We have recently learned some sad news from Disney World.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is home to many beautiful sights and sounds. From birds chirping to monkeys howling, you can hear all the sounds of nature as they come together into the heartbeat of the park. All around the park, the sounds of animals and the crowds can be mixed in with the delightful music of street performers from across the lands. Sadly, we have recently heard that one sound may never be the same.
Stephan Mikes passed away on October 22nd, 2023, according to his wife’s Facebook post. He was 69.
Who was Stephan Mikes? He was commonly known as Chakranadi inside Animal Kingdom and could frequently be seen playing his sitar at Anandapur in Asia.
Chakranadi
The beautiful sounds filled the area and could be mesmerizing to listen to. Sadly, it just won’t be the same walking through this part of the park.Â
Chakranadi
His wife left an endearing tribute post to Stephan with beautiful images– just as she wants to remember him.
via Bonnie Mikes Facebook
We’re deeply saddened to know the heartbeat of sounds through Animal Kingdom will never be the same again without Chakranadi’s (Stephan’s) sitar music. As you walk through Asia in Animal Kingdom, be sure to take an extra moment to remember Stephan.
Keep following DFB for more Disney news.
Do you remember hearing the sounds of Chakranadi’s sitar? Let us know in the comments.
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
In a time when so many live performances have been cut in the parks, it was always special to hear Stephan adding to the atmosphere in Asia.
I will miss his unique talents.
R.I.P.
Chakranadi’s music was always beautiful and soothing. He was not only an extremely talented musician expertly playing one of the most difficult instruments, he also was very friendly and always excited if a guest stopped to listen and ask questions. As a music graduate and teacher, I know how difficult it is to play this instrument. He was a true master, and will be greatly missed. Rest in peace, friend.
I am so sad to hear this. Stephan was a fantastic musician and we have most of his albums, he studied and played with the best and was a legend in his field.
He had bypass surgery at the beginning of 2023 and it was so good to see him in the parks.
It was a genuine honour to meet him when we were in AK and he will be sadly missed.