Mary Poppins and the Banks family knew the secret: there is something utterly magical about flying a kite. They bob and weave on the air as though they’ve been touched by magic and brought to life. Add in bright colors and lively music and it’s like watching a sky parade. It doesn’t matter how old you are, watching a kite swoop and dive will carry you right back to your childhood. That’s the experience that Walt Disney World now offers Guests at the Animal Kingdom with the new show Disney KiteTails.
So, Just What is KiteTails?
Lindsay Vrab, Technical Director of Disney Live Entertainment, describes the show as a “gala performance of color and motion.” To be a little more precise, Disney KiteTails is a ten minute show that runs throughout the day in the Discovery River Theater. It features a variety of colorful props and kites (some of which stretch to 30 feet long). Of course, if you’ve been to the Discovery River Theater (former home of Rivers of Light), you know that the theater’s stage is made of water. That’s part of the wonder of KiteTails, as Guests will watch the kites soar above the placid waters of Discovery River.
While some of the kites and props are operated by Cast Members standing at the front of the theater, the largest kites are pulled through the air behind jet skis. After all, it takes a pretty good amount of lift to get a 30-foot kite moving. However, describing these monumental creations as kites doesn’t quite do them justice. They’re more reminiscent of the balloons you might see in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. It’s amazing to watch their great bodies, which by all logic should be painfully ponderous, floating gracefully through the air.
There are two distinct shows, which alternate throughout the day. One is inspired by The Lion King, and includes favorite characters like Simba and Zazu, among others. Then there is a show inspired by The Jungle Book, featuring King Louie, Baloo, and a host of other friends. During the performances, you might spy characters like Flounder and Sebastian from The Little Mermaid or Crush from Finding Nemo. There are also kites hanging in decoration. Look around for the familiar faces of Simba, Rafiki, Shere Khan, and others. Another stunning portion of the event is the march of Colonel Hathi’s elephant brigade, which features a cadre of kites that seem more like puppets as they stomp along.
It’s also worth noting that there are opportunities for audience participation. Cast Members lead a “Turtle Parade” which allows Guests to take control of small turtle kites on poles. Like most audience participation, selection is random and limited.
Adding to all this whimsy is a soundtrack incorporating music from films, which Vrab described as, “a wonderful world beat version of some of your favorite existing Disney soundtracks.” They’re the kind of lively melodies that you’d expect at Animal Kingdom, and they’ll have you dancing in your seat.
When Does It Run?
Seating at the theater is first come first serve. As a simple pro tip, Disney officials have stated that, while there isn’t a bad seat in the theater, the most complete view of the entire show is in the center rows. That will provide you with the most panoramic view of the lagoon.
While it’s always best to check the official Disney site for scheduling, currently shows are running six times a day. Performances are listed at 11:15 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 1:15 p.m., 3:15 p.m., 4:15 p.m., with a final showing at 5:15 p.m.
Where Do Those Wondrous Creations Come From?
It takes a special kind of expertise to create a functional kite that also happens to be a stunning work of art. Fortunately, Walt Disney World had help in the form of Peter Lynn Kites. Founded in 1973, the company makes kites of all sizes, including a monster of a kite known as the maxi octopus, which stretches an astonishing 82 feet! The company also has a place in the 2005 Guinness Book of World Records for a kite of the Kuwait flag which stretched roughly 10,763 square feet, and they hold an unofficial record for a ray which was a massive 13,454 square feet!
According to their web page, the company worked with Disney in the past and began discussions for a new project back in 2019. Disney presented them with the concept for KiteTails, and Peter Lynn Kites got to work. They designed show kites for adult Simba, young Simba, Timon, Pumba, Zazu, Baloo, and King Louie. To ensure the proper look required by Disney, the company made the kites with extra panels. In fact, these kites use three times as many panels as the typical show kites that Peter Lynn creates. They’re truly wondrous to see.
Don’t Panic, That Was Supposed to Happen!
If you’ve been on social media since KiteTails has arrived, you’ve likely seen more than a few funny clips of Baloo and King Louie making somewhat inglorious looking crash landings into an empty portion of the theater. While it’s made for some amusing memes, it’s worth noting that this isn’t a mistake on the part of the Cast Members operating the kites. Baloo and King Louie are doing just fine. That’s how they’re supposed to land.
Let’s Go Fly A Kite!
Whether it’s through fireworks, parades, stage shows, or attractions, Walt Disney World excels at creating unforgettable experiences, and Disney KiteTails is no exception. It’s a beautiful explosion of music, motion, and color that will sweep you off your feet and transport you back to those carefree afternoons when there was nothing better than flying a kite on a breezy day.
Enjoy the magic of Disney all year ’round with Celebrations Magazine!
1 year/$49.95!
Click here to order!
ncG1vNJzZmiblaGyo77AraCopqOlv6a%2F0meaqKVfZ31zfY5qZ2hrYWTBqbGMsKannJWneqK6w2auoaGdqMZuu8Vmm6KrnprGbrfIrZytmZmhwHA%3D