My favorite Disney treat of all time is the Sunshine Tree Terrace orange slush! I ran across this photo of us enjoying this creamy treat in 1978. I am the one that refuses to look at the camera because the slush is just that good.
If you look closely on the cup you can see the Orange Bird. At this time the Sunshine Tree Terrace was sponsored by the Florida Citrus Commission and Disney WED created this little guy to serve as their mascot. In the 70’s he was used in many advertising campaigns but the only place you could actually meet him was at Walt Disney World on the steps of the Sunshine Tree Terrace.
This little guy left the parks in 1981 but recently Walt Disney World has re-released some of his retro gear. I just think he is so darn cute and I am glad Disney retains the rights to him and he may reappear at any time!
UPDATE: I guess Disney listened. Since I wrote this post the Orange Bird has returned and can be found at the parks! Here is some of the new merchandise….
New Posters
New T-Shirts
August 7, 2013
It is so funny because I keep seeing this little guy everywhere and did not remember where he was from! Mystery solved – thank you! 🙂
Oh, how I adore the Orange Bird! Reminds me of my youth and Florida i. The 70's….you know, when orange groves dominated the landscape around Orlando and you could fresh OJ at the visitor's center at the state line. The retro items are cool. I picked up the orange bird shirt last time I was at WDW and I get so many comments. I'm surprised at how many people recognize the Orange Bird, although, they may not remember the name.
Love this post and that picture! Priceless! Also love the t-shirt. It's funny, because I've always said that all my kids look great in orange (even my redhead, which seems odd). We may have to grab up those shirts for them!
Absolutely love this post. I will now be looking for a shirt while I'm at WDW this week. Thanks!
Cute! If you ever listen to WDW Radio, Lou's obsessed with the orange bird – he's holding out hope it comes back! Looks like you really enjoyed that dessert!
Interesting! The Orange Bird is also at the Disneyland Hotel! We also got a Vinylmation of the little guy so it's cool to know a little history!
These were my favorite!!! I much preferred them to the Dole Whip and I miss the Orange Bird!
I remember reading and commenting on this post before! Love it!
I’m glad they brought back the orange bird. I’m contemplating making some orange bird t-shirts. 🙂
I love Orange Bird! I am so glad they finally brought him back to Magic Kingdom! Did you ever get to meet him? Thanks for linking up!
Not that I remember. But my memories of those trips are spotty at best. And my Mom had a tendancy to break cameras so photos are few. 🙁
Oh no! Well, at least she didn’t break all of the camera and you do have some photos. 🙂 My memories of trips when I was little are a bit spotty, as well. I think there are some things I only remember because of the photos.
I’m still holding out hope that they will bring back the Orange Bird walk around character. I really want to meet him!
Let’s just say, I’m an Orange Bird Fan. I remember these same cups and drinks. When I was a bit younger we would go to Disney World and bringing home one of the orange bird cups was one of my treasured souvenirs. Thanks for bringing back the memories!
I can actually remember the taste of the original orange drink. It is so odd what we remember!