June 1962 – April 1993
LOCATION
Adventureland – Tahitian Terrace was tucked deep into the jungles of Adventureland, along the river. The terrace entrance sat next to the exit to the Enchanted Tiki Room, in the space now occupied by Aladdin’s Oasis.
BACKGROUND
The Enchanted Tiki Room was one of Disneyland’s first headliner attractions; guests couldn’t get enough of the Polynesian music and ambiance. To capitalize on its popularity, Disney decided to create another Polynesian attraction to Adventureland, located right next door the Tiki Room. The Tahitian Terrace opened in 1962, and was a fan favorite for almost 30 years.
EXPERIENCE
The Tahitian Terrace experience began with its colorful ambiance; guests took their seats beneath a massive tree and leaf canopy, and the edges of the seating area were filled to the brim with bright flowers. Guests chose from a selection of Polynesian-inspired food and drink, before turning toward the stage for the dinner show.
As the show started, the waterfall curtain parted to reveal a cast of Polynesian dancers. A live band accompanied the dancers as they performed traditional dances. The show ended with pyrotechnic stunts, including a fire walk and fire knife dance. After the show, guests were free to lounge on the patio or continue exploring Adventureland.
CLOSURE
When Aladdin became a box office smash in 1992, Disney wanted to embed all things Aladdin into the park. At the time, Adventureland didn’t have Indiana Jones Adventure, so the land was the least “modern” and had little change since Opening Day. Disney decided to replace the Tahitian Terrace with Aladdin’s Oasis, a quick service restaurant with a new dinner show based on the film.
Unfortunately, most Disney fans considered this move a huge mistake for the park. The Aladdin dinner show lasted only two years, so the space became a largely empty quick service restaurant. Aladdin’s Oasis has never matched the popularity of its predecessor, leaving many fans hoping the Tahitian Terrace will one day return to Disneyland.
TRIVIA
The Tahitian Terrace, Enchanted Tiki Room, and Plaza Pavilion (now the Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe) are all actually one huge building. As a result, the Plaza Pavilion and Tahitian Terrace shared a kitchen, despite operating as two separate restaurants.
Disneyland hosted a special event in 2012 where they brought back the Tahitian Terrace for one night. The private event cost $260 per ticket, and include a special guest: Disney Imagineer Rolly Crump (one of the original Adventureland designers and creators of the Enchanted Tiki Room).
Source: Stories From Adventureland
I worked there in 87, through the transition and its subsequent changes a to a meet and greet location ( I was as a food and beverage manager at the time). It was a terrible decision for the park but executive management wanted to take advantage of the popularity of Aladdin and the emerging popularity of “Mid evil Times” etc…
I’m sure by now the management and marketing team in charge of the transition have been promoted. Lol
In the 1962, I was having dinner at the Tahitian Terrace. I turned to look behind me and there sat Walt Disney and his wife watching the stage show. It was marvelous to see the waterfall divide as the musicians and dancers walked through it to step onto the stage. After the performance, I could hear Walt complaining to Disney officials at his table about the size of the waterfall. He wanted it bigger. Yet even with Walt being unhappy, I loved my experience there at the Tahitian Terrace. I still miss it to this day. The food was good and the performers great.
What a cool memory!
They should put a Moana-themed meet and greet / show / meal back there…you’re welcome!
I think that would be awesome!
To me, this is the saddest waste of space in Disneyland. I don’t understand why they don’t reopen a show here. Adventureland needs more entertainment anyway.
I completely agree, Greg!