The Peabody Ducks

The Peabody Duck March

Since opening its doors on November 1, 1986, The Peabody Orlando has continued, in unbroken sequence, the traditional March of The Peabody Ducks which began at its sister property, The Peabody Memphis, many, many years ago.Each morning, promptly at 11 a.m., the hotel's atrium lobby is the scene of a remarkable ritual. In a special elevator, the five North American mallard ducks, four hens and one drake, comprising The Peabody Ducks, descend from their $100,000 penthouse Royal Duck Palace.When the elevator doors open, The Peabody Ducks, accompanied by their crimson-and-gold- braid-jacketed Duck Master™, take up their positions on a plush red carpet and begin The March of The Peabody Orlando Ducks to the strident tones of John Philip Sousa's King Cotton March.

They waddle their way in formation through the hotel's marble halls, and when they reach the magnificent, orchid-crowned fountain, which takes center stage in the Atrium Lobby, the ducks mount three red-carpeted steps and splash into the fountain's waters. Tumultuous applause reverberates through the lofty, foliage-draped lobby, and standing ovations are the order of the day by the hundreds of onlookers who daily crowd into the hotel to see one of the greatest shows on earth.

At 5 p.m., the procession is reversed, The Peabody Orlando Ducks marching back to their special elevator, then to their Royal Duck Palace for dinner and a quiet evening together.

The Peabody Duck March is something my parents took my brother and I too when we were little kids. We would make a special day of it! We would start by seeing the ducks waddle in and then we would go to the B-Line Diner attached to the hotel to have brunch! The Duck March is something that has been on my bucket list to bring Jayden to! I couldn’t wait to see this unique event through his eyes! We invited his Auntie Rebecca and his Uncle Nick to go with us. (They had never been either and I couldn’t wait to share this experience with them!)

Jayden adored the ducks! They went by so quickly that I think it was hard for him to register! He coultn’y wait to chase after them!

As soon as they flew by he was off to see them in the fountain! He had the biggest smile on his face and I couldn’t have imagined this experience to be any better!

 

Of course he was so cute that he caught the attention of a Brazilian news crew who proceeded to interview us and film J! What a ladies’ man!

After his thorough assessment of the ducks, we headed off to brunch at the B-Line Diner!!! It was just as fabulous as I remember! Thanks to everyone who made this day so special and surreal!