Swinging into Disney’s Animal Kingdom on July 9, 1999, Tarzan Rocks! was a high-energy stage show performed in the Theater in the Wild, replacing the park’s original show, Journey Into the Jungle Book. Designed to capitalize on the success of Disney’s animated Tarzan (released just weeks earlier), the show combined live vocals, acrobatic stunts, rollerblade choreography, and a rock concert vibe—a bold departure from traditional Disney stage shows.
Rather than retelling the film’s plot, Tarzan Rocks! was staged as a “Two Worlds Concert Tour,” loosely following Tarzan’s journey through the film’s Phil Collins soundtrack. The show featured:
- A live band performing hits like Two Worlds, Son of Man, and You’ll Be in My Heart
- Aerialists and dancers dressed as monkeys, rappelling from ropes and swinging across the stage
- Rollerblading stunts, with performers zipping through ramps and the audience
- Tarzan’s dramatic entrance via vine swing, complete with his iconic yell
- A floral parachute-style canopy marking Jane’s entrance, followed by a romantic duet
The cast included 27 performers, with Tarzan originally played by John Coulter and Jane by Ramsi Nia Stoker. Costumes were designed by Cynthia Nordstrom, and the show was directed by Reed Jones, under the production of Angie Howard, Entertainment Operations Manager for Walt Disney World.
The show was staged in a tent-like open-air theater with seating for 1,500 guests, and ran four to five performances daily. Though it was expected to run for about three years, its popularity extended its lifespan to nearly seven.
Following the September 11, 2001 attacks, park attendance dropped, and Tarzan Rocks!—along with other shows—reduced its daily performance schedule. Rumors of its closure began circulating in late 2005, especially with the announcement of a Broadway Tarzan musical and speculation about a Finding Nemo-themed replacement.
In January 2006, two separate technical incidents involving aerial rigging occurred during performances, accelerating plans for closure. The final show was performed on January 21, 2006, after which the theater was enclosed and refurbished.
Theater in the Wild reopened in January 2007 with Finding Nemo: The Musical, featuring original songs by Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez. While Tarzan Rocks! is long gone, it remains a fan-favorite for its unique blend of concert energy, stunt choreography, and live music—a rare combination in Disney stage shows.
Merchandise from the show included pins, medallion coins, and park guide covers, and it’s still fondly remembered by fans who grew up with its jungle rhythms.
