Each summer, the Chaparral Theatre in Frontierland blossomed into a vibrant tropical paradise, setting the stage for ‘The Tarzan Encounter’. This spectacular show swept audiences into the heart of Disney’s 37th animated adventure, reviving its magic and excitement. Up to five times daily, guests were swept along on Tarzan’s journey with his gorilla family and his love for Jane, all wrapped in laughter, breathtaking acrobatics, and the beloved Phil Collins soundtrack. The story unfolded through dynamic stage action and iconic songs, with minimal dialogue so everyone could join the fun, regardless of language.
Stepping into the Chaparral Theatre, guests left the Wild West far behind and plunged straight into a tropical dream. The stage erupted with a riot of vivid jungle colours, the air alive with birdsong and the mysterious calls of hidden creatures. Overhead, expedition gear hung mysteriously in giant nets, sparking curiosity—how did those get up there? Maybe the solitary tent nestled in the jungle’s heart held the answer.
Suddenly, movement stirred high above in the nets. Two playful monkeys swung down onto the stage, soon joined by gorillas weaving through the lush undergrowth—the adventure had begun. Tarzan’s tale unfolded in five vivid scenes: a gentle gorilla welcomed the orphaned boy, raising him into the jungle’s fearless champion. But when explorers arrived, threatening the wild’s delicate balance, Tarzan’s world collided with Jane’s. Their instant connection faced every obstacle, but in the end, love bridged the gap between their two worlds.
The story came alive through a whirlwind of dance, song, drama, and jaw-dropping acrobatics, creating memories for guests of every age. Four mighty apes energised the dance numbers, while eleven gorillas soared above the stage and audience, swinging from vines, trapezes, and trampolines in ways never before seen at Disneyland Paris. Mischievous Terk, the little gorilla, kept everyone laughing with her antics, especially when she outwitted the expedition crew. The audience was swept into the action, joining Terk to stir up chaos in the camp, just like the wild ‘Trashin' the Camp’ scene from the film. Depending on their section, guests shouted, clapped, and stomped to add to the mayhem. Then, thirty lucky children stormed the stage, banging explorers’ instruments that had tumbled from the nets. As the excitement peaked, all eleven gorillas, the four dancing monkeys, and Terk reunited for a spectacular finale, with Tarzan and Jane soaring onto a rock behind their animal friends, symbolising the union of their two worlds.
When Tarzan – The Encounter took its final bow, the Chaparral Theatre fell silent for a time. Soon, though, its stage sparkled again with the Frozen Sing-Along featuring Anna and Elsa, and the enchanting Forest of Enchantment. To discover what awaited you, all you had to do was check the latest weekly programme.
Why ‘could’? In 2018, the Chaparral Theatre closed its doors for good and was demolished, making way for the brand-new Frontierland Theatre.
