Disney announced a piece of news today that is sure to delight Walt Disney World veterans: the tentative opening date for the return of the Enchanted Tiki Room. Originally slated for a summer opening following a small fire in January, the show is currently expected to open August 15.
The show, a musical revue featuring audio-animatronic birds, opened in 1971 at the Magic Kingdom as “Tropical Serenade,” alternately known as “The Enchanted Tiki Birds.” However, since 1998, the classic attraction has been replaced by “The Enchanted Tiki Room: Under New Management,” an “updated” version of the show featuring Disney characters Iago and Zazu. But now, the new management has been let go, and audiences can look forward to the classic revue once again, led by hosts José, Fritz, Michael and Pierre.
Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, as the attraction will now be titled, will pay tribute to the classic Disneyland attraction that has been delighting audiences since 1963. Disneyland’s “The Enchanted Tiki Room” is notable in that it was the first attraction to feature “true” audio-animatronic figures. This advance in technology led the way for the plethora of truly life-like audio-animatronics that can be seen throughout the parks today. In the classic attraction, the four bird hosts introduce a spectacular musical presentation, featuring over 200 birds, flowers, and tikis. While the Magic Kingdom attraction will honor the show’s great history and the original intent of Walt Disney and his Imagineers, the show will also feature brand-new technology, including a state of the art show-control system, remastered audio, and a new versatile and energy efficient lighting system. Audiences will be able to enjoy the show throughout Magic Kingdom’s operating hours each day.
Photo copyright Disney
