Goodbye Tarzan's Treehouse, Hello Swiss Family Robinson!

Straight from the "I never expected that to happen!" department, the Disney Parks Blog quietly announced the return of the Disneyland classic Swiss Family Treehouse. That's right- it is not Encanto- it's the Adventureland Treehouse.

These pieces of Imagineering concept art point me to two potential ideas: One- The film division is planning a reboot of the iconic original film for a new Disney+ series or individual flick, and Two- There are other, grander plans, for Encanto in the parks. With a hit movie that spawned a massive musical soundtrack and more, there's no way something will not be rolling out soon.

For now, I'm thrilled! Is it too much to ask for a brand new attraction poster?

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Disneyland Branches Out

Unabashedly Old School Disney! I am, yes, I am. That doesn't mean I'm not in favor of the current Intellectual Property infestation at the theme parks- when its done well and not at the expense of original attractions. Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, Pandora World of Avatar, Cars Land, etc. are all the rage and for very good reasons. Attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean and The Haunted Mansion remain beloved Disney classics because of their excellence- not because of their movie affiliations. 

But these newer movie focused attractions are not new. From time to time, Walt Disney and his Imagineering team inserted attractions into Disneyland that did recreate a filmed environment. Not quite hidden in the backside of Adventureland, the Swiss Family Treehouse was among the best, beckoning those folks young and old to explore the Robinson family's island home in the branches. 

This 1962 newspaper ad captures all the fun. Whether it is the Swiss Family and its mesmerizing ear candy of the Swisskapolka or the more obvious cartoon based Tarzan making their home in its branches, climbing high above it all has been a guest favorite for 50 plus years.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Exploring Swiss Family Treehouse Coast to Coast

Perhaps it's coming back from vacation and seeing all the beautiful banyan trees in the islands. Perhaps it's just the love of the Swiss Family Treehouse at Disneyland, Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, and even the one at Disneyland Paris on Adventure Isle. There's something about this tropical home that intrigues me. (I haven't been to Tokyo's or Hong Kong's yet, but they are on my list!

The movie Swiss Family Robinson captured by attention as both a film and later from the book in which it originated. 

Let me explain a bit about the several pieces of concept art you are looking at. All are pretty large, so make sure to click and see the biggest size possible.

The two top pieces on this article are by Disney Imagineer Herb Ryman. One of my favorite all time artists that ever worked for the Company. Every time I think I've seen it all, something surprises me. Both the piece in brown and the next in full color were done for Florida's Magic Kingdom. Boy, am I glad that the suits did not demand a clone of the original in California! When I finally saw the park for the first time in 1975, I couldn't wait to travel up into the tree and explore. With the beautiful, graceful Plaza Swan Boats circling the tree, it was quite a view to behold!

The black and white piece above was created exclusively for the movie by Disney legend John Hench. It's quite beautiful as well!

In the early 1960's, Walt's Swiss Family Treehouse attraction was still being designed, it was a project in the making for Disneyland as an addition to Adventureland. The end result wasn't quite like the artwork but instead much, much, better. It was an instant park favorite, continuing on this day even since Tarzan took over. 

(As Imagineer Tony Baxter shared, during Disneyland's very dark days under Paul Pressler, it looked to be the next location of another shop, so turning it into Tarzan's home actually saved the tree from extinction!)

Lastly, I leave you with these stunning attraction posters. The colors are rich and bold- much like the adventure that awaits for all who climb and dare to dream! The one above, the official completed version. The one below, an alternative "screen and color" test or maybe a proposed final version without lettering. Both are incredible!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.