For all of you Disney blog readers, this is almost old news, but for those of you that don’t keep your nose in the know, the Orange Bird has made his way back to WDW’s Magic Kingdom! And how cute is he???

Seriously cute.

The Orange Bird used to call the Sunshine Tree Terrace his home. He stood behind the counter and was even a fur character that would walk about and greet guest. You may also recognize him as the Florida citrus growers mascot, as he used to welcome visitors to Florida at the state line welcome center, where they could stop and get a free taste of Florida orange juice. He was also featured in a few orange juice commercials! In other words, this little guy is a big deal. However, somewhere in the shuffle of the years the Orange Bird was phased out in renovations and completely disappeared from the Sunshine Tree Terrace in 1987. But now he is back!…in signage, merchandise, and the same sweet figurine that used to live behind the counter. But that’s not all, he also brings with him the return of the Citrus Swirl, a delicious dessert of orange slush and vanilla soft serve swirled together for a yummy cool-down treat.

But what is the best part, you ask?

Tim, or “Da” as Jack calls him, gets to go see the little guy in person this weekend!

What, whaa??

I know, totally not fair, right? But it just so happens that Tim’s job is sending him on a trip to the sunshine state tomorrow through Tuesday and next Monday he will be taking the Backstage Magic tour in WDW! Rough job. I have to admit that at first the green-eyed monster got a hold of me, but I’m slowly getting over it.

Kind of.

I’m just hoping he is able to snag some of the limited Orange Bird merchandise, and maybe get some up-close and personal pictures of the new Fantasyland expansion. I know his day will be all planned out for him (and rumor has it that will include lunch at The Wilderness Lodge’s Whispering Canyon Cafe…AHHH, that green-eyed monster is growling!!), so fingers crossed.

[Sigh] Ah me. Well happy Friday, friends! Hope you have as happy of a weekend as my dear, hard working hubby will. 😉

With love, Malorie