Stephan Mikes, Whose Sitar Music Graced Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Has Passed Away at 69
While the attractions and dining grab all the headlines at Walt Disney World, in the end, they are not what keeps us coming back.
The magic of Walt Disney World is more ethereal than that. It isn’t about the specific rides or our favorite meal, the magic comes from the connections that we make with others and the memories that form us.
From the family and freinds we visit with, to the Cast Members who make it all possible, it is the people who make Disney’s magic a reality.
Stephan Mikes Has Passed Away
One of the indiviudals to whom we owe an enternal debt of gratitude is Stephan Mikes, who for years has graced Disney’s Animal Kingdom with his talents.
Sadly, it is my job to report that Mikes has passed away at the age of 69.
Photo: Bonnie Pedicord Mikes
Performing under the name Chakranadi, Mikes helped bring the Anadapur village to life with his traidtioanl Indian melodies performed on the sitar.
For many of us, hearing Mikes’ exotic music transported us to a happy place, far away from the worries of everyday life.
Photo: Bonnie Pedicord Mikes
His music brought happiness to millions of Walt Disney World visitors, many who would come to inextricably associate the music of Cakranadi with the joy of Animal Kingdom.
On March 3, after not feeling well at work, the “man who can do anything” was rushed to the hospital, where he learned that he needed to have quintuple bypass surgery.
Photo: Bonnie Pedicord Mikes
For the next 18 days, Mikes was in the hospital, 14 of them in the ICU. While his family and friends remained hopeful that he would make a full recovery, he has now passed on.
A Legacy of Joy and Music
Mikes leaves behind a loving family, including his wife Bonnie, and dedicated fans. His legacy also includes the millions of people to whom he brought joy, though they never knew his name.
His sitar playing was the background for our fondest memories, a welcome introduciton to the majesty of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and at least for me, a source of comfort when I was away from the most magical place on Earth.
Photo: Disney
I will miss hearing Mikes’ sitar as I stroll through Anandapur. We were all better off for him having shared his gift. His legacy will live on, not only in his music, but in the memories that he helped create and magic that he gave a soundtrack to. RIP Stephan.
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