Swiss Family Treehouse – An Often Overlooked Attraction

You have probably walked past it a thousand times and in your quest to get a Dole Whip you haven't given it a second glance. Or maybe you walk by and wonder why there's a tree in the middle of Adventureland. Or maybe you're one of the adventurous guests who have actually climbed to the top.

Swiss Family Treehouse

What is "it" you ask? Why, it's The Swiss Family Treehouse. And it's one of the most overlooked and underappreciated attractions at the Magic Kingdom. The attraction is based on the movie Swiss Family Robinson and is a recreation of the treehouse the family built after their shipwreck in the South Pacific.

A Home in the Branches 6 Stories Up

The treehouse is located in between Aloha Isle and The Magic Carpets of Aladdin, and it's a rare occasion to find a long line to experience the attraction. To enter the treehouse you first have to cross a footbridge that carries you over the body water where the Swan Boats used to drift. Look for the water wheel at the base of the tree - it carries water up to different rooms in the treehouse.

The Waterwheel

Once you're at the base of the treehouse be ready to climb - 116 stairs to be exact. So here's our warning: if you aren't able to climb that many stairs or if you're afraid of heights, it's best to just grab a Dole Whip float and watch other guests climb to the top.

However, if you're willing and able to climb up, it is so worth it. This really is a great attraction. The attention to detail is incredible. The treehouse is made up of various rooms - the living room, the kitchen and dining room, the crow's nest, the study/library, and the jungle lookout. Each room is full of family belongings and artifacts that were salvaged after the shipwreck.

Each Room is Full of Family Belongings and Artifacts

If you're lucky (and brave) enough to reach the top of the treehouse (six stories up!), you will have a magical view of Adventureland, the Jungle Cruise, and the rest of the Magic Kingdom.

Next time you're walking through Adventureland, take some time to experience the Swiss Family Treehouse. It's an adventure you won't soon forget.

A big thanks goes out to Loren Javier, Patrick Barry and Rachel K for sharing these fantastic images of the Treehouse through Creative Commons. Also thanks so much to Traci C. for braving the heights to share with us the magic of the Swiss Family Treehouse. Tell us - have you ever climbed to the top of the treehouse? Leave a comment below!