orange Bird mug is unique from the typical brightly colored and simple classic mugs. This mug looks almost like it was hand-made to look more natural and also features that muted palette that is congruent through the collection. 

Orange Bird Planter

If you are the type of person who lives for a unique souvenir, then say no more, fam! This year Disney released an Orange Bird planter to their merchandise collection. We love that it actually looks like an adorable animated tree stump. If only we didn’t kill every plant we have ever had… 

Orange Bird Keychains & Pins

Attention all collectors! Of course, Disney thought of you and created adorable Orange Bird pins and keychains! 

Orange Bird Stepping Stone

You read that right. Do you know those concrete heavy stepping stones that you get for your garden? Now you can have Orange Bird greeting you as you walk through your yard. We wouldn’t suggest buying this one in the park. That would be awfully heavy to walk around with. They are also available online at ShopDisney. 

EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival 2023 Crocs!

Rock your socks off in these epic Crocs covered in Walt Disney World's most iconic characters... And then there's Snow White. Don't ask. We don't know why she's there either.

Orange Bird Ear Headband EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival 2023

You'll enjoy orange ears to go with your green fingers when wearing this souvenir ear headband from the EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival 2023. The little Orange Bird from Florida's Sunshine Tree is featured on the simulated leather ears of this headband which includes a sparkling orange sequin bow. Retails for $34.99.

Orange Bird Loungefly Backpack EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival 2023

Tees and Tank Featuring Orange Bird

There are several shirt options, a ringer tee as well as a muscle tank featuring the Orange Bird.

Florida Orange Bird Tote Bag

Orange Bird Spirit Jersey

This Spirit Jersey features the Florida Sunshine Tree of your imagination whenever you don this sweet and sunny Spirit Jersey featuring Orange Bird graphics. A day without the Orange Bird is like a day without sunshine! Retails for 74.99.

Stainless Steel Tumbler by Corkcicle Cup with Orange Bird

This cup has an allover pattern of flowers, orange groves and rainbows starring the sunny little fellow. With easy-grip flat sides, a no-slip silicone bottom and a shatterproof lid, it can keep your drink hot or cold for hours, making this adorable Orange Bird tumbler a modern necessity with serious retro vibes. Retails for $34.99.

Alex & Ani Orange Bird Bangle - one of my fave pieces of jewelry is this bangle and having a tiny Orange Bird on one is too cute! 

When Loungefly collaborates with Disney it’s always a win, this is the Orange Bird Loungefly wallet and bag from 2019 and they are no exception and too cute! 

The adorable cell phone case deserves a mention too. If only I could have gotten my hands on the Flower and Garden Orange Bird sipper.... 

Tell us, are you a fan of Orange Bird? What about the other cult icons like Haunted Mansion and Figment?