The Orange Bird Funko Pop! arrives on September 8th at Walt Disney World

Thinking of grabbing something sunny from Walt Disney World? The Orange Bird Funko Pop! is the answer.

Back in 1970, a deal was struck between the Florida Citrus Commission and the Walt Disney Company for a character to be created that would become the mascot for the Citrus Commission, and in turn, they would sponsor an attraction at the soon to be opening Magic Kingdom park. The character that was created was "The Orange Bird" and soon after you were able to find merchandise, a meet and greet character, an infection song written by the Sherman Brothers and sung by Anita Bryant and even a delicious treat called the Citrus Swirl available at the Sunshine Tree Terrace in Adventureland.

At some point in the mid 80's the little orange bird was gone, and somewhat forgotten. But in recent years there's been a resurgence of the little guy. Tokyo Disneyland discovered him in the early 2000's and a new wave of merchandise flooded the shelves both internationally and domestically. It was only a matter of time before Funko took notice, and a few months back an image leaked on reddit showing off a prototype.

 This was the only image we had to speculate on, and it was all we had heard of this mysterious vinyl images and a release date started surfacing online earlier today. The Disney Parks Exclusive Pop! vinyl toy is expected to drop on Friday, September 8th and will only be available at Walt Disney World in two locations.

Look for this little guy at one of the following locations;

• Pin Traders at Disney Springs
• Pirate's Bazaar at the Magic Kingdom

Assuming that the Orange Bird is the WDW equivalent to Disneyland's Abominable Snowman Funko Pop, you can read about it HERE, this collectible might only be available at the resort. No official word has been given if it will be available for purchase on the Shop Disney Parks app.

With the huge fan base that follows Funko, along with the vintage Disney community who eat up all things Orange Bird - myself included, plan on a complete sell out. Given the track record of Disney Park Exclusive funko Pops! like Indiana Jones, The Matterhorn's Abominable Snowman & Jolly Roger from Pirates of the Caribbean.. chances are he's also a closed edition and once they sell out, he'll be vaulted. If any updates escape the sunshine tree, I'll be passing those along to all of you.

Oswald greets Ortensia to the world of Disney Parks Merchandise

Long long ago before there ever was a Mickey & Minnie, the world had Oswald the Lucky Rabbit and his wife Ortensia the Cat. Now, you'll be able to take home this adorable couple and add them to your collection. Where the 9" Oswald plush toy has been available for quite some time, the Ortensia 9" plush toy has just recently become available.

The story of Oswald and the Disney Company is a tale for another time. Its history is long and complex, but I'll touch on that subject in another post later on. But for now, you can bring home yours today, both are available around the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland.