The Monsanto House of the Future Patio was an outdoor area adjacent to the Monsanto House of the Future, a Tomorrowland attraction at Disneyland from June 12, 1957, to December 1967. Sponsored by Monsanto, the House showcased a plastic-based home designed by MIT and Disney Imagineers, located near the Tomorrowland entrance. The patio, part of the attraction’s landscaped garden with a pond and waterfall, likely offered light refreshments to complement the walk-through experience, aligning with Tomorrowland’s futuristic dining trends like the nearby Space Bar. It closed with the House in 1967 during Tomorrowland’s overhaul.
Below are 10 fun facts about the Monsanto House of the Future Patio (1957–1967) at Disneyland:
- Futuristic Garden Setting: The patio was part of a lush garden beneath the House’s cantilevered wings, featuring a serene pond and waterfall, designed to evoke a futuristic oasis in Tomorrowland.
- Light Refreshment Potential: Likely mirroring Tomorrowland’s quick-service stands, the patio may have offered snacks like ice cream or sodas, possibly via vending machines, to refresh guests post-tour. The assumption of light refreshments is based on Tomorrowland’s early dining trends (e.g., Carnation-sponsored Yum Yum Tree) and the patio’s role as a guest linger area, though no primary source confirms a food stand.
- Monsanto Sponsorship: Operated under Monsanto’s sponsorship, any food service would have promoted plastic-packaged items, aligning with the House’s theme of showcasing plastic’s versatility.
- Scenic Views: Guests on the patio enjoyed views of Tomorrowland’s entrance, including the TWA Moonliner and Sleeping Beauty Castle, making it a prime relaxation spot.
- Integrated Design: Designed by MIT architects Marvin Goody and Richard Hamilton, the patio’s sleek landscaping complemented the House’s modular, plastic structure, enhancing its futuristic appeal.
- High Foot Traffic: Positioned near the House’s exit at Tomorrowland’s gateway, the patio drew crowds, with over 435,000 visitors touring the House in its first six weeks, many lingering outside.
- Shade and Comfort: The House’s four 8’x16’ wings cast shade over the patio, providing relief from California’s heat, ideal for guests enjoying potential refreshments.
- Plastic-Themed Decor: Any food service setup likely used plastic tables or trays, reinforcing Monsanto’s vision of plastic as a durable, stylish material for everyday life.
- Tomorrowland Synergy: The patio’s refreshment element would have echoed nearby stands like the Space Bar, which used automat vending for futuristic snacks, enhancing the land’s cohesive theme.
- Closure with House: The patio closed in December 1967 with the House, as Monsanto shifted to Adventure Thru Inner Space, with its concrete base later repurposed as a planter in Pixie Hollow.
