Lions, Tigers, and Tiki Birds?

The title of this article might sound like an odd combination, but the train conductor on the Walt Disney World Railroad used to utter these words many times a day if you embarked on the grand circle tour. When you enter into the wilds of Adventureland at any Magic Kingdom Park, you must make a visit to the Tropical Serenade, better known as the Enchanted Tiki Room.  This attraction is relaxing and fun, and it allows the viewer to be immersed in the world of Polynesia.  This attraction dates back to 1963, when it debuted in Disneyland.  Originally, this attraction was supposed to be a restaurant.  If you look at the center fountain, you can even see where the cabinets would have been for storage. 

Over the years, the Tiki Room has taken on different forms in different Magic Kingdom parks.  In Disneyland, most of the original show is preserved.  Some of the songs have been shortened, but the spirit of the show still exists.  In Florida, the Tiki Room was Under New Management for several years after the 1998 refurbishment.  Many people disliked this new show because the old songs were removed and new characters were introduced in the form of Iago and Zazu as well as an impressive audio animatronics version of the goddess Aooa.  The show definitely took on a more sarcastic tone as well as some more modernized music.  The birds were all still present, but the show definitely lost some of its former charm.

This attraction has taken on a different form this year, or I should say it’s taken on its former self.  In the recent past, a fire ravaged the Iago audio animatronics figure, so the attraction had to close.  Many people wondered what would happen when the show re-opened.  Luckily, Disney saw fit to remove the Under New Management show in favor of re-opening a version of the original show. This new-old version opened for the recent 40^th anniversary celebration that took place in Florida’s Magic Kingdom this past October 1^st. 

After viewing both Tiki Rooms in California and the newly refurbished show in Florida, I must say that I thoroughly enjoy both shows.  The Florida show has a better lighting package due to the recent updates, but the California show has a wonderful pre-show.  I enjoy all of the Tiki gods and goddesses introducing themselves to the audience outside of the show.  In addition, you can also purchase a Dole Whip before you enter the show in California, and you can bring your treat with you into the show.  This is not the case in the Florida version of the show.  You can purchase Dole Whips at Aloha Isle in Florida, but there are no food or drinks allowed in the show room. 

On a recent trip to California, we experience one of the best castmembers that I have ever seen.  His name was Maynard, and he did all sorts of voices to open the show.   He called himself Tiki Maynard, and he told us that Drinkie Drinkie was okay, but no Flashy Flashy with the camera.  He used all sorts of different accents, and he was just as entertaining as Jose and his feathered friends.  All in all, the Tiki Room is a welcome diversion from the hustle and bustle of the Magic Kingdom Park.  It is a must-see for us when we visit the parks, and I highly recommend seeing the show if you have never seen it.  If you have seen it, go and re-visit it on future trips and appreciate all of the little details that it has to offer.  My favorite part is when it rains!  Enjoy the pictures that I have attached.  I am sending you a virtual dole whip as well!  Until next time, have a magical day, and keep moving forward!

A Mix of Old and New Photos

Lovely shot of the wishing well.

Everest: Under Construction!

I miss you burning settler's cabin!

Entering into the World of Fantasy

How many times have you seen this sign?  If you are a casual park visitor, then you probably have passed by this sign many times.  You can find it as you walk into the Magic Kingdom, past the Mickey floral, and under the train station.  I took the picture above as we entered Disneyland in California for the first time.  Of course, a similar sign can be found in Disneyland’s Florida counterpart.  This sign is your welcome into the Magic Kingdom, the place where dreams can come true.  Sure, pixie dust and magic can’t make you fly in real life, but maybe it can brighten your day for just a little while.  This plaque is more than just a sign; it is an instruction manual to enjoying Disney Parks. 

As you enter the Magic Kingdom, you need to leave behind all that bothers you, and then you can enter into a world of fantasy where life doesn’t have to be so difficult, even if only just for a few days, even just a few hours.  You can explore the world of the future as well as the past with a visit to the Magic Kingdom’s many lands and attractions.  Of course, you can delve into your imagination when you visit the land of fantasy. How you experience a Disney Park is a conscious choice that you make when you step foot onto the grounds.

Many people are constantly critical of the choices that Disney makes for rides and additions to the parks.  I am not going to say that I agree with all of the choices that Disney management makes, but I am not going to dwell on each thing that I dislike about the minutia of the park.  I try to follow the instructions on this sign; I want to enjoy what is present in the parks and get lost in the escapism that the parks can provide.  If you just let yourself go and focus on all that is positive in the parks, perhaps you can truly do what this sign suggests.  You need to enter the land of fantasy and step into a carefully constructed version of reality. 

When you walk into a Magic Kingdom park, take a look at this sign and try to put yourself into the right mindset for enjoying the parks.  Try to silence your phone, disconnect from the real world, and enjoy all that the Disney Parks offer.  They are as much fun as you make them; if you truly commit to the show that is being put on, you can really give yourself a mental vacation.   Sure, you can complain about the heat or the lines or the one light bulb that is burnt out, but wouldn’t it be more fun to be a part of the magic and just sit back and be a part of the show?  Give these tips a try, and I guarantee that your Disney experience will be worthwhile!  Until next time, have a magical day, and keep moving forward!