Tarzan’s Treehouse (1999–2021) was a captivating walk-through attraction in Disneyland’s Adventureland, themed to Disney’s 1999 animated film Tarzan. Replacing the Swiss Family Treehouse (1962–1999), it invited guests to climb a massive artificial tree and explore scenes from Tarzan’s jungle life, narrated through Jane’s sketches. It closed in September 2021 for a major refurbishment and reopened on November 10, 2023, as the Adventureland Treehouse, inspired by Swiss Family Robinson.
[Tarzan Treehouse at Disneyland by SolarSurfer, Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license]
Here are 10 fun facts about Tarzan’s Treehouse, brimming with jungle adventure and Disneyland nostalgia!
- Movie-Timed Debut: Tarzan’s Treehouse opened on June 23, 1999, just days after Tarzan premiered in theaters on June 18, 1999, capitalizing on the film’s $171 million box-office success. Imagineer Tony Baxter led the retheming from Swiss Family Treehouse to align with the new IP.
- Massive Makeover: The 70-foot-tall, 150-ton artificial tree, dubbed Disneyodendron Semperflorens Grandis, was revamped with 6,000 new vinyl leaves, a new suspension bridge, and a reinforced structure. It cost $254,900 to build, using 110 cubic yards of concrete.
- Jane’s Storytelling: Unlike the Swiss Family Treehouse’s empty rooms, Tarzan’s Treehouse used diorama figures and Jane’s journal sketches to retell the film’s story, from Tarzan’s adoption by Kala to his romance with Jane, creating a narrative-driven experience.
- Swiss Family Nods: The attraction paid homage to its predecessor with subtle tributes: a “Mind Thy Head” sign, the Swisskapolka tune on a gramophone, and a Swiss Family Robinson book in Jane’s camp, delighting eagle-eyed fans.
- Interactive Jungle Fun: Guests could play with musical pots and pans, turn knobs, and push buttons in rooms like Jane’s campsite, where Mrs. Potts and Chip from Beauty and the Beast made a cameo (a nod to their Tarzan tea party scene).
- Sky-High Views: At 60 feet up, the treehouse offered stunning panoramic views of Adventureland, Frontierland, and New Orleans Square, making it a hidden gem for photographers.
- Safety Snafu: In November 2019, a wooden plank on the suspension bridge snapped, prompting a brief closure for repairs. This incident, plus aging infrastructure, led to the attraction’s permanent closure in September 2021.
- No Lines, All Vibes: With no queue or Genie+ option, the self-guided walk-through took about 10 minutes, perfect for kids burning energy or guests dodging crowds. This was a perfect ride to pick up to add to your daily ride count.
- Hidden Mickey Hunt: A Hidden Mickey adorned the wall across from Jane’s sketch of Tarzan, a treat for sharp-eyed guests.
- Fear of Heights: The treehouse’s rope bridge spooked guests with fear of heights, but its creaky charm was a thrill.
[Tarzan Treehouse at Disneyland by SolarSurfer, Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license]
