Tahitian Terrace, September 1962 - Part Two
Today I'm posting the rest of the photos from a performance at the Tahitian Terrace. Part one was just a few days ago, just scroll down!
Three ladies (one with a microphone) sit up by the cool waterfall; two of the ladies appear to be making graceful hand gestures, sort of a sit-down hula.
Here it is, 2009, and where can you go in Disneyland if you want to watch scantily clad babes dancing? Nowhere, that's where! The one with her arms crossed is hip-mo-tizing me!
I am not familiar with the show, but it looks like the ladies are taking their leave...
... to be replaced by a male dancer weilding a flaming baton. Don't try this at home, kids! The sun has set, making the moving flames more dramatic.
Gotta match, buddy? Ha, I crack myself up! 
It's a shame that this wonderful show is no longer at the park, especially since Tiki culture has made a comeback in a big way. Who wouldn't love to sit beneath the stars, sip your Pepsi (sorry, no zombies or mai tais are served here!), and enjoy the sights and sounds of the exotic tropics!
13 comments:
I don't know if today's audience would have the patience for an authentic show like this, there is no irony, no forced audience participation, no cartoon characters or current movie tie in, just an immersive show to complement the themed environment surrounding you, taking you to another far away place, and maybe teaching you something at the same time. Of course there are many of us that would love it to come back.
Some of these performers look a lot like the ones featured on the Disneyland after Dark special. Professional stunt people, do not attempt.
"Got a match"?! Agh! Maj, you crack me up!
As you can see, both the male and female performers were ah, hot!
Taking the concept of a "family friendly" Tiki restaurant and dinner show with traditional music from the islands, lovely lady dancers in grass skirts, fire etc for a moment. One might call it "harmlessly and subtly exotic and erotic" (whew!) if one's so inclined. Now, if you didn't know about this Terrace, would you have guessed it would be more likely to fly with Disney (!) and "the public" in c. 1960 or c. 2000? Hm. Puzzling times.
oh and iirc, I think the Terrace was open seasonal and/or "busy" periods only, at least for a while, and the show was dinners only. They seemed to be keeping reasonably busy to crowded and it was also a neat place to eat earlier, so I'm not sure they couldn't have had it open earlier and more often if they'd wanted.
Yesterland has a menu :)
http://www.yesterland.com/tahitianterrace.html
http://www.yesterland.com/tahitianmenu.html
great photos today!
too bad so many of the simple pleasures have gone by the wayside. i like how one can see the JC there on the right...reminds me of the Blue Bayou and the POTC boats
thanks for more Adventureland, Major :)
Aladdin's points are well taken. I for one loved the show because it complemented the meal, not competed with it. I could take my eyes off the stage or have a few words of conversation without missing anything vital.
It was a fine show. I never ate at the Terrace. Just as well, I am sure my food would have gotten cold anyway, way to much to look at. Beautiful ladies!
If someone I used to work with has his way, it will be back...
These shots remind me of when I used to work Jungle - that area behind the cave they are disappearing into was also the pathway for Jungle Skippers back into boat storage. I have fond memories of being threatened with a beating if I dared to look at the burly Samoans wives and girlfriends while making my way back there...
Chris Merritt, nice to hear from you. :) Hope the person you worked with has their way, like pronto. Goodness there's a memory... hope you can laugh about it now hehe.
a local Honolulu Tahitian hula halau is actually performing 3 shows at Disneyland in the next 2 weeks, but i haven't seen it listed on the disney website. It should very much be at the quality of the show you've got posted here.
their youtube channel is www.youtube.com/tuamotuapi
The Tahitian Terrace show was pure delight. With today's more enlightened global interest in other cultures, who needs cartoon characters to junk it up. I too hope this splendid restaurant and show return - and soon.
Howdy Chris M:
Sounds like the Tahitian Terrace was in a rough neighborhood ... your story about the jealous cast member is the second or third one I've heard about altercations between the show staff and the J.C. skippers.
I remember the silverware at the Terrace had a distinct metallic bamboo-like shape. Just part of the themeing. I wonder if you'd be able to find that anywhere anymore?
@Zanuck:
My guess is the silverware used at the TT was off-the-shelf, however it was probably a "restaurant grade" (institutional) and not something that the general public would buy.
I think your best bet is to ask at the various Disney sites, see if you can get a manufacturer and pattern name and then contact a "silver replacement" site on the Internet. They specialize in warehousing old patterns for people who have lost part of a valuable place setting.
Good luck...
Post a Comment