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Attraction   Swiss Family Robinson wait time  

"On this site July 17, 1805 the Swiss Family Robinson comprised of myself, my good wife and three sons, Fritz, Ernst, and little Francis ... were the sole survivors by the grace of God, of the ill-fated ship Recovery. - Franz R."

The tree is actually it's own "species." It is known as a "known as a "Disneyodendron Semperflorens Grandis," which means, "large, always blooming Disney tree.

While the original novel, penned in 1813 by Johann Wyss, gave no name to the doomed vessel, Disney has given it a few contradictory names.

In Disneyland, unlike Walt Disney World's "Swallow," the sign referred to the ship as the "Recovery."

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Robinson family crest
   

However, the sign was later changed during a rehab to "Titus." The only name given in the novel was to the house itself, which was called, "Falconhurst."

The next time you enjoy a Dole Whip, make sure you take a closer look at the rock work that surrounds the area. The theming from the nearby Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse spills into this area, and that includes the benches across from the Aloha Isle.

At first glance, it is apparent that the makeshift benches have been fashioned together using flotsam from the Robinson's ship. You can easily see hints of crates, windows, and masts set amongst the stone walls.

Yet an even closer look will reveal intriguing carvings in the rocks, almost prehistoric in nature. The images are simple and the subject matter includes animals such as fish and turtles, people, objects such as boats and the sun, and geometric shapes. The origin of these images is never revealed, creating to a fascinating mystery. Perhaps they were created by the native people that lived on the Robinson's island, or they might stand alone as their own - disconnected from any ties to a pre-existing story.

 
   
Click any image to enlarge rock carving 1 rock carving 2 rock carving 3 rock carving 4  
  rock carving 5 rock carving 6 rock carving 7 rock carving 8 Click any image to enlarge
 
   

Downstream from the Swiss Family Treehouse is the loading dock for the steamers of the Jungle Navigation Company. Apparently, the Robinsons have been employing their services, shipping items to acquaintances far and wide. Pay close attention to these crates on the right as you exit the Jungle Cruise. You'll discover another bit of Hidden Disney:

    Tommy Kirk crate  

Thomas Kirk, Esq. - Actor Tommy Kirk appeared as middle son Ernst Robinson in Swiss Family Robinson. He was a Disney regular, also starring in such films as Old Yeller, The Shaggy Dog, and The Misadventures of Merlin Jones (M. Jones Cartographers).

Island of Bora Danno - This is a reference to the eldest Robinson boy, Fritz, played by James MacArthur. MacArthur starred in the Disney movies Kidnapped, The Light in the Forest, and Third Man on the Mountain (inspiration for the Matterhorn at Disneyland). But it was his role as Danny Williams on the TV series "Hawaii Five-O" that brought him his greatest fame. As costar Jack Lord's Detective Steve McGarrett would say, "Book 'em, Danno."


   

Kenneth Annakin Director of Imports - Ken Annakin directed Swiss Family Robinson, as well as the Disney films The Sword and the Rose and Third Man on the Mountain.

Wyss Supply Company - This line refers to Johann Wyss, author of the 1812 book Swiss Family Robinson, upon which the film was based.

Colony of New Guinea - New Guinea, an island colony north of Australia, was the original destination of the Robinson family and their ill-fated ship, Swallow.

  Ken Annakin crate

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  Must be Ambulatory Supervise Children at all times