Mickey Mouse Revue:An Unsung Attraction

Tuning Up the Orchestra

First of all,I'm assuming you know what this attraction is.If not,a quick search on the internet can answer you questions.This article's intention is to talk about the attraction more in-depth and why I think this attraction deserves more attention and respect than it seems to get.

What Is So Great About It

The primary reason I like it so much is it's depiction of Mickey.In the world today Mickey feels like just another corporate mascot.But in the Mickey Mouse Revue it really takes him back to his roots.Also,in my opinion,the Mickey Mouse orchestra scene is one of the best sequences in the show rivaled only by the frantic Three Caballeros number.

The second reason is audio-animatronics.The figures in the Mickey Mouse Revue look really amazing.Of course this is expected seeing as they came out of WED.The figures look exactly like their animated counterparts.Its a shame that only the Three Caballeros got recycled.

Close ups of figures

What's Wrong With It

As much as I like the show it is not exactly the greatest AA show.That distinction, in my opinion, goes to the Country Bear Jamboree and America Sings,two of the greatest paced shows to come of WED or WDI. The Mickey Mouse Revue is lacking in that respect. Another problem is the "This Is Love" sequence.It is just flat-out boring,no need to mince words.It is just a projection on the curtain,not even an audio-animatronic scene.Even worse is the fact is that it comes right after the Three Caballeros song,which is the fastest paced song in the Revue.

A Final Word

While this show is no longer playing at Walt Disney World or Tokyo Disneyland anymore,I encourage you to watch a video of it to experience for yourself the best you can.While it certainly is not the greatest of all AA shows,it deserves more remembrance.And who knows,maybe just as the Three Caballeros figures reappeared,maybe some more traces of the attraction will show up at the parks eventually.

                     Mickey Mouse Revue

                               1971-2009

Tokyo Disneyland Country Bear Theater Vacation Jamboree Translated

Here is the continuation of a project I've been working on:

Country Bear Vacation Jamboree

Buff:Hey,Rufus!We’re starting soon,turn on the lights!

Max:Oh,brother...

Buff:Oh yeah!Hey,finally I can see.

Zeke:Alright!  One!  Two!  Three!

Zeke:If you've just been wishin''bout goin' fishin',and you're still on the shore.

Tennessee:Grab your camping gear, and meet us right here, we got all kinds of fun in store.

Zeb:It's time for a vacation, for some rest and relaxation.

Five Bear Rugs:Forget your cares, and join us bears,in the great outdoors.

Five Bear Rugs:Ain't nothing like the great outdoors to ease your soul. Ain't nothing like the great outdoors to keep you from growing old.

Zeke:If your mind's been hazy and you're feeling lazy, and down on all fours,then join us bears and suck up some air in the great outdoors.Yeeha!

Henry:Howdy!Welcome to the Vacation Jamboree.Got out my old camp T-shirt.  Still fits.  Kind of.

And I'm rarin' to go!  How  'bout you boys?

Buff:Alright,Henry!

Max:Ok dokey!

Buff:Melvin!

Max:Wake up!

Buff:Are you hibernating?You must be part bear.

Melvin:Maybe my body is a bear.

Henry:Here we go!(Sings)Us bears we do love nature,and tramping through the woods.Us bears we do love fishing every hour if we could.Us bears we do love singing, in country harmony.And if y'all won't join us, we'll chase you up a tree!

Henry:Ha ha ha...Our vacation was the best!

Max:Uh huh.

Melvin:It was fun!

Buff:Ah,it was good it was good.

Henry:Well,it’s our old friend,Wendell.Don’t tell me,I suppose you want to show us your vacation slides again.

Wendell:Yeah,you want to see them,don’t you?...Any complaints? Hey,Rufus! Fire up that there picture machine!Hurry,hurry!

Max:The same pictures,again?

Buff:How many times does he have to show those useless pictures to be done with them...

Melvin:Can I go to sleep now?

Wendell:Hehe,this is it!

Wendell:On the road again.I can't wait to get on the road again.(Another shot of the car piled with stuff for vacation.)The life I love is making music with my friends.(The car in the picture gets a flat tire right as it's leaving.)I can't wait to get on the road again.(The family watches the car getting towed away.)

On the road again.(Wendell is shown back in the car with one of his kids in the front seat.)Goin' places that I've never been.(The family is shown at Old Faithful geyser.)

And seein' things that I might never see again.(The car radiator is now steaming like the geyser.)I can't wait to get on the road again.(Another picture of the car getting towed away.)On the road again.(Wendell is again shown in the car with a cranky kid in the front seat.)Like a band of gypsies, we go down the highway.

(Rufus is heard struggling as a picture of a picnic is projected upside down, followed by a slide that says "One Moment Please".)We're the best of friends.(The picnic photo is projected the correct way.)Insisting that the world be turnin' our way.(Another shot from the picnic is shown, with Ranger J. Audubon Woodlore pointing to a sign saying "Do Not Feed the Bears".)And our way,is on the road again(Wendell's wife and son are in front of the Statue of Liberty, who looks like a bear.)I can't wait to get on the road again.(Wendell is shown in front of a Mt. Rushmore consisting of bears.)The life I love is making music with my friends.(The family is shown by the Grand Canyon.)I can't wait to get on the road again.(The picture reveals they were looking at a billboard for the Grand Canyon as their car gets towed away again.)(Speaks)

Say cheese!(A picture of the audience as bears is shown, along with Max, Buff and Melvin on the wall.)

Cast member:There's no flash photography allowed during the performance.  And that goes for everybody, Wendell!

Wendell:Jeez,I only took one picture.

Henry:Good grief...hehe.Next up,let me introduce you to a cute diva who moves our hearts,Miss Trixie!

Trixie:I came for a quiet picnic in the forest or maybe to meet a nice boyfriend,just kidding.I have this huge feast and no one to share it with.But,I’ll eat it all even if I’m alone...

Trixie:Oh,where are you,I hope you’re coming soon I’m all alone without my sweetheart I searched for you all day but it looks like i’m all alone again.So,I just tell my heart,my achy breaky heart.I gotta keep on searching for my bear.And when I give my heart,my achy breaky heart.I’m gonna go through life without a care.I tell myself “don’t cry” it’s not heartbreaking do you understand poor old me it’s just like usual for my poor heart love is nothing but a dream.

Trixie:I’m jealous of heartbroken girls who lose their appetite it’s so delicious...so delicious.

Buff:Hey,don’t overeat.

Henry:Hehe,you shouldn’t eat too much,Trixie.

Henry:Now,Shaker said he’s been enjoying romance on the beach...What about it,Shaker?Explain it to everyone.

Shaker:The two of us met this weekend...you helped me out of an octopus pot I got stuck in.

Dolores:From the time i first met you dear I already was in love...Don’t ever leave me,Shaker.

Shaker:I won’t ever leave you,because you refuse to leave my side so it’s not like I could even run away...

Shaker and Dolores:I’m over my head over you and almost fell over you.

Shaker:The heartaches I got ‘em I just hit rock bottom.

Shaker:And I’m over my head...

Dolores:Over my head...

Shaker and Dolores:Over you!

Shaker:Ouch!Don’t hug me so tightly!

Dolores:I only do it because I love you so much.

Shaker:Saaavvveeeee meeeee!

Henry:Oh,summer romance...Hehehe,it never goes according to plan.

Henry:Even though we’re Country Bears,we still love the summer beach.Because no matter what you can always meet cute girls.Bunny,Bubbles,and Beulah.

Sunbonnets:Well east coast bears are hip,I really dig those styles they wear.And the southern bears with the way they talk.

The Heads:They knock me out when I'm down there.

Sunbonnets:The Midwest farmer's daughter really makes you feel alright.And the northern bears with the way they kiss.

The Heads:They keep their boyfriends warm at night.

The Sunbonnets:I wish they all could be California bears.I wish they all could be California.I wish they all could be California bears.California bears!  

Henry:They’re the best!

Bubbles:Thank you,Henry!

Beulah:Thank you,Henry!

Henry:Don’t leave yet,cuties.It’s the one you’re dreaming for,Liver Lips McGrowl!

Liver Lips McGrowl:Ok now, here we go.  

Liver Lips McGrowl:Are you feelin' rocky, have you lost all hope?Down in the dumps, at the end of your rope.I know it ain't easy, it's an uphill climb.  Trust me darling put your hand in mine.  We can make it to the top.  We can make a mountain rock.We never said we'd take you towards the clouds above.Coverin' your heart with a mountain of love.  It's a long way down, baby.Straight to the top where the air gets thin,comes an avalanche where the kisses begin.At my peak I'm gonna give you a thrill,'cause after me baby it's all downhill.  We can make it to the top.We can make a mountain rock.We can make it to the top.(Yodels as the curtain closes and  the sound of a rope snaps, with Liver Lips continuing to yodel as he presumably plummets down the mountain.)

Henry:Whoa,that’s scary.

Henry:Of course it rains on our long awaited vacation.But even rain is fun as long as she’s around.That’s right...Teddi Barra! We need you.

Teddi Barra:I'm singin' in the rain,just singin' in the rain.What a glorious feelin'.

I'm happy again.

Henry: I'm feeling pretty cheerful myself.

Teddi Barra:I'm laughing at clouds.

Henry:Laughing at clouds.

Teddi Barra:So dark up above.

Henry: Dark up above.  

Teddi Barra:The sun's in my heart, and I'm ready for love.

Henry:Me too!

Teddi Barra:Let the stormy clouds chase,everyone from the place.Come on with the rain.I've a smile on my face.I walk down the lane.

Henry: Walk down the lane.

Teddi Barra:With a happy refrain.

Henry: Happy refrain.

Teddi Barra:Just swingin'and singin',in the rain.

Teddi Barra:Come up here,Henry.We can stop the rain,just the two of us.

Henry:Teddi,I’ll be in usual spot,once the show is over.

Henry:Hey,the rain completely stopped.Well,It’s a perfect night to sing around a campfire.Getting away from it all and being in nature is where it’s at.Eh,Ernest?

Ernest:Ah,Henry.Being in nature is very relaxing.

Henry:Oh, play me some mountain music

Ernest:Like grandma and grandpa used to play.

Five Bear Rugs:Then I'll float on down the river

All:To a Cajun hideaway.

Henry:Let’s all really enjoy nature,Ernest.

Ernest:I’m enjoying myself plenty,Henry!

Tennessee:Drift away like Tom Sawyer

Zeke:Ride a raft with ol’ Huck Finn

Ernest:Take a nap like Rip Van Winkle

All:Daze dreamin’ again

Zeke:Yahoo!

Zeb:Let's go, everyone!

Ernest:Yeehaw!

All:Oh, play me some mountain music,Like grandma and grandpa used to play.Then I'll float on down the river To a Cajun hideaway.

All:To a cajun hideaway.

Tennessee:Huh?There is something weird over there.

Zeb:What?No way.

Zeke:No way,it’s a skunk!

Big Al:I looked for a place to camp, all the livelong day.I’m looking but I can’t find anywhere to stay.This year’s holiday is ruined that is for sure,I will rethink my year’s plans during this year’s hibernation.

Big Al:I should’ve gone to the beach this year.

Zeke:Skunk!

Zeb:He went over there!

Zeke:Henry,watch out!

Henry:Ah!

Max:Would you look at that!

Buff:Did it come to ruin our show?

Randy:Don’t worry!I didn’t come to bend noses.

Buff:I’m begging you don’t.

Randy:Hey you!I want to be in the show too!

Henry:Spur of the moment? Hmm...

Melvin:Henry,let’s put him out there.

Max:Hear,hear.

Henry:Well then,are you ready to give it a go?

Randy:Yay!A magnificent debut!Now,you three girls come out!

Randy:V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N!

Sunbonnets:T-I-O-N!

Randy:In the summer sun.Put away the books, we're out of school.The weather's warm but we'll play it cool.We're on vacation, havin' lots of fun.

Henry:Nice.But,let’s see if we can make it a little more country?

Randy:OK!

Henry:Come on,everybody!

Henry:The Camptown ladies sing this song

Zeke:Doo dah

Buff:Doo dah

Zeb:Doo dah

Max:Doo dah

Henry:The Camptown racetrack’s five miles long

Melvin:Oh de doo-da day

Wendell:The long tail filly and the big black horse

Tennessee:Doo dah

Henry:Doo dah

Sunbonnets:Doo dah

Randy:Doo dah

Five Bear Rugs:They fly the track and they both cut across

Melvin:Oh de doo-da day

Liver Lips McGrowl:Gonna run all night

Teddi Barra:Gonna run all day

Henry:Vacation time’s a happy time

Big Al:She’ll be coming ‘round the mountain when she comes

All:When she comes

Shaker:She’ll be coming ‘round the mountain when she comes

All:When she comes

Dolores:She’ll be coming ‘round the mountain

Shaker:She’ll be coming ‘round the mountain

Henry:She’ll be coming ‘round the mountain when she comes

Shaker:Doo dah

Dolores:Doo dah

Big Al:Doo dah

The Heads:Doo dah

Randy:Cuties,let’s go!OK?

Sunbonnets:Alright,Randy!

Sunbonnets and Randy:V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N!

Henry:Heyheyhey,this song again?

Sunbonnets and Randy:V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N!

Henry:Yeah,everyone sing all at once!Here we go!

All:We're gonna grab a bite at the pizza stand.Write love letters in the sand.We're on vacation and the world is ours.V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N gonna have a ball! V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N gonna have a ball!

All:Doo dah!Doo dah!Doo dah!Doo dah!Day!

Henry:Hey,it went well.Did everyone enjoy the Vacation Jamboree?

Randy:Bye bye!Have a nice vacation!

Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room and The Tropical Serenade

One thing that has interested me lately is the differences between two sister attractions:The Enchanted Tiki Room and the Tropical Serenade.
   

While to many people these attractions may seem the same,for the most part,the shows seem to have some differentiation.Even the fact that the two had different names suggests that fact.

The Outside and Preshow

The first obvious difference is the building itself.Disneyland's building is a lot smaller than Disney World's.However both seem to be based on a Haus Tambaran,a New Guinean ancestral worship house.Walt Disney World's is actually a Balinese Temple.Marc Davis's love for New Guinea and his knowledge of tribal oceanic arts probably led to the building's designs.The two preshows are also different: Disneyland's is an introduction to many Polynesian gods and godesses,who are all realized in Rolly Crump's bizarre and whimsical Tikis. Walt Disney World's preshow consists of Pele and Hina,two tiki goddesses, summoning a Tiki god sitting in a bunch of oranges,who on his horns are perched a comical pair of toucans,Clyde and Claude,who talk about the Jungle Cruise.However,these are all obvious differences but inside there are many more subtle differences.

A Haus Tambaran

The Show

Truth be told,if you just listened to the show at Disneyland and Walt Disney World, you wouldn't find any differences because at least audio-wise they are the exact same show.But,when it comes to watching the show there are some differences to be found.

The first major difference is how much bigger Florida's is with 8 totems and 20 tiki drumers.Also,Florida's has new windows with fake plants,real water rain effect,lightning,and a volcano.

The second major difference is the fountain.Disneyland's base clearly reflects the fact that it was originally supposed to be a utensils container.Florida's,however ,has a sort of bowl with Marc Davis-style tiki faces spraying water into it.

Another difference is that Disneyland's fountain has pineapples in it and Disney World's had oranges in it.The two fruits represented the shows' sponsors:Dole and the Florida Citrus Growers,respectively.

Michael or Pierre?

The thing that really got be thinking about this is one thing I noticed that it seems nobody really talks about.And the thing is:at Walt Disney World Michael sings with Jose instead of Pierre in the Enchanted Tiki Room's titular song.While some people might just say "Who cares" as someone who has been seriously researching Disney theme park history for a while I found it pretty interesting.


This discovery lead me to wondering why they would make a change like this.At first I wondered if it had anything to due with just a mistake on WED's part but it seemed unlikely.Then,I thought maybe the Florida Citrus growers had a hand in it but this also seemed unlikely.Finally,it hit me:perhaps they wanted to give Michael more prominence in the show.And this theory seems to make sense.In the original Disneyland show,it has always seemed to be that Michael has the least amount of lines in the show.Jose and Fritz always seem to say several Wally Boag one-liners every chance they get and Pierre talks a lot too.However,Michael always seems to talk less.This is perhaps because they couldn't think of enough Irish-related jokes for him to make.

Let's All Sing Like the Birdies Sing

One other difference I noticed between the two shows was in the celebrity sequence of Let's All Sing Like the Birdies Sing song.In the original version of the sequence Jose does Bing Crosby,Fritz does Louis Armstrong,and Pierre does Maurice Chevalier.However,in the Tropical Serenade,Pierre does Bing Crosby,Michael does Louis Armstrong,and Jose does Maurice Chevalier.I think the reason for the change is obvious.The joke of Pierre doing Maurice Chevalier is lost on the fact that its a Frenchman impersonating a Frenchman so switching the voices around makes the gag funnier.

Now as long as you're all standing

We have a wonderful magic trick for you

Ya!A wunderbar trick!And the trick is we gonna make you all

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