Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room: Here, There, But Not Everywhere

Did you know that United Airlines and Dole were not the originally proposed sponsors of Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room at Disneyland? The beloved attraction that stands at the entrance of Adventureland (and deep within it at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World) was sure to be an out of the box hit. 

 

Walt Disney World's Tropical Serenade at park opening in 1971.

From Gorillas Don't Blog.
 

The use of Audio-Animatronics was in its infancy stage and first debuted with this epic stage show in the round in 1963- right on the middle of America's love affair with all things Hawaiian and Tiki. Walt and his Imagineers knew this new E Ticket attraction would be a smash, and they first pitched sponsorship to none other than RCA. The concept art above is one of the first ones created. 

 

Alien invasion in Tokyo Disneyland.
 

The show was imported to Tokyo Disneyland and is now interrupted by Stitch, but it was never added to any other castle park aside from the two in the US.

 

Colonel Hathi's Outpost in Disneyland Paris.

There is a tribute of sorts in Disneyland Paris' Adventureland in Colonel Hathi’s Pizza Outpost, where feathered cousins perch above diners.  

 

Disney is slowly doing away with its Audio-Animatronic musical shows. (See this post.) It's an unfortunate move when especially in Florida they have all the land the could ever need. In fact, I'd say The Enchanted Tiki Room is "appreciated" in Florida and Japan but only truly beloved in California. Should the suits desire Moana to have a castle park presence, this would be the place she'd move in. Until then, let's all sing like the birdies sing.

(Art and photos copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

  

Retro United Airlines Tiki Room Poster

This Enchanted Tiki Room attraction poster is an older one that features United Airlines. The stylistic approach reminds me of the ancient Hawaiian fabric prints that you find all over. Of course, the classic original Disneyland logo is pretty darn cool as well.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Aloha!

Before you get a chance to see the new post by Len- and it's a great one- take a look at this vintage United Airlines travel poster for Hawaii. It's from the 1940's. It was just so cool I had to share it. Makes me want to take off for the islands. But if I were a betting man, I'd say that's going to be misplaced by a few more business trips. Have a great Sunday!