Marred in Controversy, Tiki Room Still Entertains
Written: Nov 15 '06
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Cool room, fun music, creative animatronics
Cons: Iago (aka headache inducing parrot) could be done without
The Bottom Line: A cute 10 minute show families will enjoy- I still can't get "in the tiki tiki tiki tiki tiki room" out of my head!
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| BeastieGirl's Full Review: The Enchanted Tiki Room |
I have heard a lot about the Enchanted Tiki Room at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, but I have never actually experienced it for myself, having passed by it many times. Full of differences in opinion, apparently this attraction has changed a bit over the years. We decided to give it a try and see what all the fuss was about on our last visit and although I can’t compare how it used to be, it wasn’t an overall bad experience, at least.
Located in Adventureland, the Enchanted Tiki Room (Under New Management is an audio-animatronic show that features talking and singing birds from a multitude of nations and showcases two birds in particular from recent Disney movies. Iago, the annoying bird from the movie Aladdin and Zazu, the smart talking bird from The Lion King are new faces to this attraction, apparently to capture the youth of today by not seeming too outdated.
The show is housed in a Polynesian style, thatched-roof style building. The wait time for this attraction depends on two things- your timing and how many people have the same timing as you. There is only one show going on at a time, so if you get there right after a show has started, you’ll have to wait at least 10 minutes (which is about how long the show lasts). I have never noticed a long line, but during peak times, it could be that all guests waiting may not get into the next show, so you’re looking at a good 20 minutes or so of wait time. Strollers will have to wait outside, but wheelchairs can be accommodated.
The good news about waiting in line is that you’ll be mildly entertained. In a covered area, a mini amphitheatre of sorts surrounds a center waterfall with Polynesian music playing. Eventually a cast member will come out to talk with the crowd and two animatronic birds also appear with a short comedy shtick that’s kind of corny, but took our minds off of waiting in line.
Once we entered the Enchanted Tiki Room, there was a center stage and seating all around (a theatre-in-the-round, if you will). The seats were benches with no backs, but at least the room was air conditioned, which is an extremely nice feature in the hot Florida sun, as you can imagine!! Once all the guests are seated, the lights are dimmed and birds hanging from the ceiling begin to awake and the show has begun! Although most of the room is dark, individual lights shine on the birds so they are easily seen, no matter where you are sitting.
The two birds, Iago and Zazu are the focal point of the show, where Iago is the “New Management” part of Under New Management. Voiced by Gilbert Gottfried, Iago just plain gave me a headache. Loud and obnoxious, I really could have done without that bird. All the other characters were cute and humorous and the music was fun.
Overall, this is a fun attraction, especially for little ones who will enjoy the singing and perhaps the familiar characters. As adults, it’s still fun to see the Disney magic of animatronics, especially in a cool environment where you can kick up your feet for at least a few minutes. Because the show is only 10 minutes long, even easily distracted young ones should be able to sit through this one alright. If you are looking for a good family attraction without a long wait, this is a good one. I don’t know as though I would make this a must-see on every Disney trip we make, but if it’s hot enough and my feet are tired enough, the Enchanted Tiki Room could be a decent choice.
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Families
Best Time to Travel Here: Dec - Feb
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