Have you ever dreamt of living in a giant treehouse like the famed Swiss Family Robinson family? While exploring the new Adventureland Treehouse at Disneyland and the Swiss Family Treehouse at Magic Kingdom, you can get a taste of just that! The iconic treehouse still resides in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. At Disneyland, the treehouse has undergone changes over the years. It has gone back to its roots, so to speak, with the Adventureland Treehouse inspired by Walt Disney's Swiss Family Robinson (as of Nov. 10, 2023). During the secret history of the Swiss Family Treehouse and Adventureland Treehouse, we'll discover what it took to build these grand treehouses at both Disneyland and Magic Kingdom and how they look today. Let's get to exploring!
The Adventureland Treehouse Inspired by Walt Disney's Swiss Family Robinson at Disneyland
Opening first in Disneyland Park, the Swiss Family Treehouse debuted almost two years after the release (1960) of Disney's adventure film "Swiss Family Robinson." The film "Swiss Family Robinson" is based on the 1812 novel with the same name.
Walt Disney always dreamed of building a treehouse as a child, like most other kids do. (I know I've always begged for a treehouse by the pond!) So, he decided he was going to make the biggest treehouse in history!
Imagineer Bill Martin helped design the treehouse, while Wolfgang Reitherman (designer of the treehouse for the Disney film) also helped. When building the treehouse, Disney imagineers used around 330,000 fabricated leaves on the tree. Of course the tree is fabricated so it can withstand the test of time!
Tarzan's Treehouse
Disneyland re-themed its treehouse in 1999. Because of the release of popular Disney film "Tarzan," the treehouse had a makeover to replicate Tarzan's own treehouse from the film. The treehouse received new vinyl leaves and even a new suspension bridge entrance, along with characters from the movie. As a tribute to the Swiss Family Treehouse, you could hear the "Swisskapolka" playing on the old gramophone at Tarzan's Treehouse. It was located on the bottom level interactive play area.
Post-pandemic in 2021, the treehouse closed for refurbishment. It was later announced that the Adventureland Treehouse inspired by Walt Disney’s Swiss Family Robinson would take its place. The entrance and bridge were moved out of the middle of the pathway of Adventureland. Construction took place for about two years. The change is a nod to the attraction's history while introducing a new story.
In case you'll miss Tarzan's Treehouse like I do, enjoy this a walkthrough video on our YouTube channel. You can see the fun interactive area at the end, including that gramophone I mentioned.
The Adventureland Treehouse Inspired by Walt Disney's Swiss Family Robinson (as of Nov. 10, 2023)
The Adventureland Treehouse at Disneyland builds on a new fresh story for the next generation of parkgoers to explore as of Nov. 10, 2023. An upcoming new Disney+ show on the Swiss Family Robinson ties in nicely with the new theme. But it's a new family residing in the treehouse. You won't see them though, because they are out exploring.
The new Adventureland Treehouse showcases wondrous new environments nestled amongst the giant branches of a huge tree on the shores of the Jungle River. Guests can once again enter the tree near the giant waterwheel, climbing the wood rope stairways up into the boughs. The family created a pulley system to deliver water from the stream up into the tree. It generates the energy needed to activate many of their gadgets and inventions guests can discover. The Family Tree itself has a scientific name: Disneyodendron Semperflorens Grandis.
Guests can climb and weave past the rooms of this family. You begin and end on the lower level, which is wheelchair accessible. You can see the kitchen and dining room. Also on the bottom floor, the father’s art studio displays hand-drawn sketches and paintings of each room. That allows people who like to keep their feet or wheels on the ground a chance to stay low and still see the other rooms.
Be sure to say, "hi," to Jane the ostrich. (Incidentally, a human Jane appeared in Tarzan's Treehouse. Coincidence?) Read the signs and take time to explore the tiny details along the way as you travel through the treehouse.
The mother’s music den includes musical instruments including a harp, lute, guitar and organ, which she plays to fill the home with joyful melodies. Is that the "Swisskapolka" playing? You can even see the sheet music and lyrics! Look around at the books. You can see "Tarzan of the Apes," "The Swiss Family Robinson" and "Robinson Crusoe" novels in her collection.
In the highest branches, the daughter has an astronomer's loft, decorated with planets. Can you find the hidden Mickey? We'll give you a hint. The daughter really loves the moon. She studies the nighttime skies and ponders the mysteries of the universe.
The twin sons’ nature room contains a large collection of plants and animals. There are a lot of moving animals here from hopping frogs to peeking birds in birdhouses to a mischievous swinging monkey who keeps turning the feed schedule to "feed monkey!"
There are other sweet spots to look out over Rivers of America and New Orleans Square, and you'll find even a cute nook to sit and rest. Just be sure to watch your step as you go. There is a lot to look at, but you do not want to miss a step.
Enjoy our YouTube video of the new Adventureland Treehouse.
The Secret History of the Swiss Family Treehouse at Magic Kingdom
The Swiss Family Treehouse at Disneyland proved to be a hit, leading to its inclusion in Magic Kingdom's grand opening. The Orlando theme park opened with its own Swiss Family Treehouse on opening day of October 1, 1971.
Not only can you visit the Swiss Family Treehouse at Magic Kingdom, but you can also see the grand treehouse at Disneyland Paris and Tokyo Disneyland!
While the tree at Magic Kingdom does in fact look real, it's actually made of concrete, steel and stucco! The Swiss Family Treehouse is not a rest-your-froggy-legs attraction — there are a total of 116 steps! The tree is actually classified as a building. This is because of the requirements of certain permits. The root system of Magic Kingdom's tree goes four stories into the ground!
Here's a look at the Swiss Family Treehouse at Disney World.
Have you ever climbed the Swiss Family Treehouse or even Tarzan's Treehouse? Let us know in the comments below! Whether you are visiting Disney World or Disneyland, you can save some green with discount theme park tickets through your favorite froggy friends at Undercover Tourist!
Stay cool!
