Inside the Swiss Family Treehouse Library at Walt Disney World
A closer look at the Library hidden inside this classic Disney attraction
Back in April, I had the wonderful opportunity to be a guest on the Synergy Loves Company podcast, where I joined host Eric to discuss one of my favourite niche topics—Disney libraries! As a fellow librarian and Disney enthusiast, it was such a joy to chat with Eric about Disney libraries, both real and fictional. I enjoyed it so much that it actually inspired this brand-new series of posts, where I intend to explore some of the Disney libraries and library-inspired spaces we discussed in greater detail. My plan is to highlight a specific one in each post and expand on each’s story, history, and design.
First up is a hidden gem you can find right inside Walt Disney World—the library tucked inside the Swiss Family Treehouse at Magic Kingdom. Let’s take a closer look!
Brief History of the Swiss Family Treehouse
The Swiss Family Treehouse first opened at Disneyland in California on November 18, 1962. This attraction features a massive artificial tree made of steel, concrete, and over 300,000 plastic leaves!
This attraction was later brought to Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, opening on October 1, 1971, and it later appeared at Tokyo Disneyland on July 21, 1993. A version also exists at Disneyland Paris, known as La Cabane des Robinson.
The original Disneyland version closed on March 8, 1999, and was reimagined as Tarzan’s Treehouse. This version operated for about two decades before closing and eventually reopening as the Adventureland Treehouse. The newest version is described as a “reimagining of the classic attraction,” paying tribute to the original Swiss Family Robinson theming.
The treehouse we’ll be exploring in this post is the one located at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Guests can climb through a series of rooms that reflect the Robinson family’s home from the film, but the space of particular interest to us is, of course, the library.
The Library
If you’re unfamiliar with Swiss Family Robinson, the 1960 Disney film that inspired this attraction, the story follows the Robinson family as they’re shipwrecked on a deserted island. In one scene, the family salvages items from their ship, and throughout the film, you can spot books among their rescued belongings. It’s a small, but meaningful, detail that speaks to their decision-making of what they wished to preserve.
As you make your way through the Swiss Family Treehouse, you’ll encounter various rooms, and tucked among them is a small space labeled Library. It isn’t a library in the traditional sense, as there are no floor-to-ceiling shelves or an extensive collection by any means, however, it still absolutely counts. As Eric so perfectly said it in our podcast conversation, “a library can be anywhere” when there are books.
The Robinsons’ library is essentially a desk set up with a small selection of items: a candle, a telescope, a water pitcher, a bowl of fruit, and most importantly, books. There are seven hardcover books in various earthy tones of brown, green, and black, all scattered across the tabletop. While they don’t have any visible titles or authors inscribed on them, their presence is enough to suggest the importance of literature and learning to the Robinsons, even in the most rugged of conditions.
Considering the family was shipwrecked, I’d say they did a pretty good job at creating this little reading nook! While I do wish there was at least a small shelf or two to make it feel a bit more library-like, I appreciate the spirit and intent behind this space.
What really steals the show for me though is the Library sign itself. I find myself drawn to it every time I walk through the treehouse, thanks to its colours and vintage-vibes. I would love to have a replica of it hanging in my own home library one day. I haven’t seen one for sale yet, but if anyone has any leads on where to find (or commission) one, please let me know in the comments!
Since the Swiss Family Treehouse is designed as a continuous walkthrough attraction, there’s often a steady stream of people climbing behind you, especially on busy park days. However, if you find yourself visiting during a quieter time, I highly recommend pausing to take in the little details of this space, especially the library. It’s easy to rush through, but there’s something special about stopping to appreciate the storytelling that can be found in each corner of the treehouse.
The views from the upper levels are beautiful and the setting offers a rare moment of peace that allows you to briefly escape from the hustle and bustle of the park below. In a place known for its excitement and energy, the Swiss Family Treehouse invites you to slow down, explore, and imagine. And for those of us who love libraries and books, it’s a little reminder that stories truly can live anywhere, even in the treetops.
Sources
https://d23.com/a-to-z/swiss-family-treehouse/
https://disneyland.disney.go.com/en-ca/attractions/disneyland/adventureland-treehouse/