Five Things to Know About Feathered Friends in Flight

Feathered Friends in Flight is a stage show in Asia in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. You’ll get a look at how the birds in the park are cared for and how each species contributes to our planet’s ecosystem. To learn more, read on, but if you’d rather fly over to the nuts and bolts, here’s your shortcut.

1. It’s show-and-tell with birds…and you!

Feathered Friends in Flight is presented in the Anandapur Theater in Asia. The outside of the theater is beautifully themed and decorated; the queue is an open-air plaza with lanterns strung overhead.

Once inside you’ll find an open-air theater. The “ruins” of an old building are both the main set and the backdrop of the stage. During the show, birds will enter and exit through the various doors and windows of the building.

The main portion of the theater has benches that are all on the same level. Wings of bleachers at the back are shaded, but sitting in the front and center areas may increase your chances of being selected to participate in the show. (More on that later.)

2. Bird is the word!

The show features a wide range of birds, including colorful macaws, majestic bald eagles, and playful toucans. Each species is given a chance to shine, offering an up-close view of its beauty and talents.

Feathered Friends in Flight highlights the incredible natural abilities of the birds. You’ll see demonstrations that showcase various behaviors, including flight patterns, vocal mimicry, and problem-solving skills. One thing that sets this presentation apart is that it emphasizes the birds’ natural instincts instead of having them merely perform tricks.

While the performance is first and foremost entertaining, it’s also informative. Since the show takes place in the Asia section of Animal Kingdom, the show hosts (who are actually professional bird trainers) tie their narration into the overall theme of this land: exploring and protecting wildlife. Guests will hear about bird conservation, habitats, and the challenges these species face in the wild.

Fast-paced and entertaining, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for avian wildlife and the various ecosystems they inhabit. And there are a couple of spots where a member of the audience is chosen to help with the demonstration. Birds may fly through your arms or close overhead as they zoom through the air. If fortune smiles upon you (and you raise your hand), you could also leave with some great pictures.

3. The high-flying history of bird shows at Animal Kingdom.

Bird shows have been performed in this park since it opened in 1998. The first to be presented was Flights of Wonder. This show featured more than 20 species of exotic birds and was co-hosted by Guano Joe or Jane, a comic relief character who was afraid of birds. It ran until December 31, 2017.

In April 2018, as part of the 20th anniversary celebration of Animal Kingdom, a new show debuted. Called UP! A Great Bird Adventure, this show featured characters from the feature film “Up” (as you probably guessed) and a variety of exotic birds. The show was rewritten several times due to poor audience reception.

It ultimately closed on March 12, 2020, during the pandemic. The current show, Feathered Friends in Flight, debuted on July 13, 2020. Unlike its predecessor, audiences love it. Survey respondents give it 4.5 stars (out of five) in every age group. And it represents something pretty unique – Disney removing IP from an attraction instead of adding it!

4. Secrets they keep under their wing.

⭐ The cast members presenting the show are professional trainers. What you see on stage is based on their knowledge and relationships with the birds.

⭐ The trainer/presenters often need to improvise because birds don’t always perform on cue. This can be a bit easier when you’re showcasing natural behaviors than “missing” on a strict routine of tricks. And it means no two shows are exactly alike!

⭐ The theater and stage design incorporate subtle nods to Indian architecture and wildlife preservation, consistent with the Asia theme of the park. The carvings, murals, and props on stage all reflect the importance of birds in Indian culture and mythology.

⭐ Altogether, more than 15 species of birds make appearances in the show. Toucans, parrots, macaws, and an African eagle all play starring roles during the presentation.

5. The Nuts and Bolts.

Feathered Friends in Flight is presented in the Anandapur Theatre in the Asia section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It’s easily found as you walk along the main path between Africa and the Yak & Yeti restaurant. The queue has a shaded open-air portion, but the line occasionally extends beyond this, and it can get hot while you wait. Since the show takes place on an open stage, it can be canceled during inclement weather.

The seating is bleacher-style backless metal benches arranged in three front and two back sections. Sitting near the front or center in the unshaded area increases your chances of being asked to participate in the show. Guests may remain in their wheelchair/ECV.

Shows last 25 minutes; Check the My Disney Experience app or our own Lines app for show times. The show is not open for Early Theme Park Entry or Extended Evening Theme Park Hours. You can choose to use Lightning Lane Multi-Pass to secure entry, but it’s rarely helpful.

The Bottom Line.

We think Feathered Friends in Flight is the best and highest-rated version of this show to be presented. While you won’t find parrots riding bikes or telling jokes, it’s compelling to see the birds’ natural talents and characteristics showcased. It’s also a great way to sit and rest for a while in the middle of a busy touring day!

Have you seen Feathered Friends in Flight? What did you think? Tell us in the comments!