The Enchanted Tiki Room premiered at Disneyland on June 23, 1963.  It took Walt Disney many years to create the show and bring to life its more than 200 performers.  The Enchanted Tii Room show is led by four famous macaws–Jose, Michael, Pierre, and Fritz.  Animated orchids, toucans, cokatoos, carved wooden tiki poles, tiki drummers, and masks follow the macaws’ lead through songs and even a bit of bad weather.  One of those songs, the Tiki Room’s theme song, was written by the Oscar-winning Sherman brothers.

Legend has it that Walt Disney would frequently stop by and enjoy the show for himself.  He would talk to guests and ask, “So…what did you think of those birds?  That rain scene is something, huh?”  Many people believe that The Enchanted Tiki Room was one of Walt Disney’s favorite attractions at the park.  It was one of the last projects he worked on.

A fun fact not known by many: The Enchanted Tiki Room was actor Larry Hagman’s favorite attraction!

Photograph courtesy of the Disneyland Resort