For a few brief years in the mid-90s Disneyland’s Aladdin’s Oasis was home to a themed dinner show that was popular, but apparently not very profitable. It later became just a restaurant and finally a photo op location. Before that, of course, is was home to the Tahitian Terrace with its own Polynesian themed dinner show. When the Tiki Room opened next door it was a match made it heaven. Disneyland has just announced that the space will return to its tropical roots with a new concept called the “Tropical Hideaway.”
When Walt Disney was looking for a showcase to highlight his new animatronic technology, one of the key concepts was a tropical restaurants where audio-animatronic birds would spring to life and entertain patrons between courses. That concept evolved into the Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room show we all know and love.
While there was initial hope Tropical Hideaway idea could potentially bring Walt’s idea to life, from the concept art released today, it doesn’t look like this will be much more that a themed quick service location with some character entertainment options.
Disney’s announcement states:
“This one-of-a-kind destination will be a popular rest stop for Adventureland locals and weary explorers alike. Guests will be able to rub elbows with their favorite skippers in an exotic traders’ market, featuring all of the sights, sounds and flavors of the tropics.”
There was a thought that Disneyland could mirror the Disney’s Magic Kingdom Adventureland restaurant themed to Jungle Cruise – the Skippers Canteen. But the problem with the Aladdin’s Oasis location has always been its size. Too few table tops to run a decent volume of guests and a very small kitchen they have to share with the adjoining bakery. This which means profit margins are low.
A quick service tiki bar themed environment might be just the way to breath some life back into this spot. Maybe even a place to sell Dole Whip and remove some congestion from the entrance to Adventureland.
Stay tuned, Disneyland will be updating us with more details in the future, including, presumably, an opening date.