The Enchanted Tiki Room (Under New Management)

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The Enchanted Tiki Room (Under New Management)
TikiRoomUndernewmanagementBuilding3.jpg
The entrance to The Enchanted Tiki Room (Under New Management)
Magic Kingdom
Land Adventureland
Attraction type Musical Revue
Theme Polynesia
Opening date April 5, 1998
Closing date January 12, 2011
Hosted by Iago and Zazu
Ride duration 10:00 minutes
Audio-Animatronics 153
Previously Known As Tropical Serenade (1971-1997)

The Enchanted Tiki Room (Under New Management) was an attraction in Adventureland at the Magic Kingdom.

Attraction History

When the original Enchanted Tiki Room opened in Disneyland on June 23, 1969, it was a technological marvel [1]. Introducing the Audio Animatronic technology to audiences, Disney's newest technological breakthrough proved to be a smash hit [1]. Riding the wave of the post-war tiki craze, the Enchanted Tiki Room thrilled guests with its 17 minute tropical revue. Based on its success in Disneyland, the Enchanted Tiki Room was chosen for inclusion in Disney's second park The Magic Kingdom. The attraction opened on the park's opening day October 1, 1971, under the name Tropical Serenade [2].

Like its Disneyland counterpart, the Tropical Serenade proved to be extremely popular upon its opening. By the 1990s however, the attraction's popularity had begun to wane. With the luster of the early Audio Animatronic technology gone, and the genre of the attraction from a long gone era, the Tiki Room played to low audiences, who were known to walk out during the show. With this in mind, Disney began to look for a way to update the show.

The new attraction that Imagineering came up with was titled The Enchanted Tiki Room (Under New Management) was spearheaded by senior concept designer Jeff Burke and senior concept writer Kevin Rafferty [3]. Talking about the waning popularity of the original show, Burke noted:

It was kind of demoralizing to see guests leave in the middle of the (original) show,” said Burke. “So we wanted to infuse new life into it. We wanted to bring out the Disney magic that current audiences would relate to. People who have seen the show before will wonder ‘What is going on around here?” [3]

In order to draw new audiences into the attraction, Imagineers decided to add the popular characters Zazu (from the Lion King) and Iago (from Aladdin), as the new owners of the Tiki Room. When discussing the premise of the new attraction, Rafferty explained that they wanted:

"A Hollywood style look and feel to it. With Iago and Zazu being the new owners of the Tiki Room. They're vying for position and power" [3]

For the Enchanted Tiki Room (Under New Management) the original voice actors for Jose (Wally Boag), Michael (Fulton Burley) and Thurl Ravenscroft (Fritz) were brought back, while Pierre's voice (which had originally performed by Ernie Newton) was rerecorded by Jerry Orbach.

Besides the attraction's two famous new owners, The Enchanted Tiki Room (Under New Management), the Enchanted Tiki Room (Under New Management) featured three other new characters. The attraction's preshow as now hosted by two toucan talent agents named Morris (voiced by Phil Hartman) and William (voiced by Don Rickles), who bickered over who had the better clients. Inside the attraction's main show, in addition to the attraction's familiar cast, Iago and Zazu were joined by Uh-Oa, the Tiki Goddess of Disaster who eventually would put Iago in his place.

The Enchanted Tiki Room (Under New Management) opened to guests on April 5, 1998 [4]. While the attraction played to full audiences upon its opening, over time attendance once again began to dwindle. While the infusion of popular Disney characters endeared the attraction to a new young audience, many found the attraction's new cynical tone, and the shrill voice of Gilbert Godfried's Iago, off-putting.

Despite its limited popularity, the Enchanted Tiki Room (Under New Management) continued to run until January 12, 2011, when a small fire broke out in the Tiki Room's attic [5]. Although the fire was quickly extinguished, the sprinkler system had been activated and the attraction's main Iago Audio Animatronic suffered extensive damage. Following the fire, the attraction closed, and its fate seemingly remained up in the air [6]. The damage from the fire combined with the fact that a refurbished Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room in Disneyland had regained its popularity, convinced Disney that the time was right to bring back the original Tropical Serenade. Finally, at the 2011 D23 Expo, Disney announced that a slightly modified version of the original show would be returning [7].

Attraction Plot

William and Morris, Zazu and Iago's agents, in the attraction's preshow.

Preshow

The Enchanted Tiki Room (Under New Management) began in the attraction's queue, where guests met William and Morris, two toucan talent agents who flew in from Hollywood. The two birds were the representatives of Zazu and Iago, the new owners of the Enchanted Tiki Room. While initially, Morris was surprised to find out that his client had a co-owner, once he saw all of the "paying customers" in line, he accepted the information. Following the sound of a gong (signifying that the main show was about to start), William and Morris would exclaim that their clients were running late, before Morris announced that he had to leave. After hearing that Morris was about to sign Donald Duck, William bragged that he had the Mighty Ducks waiting in the wings to be signed. The two birds would then continue to bicker as guests moved on and entered the Tiki Room itself.

Main Attraction

The Tiki Tiki Tiki Room

Like the original Tropical Serenade show, the Enchanted Tiki Room (Under New Management) began with the attraction's host waking up Jose, the attraction's host. After awakening the macaw would wake up the attractions three other hosts: Michael (a white and green macaw), Pierre (a white and blue macaw) and Fritz (a red, black, and white macaw). With the four hosts now ready to start the show, Michael would note that they needed to “wake up the glee club”. After whistling for the rest of his friends to arise, all of the birds throughout the room began to chirp, the cast began to sing the attraction's first song The Tiki Tiki Tiki Room.

Lyrics

Jose: Ole, ole it's 'cho time.

All: In the tiki, tiki, tiki, tiki, tiki room, In the tiki, tiki, tiki, tiki, tiki room

Jose: All the birds sing words

Michael: And the flowers croon

All: In the tiki, tiki, tiki, tiki, tiki room.

Michael: Welcome to our tropical hideaway, you lucky people you, if we weren't in the show starting right away....

Friend Like Me

Iago performing "Friend Like Me"

At this point in the song, Iago interrupts yelling to stop the music. As the birds slow to a stop, Iago notes that "I'm gonna toss my crackers", and that there is no way the audience below is going to like that. The Enchanted Tiki Room's other co-owner, Zazu, then interceded and warned Iago that it is unwise to mess with the Tiki Room. Iago then bragged that he and Zazu are big stars and that the other tiki birds must not get out much if they don't know who the duo is. At this point, Iago explained that he and Zazu are the new owners. He then began to sing a version of "A Friend Like Me from Aladdin.

Lyrics

Iago:
‘Cause I’m a very famous movie star
And all of Hollywood drops my name.
Who cares about Aladdin or Jafar?
I’m the one with all the looks and fame.

I got a million crackers in the bank,
And I plan to get a zillion more!
And you guys will all have me to thank
When they’re linin’ up at the door.

You are boring Tiki birds.
I’m a big cele-birdy.
That’s why I’m gonna go and change your show.
Ain’t it great to have a friend like me?

Jose: But señor, we’ve done the same show

Fritz: Ya, since 1963.

Iago:

Michael, Jose, Pierre, and Fritz return in the Enchanted Tiki Room (Under New Management).

My, how time flies.
Get a life, you guys!
You’re ancient history.

Can your tails do this?
Can your wings do that?
Can you bad birds sing
In punk or rap?

Can ya rock and roll?
Well, listen here.
It’s a whole new world, so ya better get hip,
Or your audience will disappear.

Yes, your show biz magic lamp
Rub me right, I’ll set you free.
You’ve paid your dues, now you birds can’t lose.

Ain’t it great to have a friend,
Great to have a friend,
Ain't it —
Great to have a friend,
Great to have a friend,
You ain’t never had a friend like meeeeeeeee!
Ain’t never had a friend like me!

Hot Hot Hot

Following Iago's song, Zazu implored the loudmouth parrrot to stop as "the Tiki gods can hear you". Iago, undeterred began to berate the "Moron Tiki Gods" until a loud clap of thunder struck and the room got dark. When Iago asked who turned out the lights, the Tiki Room's four original hosts begin to sing a version of Hot Hot Hot.

Lyrics

Pierre: Oui, oui. We are doomed.

Doom is in the air.
Fritz: It’s good-bye, my friend Pierre.

Jose, Michael, Pierre, Fritz: It’s so hot! Hot! Hot!

Pierre: Hey mon ami, oh, the end is plain to see, ’cause it’s hot! Hot! Hot!

Uh-Oa's Song

Uh-Oa, the Tiki goddess of destruction.

Following Hot, Hot, Hot, Uh-Oa, the tiki godess of destruction rose from the middle of the room and demanded to know who had defiled the tiki gods. When Zazu pointed out Iago as the culprit, the tiki gods began to chant and Uh-Oa warned that, "Be careful, my fine feathered little friend! When ya mess with Polynesia, the Tiki gods will squeeze ya!" At this point she began to sing.

Lyrics

Uh-oa: You’re messin’ with me, baby...

Tiki goddess chorus: Ain’t the thing to do …

Iago: Wait! Some of my best friends are Tiki gods!

Uh-oa: You’re stressin’ me, baby …

Tiki goddess chorus: Shoulda listened to Zazu …

Iago: Gee, look at the time. Gotta fly!

Uh-oa: You can’t fly away now, you’re stuck!

Iago: I’m stuck!

Uh-oa: I have cursed you for pushing your luck!

Tiki goddess' chorus: Bye bye!

Uh-oa:
It won’t help to yell.
You are under my spell.
Look out, parrot!
You’re a dead duck!

Iago: Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaagh!

In the Still of the Night/ Tiki Rap

At the conclusion of Uh-oa's song, Iago was banished in a cloud of smoke and disappears. Uh-oa also left at this point, leaving Zazu unsure of what to do. Pierre then advised that they should let the Tiki gods have a number, at which time the Tiki statues and flowers around the room began to perform a medley of "In the Still of the Night" and the "Tiki Rap" (a remixed version of the attraction's theme song).

Lyrics

Tiki chorus:
Doo doo doo doo
Shoo wop, shooby doo
Shoo wop, shooby doo
Shoo wop, shooby doo
Shoo wop, shooby doo

Tiki Soloist:
In the still of the night
I held you, held you tight
‘Cause I love, love you so
Promise I’ll never let you go
In the still of the night

Tiki chorus: In the still of the night.

Tiki Soloist: In the still of the ni-i-ight.

(A Tiki rap begins)

Tiki chorus:
The birdies in the trees
Sing pretty harmonies
These Tiki gods like a lot
So let’s all sing like the birdies sing

Tiki goddesses: Tweet! Tweet!

Tiki chorus: Those chicks are hot!

Tiki goddesses: Uh-huh..

Tiki chorus:
The boys in the back are on the cause
And that’s because they are macaws
Most little birdies will fly away
But us Tiki Room birds are here every day

Conga

At the end of the Tiki god's medly, Iago reappears, singed and injured, but apparently undisturbed. The abrasive parrot was wowed by the Tiki god's number, and declared that the show was a hit. After referring to Zazu as his friend, Iago declares "let's fiesta!". At this point, a group of white female birds decended from the ceiling on an ornate perch and began to sing,

Lyrics

Girls
Come on birdies, shake your feathers, do the conga.
No, we can’t control ourselves any longer.
Get into the Tiki rhythm of a song-a.
This is where the Tiki birds all belong-a now.

Iago: Whoa, yeah, sing it, girls!

Jose: I wonder what happened to Rosita.

Zazu: Oh dear. I’m afraid I’m not familiar enough with this type of music to … get down and get funky.

Iago: Just wing it, Zazzy boy!

Zazu:
Come on birdies, shake your feathers, do the conga.
No, we can’t control ourselves any longer.
Get into the Tiki rhythm of a song-a.
Don’t you fight it ’til you’ve tried it. Now the Tikis tweet!

Jose: Everybody … let’s fiesta!

All: To the rhythm of the beat.

Iago: Take it, Pierre baby!

Pierre: Miss Uh-oa saved our show-a when she turned up the heat.

Lady Birds: She turned up the heat.

Zazu: My friend Iago learned his lesson, and now he will be discreet.

Iago: OH YEAH!? That’s what you think! Time is money. Everybody, on your feet!

Get Up

At the end of Conga, the audience is instructed to stand on their feet. Once the audience is standing, Michael and Jose and Fritz say they have a trick to make the audience disappear. As guests prepare to exit the attraction, the entire cast sings one more song.

Lyrics

Iago: Ha ha! Now you birds are gettin’ the idea.

All:
Goodbye.
Farewell.
Aloha.
Get on your feet.
It’s out the door
You go-ha.
On your feet.
On your feet.
Out the door.
Iago: Come on! Everybody out! Migrate, people! Migrate!

Heigh-Ho=

As the audience exists the Tiki Room they are serenaded by the song Heigh-Ho (as was the case in the Tropical Serenade) and they hear more banter from Iago and Zazu (including a cynical insult towards the Hall of Presidents.

Lyrics

All
Heigh ho.
It’s out the door you go.
We hope you’ve all enjoyed the show,
Heigh ho, heigh ho.

Zazu: Bye bye now. Cheerio! You’ve been an impeccable audience.

Iago: Hey kid, that’s a real smart idea, walkin’ directly under a bird. Good thing you’re wearin’ a hat.

All:
Heigh ho
Heigh ho.
Just lift your feet and go.
We’ll sing the song,
You march along.
Heigh ho, heigh ho. Outside the Tiki Room Exit

Iago: Come on! Keep movin’! You’ve had enough enchantment for one day.

Zazu: Bye bye now!

Iago: Hey lady, it wouldn’t hurt you to walk a little faster! ………. Boy, I’m tired! I think I’ll head over to the Hall of Presidents and take a nap.

Zazu: Right! Off you go.

Fritz: Wonderful! Wonderful!

Jose: No one laid an egg but me.

Cast [8]

Morris- Phil Hartman

William- Don Rickles

Iago- Gilbert Gottfried

Zazu- Michael Gough

Uh-oa- Armelia McQueen

Jose- Wally Boag

Michael- Fulton Burley

Fritz- Thurl Ravenscroft

Pierre- Jerry Orbach

Fun Facts and Trivia

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 https://d23.com/a-to-z/enchanted-tiki-room/
  2. https://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/the-enchanted-tiki-room.htm
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 https://yourfirstvisit.net/2019/09/13/a-friday-visit-with-jim-korkis-the-enchanted-tiki-room/
  4. https://www.laughingplace.com/w/blogs/disney-extinct-attractions/2017/12/27/disney-extinct-attractions-enchanted-tiki-room-new-management-now-playing-get-fever/
  5. https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201101/2280/
  6. https://www.wdwinfo.com/walt-disney-world/the-story-behind-the-much-maligned-enchanted-tiki-room-under-new-management/
  7. https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2011/05/enchanted-tiki-room-classic-attraction-transforms-this-summer/
  8. https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/rides-attractions/The-Enchanted-Tiki-Room-Under-New-Management/