Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary is almost here!

We can’t wait to see the new fireworks shows, the new cavalcade, and more! But today, we’ve got an early look at another new entertainment offering that’s coming as part of the festivities. As part of Disney World’s 50th Anniversary, Disney’s Animal Kingdom will have a brand NEW daytime show called KiteTails. We already got a sneak peek at the show, and have been spotting construction over the past few weeks, but today we got the chance to SEE some of the show for ourselves!

Disney KiteTails is a daytime show that takes place at the Discovery River Amphitheater, in the Asia section of the park multiple times a day.

Today, Disney was hosting a preview event for the show, but the area was also open to the public so we were able to get a look at this new offering.

Getting ready to see KiteTails in Animal Kingdom! 🍃 pic.twitter.com/amS5mZ3yVb

— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) September 29, 2021

 

 

 

 

According to Disney, KiteTails takes “the magic of nature and Disney storytelling to new heights” with elaborate three-dimensional kites depicting beloved Disney characters.

The show started out with performers presenting oversized props and kites as we were seated in the amphitheater — a show before the actual show even starts!

We spotted kites featuring all kinds of Disney characters set to Disney tunes! On land, we saw a kite being held by one Cast Member featuring Sebastian and another featuring Flounder. Both kites were maneuvered around by the Cast Members as instrumental versions of songs from The Little Mermaid including Under the Sea and Kiss the Girl played in the background!

Then, it was time for some turtle action! There were large, colorful kites featuring Crush, Squirt, and more being brought by the Cast Members as they interacted with guests.

Next, it was time for a turtle parade!

Yes, you read that right — a turtle parade! Some guests got the chance to hold a mini turtle kite and parade around some of the seating areas as fun music plays in the background.

It’s a turtle parade! #KiteTails #DisneyWorld pic.twitter.com/WEtMVVcAne

— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) September 29, 2021

 

 

 

 

Next, it was time for the show to begin. Some Cast Members came through with unique looking plant-shaped kites to kick things off!

The show we saw was themed to The Jungle Book. During the show we got to see the one and only Baloo (in kite form, of course) flying past as fun renditions of music from the movie played in the background.

You can see the skilled Cast Members pulling the kite via their speedboat up front.

The whole experience of seeing these GIANT Disney characters in kite form was actually really neat. One of our reporters said it felt like being in the presence of some true Disney celebrities!

Be prepared, because many of these kites are HUGE! Some of them are as large as 30 feet in length.

KiteTails! 🍃 #DisneyWorld pic.twitter.com/JFWxSCceIt

— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) September 29, 2021

 

 

 

 

It was fun to see some of these kites out in the same space together, all while dancing along to the music in our seats.

While the kites in the sky are fun, you can’t forget about the cute ones being operated by Cast Members on the land.

At one point, we got to hear part of the Colonel Hathi’s Elephant March as some adorable elephant-shaped kites made their way through the space.

There were lots of things to see throughout the show, and having the upbeat music playing in the background gave KiteTails a fun feel.

But, we do have one complaint — we feel like some of the kites there were just monkeying around! (Oh c’mon, we had to make that joke!) 😂

There were a variety of money kites on land all hanging about…

…while some kites with long tails flew in the background.

And we can’t forget about one of the biggest stars of the show — King Louie!

As the monkey kites were being operated by Cast Members on the ground, and the kites with long tails flew over the water, King Louie also made his rounds and I Wan’na Be Like You played in the background for everyone to dance along to!

But, after an exciting show, it seemed like King Louie was ready for a NAP!

He was ready for a nap… 💤 #KiteTails #DisneyWorld pic.twitter.com/p006zv9xDc

— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) September 29, 2021

And Baloo was right there with him. We get it, sometimes a good nap can be one of the most magical parts of your Disney experience!

 

Me jumping into bed after a long day at Disney World: pic.twitter.com/e2A5xfUsUX

— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) September 29, 2021

 

Overall, the show was quite fun! The dancers who start the show with the initial kites really set the tone for the entire experience with a great level of energy. The turtle parade was a fun touch, and seeing those giant kites in the water (coupled with the smaller ones on land) all dancing along to the upbeat music, was great!

And that’s a first look at Animal Kingdom’s new daytime show, KiteTails!

When we saw the show at 11AM today, it was focused on The Jungle Book, which is why we saw the Baloo and King Louie kites, as well as the elephant kites. It’s our understanding that the Lion King-themed version of the show will be presented today at 1PM. That’s what we’ve experienced today. Right now, Disney’s website doesn’t specifically note that different show times will feature differently themed sets, so we’ll keep an eye out for more updates on that.

We returned later in the day to catch The Lion King-themed version of the show. Once again, we got to see some of our friends from Finding Nemo…

…and The Little Mermaid in the pre-show section.

And guests got to participate in the turtle parade.

Then, the main show began and we got a look at some beautiful bird kites.

There were also kites featuring some other animals that form the circle of life.

And then the kite we’d been waiting for took to the skies — Zazu!

This kite was truly enormous and a fantastic sight to see!

But, he wasn’t alone! We also got to see young Simba float past with his colorful mane.

Of course, Timon and Pumba weren’t too far behind. Looks like they might be a bit fearful of flying!

The dynamic duo made their way through the area as more music from the film played.

Then the more adult Simba made his way to the skies.

Our reporter who saw both shows said that while both shows were great, they preferred the Lion King version! There’s definitely a decent number of kites to see at both, with fun music and dancing to go with it.

And, just as was the case with The Jungle Book version, the kites went down for a little nap after the show ended!

What do you think of this show? Tell us in the comments!

@disneyfoodblog

First look at the new #KiteTails 🪁 show coming to #AnimalKingdom on Oct 1st! #disney #disneyparks #disneyworld #disneyworld #kite #kiteflying

♬ Breaking Free – From “High School Musical”/Soundtrack Version – Troy & Gabriella

We’re checking out tons of new things around Disney World for the 50th Anniversary, so stay tuned to DFB for more information!

Click here to see more about Disney World’s 50th anniversary!

Which kite in the show is your favorite?! Let us know in the comments!