Updated May 9
More than a quarter century into the modern revival, the appetite for Tiki weekenders has never been more voracious. But if you’re creating a new event, how do you stand out on an ever-more-crowded calendar?
PHOTOS, VIDEO: The first Tiki-a-Go-Go is a retro roadtrip through mid-century culture, appreciation
More event recaps
* The Mai-Kai reveals new images, plans for restoration at Orlando event, continues $15M project
* Don the Beachcomber announces new bar concept, three upcoming locations in Florida
For the organizers of the inaugural Tiki-a-Go-Go in Orlando, it was simple: Go back to the roots of the revival with an emphasis on what inspired the fascination with retro culture in the first place.
Their location in Central Florida in the shadow of the theme parks also makes the perfect setting to focus on Florida’s role in 20th century kitsch in addition to the over-arching Tiki craze. The icing on the cake is a partnership with the annual Magical Tiki Meet Up that folds that Disney World gathering into the weekend.
The result is a distinctive new event that adds even more depth and nuance to the annual Tiki event calendar. Event passes sold out in late March, with only a few tickets remaining for additional activities for passholders.
April 5-7 – Tiki-a-Go-Go at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando (Friday-Saturday). Featuring symposiums and classes (Sven Kirsten, Tim “Swanky” Glazner, Ed Hamilton, Spike Marble, “Typhoon Tommy” Allsmiller, Tiki Tom-Tom, Rocket Betty, David “Dr. Skipper” Marley, et al.), guest cocktail bars, live music (The Hula Girls, The Intoxicators, The Disasternauts, The Kreepy Tikis, Hot Rod Hornets, more), supper club and burlesque, artists and vendors, plus more. Magical Tiki Meet Up (Sunday) at the Magic Kingdom and Polynesian Village Resort at Walt Disney World.
More below: Personalize your experience | Q&A with the organizers
* Tiki-a-Go-Go on social media: Instagram | Facebook page and group
The venue is the Caribe Royale Resort, which will host all the Friday and Saturday events. The property was recently completely reimagined with the perfect tropical atmosphere and amenities for Tiki-a-Go-Go guests. All the rooms are suites with the standard one-bedroom including a living room with a sleeper sofa. Maximum occupancy is five in a suite and six in a villa.
There’s a giant pool with a 75-foot waterslide, a spa and hot tubs, multiple fitness and sports activities, plus eight restaurants and bars (including the Rum Bar). Most important for the purposes of Tiki-a-Go-Go, the resort features more than 240,000-square feet of meeting space.
The Caribe Royale is also an official Walt Disney Good Neighbor Hotel, which means guests get special WDW benefits including free transportation. The resort is at 8101 World Center Drive, near the southeast corner of the Disney World property and just a few miles from Disney Springs and the theme parks.
To book at room at the special group rate (available April 1-10), you’ll need to use the link or phone number on the Tiki-a-Go-Go website.
For complete and updated information, go to the TikiaGoGoEvent.com or check out these direct links:
* Presentations | Presenters | Classes & tastings | Music & performers | Guest bars | Sponsors | FAQ
Personalize your Tiki-a-Go-Go experience
Both event passes (Adventurers and Jetsetter) give attendees access to most of the weekend activities. The exceptions are the cocktail and rum tastings, which require an extra ticket. The Buena Vista Supper Club and Cupcake Burlesque show is also reserved for those with the top-tier Jetsetter pass. This premium pass also includes an exclusive club with lunch, snacks and cocktails; a complimentary Mai Tai glass designed by Mcbiff; and priority access to buy the event mug by Eekum Bookum.
Also note that Sunday’s Magical Tiki Meet Up is open to all, but entry to the Magic Kingdom will require your own separate ticket or annual pass. If you’re bringing your little Tikiphile, they can also enjoy the fun at the Caribe Royale. A Mini-Adventurers pass (for ages 4-17) includes access to special activities for kids, the marketplace, panels and symposiums, plus some of the live music.
Check the official site for a full downloadable schedule. Can’t make it this year? There’s a form to subscribe to the mailing list so you’ll be notified of future events.
For those attending this year, the first annual Tiki-a-Go-Go offers unique programming for the various different subcultures within the Tiki realm. Here’s a breakdown of some suggested lineups of experiences, depending on your particular interests. Many of us cross over into multiple categories. Be sure to check the online schedule, or updated schedules posted at the event, for exact times and locations.
For fans of vintage Tiki and Floridania
There are plenty of presentations to tickle your fancy:
Florida the Tiki Treasureland with Sven Kirsten – Learn about the now forgotten Polynesian Pop palaces that once dotted the state’s landscape.
Mid-Century Resort Fashion: Lilly Pulitzer with Margo “Rocket Betty” Scott – The history of Florida’s own resort brand, which featured playfully elegant prints worn by the stylish elite.
The Samoa: Launching Tiki on Florida’s Space Coast with Tom Duncan – The story of the first Polynesian restaurant in Cocoa Beach, where rocket men and women found respite at the dawn of the Space Age.
Mostly True Stories: Haunted Florida with Cathy Salustri – Explore legends of hauntings and ghosts, from the Panhandle to Key West.
Tiki Gardens: A South Seas Island in Florida with Jon Bortles – A tour of the lost roadside attraction in Pinellas County that hosted half a million visitors a year at the height of its popularity.
NEW: Mai-Kai kitchen and bar take shape as team heads to Tiki-a-Go-Go (March 2024 update)
New equipment is now being installed in the rebuilt back-of-house at the historic South Florida restaurant. More info, cocktails to be shared at Orlando event April 5-6.
PREVIEW: The Mai-Kai at Tiki-a-Go-Go
Return to Paradise: The Mai-Kai Rises Again moderated by Jim “Hurricane” Hayward – Get insights from manager Kern Mattei, creative director “Typhoon Tommy” Allsmiller, and artist Scott “Flounder” Scheidly on the three-year, multimillion-dollar refurbishment. The panel will also include Mai-Kai public relations director Pia Dahlquist, Jesse Muller from landscape architecture firm Perry-Becker Design, historians Sven Kirsten and Tim “Swanky” Glazner, plus possible surprise guests.
Fiesta Key – Florida’s Critical Role in Prohibition Rumrunning with Tim Harnett of Tiki Underground – How the state became a central source for smuggled rum into the rest of the country.
Tropical Space Age Architecture: The Look of Paradise with Mike Skinner – Explore the fun and whimsical world of Tiki architecture on a tour of Googie-inspired buildings, exotic dingbats, and personal residences showcasing Polynesian Pop design of the 1950s and ’60s.
Florida: Land of Mermaids with Sergio Figuera – From the refreshing springs in the north to the balmy waters of Key West in the south, the influence of the exotic creatures persists throughout the Sunshine State.
For lovers of live music, cocktails and socializing
If you’re local or coming into town early, there’s a pre-party on Thursday, April 4, at 5 p.m. at Permanent Vacation in nearby Maitland starring cocktails from Pittsburgh’s Hidden Harbor, also featuring Jacksonville’s Luau Lads. [Get more info on Instagram.] Ed Hamilton will also be making an appearance at Otto’s High Dive in Orlando on the same day for happy hour starting at 4 p.m.
On Friday, don’t miss the welcome cocktail (sponsored by Papa’s Pilar Rum) and early happy hour sponsored by Bushwacker Spirits. Elika Kaiwi and Big Tiki & The Mai Tais will provide live music during the day.
In the evening, the Buena Vista Supper Club (featuring Miss Vivian Tempest and the Jazz Phools) and Cupcake Burlesque show is sponsored by Santa Teresa Rum and will feature dinner and cocktails. At 9 p.m., the party continues with live music from Hot Rod Hornets and The Intoxicators, plus cocktails from Bellhop Orlando and Suffering Bastard.
Saturday afternoon will feature several pop-up bars: The Daiquiri Shack (sponsored by Rincon Rum), High Roller Tiki Lounge (sponsored by Bettie Page Rum), and more cocktals from Bushwacker. Elika Kaiwi (a regular at Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace) will also perform again. You can also check out Tiki Bingo (presented by the Fraternal Order of Moai) and a fashion show presented by The Lucious Ladies.
Saturday night’s bash includes live music from The Kreepy Tikis, The Hula Girls, and The Disasternauts, plus cocktails from Luau Lads, The Mai-Kai, Don the Beachcomber, and Aku Aku.
Keep an eye out for other participating bars, including Bar Tiki, Hidden Harbor, Paradise Lost, Permanent Vacation, and Tiki Underground. If you’re a Jetsetter passholder, you’ll find many other options in the special lounges, including rum sponsors.
For Tiki history and cocktail fanatics
Don the Beachcomber: Ambassador of Rum with Tim “Swanky” Glazner – Discover how the godfather of Tiki started his journey in the Caribbean, then landed in Hollywood to make rum cocktails king. Glazner is the author of the upcoming biography Searching for Don the Beachcomber.
Mai-Kai Cocktails: Tiki History in a Glass with Jim “Hurricane” Hayward and Kern Mattei – Learn the lineage of the South Florida Tiki temple’s classic cocktails through the years, from Don the Beachcomber to the most recent Mai-Kai menus. Get an inside look at the lore and secrets that surround these delicious libations that we can once again enjoy when The Mai-Kai returns from its multimillion-dollar refurbishment.
Aloha From the Hawaiian Village: A Tribute to Harry Yee with Gregorio Pantoja – A deep dive into the career of the inventor of the Blue Hawaii cocktail, acclaimed as the first bartender to use paper parasols and vanda orchids in Tiki drinks.
The Torrid Story of Fassionola with Gregorio Pantoja and Doc Parks – A sultry tale of culinary and cultural history that also serves as an illustrated history of mixology’s most mysterious ingredient.
A Taste of Paradise – at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort with How Bowers – Hear the origins of some of the resort’s iconic edibles and potables, including Tonga Toast and the Lapu Lapu.
Don the Beachcomber Returns! hosted by Justin Peterson – Company President Marc Brown, beverage director Marie King and others involved in the first new location in Madeira Beach discuss the opening, future DTB locations, plus more.
Previous coverage: Don the Beachcomber grand opening in Florida is a smashing success
For collectors and shopaholics
Don’t miss the vendor marketplace, which is open Friday (10:30 a.m.-5 p.m.) and Saturday (10 a.m.-5 p.m.).
The lineup includes: Retro Tiki Designs, Vienna Boutique Gifts, Ohio Tiki Nuts, Tiki Art Design, Aloha Art & Alligators, Nancy Blauers Art, South Seas Salvage, Mondodeluxe: Hula Honey Hats & More, Basement Kahuna, Rarabird Art & Primativa Diva, Life on the Fringe Vintage, Sweet Siren Designs, Toxic Roots, Kymm! Bang, Tiki Hunter, Canned Ham Vintage, Smashfire Designs, Uke Republic, Colonel Coconut, Hibiscus Belle Shop, Tom Fowner, SkaterDaterDude, Nancy’s Fancy Fruits, Don the Beachcomber, and Laz In Orlando.
Check here for the official vendor list, including links to official sites and social media.
Collectors may also want to check out Saturday’s mug swap (hosted by The Search for Tiki) and swizzle swap (hosted by Ms. Swizzlestick). Feeling crafty? Artist Tom Fowner will teach you how to make a pendant.
For Tiki culture enthusiasts and home bartenders
Polynesiacs Panel: Meet the Floridians! with Tiki Tom-Tom – Gain insights directly from the builders of home bar creators featured in the book and website Polynesiacs: Tiki at Home. Particpating home bars will be Nui Keoki’s Enchanted Grotto (Jacksonville), Hala Kahiki Hideaway (Orlando), Cannibal Lounge (Orlando), and Hammerhead Hideaway (Hollywood). The four are pictured above from left to right.
Elevate Your Home Tiki Bar Experience with “Tiki John” Atkins and Travis Miller – Get tips, practical solutions, and even a shopping list of what to have on hand to take your slice of paradise to the next level.
Tiki in Different Languages and Visions with Chelo Del Valle Castro – Explore Tiki’s cultural diversity and how it’s represented in countries around the world.
For Disney and theme park devotees
The Jungle Cruise Goes East and Dr. Skipper’s Favorite Skipper Stories with David “Dr. Skipper” Marley – The first presentation is a history of how the iconic attraction was built at the Magic Kingdom and how it differed from the Disneyland original. In the latter, the former Disneyland skipper recounts his favorite stories from his Skipper Stories books.
Little Orange Bird: Tiki, Disney, and the Florida Citrus Commission with Cathy Salustri – The story behind the little cartoon canary that started at Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room.
It Takes a Village – The History of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort with How Bowers – Explore abandoned plans, the magic of pre-fab construction, and the many small details that make the resort a South Seas paradise.
The Spirit of Adventureland with Charles Thatcher and “Right Guard” Ian – A romp through the history of the land of tropical rivers and exotic flowers that has become an introduction for many into the world of Tiki-style escapism.
Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Tiki with Mike Skinner – Explore the creative world of the company founder and his Imagineers as they brought their adventures in Tiki to life.
Exploring the Depths: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea with “Harpoon Richie” and “Typhoon Tommy” Allsmiller – Embark on a captivating journey with this father-and-son artistic duo as they delve into the enthralling history of the Jules Verne novel and Disney film, the iconic Nautilus, and Disney legend Harper Goff.
Sunday’s Magical Tiki Meet Up is hosted by Allsmiller, a former theme park designer for Disney and Universal, along with his wife Kari. Also look for her performing Friday night in the Buena Vista Supper Club. Their event, founded in 2018, is a causal affair in the Magic Kingdom. Attendees will met up to enjoy the Enchanted Tiki Room and Jungle Cruise during their day in the park, followed by cocktails at the Tambu Lounge and Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at the Polynesian Village.
* Click here for the schedule.
For cocktail and rum aficionados
A Sailor’s Adventure with Ed Hamilton – One man’s passion for a sustainable sailing lifestyle led to more than a few adventures along the way, culminating in his own rum importing business and namesake brand.
Hamilton Rum: The Breezeway Blend (sold out) – Join Ed Hamilton and Spike Marble for a conversation about their adventures, including Ed’s rum escapades and Spike’s Breezeway Cocktail Hour. Be among the first to taste their new collaborative rum blend, followed by an exclusive cocktail.
Florida Rum Society Single Barrel Tasting ($50 plus fees) – “Trader” Jay Cocorullo, founder of the popular social group, takes you on a journey of rums selected for special private barrel releases.
Rum Culture: The Spirit of the Caribbean (sold out) – Myssi Davis and Joe Horstkamp take your on a tour of the adventures they document on the Rum Traveler website and social channels. Taste rums from Barbados, Jamaica, Martinique, and St. Lucia.
Simple is Simple with Devon Lopez of Bar Tiki ($30 plus fees) – Explore new flavor pairings and natural ingredient colors for a fun twist on classic cocktails.
- Click here for tickets, while supplies last.
Q&A with Tiki-a-Go-Go’s organizers
The event is organized by two Orlando area power couples who have a long history of attending Tiki weekenders, plus experience putting together local and regional gatherings and events. Jason and Mary Wescoat, plus the recently married Jose Villasana and Jenna Smith, were featured in the fall 2023 issue of Exotica Moderne magazine:
We recently followed up with them and posed five new questions:
Question: What do you think sets Tiki-a-Go-Go apart from other Tiki events?
Answer: Tiki events are all similar in ways and we as producers are all picking from the same crop. What makes us a little different is our focus on the state of Florida. We may have the same presenters as other Tiki events but some of our presenters have made unique presentations specifically for Florida. We are also lucky to have Disney World in our backyard and we get to implement a few Disney symposiums into our mix. What’s better than learning all about the Polynesian and then being able to go experience it for yourself?
Q: Can you name some of the best features of the Caribe Royale that guests should know about? I see they conveniently have a rum bar.
A: We knew we picked the perfect resort when we saw the name of the lobby bar, the Rum Bar. We love that they have so many options for food at the resort. They have a Starbucks for coffee in the morning and a breakfast/lunch spot called Tropicale. There’s a poolside restaurant, great for lunch and an amazing steakhouse as well as a new restaurant called Stadium Club all on site.
Q: Do you have any presentations or events that you’re most looking forward to?
A: We are really hoping we’re able to take some time and go experience some of the symposiums. When we chose the guest speakers we made sure we picked speakers we would love to see ourselves. We are really looking forward to them all. We will say, the symposium on the Florida Orange Bird is unique.
Q: An event like this is a huge group effort. What key members of your team would you like to mention?
A: Can we mention them all? Everyone has been great and really supportive. We are so lucky to have so many wonderful people willing to help us. Our team includes: Emily Driscoll, Bart Jones, Mark and Marie Noble, Jacob Trevino, Michael Bloom, Craig Powers, Sergio Figuera, Cacalito Mendoza, Wendy Chapkis, and Goldie Moon.
Q: Orlando seems to be a great location for a new event with its growing Tiki scene, cool bars, and lots of other activities available. What do you like most about living there?
A: We all love Orlando, but Jason and Mary live in Venice, Florida. Jenna & Jose love living in the city of Orlando, there’s always something to do. We have a growing Tiki scene and of course Disney. Orlando has a great art scene, sports, and fabulous restaurants. We’re centrally located and everything you could want is only an hour or two away, including the beach.
Bonus: Enjoy Orlando … and the Sunshine State
The Caribe Royale Resort’s close proximity to Walt Disney World makes it great locale for guests with kids and/or a passion for the theme parks. As a extra, there are special deals available for Tiki-a-Go-Go attendees.
If you buy a two-day or longer Disney theme park ticket, you’ll get a free ticket to one of the several other activites on WDW property, including the two water parks, golf (or miniature golf), and more. Click here for details.
Guests also have an almost unlimited number of other attractions to choose from in the area, from Universal to Sea World. You’re also a short hop from either the east or west coast for beautiful beaches and attractions such as the Kenndy Space Center and ZooTampa.
There’s also a robust selection of great Tiki bars and restaurants in the region: Aku Aku, Permanent Vacation, and Suffering Bastard in Central Florida; Bar Tiki, Don the Beachcomber, and The Honu on the Gulf Coast, to name a few.
Just try not to have too much fun. You’ll never want to go-go.
PAST ATOMIC GROG COVERAGE
The Mai-Kai and The Atomic Grog at Tiki-a-Go-Go in April 2024
Join us for two special presentations at the inaugural Orlando event:
* Return to Paradise: The Mai-Kai Rises Again (April 5) – An exclusive panel discussion that explores the history, the renovation, and the future of South Florida’s beloved Polynesian palace.
* Mai-Kai Cocktails: Tiki History in a Glass (April 6) – An exploration of The Mai-Kai cocktail menu as we trace the lineage of the classic cocktails through the years, from Don the Beachcomber to today.
Sunshine State emerges as epicenter of Tiki revival in 2024
Florida will quickly become a must-visit destination with the addition of Tiki-a-Go-Go, the return of The Mai-Kai, and the revival of the Don the Beachcomber brand.
MORE UPCOMING EVENTS
UPDATES: The Tiki Times: Exclusive events guide
Check the calendar for all of the major happenings around the world, from Tiki weekenders to rum festivals to marketplaces and music fests.
SPECIAL FEATURES
The Mai-Kai Restoration Guide
Check out all the latest news, photos, video and deep details on the refurbishment and reopening of South Florida’s Polynesian Palace.
Okole Maluna Society: The Mai-Kai Cocktail Guide
Hurricane Hayward reviews and rates the historic restaurant’s current and past tropical drinks, plus reveals a treasure trove of ancestor and exclusive tribute recipes.
See ya there. 🙂