Credit: Disney | Pixabay @Michelle_Maria | @Roses_Street | @FurbymamaIt’s the 60th anniversary of Disney’s Tiki Room, reminding fans of how society and technology change over time, often in startling ways.
Disney’s Tiki Room | Changes Through Time
Towards the end of June 1963, the Tiki Room opened to the public. It was a reference to the calm that was a stark difference to the reality of the American Dream. For 60 years and across multiple generations, the fact that the Tiki Room remains shows interest too. With modern hits like Moana and classics like Lilo and Stitch, the shoutout to island culture is a pop icon.
It’s so popular that the attraction has a culture, but that hasn’t stopped Disney from making essential changes over time. Many of these addressed the cultural appropriation associated with the idea of Americanized Tiki bars.
Back in the ’60s, people had fewer opportunities to share information. Stories. Anecdotes. Observations. The turn of the century set the change in motion. So, while Tiki culture became a massive trend, demand for proper cultural respect quickly followed. Disney kept apace.
Technical Changes
Literally at the forefront of audio-animatronics, Disney’s Tiki Room used animatronics in an innovative way that incorporated storytelling and audience immersion. From brightly colored, talking birds to Tiki celebrations, the idea was to reference and respect ancient Polynesia.
Everything from the now-popular Five Nights at Freddy animation style to the interactive features used in Disney theme parks worldwide owes Tiki Room a quick thanks. The storytelling combines with tech to make a feature that keeps Disney guests coming. But much like the spirit of Disney, it’s a living thing that changes with time.
Cultural Changes
Now that the stories of individuals can collect whispers and become a scream, it allows marginalized communities to gather and be heard. It led to cultural shifts that Disney’s Tiki Room respected. In the ’90s, the fan-favorite spot rejuvenated into the Enchanted Tiki Room. Decked out with Zazu from The Lion King and Iago from Alladin, it was a big success.
About ten years later, it reverted to the original design, mainly due to fan requests. The attraction was so popular that it hit Disneyland Tokyo until 1999, when it got swapped out for The Enchanted Tiki Room. Many feel it represents ongoing cultural appropriation, tied to everything from Pirates of the Caribbean to Moana.
Disney’s Tiki Room Remains in Debate
As the Disney “woke” movement grows, apparent in the changes to Splash Mountain and other attractions, there are fewer misinterpretations of Disney’s Tiki Room. Many reports show that Tiki culture was misappropriated through an over-sexualization of indigenous women and that the premise has roots in colonialism.
The other side is that representation is crucial, like in Lilo and Stitch, Moana, and Aladdin. It might have changed slightly, but age treats it well, like good wine and cheese. Celebrating Polynesian culture has more input than ever, and information is always good. Are future changes in store? Only time will tell.
What do you think about Disney’s Tiki Room on its 60th birthday? Join the Inside the Magic gang in the comments below!