For today’s review, I take a look at a pair of Funko Pop! Vinyls that were released this past summer at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Featuring two more obscure characters from the historic Enchanted Tiki Room attraction, let’s meet Pele and Barker Parrot.
First up is Pele, who is the Hawaiian goddess of fire and volcanoes, and is said to be the creator of the Hawaiian Islands. Though she is represented in both versions of the attraction here in the US, she is more prominently showcased in Disneyland pre-show exterior area.
Now the Barker Parrot, also known as Juan (cousin to host bird Jose), was once located outside of the Disneyland attraction when the attraction opened in 1963. However, he was so popular that he cause traffic jams of people trying to get a look at him, that he was eventually removed. He was never part of the Walt Disney World version of the attraction.
I like how this set is a nod to the history of the attraction, and not necessarily its’ current incarnation (similar to when they used the original captain of the Wicked Wench Pirate Ship Dorbz Ride in the Pirates Cove Disney Treasures box, rather than using Barbossa). Being a collector of the Disney Parks releases (to be honest, one of the only collections I am still trying to be a completist about), I am happy that my friend was able to get this set for me for my collection.
Matt Norris