Tiki VIP #43 Tony Rangel – Big Daddy’s Bear Cave

If you’re looking for reviews on rum, tiki mugs, how to do tiki crafts or just to learn about tiki, Tony Rangel has you covered! Tony has a YouTube show called Big Daddy’s Bear Cave and each show you learn something new, and I promise that you will be entertained. Oh, did I mention, Tony loves all things Disney as well? There’s tons of episodes that cover Disney culture as well. Here is Tony’s story …

What is the tiki scene like where you live?

Tony- I live in Florida so the tiki life is like a state motto. We have Trader Sam’s Grotto at Disney World, and so many classic Tiki bars on all our amazing beaches. The Mai-Kai, Aku-Aku, and the new Suffering Bastard to name a few. What I love the most is if you are a vintage shopper you’re almost guaranteed to find tiki Decor in all the local vintage shops and the makings of a great home tiki bar.

What brought you into the ‘Tiki lifestyle” and how long has it been part of your life?

Tony- I was born and raised in orange county California, Home of “surf city USA” in Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, and Laguna Beach. I grew up cruising with my father in his 55 Chevy listening to The Beach Boys, and all of the cool California beach music. My family is one of the oldest families in California, so you can say Tiki is in my DNA!  I grew up with Disney, I had family that worked for Walt Disney personally. Growing up with Dole Whip and The Enchanted Tiki room in your backyard is the making of a Tiki lover’s heart. Both my wife and I are former Disney Cast Members and my mother in law was a toy and mug sculptor for Disney and other movie studios. Pop culture is just such a big part of our family’s life.

Can you tell us about what your show Big Daddy’s Bear Cave is all about? 

Tony- In a galaxy far far away called Florida, I search for Tiki, Good Grub, Disney Adventures, Geek fun, and a shot of Whiskey and Rum!  This is the YouTube channel for geek Fanboys and girls who like Tiki, Home Tiki Bars, Tiki Mug Reviews, Whiskey / Rum Reviews, Cocktails, Disney theme park magic and a whole lot of nerdy fun!

What made you decide to start making videos?

Tony- I spent most of my life in love with graphic design, video editing, and photography. I am a big tech geek. After working for the biggest spirit and wine distributor as a manager, I started taking courses in mixology and getting to know the bar and restaurant scene. I decided to start making spirit reviews but that turned into talking more about Tiki and my love of Disney and all things geek!

What is your favorite Tiki drink?

Tony- Mr. Bali Hai is my jam all the time! Coffee flavored brandy, pineapple juice, lime, and Rum, that’s me in a Tiki Mug! I love how the flavors combine and give you something unexpected. I love the Bali Hai restaurant in San Diego, California. I grew up going to San Diego all the time, plus that mug is so iconic!

What is your favorite Tiki bar? Not including your own! 

Tony- Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki bar will always be my favorite location because of Disneyland being so close to my heart. We live about an hour away from Trader Sam’s at the Polynesian Village and I love it.

What does the future hold for you and your tiki show? 

Tony- I loved making my own home tiki bar. Watching and reading, Tiki with Ray, and joining so many amazing tiki groups was such an encouragement to build my own home tiki bar this year.  Amazing Tiki families like Heather and Don Waters with the Uncharted Waters and Leftover Lounge inspired me to build my own bar. Doing a Tiki DIY is a passion, getting new mugs, and funny new tiki shenanigans to get into is what the future holds for my YouTube channel.

Anything else you would like to add?

Tony- I would like to encourage anyone who is new to Tiki to join a Tiki group on Facebook, on social media like Instagram, because the tiki community is so amazing and so friendly.

Big Daddy’s Bear Cave Info and links:

Follow me on Twitter @WhiskeyBearCave

You Follow me on Instagram

Like us on Facebook

Subscribe on YouTube

Email address:  BigDaddysBearCave@gmail.com

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