Little Orange Bird in the Sunshine Tree Once Again

[stan4d_steph]

Following closely on the heels of the return of citrus swirl, the Little Orange Bird has returned to the Sunshine Tree Terrace. D23 held a meetup today to unveil the sign with his face, along with a line of merchandise. There is also a great Armchair Archivist video discussing his history in Florida and at Walt Disney World.

[carolinakid]

I always liked Orange Bird but why so I somehow associate him with that homophobe, Anita Bryant?

[TinaMouse]

What?

[Andrew]

I always liked Orange Bird but why so I somehow associate him with that homophobe, Anita Bryant?

What?

Probably referring to this, as described by MousePlanet's Jim Korkis:

In 1968 the Florida Citrus Commission had signed Anita Bryant, a former Miss America contestant, as their official spokesperson. Three years later with the opening of the Magic Kingdom theme park in Florida, she was teamed with the Disney created bird mascot in publicity photos and commercials, most of which ended with the line, "from the Sunshine Tree."
...
Unfortunately, in 1977, Anita Bryant became a very visible and vocal opponent against anti-discrimination legislation in Miami where she lived. Her public and vocal opposition to homosexuality lead to a boycott of Florida citrus products. The Florida Citrus Commission ended its relationship with the singer.

The revival of the Orange Bird character has, of course, nothing whatsoever to do with Ms. Bryant.

[tappenfeat]

Oh my goodness! I remember little orange bird from when I was a little girl! I want one, putting it on my list!

[TinaMouse]

Thanks, Andrew. I missed the disconnect with the comment. I remember the little orange bird as a kid too, Steph. I want one!!!

[tappenfeat]

I actually had one as a toy when I was little, gosh it was like a flash back....LOL! If memory serves, I think my Grandmom also had a glass with the Little Orange Bird on it and we used to drink orange juice from it.

[carolinakid]

Thanks, Andrew! I KNEW there was some connection with Orange Bird and Anita Bryant!

[tappenfeat]

There a few items on e-bay: Little Orange Bird

[DwarfPlanet]

Orange bird is one of the few things I collected from MK back in the early days (when it was only MK at WDW) when I was stationed up north in Georgia. I ended up with a teapot, cups, figures, and a bank. I really liked him and glad to see he's back.