If you follow us on Instagram you’ve probably noticed Disney Springs has a new mural dedicated to our favorite Orange Bird and it’s my new favorite photo opp. (Hello new #WallsofDisney addition!) While this wall mural may be new, Orange Bird is no stranger to Disney Springs. In the 1970s, he had his own pavilion at Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village (at what is now Disney’s Pin Traders) displaying Florida fresh citrus. (Check out this story by fellow blog author Jenn Fickley-Baker for more Orange Bird trivia and history.)
I always love when we pay homage to our rich Disney heritage and I know Orange Bird is guest-favorite at Walt Disney World Resort. I recently caught up with Chris Weck, Art Director with Walt Disney Imagineering to get all the details on the inspiration for this beautiful mural. Check it out:
What inspired this new mural and why was Orange Bird chosen?
“Orange Bird is such a beloved character with natural ties to our Disney Springs storyline.
As a celebration of a central Florida town, its history, and our local environment, Orange Bird is a character who would have been found right here in Florida. We had a well-lit, beautiful brick wall that just begging for some fun treatment. It was easy to take full advantage and harken back to billboards you would have seen along Florida roadways.”
Can you give us some insight into the creative process that brought the wall to life?
“After much research, we were inspired by vintage Orange Bird art and knew he was a natural fit for Disney Springs. Once a design was developed, it was projected onto the wall and drawn with chalk, and then hand painted. Painting allows the graphic to fade in the sun over time, just as we see other “ghost graphics” wear and convey a sense of time and history.”
I noticed Walt Disney Imagineering painted this by hand! How long did it take from start to finish?
“Yes! We were fortunate to have one of our painters hand paint the mural in place. He needed to work during daylight hours, so the painting process occurred over one week, working from 7 a.m.-noon. By 9 a.m. on day one, guests were already noticing and getting very excited! It was a fun added benefit that guests could see the progress being made first hand.”
Any other fun details about the design you would like to share with readers?
“We already know how much our guests love Orange Bird so I’m really looking forward to seeing all the creative ways they interact with this fun new Disney wall!”
You’ll spot this mural located just around the corner from Erin McKenna’s Bakery. Be sure to tag all your photos with #DisneySprings—I can’t wait to check out your selfies and photos with your main squeeze!