Swiss Family Treehouse: Eyesore or Classic Attraction?

The question was raised a couple of days ago regarding the Swiss Family Treehouse:  is it an eyesore, or is it a Walt Disney World classic?  I quickly jumped at the chance to write a post about the subject.

Swiss Family Treehouse is an original Walt Disney World attraction.  It was open on opening day, October 1, 1971, and has seen hundreds of thousands of guests pass through it’s gates during it’s day.

For most people, Swiss Family Treehouse is a one and done attraction – something you see once, say “that’s nice”, complain about the 116 steps you have to climb, and when you are done, stop for a Dole Whip to catch your breath.  I, though, am NOT one of those people!

To me, Swiss Family Treehouse is one of those classic attractions that I love to visit once a year.  It is a unique experience because there is so much detail in every step of the attraction.  Depending on the time, you can also get some really incredible shots of other Magic Kingdom attractions, such as this shot I took with Space Mountain and Astro Orbiter in the distance.

The devil is in the details, and the Imagineers at Walt Disney World went to great lengths to add all the detail that you would expect to see in the Treehouse.  For instance, there is a series of pulleys that transports water up the Tree for use in other parts of the compound.  If you look closely, you will see that it really works!  Also, there are sections divided out for the kitchen, sleeping quarters, and other logical places that really does a great job of making it seem as if you could actually live there.

Of course, Swiss Family Treehouse isn’t for everyone.  The 116 steps I mentioned before certainly make it hard for some people to get around and see the Treehouse.  Also, the Treehouse is one of the few Walt Disney World attractions that is not handicap accessible.  But overall, the Swiss Family Treehouse is a great attraction, especially for parents with younger children, and it really brings home a sense of what life would be like if you were the Robinson family.

Lastly, I guess the ultimate question of whether you should visit the Swiss Family Treehouse really comes down to what sort of Disney trip you are taking.  Is it one where you are going helter-skelter to try and see all of the big attractions, such as Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, or are you taking it easier?  Are you taking time in your Disney vacation to smell the roses?  If you are taking the slower approach to Disney, make time to visit Swiss Family Treehouse.  Admire the incredible detail of the structure itself.  Stop, look, and listen to what is around you.  Shoot some pictures that you may not have taken before.  And lastly, let your mind wander to a time when the world was simpler.

Related articles

• Walt Disney World: Planning the Perfect Day (mydreamsofdisney.com)
• Disney World Quick Tips – Please Take Your Time, It’s Not Going Anywhere (chipandco.com)

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