
It’s always sad to see our favorite experiences leave Disney Parks, even if they were only intended to be around for a limited time in the first place.
One already limited-time performance quickly rose to popularity over its nearly one-year run at Disney’s Animal Kingdom until it ended even earlier than planned due to Hurricane Ian. Now, some fans have still been able to get an up-close look at some elements of the iconic performance in a somewhat surprising place.
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Disney KiteTails was a limited-time offering that opened in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park exclusively for the 50th-anniversary celebration of the Resort. While the show originally led to mixed reactions from fans, especially in terms of its position as an exclusive offering for “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” Guests grew to love the show, and especially the rather hilarious (and intentional) “crash” landings of the kites.
Fans were understandably disappointed then to learn that the format of the show would be changing and that performances would essentially be shortened and take place throughout the day rather than at set times. To make matters worse, when Disney did announce an official end date for KiteTails (which was well before the end of the 18-month anniversary celebration), the show closed permanently even earlier due to Hurricane Ian shutting down the Disney Park.
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Disney KiteTails might have already flown out of Animal Kingdom, but fans have spotted it nearby in Orlando at this year’s IAPPA convention. The event, which runs through this Friday, November 18, 2022, features an exhibition floor with notable companies from nearly all aspects of the themed entertainment industry.
One of the exhibitors at this year’s expo is Kiteman Productions, the company that created the infamous kites seen flying over the Discovery River Lagoon during KiteTails. Jacklyn Krol, a graduate intern at Walt Disney Imagineering, snapped a photo of the Zazu kite during her trip around IAPPA:
Kite Tails stans rise… at #IAAPAEXPO #IAAPA #DisneyWorld pic.twitter.com/4XCNgJbMlP
— Jacklyn Krol (@JacklynKrol) November 15, 2022
Disney’s official description of KiteTails read:
Taking Magic to New Heights
Hearts and imaginations will soar as larger-than-life kites and colorful props dance through the air to the beat of beloved Disney songs. Enjoy 2 unique shows, each themed to a beloved Disney animated classic:
- The Lion King, featuring kites inspired by Simba, Zazu and more
The Jungle Book, featuring kites inspired by King Louie, Baloo and moreSee the magic take flight above the Discovery River Amphitheater during The World’s Most Magical Celebration—the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary.
Will we ever see Disney KiteTails return to the Park? Disney is always surprising us, so you never know, but so far the show is officially retired with no plans to return. For now, be sure to check out Kiteman Productions if you visit IAPPA this week for one last look at the performance!