29Walt Disney World Resort recently reimagined one of its beloved mascots just weeks after the character’s controversial history resurfaced. This new version of Orange Bird debuted as part of the 2024 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival.
The Sunshine Tree Terrace mascot first appeared in 1971. The Walt Disney Company created Orange Bird as part of an agreement with the Florida Citrus Commission; in return, the organization sponsored Magic Kingdom Park’s Tropical Serenade attraction (Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room). Orange Bird began greeting guests in Adventureland.
Related: Disney Announces Plans to Destroy Abandoned Disney Springs Attraction
Just like in pre-2020, when more guests discovered the racist history behind the now-defunct Splash Mountain, not many fans know that Orange Bird had a controversial co-star in television and newspaper ads…the infamous Anita Bryant.
In the 1970s, Bryant was a Top 40 artist and a cultural icon. As “The Sunshine Tree Girl,” she starred in dozens of commercials, serving up Florida orange juice with a smile to a picture-perfect American family. The “Come to the Florida Sunshine Tree” campaign worked; Bryant and Orange Bird substantially boosted Florida orange sales.
Bryant’s career took a sharp turn in 1977. Alongside her husband, the spokesperson created the “Save the Children” campaign to protest a Miami law that would allow homosexual teachers in private schools. They eventually targeted other LGBTQIA+ rights legislation, spearheading a gay panic throughout the United States. She accused the queer community of indoctrinating children, mirroring transphobic rhetoric peddled today.
“What these people really want, hidden behind obscure legal phrases, is the legal right to propose to our children that theirs is an acceptable alternate way of life,” Bryant once said. “…I will lead such a crusade to stop it as this country has not seen before.”
LGBTQIA+ organizations across the United States protested Bryant’s appearances at conferences and other events. She eventually lost her job with the Florida Citrus Commission, her marriage, and most of the money her stardom earned her. Gay bars in North America boycotted orange juice, serving “Anita Bryants” made of vodka and cranberry juice, apple juice, or Tang instead of screwdrivers (vodka and orange juice).
Disney ended their partnership with the Florida Citrus Commission in 1987, and Orange Bird disappeared with it until 2015. Since then, the Florida Orange Bird has inspired merchandise, including pins, beverage sippers, t-shirts, and more. Walt Disney World Resort also selected the character for one of the golden Fab 50 statues during the Central Florida Disney park’s 50th Anniversary Celebration.
This year, Orange Bird is a mascot for the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, and one piece of exclusive festival merchandise literally transformed the character. X (formerly Twitter) user @Parkeology shared this video of the plush:
The Orange Bird spent some time in the wilderness before Walt Disney World decided to embrace him again. Now we live in a world where you can transform him into an orange at the Epcot Flower and Garden festival. Oddly satisfying! 🍊
The Orange Bird spent some time in the wilderness before Walt Disney World decided to embrace him again. Now we live in a world where you can transform him into an orange at the Epcot Flower and Garden festival. Oddly satisfying! 🍊 pic.twitter.com/IrxTWo8RxU
— Parkeology (@Parkeology) March 14, 2024
Orange Bird looks like his usual self but can flip into an unrecognizable orange featuring the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival logo. The plush gives a souvenir option to Disney Parks fans who find the character a painful reminder of sordid history.
Does Orange Bird’s controversial history change your opinion of the Disney character? Share your thoughts with Inside the Magic in the comments.