I know people who could spend all day examining and enjoying the tree, plants, and flowers of Disneyland (my father-in-law is one of them). Today I’d like to spotlight three special trees that grow in the park.
There is a large tree (pictured at left) in the queue of the Mad Tea Party. This tree actually dates back at least to the 1950’s. I’ve seen pictures of it that reference 1956 or 1957, but it could be from earlier than that.
It wasn’t always in its current location, though. It used to be over close to where Dumbo sits today. During the Fantasyland re-imagining in 1983 it was actually moved to its current location. Talk about a big job!
Near the Indiana Jones Adventure FASTPASS distribution area sits the second tree. As you’re facing the attraction sign for the Indiana Jones attraction, to your left is an area themed to a boathouse that houses the FASTPASS machines. Right next to it, literally up against the building stands a very tall palm tree. This tree is called the Dominguez Palm.
The land on which Disneyland sits was previously owned by the Dominguez family (their continued connection to the park will be a Fun Fact Friday post in the future), and one condition they had in the sale was the preservation of this one specific tree. It is a Canary Island Date Palm and it was planted in 1896 as wedding gift from the area’s first horticulturist.
The tree that inspired me to write today’s post is third. Near Snow White’s Wishing Well, to the right of Sleeping Beauty Castle, grows a small pine tree in honor of Imagineer Herb Ryman. Ryman was one of the designers and prime artists for Disneyland. If you’ve ever seen the famous original concept sketch for Disneyland, then you’ve seen his work. By what does that have to do with a tree?
As Herb was in the last few months of his life, towards the end of 1988, as he battled cancer he wanted a real Christmas tree, not an artificial one. He had a small potted pine tree by his bedside, and he joked that he would try to outlive the tree. When he died, to everyone’s surprise that little pine tree not only still lived, it was sprouting new shoots.
In his honor, that tree was brought to Disneyland and planted right where he had stood for an interview he did for the Disney Channel. The original tree has died, but each time it is replaced by a new one, to continue honoring the work and the legacy of this amazing man.
For you to discover: If you stand in Town Square (near the flag pole) you’ll see a stand of tall trees behind City Hall. What is special about these trees?
You can read more from Randy on his blog, Faith and the Magic Kingdom and listen to his unofficial Disney podcast, Stories of the Magic. Find him on Twitter (@Belgarion42) and on Facebook. Randy is also an independent Travel Consultant affiliated with CruisingCo.com and MouseEarVacations.com and would love to help you with any of your travel needs, for Disney destinations and beyond!
I believe that the Herb Ryman tree is a blue spruce. It isn’t native to southern California, so the plant usually struggles to survive and has to be replaced fairly often. But they are lovely trees if you have the chance to see one growing in its usual climate.
I heard that ther is one of the original orange trees from the groves around the hotel area is that true?
I believe you’re right, Dan. Thank you for your additional insight!
That’s an excellent question, Lori. I know that in 1956 each Disneyland Hotel garden room patio had its own orange tree, and these were part of the original orange grove. I’m not sure if any still remain around the hotel, though.
I’ll check into this. It may take me a while, but if there’s a solid answer, I’ll find it for you!