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!