In the 1950s, Walt Disney developed a Frankenstein-like obsession with developing robots to replace living actors, and as a first stab at lifelike technology, he had his staff create a little mechanical bird. That turned into the concept for a restaurant full of them, chattering away, which was mocked up on Stage 3 at the Disney Studios. “It was kind of an ugly scene,” said songwriter Dick Sherman, who was asked to fix it by writing a song for them instead. This precious show, which takes 10 minutes, is the result—birds sing the catchy “In the Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Room” and wow ‘em with robotics. To 1963 crowds, it was the electrifying future, but today, it’s merely endearing. Guests sit in the round, on benches, in an air-chilled Polynesian room and watch the ceiling and walls come alive with chattering, bickering, warbling birds that fit several national stereotypes and perform vaudeville-style ditties in quick succession. Add some animated flowers and magically harmonizing totem poles, followed by a pleasing mist and rain outside the windows, and you’ve got a cherished mood piece.

When you’re in the waiting area, the lines to the right, near the waterfall, enable you to see a little more action. Though the roof looks like old straw, it’s actually shredded aluminum. Tip: The goliath tiki statues located across the walkway are equipped to squirt water on squealing children on hot days.l national stereotypes, plus animated flowers and magically singing totem poles, followed by a pleasing mist and rain outside the windows. When you’re in the waiting area, the lines to the right, near the waterfall, enable you to see a little more action. Though the roof looks like old straw, it’s actually shredded aluminum. Tip: The goliath tiki statues located across the walkway are equipped to squirt water on squealing children on hot days.