The bird show at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Orlando, Florida is called Flights of Wonder. It is a live bird show featuring various exotic birds from around the world.
Overview of Flights of Wonder
Flights of Wonder is a 25-30 minute outdoor bird show located in the Asia section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. The show takes place multiple times per day in the Caravan Theater, an outdoor 1,500-seat theater surrounded by trees, plants, and nature.
During the show, audiences learn about different species of birds from tropical regions like Asia, Africa, and South America. The birds showcased include hawks, eagles, owls, toucans, storks, cranes, vultures, and more. Through natural behaviors, audiences learn about the unique adaptations and abilities of each bird species.
The show is hosted by a wildlife interpreter who shares facts and engages with the audience. Trained bird handlers work with each bird to highlight their natural behaviors and abilities such as flight and hunting demonstrations. The goal of Flights of Wonder is to educate audiences about bird conservation and connect them to the natural world.
History of Flights of Wonder
Flights of Wonder first opened in 1998, the same year Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park opened. It was originally called Flights of Fancy. The original show featured mostly North American birds. In 2000, the show was updated to include a more exotic cast of birds from around the world.
The show was renamed Flights of Wonder and moved to the much larger Caravan Theater venue to accommodate its growing popularity. While the show has evolved over the years, Flights of Wonder continues to be one of the park’s top rated live animal attractions.
Birds Featured in Flights of Wonder
Flights of Wonder features over 50 exotic birds representing species from around the world. While individual birds may vary each show, types of birds commonly seen include:
- African augur buzzard
- Black vulture
- Eurasian eagle owl
- Great Indian hornbill
- Grey-headed kingfisher
- Harris’s hawk
- Laughing kookaburra
- Lilac-breasted roller
- Rhinoceros hornbill
- Toco toucan
The trained bird cast is made up of both male and female birds. Many of the species featured at Flights of Wonder are threatened or endangered in their native habitats. The birds serve as animal ambassadors to teach audiences about the importance of conservation.
Show Format and Highlights
Flights of Wonder follows a loose narrative format led by the wildlife interpreter host. Throughout the show, different birds are brought out and highlighted. Birds demonstrate natural behaviors and abilities like flight and hunting retrieves. The host interacts with the audience, asking questions and sharing facts about each bird.
Highlights of the show include:
- Introduction to birds of prey like hawks, eagles, and owls
- Colorful toucans using their large, vibrant bills to catch fruit
- Vultures and other scavenger birds circulating overhead
- Training demonstrations like a hawk retrieving objects mid-flight
- Unique bird vocalizations from hoots to laughter
- A hummingbird feeding on nectar just inches from the audience
At the conclusion of the 25-30 minute show, guests have the opportunity to take photos of a bird perched on a hand before exiting the theater.
Show Times
Flights of Wonder show times vary by day. On peak attendance days, there may be up to five shows per day. Typical show times are:
- 10:30am
- 11:30am
- 12:30pm
- 1:30pm
- 3:00pm
Show times are subject to change due to weather or other factors. Guests can check the daily park times guide for the most up to date Flights of Wonder show schedule during their visit.
Tips for Attending Flights of Wonder
Flights of Wonder is a popular show, so arrive at least 20-30 minutes early to get a seat. Here are some tips to make the most of your Flights of Wonder experience:
- Arrive early – Seats fill up quickly, so arrive at least 30 minutes before showtime.
- Sit towards the front – Sitting closer to the stage provides better views of the birds.
- Watch the pre-show – Birds like vultures often circle overhead before the show starts.
- Engage with the host – Listen and respond to the host’s questions throughout the show.
- Bring a camera – You can take photos during the show and meet a bird afterward.
- Check the times guide – Verify the show times for the day of your visit.
History and Conservation
In addition to spotlighting unique bird species, Flights of Wonder also focuses on bird conservation and environmental education. Throughout the show, guests learn about:
- The evolutionary history of birds
- Unique adaptations of different bird species
- Threats to birds like habitat loss and climate change
- Disney conservation efforts around the world
- How everyone can help protect birds
By connecting guests to incredible birds up-close, Flights of Wonder fosters appreciation and awareness around conservation. Disney’s Animal Kingdom and the Disney Conservation Fund support bird protection programs worldwide.
Conclusion
Flights of Wonder at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is an entertaining and educational live bird show featuring exotic species from around the world. Through natural bird behaviors and an engaging host, audiences learn about the wonder of birds and the importance of conservation.
This 25-30 minute show is a can’t miss attraction for bird lovers and anyone visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. Arrive early, engage with the show, and walk away with a greater appreciation of birds from the Flights of Wonder experience.