March of the Ducks

Lane and I hosted a play date the Peabody in order to see the March of the Ducks. Another mom suggested it and when we found out that we could go for free, we thought it was a fun idea. Lane and I arrived early so we had an enjoyable morning walking around the gorgeous Peabody Hotel in Orlando. We indulged in chocolate milk and a Vienese coffee while we waited for our friends to join us. Here is the legend of the Peabody Ducks from the Peabody Orlando web site: The Legend of the Ducks How did the tradition of the North American Mallard ducks in the lobby fountain of The Peabody Memphis begin? Back in the 1930s, Frank Schutt, general manager of The Peabody Memphis, and his life-long friend, Chip Barwick, returned from a weekend hunting trip to Arkansas. The men had had a little too much Tennessee sippin’ whiskey, and thought it would be funny to place some of their live duck decoys (it was legal then for hunters to use live decoys), into the black travertine fountain of the Peabody hotel. Three small English call ducks were selected, and the reaction was nothing short of enthusiastic. Thus began a Peabody tradition that was to become internationally famous. The original ducks have long since gone, but after 75 years, their progeny live on in the graceful, marble fountain in “The South’s Grand Hotel,” The Peabody Memphis, and also at The Peabody Little Rock and The Peabody Orlando. The Peabody Duck March takes place twice daily at 11am and 5pm. Prior to 11 am, Lane and I made our way to the fountain in anticipation of seeing the ducks. What we didn't know is that Lane would be picked to be an honorary duck master! We followed the Duck Master to the elevator to see the $100,000 newly renovated duck habitat on the roof top. There are five English ducks, one boy and four girls. Romanda, the Duck Master, taught us a lot about the ducks including information about the breeder. Lane and I listened intently while we gazed at the marble structure. We followed the ducks and Romanda to the elevator.

The only people allowed to touch the ducks are the head duck master and the breeder. We were in charge of keeping the ducks on the elevator while Romanda made a phone call to make sure everyone was ready for the ducks. The ducks are adorable and each have a distinctive personality. We rode down the elevator to the red carpeted hallway. The ducks are hungry so when the elevator doors open, they waddle quickly to the fountain. If Romanda hadn't warned us, we might have missed the action. It was a fun experience and I am glad we tried something new.

Lane was given a certifact naming her an honarary duck master and a large rubber duck. She was THRILLED when it was presented to her.

Here I am with my honorary duck master!