Walt’s Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room is a classic attraction and when it first premiered at Disneyland, it was the first attraction to feature audio-animatronics. The version at the Magic Kingdom was originally called Tropical Serenade and has gone through some changes throughout the years, but has been recently returned to its original version in 2011.
The original concept for the Enchanted Tiki Room was that it was meant to be a restaurant that featured a collection of singing birds overhead. When Imagineers came to the realization that they couldn’t have real birds because they could ‘poop on the food’ it was then considered to cage the feathered friends. However, since Walt had a deep admiration for animals, he didn’t feel comfortable with the idea of caged birds over his guests. Therefore, as an extension of the studio’s success with animation, the concept of audio-animatronics, a sort of real life form of animation if you will, was born. The attraction opened to guests at Disneyland in California in 1963 and was a huge success. The attraction was a hit not only because of the advanced technology used, but because the attraction premiered during the height of the tiki culture craze in the United States due to the inclusion of Hawaii as its 50th state.
When the attraction opened in Adventureland at the Magic Kingdom, is was one of three attractions in the land next to the Jungle Cruise and the Swiss Family Treehouse. The attraction was originally named Tropical Serenade and was nearly an identical copy to its California counterpart. The only addition that premiered in the Florida version was the pre-show that takes place just before guests step into the theatre. The show itself was hosted by four colorful birds from around the world; José from Mexico, Michael from Ireland, Pierre from France and Fritz from Germany. The show enjoyed a 26 year run until it was revamped in 2011 featuring Iago from Disney’s Aladdin and Zazu from the Lion King. The show was entitled The Enchanted Tiki Room - Under New Management. The show was not very popular with guests. Fortunately, a small fire broke out in the roof area of the main building, causing damage to the Iago figure. This prompted Imagineers to return the attraction back to it’s original version, which reopened in 2011, and the show has remained the same ever since.
The Enchanted Tiki Room is an attraction the entire family can enjoy. There are no height restrictions for this attraction, and disabled guests can remain in their wheelchair or ECV due to the attraction having a reserved seating area for disabled guests near the center of the room. Fastpass+ is NOT offered at this attraction, however there is hardly ever a wait to enjoy the show. Just recently, the Florida version began allowing guests to bring in food and beverages into the theatre which has caused Tiki fans the opportunity to enjoy a famous Dole Whip from Aloha Isle Refreshments, which is located at the attraction’s exit, while watching the show.
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