Walt Disney World Archives - Stuck at the Airport

At airports: a giant flamingo, doodles, & Disney salute

Some birds are welcome at airports

Their giant flamingo public artwork won’t arrive until 2022, but the folks at Tampa International Airport (TPA) are clearly very excited. We can’t blame them. This bird looks like it will be a stunner.

It’s Monday, the perfect day to remind all of you that we’re GETTING A GIANT FLAMINGO! https://t.co/nf4v4E5up4 pic.twitter.com/sv1kk4ICQZ
— Tampa International Airport ✈️ (@FlyTPA) September 27, 2021

PDX offering prizes for doodles

*Sasquatch and Chill By Vanessa Soberanis*

There’s a lot of construction going on at Portland International Airport (PDX) and airport officials are being very creative with the signage in the terminal while all the work is going on.

Through October 8, 2021, PDX is inviting the public to create and upload Northwest-inspired PDX doodle-art that might someday be displayed at the airport. Everyone is welcome to vote on their favorite doodles. The designs that get the most votes will be featured on digital monitors at the airport and on PDX social media, and show up on custom t-shirts. The winning artists will get coveted PDX swag and gift cards from PDX shops and restaurants.

Want to bring a smile to travelers at PDX? Create a Pacific Northwest-inspired PDX doodle for a chance to win prizes, including having your artwork displayed at the airport: https://t.co/hy8pr0z4IB #PDXNext pic.twitter.com/BnHKyRn09Q
— flypdx (@flypdx) September 27, 2021

Orlando Int’l Airport celebrates a Disney anniversary

Walt Disney World Resort is turning 50 and Orlando International Airport (MCO) is joining in on the celebrations with special decorations in the terminal train stations, banners, decals, and floor projections. Our favorite: a giant 50th Anniversary tea cup and themed backdrop perfect for photo ops.

The World's Most Magical Celebration is here! ✨ Check out the exclusive decorations throughout our airport for @WaltDisneyWorld's 50th anniversary celebration. pic.twitter.com/QT4yVaTPcF
— Orlando International Airport (@MCO) September 27, 2021

Disney World is 40; Orlando Int’l Airport is 30

Central Florida’s Walt Disney World turns 40 on October 1 and on the Disney blog there’s a cool infographic offering a timeline of Walt Disney World Resort and a list of the special events that will take place to mark the anniversary.

Here’s a clip from an early press conference announcing Walt Disney World.

There’s another party taking place in central Florida this weekend. On Sunday, October 2nd, Orlando International Airport is having a Community Day to celebrate its 30th anniversary.

There will be plenty of music and lots of character appearances, including Shamu from Sea World, Miss Kitty from Hello Kitty, Duffy the Bear from Disney, The Astronaut from the Kennedy Space Center and Woody and Winnie Woodpecker from Universal Studios.

A live Alligator from Gatorland will make an appearance as will the Kanani Nicdao Polynesian Dance Group.

Sound like fun? All events at the airport – including parking – are free.
Tickets to Disney World are definitely not free – but you can see the fireworks for free from the top level of the parking garage at the airport.