When Disneyland opened in 1955, audio-animatronics as we know today did not exist. While attractions like the Jungle Cruise included mechanical animals that could make certain rudimentary movements, those movements were extremely limited and often unpredictable and unreliable. However, Walt and his creative team were making huge strides in the development of audio-animatronics.
Walt eventually came up with an idea for a Chinese restaurant that would be located on Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland. This restaurant would include a character based on Confucius, the famous Chinese philosopher. Walt envisioned a dining experience where Confucius would interact with guests, answer questions, and generally provide words of wisdom to fascinated observers while they enjoyed their meals. But Walt did not want a human actor portraying Confucius, he wanted a lifelike mechanical representation to do it!
Broggie and Rogers made additional progress in the development of audio-animatronics during the Confucius project. However, Disney eventually scrapped the project due to a number of different factors, including the massive amount of electrical equipment needed for the project and the general instability of the figure itself. In other words, the technology of the day could not accommodate Walt’s forward-thinking plans.
Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
Walt eventually revisited plans for a restaurant concept. Instead of a Chinese philosopher entertaining guests, Walt decided to tap into the Polynesian craze that permeated American culture during the late 1950s. This new restaurant idea would feature a variety of exotic birds and flowers as the stars of the show. Given the Polynesian theme and the exotic birds and plants, the restaurant would have been located in Adventureland.
After researching the logistics of having a dinner show, including the average amount of time spent by guests eating dinner, Walt decided to scrap the restaurant concept in favor of a stand-alone show. Specifically, Walt and his creative team felt that diners would be so amazed by the audio-animatronic figures that they would not finish their meals in time to clear the area for the next performance.
Walt set his Imagineers on the massive project of creating hundreds of audio-animatronic birds, flowers, and tikis that would move and sway in conjunction with a variety of musical tunes. He also tasked Richard and Robert Sherman with creating a catchy tune for the attraction, which resulted in the famous theme song, “The Tiki Tiki Tiki Room.” The Sherman Brothers penned many other significant contributions to Disney films and attractions, including the theme song for “it’s a small world” and, most famously, songs for the Disney film Mary Poppins (1964).
Walt and his team also developed the storyline of the attraction, which centered around four hilarious birds, each with a different nationality: Jose (Mexico), Michael (Ireland), Pierre (France), and Fritz (Germany).
Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room opened in Disneyland on June 23, 1963. It featured over 200 audio-animatronic birds, flowers, and other figures. The show was unlike anything guests had seen before, and the Tiki Room quickly became a runaway hit for Disneyland.
The Tropical Serenade
Given the success of the Tiki Room in Disneyland, it was easy for Disney executives to include the fan favorite in the Magic Kingdom when the park opened on October 1, 1971. The Florida Citrus Growers agreed to sponsor the Walt Disney World version of the attraction, which was renamed the Tropical Serenade, and it became an immediate hit with Walt Disney World guests.
One of the primary differences between the Disneyland and Disney World versions of the attraction is the exterior façade, with Disney World’s being much more dramatic in the form of a large pagoda. The actual show itself, however, remained largely unchanged from the original Disneyland version.
Although the Tropical Serenade continued to entertain guests over the coming decades, its popularity significantly declined in the 1990s. Because of this, the Tropical Serenade closed on September 1, 1997 for an extensive renovation project that included a large modification to the actual show. When the attraction reopened in April of 1998, it had both a new name, the Enchanted Tiki Room: Under New Management, and two new stars. Looking to make the attraction relevant to younger guests, Disney decided to incorporate Zazu, the re-billed hornbill from Disney’s 1994 animated film The Lion King, and Iago, the villainous pet parrot of Jafar from the 1992 animated film Aladdin.
According to the new storyline, Zazu and Iago were the new owners of the Tiki Room and were making some drastic changes, including the incorporation of new songs into the show. The new proprietors even took it upon themselves to make fun of the old version of the Tiki Room, as well as other attractions in the Magic Kingdom. Disney hoped that utilizing characters from two of its most popular animated films would reinvigorate the popularity of the classic attraction.
Unfortunately, the Enchanted Tiki Room: Under New Management never developed into the fan favorite that Disney hoped it would be. Many guests felt the classic touch of Walt represented in both the original Disneyland and Walt Disney World versions had been lost. Under New Management did enjoy a 13-year run in the Magic Kingdom until a mysterious fire occurred in the attraction show building in 2011. The damage caused by the fire and the resulting water damage from the sprinkler system gave Disney the opportunity to once again make a change.
Rumors were rampant that Disney would close down the Tiki Room forever in favor of a new guest experience or attraction. Ultimately, however, the company did the opposite, reverting to a version of the Tiki Room closer to the Disneyland original. The Disney World attraction is now called Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room.
More Tiki Room Magical Secrets
Fritz is voiced by noted voice actor Thurl Ravenscroft whose numerous credits include Tony the Tiger from Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes commercials and the singer of “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” from the famous television special Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
Purvis Pullen provided the bird calls and whistles for the attraction. Pullen also provided “bird voices” in the classic Disney animated films Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) and Sleeping Beauty (1959).
Air valves are utilized to create movements in the Tiki Room audio-animatronics, as opposed to oil filled valves that are used in many other attractions.
When Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room first opened in Disneyland, it was actually owned by Walt’s private company WED Enterprises, not by the Disney company.
The wooden animals that decorate the roof of the Tiki Room are good examples of the lengths that Imagineers go to maintain thematic integrity. Although the attraction is located entirely in Adventureland, the rooftop of the Tiki Room can also be seen in Frontierland. As such, Imagineers did not want to decorate the roof of the Tiki Room with an animal that would seem outlandish when viewed from Frontierland. As such, an Asian water buffalo was chosen as the Tiki Room’s finial. That animal ties in well with the theme of Adventureland, but also maintains thematic integrity with Frontierland, as the buffalos appear to be Western longhorns when viewed from that land.
Pay close attention to the pre-show for the attraction hosted by toucan cousins Claude and Clyde for some heavy doses of Disney nostalgia. Claude refers to the attraction as the Tropical Serenade (the attraction’s original name). Clyde also refers to the building by its original name, the Sunshine Pavilion, and also mentions orange groves, a subtle nod to the attraction’s original sponsors, the Florida Citrus Growers.
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin is a classic hub-and-spoke attraction that was added to Adventureland on May 24, 2001. Similar to Dumbo the Flying Elephant in Fantasyland, guests fly on their own magic carpets that rise, fall, and tilt at their command. The lever in the front seat controls the height of the carpet while the lever in the back seat controls the tilt. The carpets fly around a large genie bottle that is topped with a magic lamp.
The attraction is located in a plaza in the Agrabah Bazaar section of Adventureland. This area was formerly a large cou
rtyard filled with trees and benches. According to the attraction’s backstory, a magic lamp was discovered while the residents of a Middle Eastern town unearthed a drinking well in the center of the plaza. As you might have guessed, the lamp was home to a powerful genie.
Two mischievous camels provide some of the biggest laughs in Adventureland. One camel stands behind the sign for the attraction, and the other watches the carpets as they fly around the plaza. The camels periodically spit water at unsuspecting passersby and passengers, so make sure to be on the lookout! The camels have a long history with Disney. They were originally used in the Aladdin’s Royal Caravan parade that took place in the Disney-MGM Studios in 1994. They were then moved to the Soundstage Restaurant in the Studios, and then eventually transitioned to the Magic Carpets of Aladdin.
The attraction was inspired by the blockbuster animated film Aladdin (1992). The film recounts the story of the title character, a good-hearted “street rat” who stumbles upon a magical lamp that is home to a genie. During his adventure, Aladdin uses one of his magic wishes to transform himself into a prince in order to hide the lamp from Jafar, the villainous grand vizier to the sultan. Ultimately, Aladdin falls in love with Jasmine, the sultan’s daughter, and befriends both the genie and his magical carpet. Aladdin embodies the creative storytelling, lovable characters, warmth, and beautiful animation of other films from the so-called “animation renaissance” like The Little Mermaid (1989) and Beauty and the Beast (1991). The film was a runaway success for Disney, grossing over $200 million domestically and over $500 million worldwide.
Although the Magic Carpets of Aladdin is not considered a blockbuster attraction by Disney standards, it does incorporate several magical secrets:
Pay close attention to the ground near the Magic Carpets of Aladdin, the Agrabah Bazaar, and the Zanzibar Trading Company, and you will see different jewels and pieces of tile embedded in the ground. Disney Imagineers noted that “[t]he jewelry is the same as that which you can see being sold in the bazaar or decorating the canopies, and the tiles were taken from a small building that had to be removed in order to make way for the Magic Carpets.”
A pool of water glistens at the base of the attraction as the magic carpets fly high above. This is a subtle nod to a scene in Aladdin, where Jasmine and Aladdin see their reflections in water as they fly on the magic carpet.
Apu, Aladdin’s trusty sidekick, is doing cartwheels around the lamp that sits atop the genie bottle in the center of the attraction.
The Zanzibar Trading Company and the Agrabah Bazaar
In addition to the architecture and landscaping, the retail shopping establishments in Adventureland contribute to the adventurous atmosphere. Inside these unique shops, guests will find clothing, trinkets, and other souvenirs reminiscent of those found in marketplaces in Africa, Asia, and Polynesia (in addition to the normal Disney parks merchandise). Two of these shops, the Agrabah Bazaar and the Zanzibar Trading Company, also convey fun theming and storytelling details.
The Zanzibar Trading Company is themed as a trading port of call for wares of all origins. Naturally, its sign proudly proclaims that it is an “importer of exotic gifts from the four corners of the globe.” Although small in physical size, the shop is filled from floor to ceiling with exotic storytelling details:
The exterior sign includes an interesting model that includes two metal circles depicting water with four sailing ships that sail around it.
Rugs hang on the rail of a second-floor balcony, presumably the living quarters of the shop’s owners.
Several lamps (perhaps home to a genie or two) sit inside a cabinet made of dark wood and intricate metal work.
Shelves are stacked with what appear to be goods salvaged from shipwrecks, including a Captain’s wheel, nets, and numerous wooden crates and trunks.
Another wooden cabinet houses a startling find—the stuffed head of a black panther.
Guests may also see urns with burnt tags sitting atop a shelf. The urns include shipping labels to “Serious Burns” at the Ashes to Ashes Mortuary, on the colony of Rura Penthe. This is a reference to the classic Disney live-action film 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954) starring Kirk Douglas and James Mason. Rura Penthe was the slave labor camp where Captain Nemo was once a prisoner.
The Agrabah Bazaar is themed as an exotic, open-air market place from the mysterious Middle East. The sign for the shop is elaborate, featuring intricately detailed brass work. The fabrics hanging from the roof of the building simulate an open-air tent. This theme carries on to the shop’s interior, where the roof is adorned with many brightly covered fabrics and lanterns.
Among my favorite finds in the Bazaar are a pair of cloth bags labeled “Product of Agrabah” that sit high atop a cabinet. They include tags labeled: “SHIP TO: Alakazim, HEAD CHEF, SULTAN’S PALACE, AGRABAH.” This is a reference to the classic Disney animated film Aladdin (1992), which also inspired the attraction that sits directly in front of the Bazaar.
Tortuga Tavern
Tortuga Tavern is a counter-service restaurant located adjacent to the popular Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, on the border of Adventureland and Frontierland. It is based on the pirate hideaway island of Tortuga made famous by the Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise. The restaurant is only open seasonally with a constantly changing menu that currently consists of hot dogs, turkey legs, and barbecue short ribs. Because of the changing menu and limited operating hours, many guests do not get the opportunity to explore one of the most well-themed restaurants in the Magic Kingdom, and one that includes a surprising backstory, a clever code of conduct, and a surprising number of hidden storytelling details.
A weathered wooden sign advertising Tortuga Tavern hangs from a wooden post in front of the restaurant. The sign reads “Tortuga Tavern, Grub and Grog,” and notes that the tavern was established in 1673. This not only ties in to the time period represented in Caribbean Plaza, but also gives a subtle nod to the year (1973) the Magic Kingdom’s Pirates of the Caribbean opened. The sign is decorated with the picture of a young female pirate with a large sailing ship in the background. Who is this girl? We will find out inside the restaurant.
Another wooden sign hangs above the restaurant’s primary entrance. It is decorated with two female figureheads that no doubt once adorned pirate vessels. A variety of different pirate flags fly above this wooden sign (including the Jolly Roger), making clear that this is a haven for rowdy buccaneers.
As was the case with the adjacent Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe in Frontierland, Tortuga Tavern includes a hysterical (although not entirely politically correct) code of conduct that is displayed on a sign near the food ordering area. This code includes a listing of several rules, each of which provides a funny handwritten addition by some unnamed bandit(s):
Every Man has Equal Title to Fresh Provisions—iffin he has the gold
Ye fair ladies shall be treated in a favorable manner—Wenches be not Fair Ladies
A witness shall be present for gaming at cards or dice—Short Drop and Sudden Stop for Cheatin’ Scallywags
Duels by cutlass or pistol shall be taken outside with witness—Ye witness must have one good eye
Damages unto an establishment shall be paid in gold, doubloons, or pieces of eight—Parrots be not legal tender—Ye be warned
A final handwritten note adds one more very important rule: No Monkeys.
Another sign displayed near the restaurant’s ordering area finally reveals who runs the Tortuga Tavern:
Gentlemen you are welcome to sit down at your table. Pay what you call for & drink what you please.
A. Smith, Proprietor.
A teenager, Arabella Smith, runs this rowdy pirate watering hole. She is a character from the young-adult book series Pirates of the Caribbean: Jack Sparrow. In that series, Arabella’s mother is thought to be kidnapped and killed by pirates. Arabella’s drunkard father runs a tavern in Tortuga, and she works there as a barmaid. Arabella eventually meets a young pirate nam
ed Jack Sparrow, and the two embark on a pirate adventure. It now appears that Arabella has returned to Tortuga to take over her father’s Tavern. A black and white hand drawn picture of Arabella can be found to the left of a fireplace in one of the restaurant’s seating areas. The fireplace itself includes a worn, weathered wood mantle that is decorated with numerous props, including jugs, plates, goblets, and lanterns. If guests look closely, they will even see a small picture on the mantle of Arabella’s mother. The book series later reveals that Arabella’s mother was not kidnapped, but instead ran away to become a pirate.
Another nod to Arabella can be found in a wooden wagon that sits in front of the Tortuga Tavern. The wagon is filled with barrels and boxes, as well as a sign labeled “The Faithful Bride.” According to the Pirates of the Caribbean: Jack Sparrow book series, that was name of the Tavern when Arabella’s father was in charge. This is also a nod to the original film Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl (2003), as the Faithful Bride was the location where Captain Jack Sparrow and Mr. Gibbs went to recruit a crew for their perilous journey to the Isla de Muerta. In addition to these details, Arabella’s hat and coat hang on a rack in the second story living quarters above the restaurant.
A large bay window in one of the restaurant’s dining areas (the same area with the portrait of Arabella) is also home to numerous storytelling props, including lanterns, bottles, seashells, and two small wooden kegs presumably full of rum. The window is also home to one of the most fun props in all of Walt Disney World, a large journal that is open to display two pages. The first page lists the crew of the Black Pearl, the pirate ship made famous by the Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise. The designation of “Captain Hector Barbosa” has been marked out, with “Captain Jack Sparrow” written in its place:
Adventureland, Tomorrowland, and Fantasyland Page 3
