Guests may have noticed the Disneyland Halloween Tree in Frontierland. Only a few know its significance in Disney history, or why it is fully decorated year-round.
The History of the Disneyland Halloween Tree
In Frontierland, there is a tree that is decorated for Halloween all year round. There are pumpkin ornaments and orange lights strung throughout its branches. The tree is healthy but thin and unassuming. Disney Imagineers never decorate something like this unintentionally.
One of Walt’s good friends, Ray Bradbury, was a famous author. Most people might recognize the name from having read his book, Fahrenheit 451, in high school. Not only was Bradbury a close friend of Walt’s, but he also helped design Spaceship Earth. He helped with the development of several Disney attractions. He had a lot of influence in the parks and so much respect for Walt’s vision.
Ray Bradbury once said in 1982,
“What Disney is doing is showing the world that there are alternative ways to do things that can make us all happy. If we can borrow some of the concepts of Disneyland and Disney World and Epcot, then indeed the world can be a better place.”
Ray Bradbury, “OMNI” Magazine, September 1982
Okay, but why the tree?
Another of Ray Bradbury’s famous works was the 1972 fantasy novel The Halloween Tree (sound familiar?). It is the story of eight kids on Halloween night who have to save their lost friend Pipkin, who has mysteriously disappeared into the darkness of the Halloween Tree.
With all the love Walt and the author had for each other, it only makes sense that Disney would create something in the park in honor of Ray Bradbury. Only those who know the history would recognize the tree in Disneyland. Plus, it is a perfectly subtle way to give tribute to Ray Bradbury for all he has done for Disney.
Where To Find It
The Disneyland Halloween Tree is located near the Golden Horseshoe Saloon, directly in front of the entrance to Silver Spur Supplies. Again, it is a thin tree but it is still decently tall. As mentioned, it should always be decorated. Once you know what to look for, you can’t miss it. Good luck!
Alexa Erekson has been a theme park fan since before she can remember--especially regarding Disney Parks. In 2017, she published her first theme park book and she's been a passionate theme park writer ever since.
She feels lucky to live only four hours from Disneyland. However, she wishes she could live down the street! The magic of theme parks has always been the perfect escape for her. Now, she loves contributing to that enchanting escapism for theme park fans worldwide.
