Editor's Report
Page 1 of 1
A Disneyland classic, the Enchanted Tiki Room, opened 40 years ago this week on June 23, 1963. When I first became a Disneyland fanatic in 1995, the Tiki Room and the Peoplemover were my two favorite attractions. They were the ones I did on almost every visit. I can't say that I get to the Tiki Room nearly as often these days, but it is still a favorite of mine.
The Tiki Room is special in Disneyland's history because it is the first all Audio-Animatronic show. In 1963 it was a marvel. Walt was inspired to do the show by an antique animated bird he found in New Orleans. As many know the original idea was for a dinner show, but that proved impractical. The detailed look of the birds can be credited to Imagineering legend Harriet Burns and Marc Davis played a large part in creating the show.
The task of creating the theme song went to - who else - the Sherman Brothers. Richard and Robert detailed this in their wonderful book Walt's Time: From Before to Beyond:
We sat down - on bridge chairs - and the show began. A choir of white birds started singing "Let's all sing like the birdies sing!" Then the lights changed color and the Tiki torches on the walls came to life, chanting "Uga buga, uga buga!" Before long we were all thinking to ourselves, "What in God's name is going on here?" It was the strangest thing in the world". When it was all over, Walt stood up and explained his concerns to the gathered audience. "It's a great show," he began, "but nobody knows what the damn thing is all about."
The Shermans went on to explain
... we suggested an articulate parrot could sing a song to set up the show. In fact, we continued, he could even act as the emcee! The song could be done in a calypso beat - "The TIki, TIki, Tiki, Tiki Room." It had a sound you could remember. And Walt bought the idea, just like that, adding "Instead of one parrot emcee, we'll have four with French, Spanish, German and Irish accents." He always had a way of plusing a good idea.
Unfortunately, the Enchanted Tiki Room is not as popular as it once was. Audiences have become more sophisticated over the past 40 years and attention spans have shortened. Disneyland even shortened the show a few years ago by removing one of the songs. But despie that, and despite the fact that the original Tiki Room shows have been converted into more modern versions in Walt Disney World and Tokyo Disneyland, Disneyland's largely remains as it was back in 1963. And like other classic attractions, it remains a favorite of Disneyland fanatics like myself. Here's what some have said in our Disneyland attraction guide:
This is hands-down my favorite attraction in the Disneyland Park. It was pure Disneyland, taking me away to another place and making me feel like a little kid. The design, the songs, the characters all combine to make a wonderful experience
One of Walt's best! Just makes me feel great every time I see it. I hope it stay's around so my grandkids can see it!
I love this attraction!! Great if friends and family are along. Very interactive, and great for all ages. Once you enter, you're in a different world, it's great!! A must see.
How long the Tiki Room lasts is anyone's guess. I don't believe Disneyland should be a museum and if they can put something better in it's place, by all means do it. But for now, I'm very happy to have one of Walt's classics - one of his major innovations - available for the world to see at the Happiest Place on Earth. And 40 years after it opened, it's still fun to go and sing like the birdies sing.
• • •
Our Finding Nemo contest has ended and we have a list of winners. We were even able to award a few more prizes than we originally thought. The winners are:
-
T-Shirt and Keychain (15 winners): Reid Loveland, Chris Price, renee, suzi, maria, BlazesOfFire, dwabno, CJC, Jacky Biederstaedt, Rex Huang, gillyweed29, encinopnoy, roberts1398, Mommyeeyore, Steve Rowley
-
T-Shirt and Hat (5 winners): cheshirechip, Jonathan Sturch, Goofy4Disney, King Triton, Heather Cook
-
Poster: (8 winners): Joey, Erin Givens, davidrac, Robb Thomas, loislbktx, MistyNosset, kim, leogirl
-
Signed Poster (1 winner): Craig Markley
All winners have been notified via email. We'd like to thank the nearly 600 people who entered the contest over the two weeks it ran.
• • •
Disneyland's birthday is now about 3 weeks away. July 17th is almost a national holiday for Disney fanatics. One of the great things about the birthday is the NFFC always holds their annual convention at this time of year. This year is no exception with the convention taking place July 15th through 20th at the Crowne Plaza Resort just a few miles from the park. As usual, this year's event is looking great. The tentative schedule of events has just been released, so be sure to check it out. You can either pre-register or register at the door. And if you're not already a member of NFFC, you can join when you register. Click here for more information on this year's convention.
Another smaller event for Disney fans is also taking place this year. If you're a fan of the film 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, you won't want to miss this one. Click here for the latest news on this event.
• • •
Of course the thing I'm most looking forward to with Disneyland's birthday this year is the LaughingPlace.com Meet and Celebration. if you're not familiar with it, be sure to click here and read all about it. In short, LaughingPlace.com readers will be getting together this July 17th - as we do every July 17th - meet, greet and celebrate Disneyland's birthday. Everyone is welcome and a good time is sure to be had by all!
Discuss It
Related Links
-- Doobie Moseley
-- Posted June 24, 2003