I know what you’re thinking. Could I have picked a more boring attraction to write about? Probably not. The Swiss Family Treehouse is possibly the least sophisticated attraction in the Magic Kingdom and often skipped by guests who consider it a waste of time and energy. I’m hoping that reading this blog will convince you to give the treehouse another try – but this time with a different outlook. This attraction is chock-full of details if you’ll just take the time to look for them.
Swiss Family Island Treehouse was one of the opening day attractions at the Magic Kingdom. The word “Island” was dropped sometime in 1989. In the days of ticket books, this attraction required a “B” coupon. In the early years, the Swan Boats made a complete circle around the treehouse during their short journey into Adventureland. Here is a picture taken in January 1972. This angle is almost impossible to get today as “The Magic Carpets of Aladdin” now occupy the spot from which this photo was taken. In addition, so much foliage has grown up around the tree over the years that it’s difficult to tell where the treehouse ends and real growth begins.
These next two pictures were taken in 2009.
This attraction was inspired by Disney’s 1960 movie Swiss Family Robinson starring John Mills and Dorothy McGuire. The story tells of a shipwrecked family that salvages their vessel, the Swallow, and builds a fanciful home in a tree (among other adventures). Disney has announced that a remake of this classic is in production and will open in 2012.
A smaller version of the Swiss Family Treehouse opened in Disneyland on November 18, 1962. This tree has since been redesigned and is now Tarzan’s Treehouse. Hong Kong Disneyland also has a Tarzan’s Treehouse whereas the Tokyo and Pairs parks still use the Swiss Family theme. Below is a picture of Tarzan’s Treehouse in Disneyland.
Back at the Magic Kingdom we find a rest area near the entrance to Swiss Family Treehouse. Notice how the planter and benches are made of volcanic rock supplemented with pieces of the ship’s wreckage.
Also near the entrance is a sign that provides an extremely brief synopsis as to why this treehouse exists. Below the sign are canons that were used for protection against pirates.
Another sign, sporting the family’s crest, indicates the entrance to Swiss Family Treehouse.
This man-made tree is modeled after a Banyan. Its concrete root system extends four stories into the ground. The tree itself stands sixty feet high and ninety feet wide. Its 1,400 limbs are made of concrete covered steel and it sports 300,000 vinyl leaves. There are 116 stairs, 66 of which go up.
The Spanish moss hanging from the tree is real. This plant is not a parasite and gathers its nutrients and water from the air.
I know it’s hard to believe, but on busy days, the Swiss Family Treehouse can have a line. In the queue you be able to see part of the Swallow’s hull.
Your journey begins along a covered pathway. The banisters to each side are made up of rails complete with belaying pins. Belaying pins are specially shaped pieces of dowel used on sailing vessels to secure the lines. The canopy covering this walkway was constructed using the ship’s oars and sails.
To reach the island on which the treehouse stands, guests must cross a suspension bridge. The bridge was constructed with the island’s native bamboo and the ships railings, riggings, and decking.
On the other side of the bridge you’ll find a most ingenious device created by the castaways. A giant bamboo waterwheel is turned by a flowing stream. Connected to this waterwheel is a secondary wheel that rotates a series of bamboo cups. One by one, each cup is filled with water then transported to the upper reaches of the treehouse. Here the water is dumped into a reservoir. Radiating from this reservoir is a series of bamboo pipes that distributes water to the entire treehouse.
As you begin your assent, notice the family’s coat of arms at the base of the tree.
Although there are several rooms to visit while touring the treehouse, much of your journey will be spent climbing stairs. Instead of looking at this as an arduous task, take this time to examine the many details that abound. Its here that you’ll begin to notice that this home is built quite logically by using the natural elements found on the island and the portions of the ship that were salvaged.
The first room you come to is the living room. The lively melody being played on the pump organ is called “Swisskapolka.” This tune was used only once during the movie while the family was engaged in a comical race riding a number of different animals. Like so many other items found around the treehouse, all of the furnishings in this room came from the Swallow.
There are a number of good views to be had from the Swiss Family Treehouse. However, many have been obstructed over the years by the lush growth of the Jungle Cruise. The next picture was taken in 1972. In the foreground you can see rock outcroppings within the Jungle Cruise. In the center of the picture you can make out the Magic Kingdom monorail station and to the right, the Polynesian Resort. These sights cannot be seen today.
The next room you come to is the bedroom used by mother and father Robinson. (They didn’t have names.)
You’re almost to the upper most reaches of the tree at this point. There are just a few more stairs before you reach the top and the boy’s bedroom.
Take a look at these next two photos. Can you spot any peculiarities?
The first thing I noticed is that the sign states that this bedroom belongs to Fritz, Ernst, and Francis. However, I only count two hammocks. Where does the third boy sleep?
The other thing I noticed was the date, July 17, 1805. The sign states that this is the first anniversary of their deliverance. Now anyone familiar with Disney history knows that July 17th is a very special date — the day that Disneyland in California opened. I also noticed the year, 1805. This is exactly 150 years prior to the year that Disneyland opened (1955). This seemed like too much of a coincidence so I did a little research. First, I could find no reference to a year in the book. However, I could find the date of the Swallow’s shipwreck, January 31st and the castaways came ashore on February 2nd. So it seems that the Imagineers fudged a little on this detail in order to give a nod to Disneyland.
From this point on it’s all downstairs.
The next area of interest is the Library. On the desk you can see a map of the Indian Ocean. The book has the castaways marooned in the East Indies, en route to Port Jackson, Australia while the movie has them in route to the German colony of New Guinea. However the exact location of the island is somewhat of a mystery, for on this island the family encounters a giant turtle, a tiger, an elephant, an ostrich, a zebra, monkeys, and other creatures – creatures that never existed together in the wild.
The final stop is the kitchen. Here you’ll find a storage area, a stove built of volcanic rocks, running water, and a table, ready to serve a hungry family.
The Swiss Family Treehouse can’t compete with Splash Mountain or Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, but it was never intended to. It’s meant to be a place where you can let your imagination run wild for a few moments and fantasize what it might be like to live on a deserted island with basic creature comforts and the occasional adventure. As I mentioned earlier, this attraction has a number of details that are worth note if you’ll take the time to look for them.
The movie, Swiss Family Robinson, is available on DVD. Is it worth watching? Well, if you’ve made it to the end of this blog I’ll say yes. That would indicate that you’re a true Disney fan. The movie is a little dated, which is probably why Disney is filming a remake, but if you can suspend your disbelief for a couple of hours, it’s enjoyable.
Enjoy.
Recently, I watched the Swiss Family Robinson movie after not having seen it for many years, and I love it! I’m a teenager and I have always enjoyed climbing the tree house in the Magic Kingdom, although I couldn’t remember very much of the movie. Now, after having seen the movie again, I really want to go to Magic Kingdom and visit the tree house so I can feel like I’ve stepped into the movie. Thanks for the post, and I think the Swissapolka was also played in the scene where the father, Fitz, and Ernest danced with Roberta Christmas evening (I really enjoyed the movie!). I sure hope they keep the tree house for a long time!
As I recall in the movie, didn’t the smallest boy, Frances, have his own room? And the two bigger boys shared one large room. I never remember seeing Frances’s room, just the staircase. So maybe they just didn’t want to build another bedroom in the attraction, so they combined…
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Hi Jack,
Thank you for this wonderful article! I am writing to you because we just bought from a very reliable friend, an original table from the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse! It looks like the dining table but I can’t be sure. It is sooooooooooooooo cool!!! Well, we are 99% sure that this is the original one but we need you to send more pictures of it, if you have some so that we can verify. Thank you so much! This is so exciting!!!
Karin and Dan Golden
Jack,
I’ve always LOVED the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse. Frankly, I’d just as soon have won a night up there during the Year of a Million Dreams as a night in Cinderella’s Castle (though I wouldn’t have turned that down either!).
Is the movie worth watching? Absolutely! And everytime I set foot in the treehouse, I want to go home and watch it again.
Strangely, I also feeled compelled to reread Tom Sawyer every time I set foot in the Magnetic Mystery Mine or Harper’s Mill too.
My family first visited Disneyland in 1968, when our daughter was 4, and we all loved the tree house. We’d read the book,and knew many of the film’s lines by heart. (41 years later, when any of us interact with an animal — especially a shy one — we mimic Francis’ voice as he repeats, “Come on, litle fellow — don’t be afraid, I won’t hurt you!”) And then we crack up. Every 2 years or so,now with grandchildren, we love returning to the Tree House at Disney World, and have been relieved it’s NOT a Tarzan home. We were always amuswd by the pirate battle in the film, where no blood was ever spilt, no one was ever killed, and the pirates just kept getting knocked down and coming back for more.
Hi Jack,
I loved the movie as a kid and really enjoy the walk through attraction in the shade.
I missed this on our last visit because we were in a hurry but your pictures made up for it.
We usually walk through on all our visits because there is rarely a line and you can walk at a leisurely pace.
Dude, did you just make the treehouse fun and interesting?
You have powerful magic!
Great Blog again, Jack.
Its attractions like these that set Disney apart from the other theme parks. Its not a “I’ve got to see this attraction so I am willing to pay anything” attraction. Its more of what I think Walt wanted. A fun, happy place, full of adventure and ingenuity, that the whole family can enjoy at a relaxed pace.
Keep up the good work!
So funny my daughter was 5 when we first went through the Treehouse and didn’t remember it much so this June when we were there and she is now 13 just her and I went through it again (the others opted out) she thought it was very cool but didn’t know the movie so when we got back home I had to buy it just so she knew what the Treehouse was all about.
Thanks for the blog Jack! I just climbed the treehouse on the evening of July 3rd for the first time in a number of years. I don’t think I had ever climbed at night and I really liked it. It is a break from the craziness that can be MK (and it was crazy post-fireworks) and a very peaceful place. I pretty much had it all to myself. I remember seeing the movie as a child, but all I remember is the ostrich race and maybe a pirate attack. Thanks for the memories!
We just moved to Orlando last month and have been going to WDW many times a week! We never took the time to visit this attraction and my son is now 8. He asked if we could go once a few weeks ago and now he wants to go through it every time we are at mk! Thanks for the pictures!
You have no idea what this meant to me! I can’t climb stairs and use an ecv to get around. I sit at the bottom of the tree everytime we go and watch my family go up. My imagination runs wild as I dream about what the tree house must look like. One of my fondest things from childhood was trees and secret places in them. Now I finally got a personal tour through the treehouse! How marvolous and wonderful! Thank you so much!
Jack,
Thanks for the blog! I can’t believe they’re filming a remake of this movie. I personally think it’s a great movie; a bit dated, yes, but hey, it’s old! Sometimes new isn’t always better. As far as the treehouse attraction goes, well it’s fairly boring but I must say if you’re looking for somewhere to relax, get a break from the crowds, and get some nice views from the top, this is it. Thanks again!
Once again another great Blog. I love the Tree house and was a big fan of the movie when I was a kid(Knew the script off by heart). I know most people favour the big brash new attractions and thats great but I really would be upset if they changed the tree house to a Tarzan one. I know Disney has to move with the times but sometimes I do wish they would leave well alone. Can we say Figment.
Great Blog and I always look forward to reading them.
The views may be obscured by plant growth but they’re still great-especially at night! My dad and I like to wander around the usually deserted treehouse once it gets dark and enjoy the lights of Tomorrowland!
Thanks Jack. On our last trip to WKW we took a break on the benches at the base of the Tree house. This really brought back a lot of memories. As usual, Disney adds the details for those who stop and look. I am glad that you appreciate the details and pass them along.
Thanks for the post. SFRT has always been one of my favorites. I’m sure the movie remake will not be up to par but hopefully that means they’ll be keeping the treehouse around.
First off, I want to say that I love your blog! The details that you point out are part of what makes Disney World so special.
If memory serves, didn’t the middle son leave the island at the end of the movie? So maybe that is why there are only 2 hammocks in the boys’ room?
Looking at the posters, maybe one of the boys is named Fritz-Ernst, or Ernst-Francis? I’m only seeing two boys. I haven’t seen the movie before, but I think I may have to rent it now!
I walked through the Treehouse for the first time on my trip this year. It was my 6th trip to WDW, and I had always assumed it was “boring” before then. While I wouldn’t want to climb those steps when I was tired from walking all day, it was an enjoyable brief walkthrough and I’m glad I did.
Nicely written, Jack. SFT is one of the attractions I enjoy when I am in need of a leisurely break.
It makes me wonder though: if they had so much of the ship to salvage, why didn’t they just rebuild the ship and get off the island? 🙂
Always a pleasure to hear from you (by way of Twitter or otherwise).
Peace.
jackie
We have always visited the Tree House when in MK. My daughter sits on her daddy’s shoulders and he stands under the Robinson sign for a picture. This has always been a souvenir for us to mark the growth of our daughter each year. (I think that we make it a bigger deal, considering our last name, lol). Sadly, due to finances we have been unable to continue our yearly trips to the world, but we continue to DREAM!! We look forward to taking our picture again when finances allow and getting to compare it to the last one 3 yrs ago! We’ll keep on Dreaming til then. Thanks so much for bringing back fond memories for us!
My kids (12, 11, and 8) love the old Swiss Family Robinson movie and they enjoy walking through this attraction each time we visit the Magic Kingdom. I think it just goes to show that not every attraction has to be based on a new movie or a thrill ride for kids to enjoy it! Thanks for your blogs….I love them!
I loved the movie and always love to go to the Swiss Family Treehouse when at WDW. The first time we took the kids to see it, there were many complaints. After they came out however, it was a different story. Now we always make it a point to see it everytime we are there! Thanks so much for this blog and all the others you write. You always capture the magic we feel when we are there and give us so much to look forward to until we go again!!
Thanks Jack for the blog. I’m 25 and was just saying yesterday how Swiss Family Robinson is one of my favorite movies, and that is why I really like the Treehouse. So many little details–thanks for the walking tour! And it would seem that if Disney were remaking the movie (which I didn’t know about), perhaps they should leave the Treehouse alone and not convert it to a Tarzan theme. That makes me happy.
I remember that the first time I went to DW as a very young child, all I wanted to do was spend my time climbing around in the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse. Really, it’s the only thing I remember about the park! Recently, I took my two-year-old son to Disney for the first time, and he _loved_ the treehouse. He climbed all the stairs himself! If you really want to enjoy this attraction, try to imagine it from the point of view of a very small child, climbing a gigantic tree all by himself!
Thanks for the walk up and down memory lane. The Treehouse is one of my all time favorite attractions, ever since my first visit to Magic Kingdom back in 1975. I absolutely loved the movie and own it on DVD. I still remember pretending to be a castaway when I was a kid and having been able to enjoy this attraction made that dream real. We never skip the treehouse when we visit MK, thanks again Jack, as always you manage to bring a piece of the magic home.
Jack, I throughly enjoyed this. Yes, its a part of Disney’s history. I enjoyed this attraction because it is from my time. I think the Treehouse shows us how to be thankful and to take care of what we were blessed with. It’s a time when we gave thanks to God and enjoyed time with each other and families worked together. No TV, cell phones or computers. I have 2 copies of the movie, one to share and one is mine. I loved the second disk that shows how the movie was made. Did you notice that one the DVD cover that Ernst is not picture on it and I also couldn’t find a place for the 3rd boy. I just thought since he went back to England to go to school they just took his bed away and his picture off the cover. Thanks for all you do. I really look forward to your blogs. Thanks again. PS I hope in the new version they don’t leave the part when they reached land, they stopped and prayed. They thanked God that they reach land. That’s my favorite part of the movie.