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Credit: Edited by Inside the MagicIt appears Disney is saying goodbye to tiki mugs, and all things authentically “tiki” forever.
The lore of tiki’s and Hawaiian culture and heritage has been around at Disney parks since their inception.
The Enchanted Tiki Room, located in Disneyland’s Adventureland, holds a significant place in Disney history as one of the first attractions to feature audio-animatronics technology. It opened on June 23, 1963, and was the brainchild of Walt Disney himself. The idea for the Tiki Room stemmed from Walt’s fascination with animatronic birds, which he encountered during a visit to New Orleans. He envisioned a Polynesian-themed restaurant turned attraction where lifelike birds would entertain guests with songs and performances.
To bring his vision to life, Walt collaborated with a team of Imagineers, including Wathel Rogers and Rolly Crump. Together, they developed the concept of a tropical paradise inhabited by singing birds, flowers, and tiki gods. The attraction’s backstory revolves around a fictional place called the “Tropical Serenade,” where birds from all over the world gather to perform for visitors.
The Enchanted Tiki Room debuted as a groundbreaking attraction, featuring over 150 animatronic birds, flowers, and tikis, all synchronized to sing and dance to catchy tunes composed by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman. The attraction quickly became a beloved favorite among Disneyland guests, known for its colorful spectacle and immersive experience.
Over the years, the Enchanted Tiki Room has undergone several updates and refurbishments, including the addition of new technology and effects. In 2005, it was renamed “Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room” as a tribute to its visionary creator. Today, the attraction continues to enchant visitors of all ages with its timeless charm and whimsical atmosphere, remaining a cherished part of Disneyland’s rich heritage and exists in Disney parks around the world.
At Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort, guests can visit Trader Sam’s, which follows the storyline of the Jungle Cruise, where Skippers serve you drinks. Typically, Disney would sell limited edition tiki mugs, but now, that may be no more.
Josh Agle who runs the account theartistsshag shared that a major corporation, which many on X have confirmed to be Disney (as we will share below) will no longer sell original tiki mugs due to cultural appropriation.
“Kapu Akua” means “Forbidden God” in Hawaiian, and if any of you know the story behind this mug you’ll know why I gave it that name. Long story short, a major corporation rejected this design, explaining that they were wary of cultural appropriation and being offensive to some people. That’s their prerogative and I won’t knock them for it, but I thought it was a cool design, and should see the light of day, so @losttempletraders produced it for me.
I know this major corporation isn’t happy that I went ahead and released this, but I’m not happy with this major corporation. They didn’t give me a single sample of the art, merchandise, or apparel that I designed for them last summer, despite me asking several times. In fact, no one ever even answered my requests.
I keep hoping someone from this major corporation will reach out to me. I’m sure they have heard from various sources that I am not happy, and may not work with them again.
Sorry for sharing the drama! Anyway, there are a few of these mugs left from @losttempltraders (link in my bio). Each mug comes with an illustrated coaster that also serves as a Certificate of Authenticity. Get one before they’re gone.
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Disney fan and insider Disney Dan Becker (@DisneyDan) stated that they know of several Disney employees who have reportedly confirmed that Disney is not looking to move further in the tiki direction.
I’ve heard from several people who wear Yellow Shoes that “Tiki” is religious appropriation now according to Disney and they aren’t looking to further dig into that.
Also MOANA being everywhere since they made that decision. Can’t get in trouble for appropriating your own gods.
I’ve heard from several people who wear Yellow Shoes that “Tiki” is religious appropriation now according to Disney and they aren’t looking to further dig into that.
Also MOANA being everywhere since they made that decision. Can’t get in trouble for appropriating your own gods. https://t.co/28HplX3EAW
— Disney Dan Becker (@DisneyDan) February 13, 2024
Disney is certainly leaning heavily on Moana, with Moana 2 being confirmed for November 27, 2024, and a live-action version on the way afterwards. Additionally, Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana is available at EPCOT, and concept art for a new potential land has also been shown at the 2022 D23 event.
Interestingly enough, the design on Josh’s mug does very closely match some of the moving tiki sculptures in The Enchanted Tiki Room, but with no refurbishments scheduled, it does not seem that Disney is looking to undo that “mistake”. It appears the company is good to continue approving tiki-style mugs, so long as they are of their own characters and invention and not relying on Polynesian culture.
We have seen Disney look to avoid cultural appropriation with their storyline change on the Jungle Cruise, and their decision to remove Splash Mountain and turn it into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, opening summer 2024. With park and ride greetings also removing gender pronouns, this deviation from tiki due to its religious properties falls in line with the company’s ongoing morals and standards when it comes to diversity and acceptance.
Do you think that Disney is making the right decision to remove authentic tiki lore from their parks and merchandise?