Tarzan’s Treehouse

November 1962 – September 2021

LOCATION

Adventureland – when entering from Main Street USA, you would find the treehouse at the end of Adventureland, just before the walkway to New Orleans Square.

BACKGROUND

Tarzan’s Treehouse was a self-guided walkthrough high above Adventureland. The original structure, back when the treehouse was “Swiss Family Robinson” themed, was much smaller and had much less foliage, so it looked more like a fort than a true treehouse. But in 1999, Tarzan surged to popularity, and the treehouse was completely made over. Over 6,000 vinyl leaves and two new rooms were added to the original structure, so the massive treehouse offered a high-up, thrilling experience through the treetops of Adventureland.

EXPERIENCE

As guests ascended into the trees of Adventureland, they came across old storybooks that told the story of Tarzan, page by page. Various rooms, alcoves, and pathways depicted different scenes from Tarzan, and the tour finished with a tour through Professor Porter and Jane’s campsite.

CLOSURE

Tarzan’s Treehouse closed for a refurbishment in 2021, which wasn’t unusual. But a few problems plagued the treehouse in its later years that sparked rumors it would not be a “normal” refurbishment. First, in 2019 a wooden plank on the bridge snapped. Second, the entrance tree caused a major choking point in traffic flow between Adventureland and New Orleans Square, since it took up so much real estate in the main walkway. And third, it was the only attraction at the resort with any Tarzan references; despite the movie being a cult favorite, it just wasn’t as relevant to the broader audience 20+ years after the film’s release.

So in 2023, the attraction reopened as the Adventureland Treehouse. While the new variation draws inspiration from Swiss Family Robinson like the original, it is officially a franchise-agnostic attraction now – hopefully stretching its lifespan to audiences of all ages. The new variation also removed the entrance tree, solving the bridge/crowd flow issues and returning the house to its original footprint on the southern side of the Adventureland walkway.

TRIVIA

My original rating: The Treehouse is one of my favorite places in the park. Although the Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough is a better self-led attraction, the Treehouse is absolutely stunning and has unparalleled panoramic views of Adventureland, Frontierland, and New Orleans Square. Every time I visit the Treehouse, I find a new vantage point for some unique pictures. (★★★★★)

The original Treehouse was the “Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse”. Some of the original décor, including Swiss flags and documents on the table, are from the Swiss Family Robinson walkthrough.

Tarzan’s Treehouse was 70 feet tall, offering the highest view guests can access within Disneyland.

Pay close attention at the campsite and you could see Mrs. Potts and Chip from Beauty and the Beast.