The Secret History Behind Disney's Halloween Tree

There are two things you need to know about me. First, I’m obsessed with Halloween. I promise I come by it honestly: I was literally BORN on Halloween (yes, before you ask, Halloween birthdays are THE BEST, but also confusing because for a long time, I thought ALL birthdays were celebrated with costumes and everyone giving you free candy).

Halloween in Disneyland

Another thing you should know: I love Disneyland. Now don’t get me wrong, I love Disney World, too, but there are just some things about Disneyland (ahem…the FOOD) that makes me love it more. Part of the reason is because Disneyland goes ALL out for Halloween — and, as a Halloween baby, nothing makes me happier. BOTH parks get decorated for the spooky season (and the gigantic Oogie Boogie above the California Adventure gates just makes me giddy this time of year). Oogie Boogie Bash is the superior Disney Halloween party (don’t come at me, but it’s true). Disneyland also has a really cool Halloween tradition that ties into a third thing you need to know about me: I’m a sci-fi nerd.

So what does being a sci-fi nerd have to do with Disneyland at Halloween? Well, if you’ve visited Disneyland during Halloween Time, you might have noticed a VERY cool tree in Frontierland in front of the Golden Horseshoe Saloon. This tree gets a special spooky makeover with orange lights and jack-o’-lanterns during Halloween Time — and it all has to do with one of the most renowned sci-fi writers of all time, Ray Bradbury.

The tree

Bradbury was the genius behind stories like Fahrenheit 451, Something Wicked This Way Comes, and more. He became fascinated by Halloween as a child after watching the 1929 Silly Symphony short The Skeleton Dance (I’ve seen a LOT of Disney Halloween merchandise over the past few years dedicated to it). Many years later, Bradbury met Walt Disney and the two became friends — but not just friends, they also became collaborators.

©Disney

Believe it or not, Bradbury actually joined forces with Disney on many projects, including Spaceship Earth in EPCOT (yep, REALLY!). He also wrote screenplays for several Disney movies. However, his love of Halloween prompted him to write his 1972 novel The Halloween Tree, which told the story of a group of trick-or-treaters who learn all about Halloween’s origins while searching for a missing friend.

©Amazon

Bradbury had always dreamed of having a Halloween tree at Disneyland, and in 2007, on the 35th anniversary of The Halloween Tree novel, his wish finally came true. The oak tree in Frontierland was given a makeover with twinkling orange lights and jack-0′-lanterns that hang from its branches.

Jack-o’-lanterns hang from its branches

At the tree’s dedication ceremony, Bradbury said, “I belong here in Disneyland. Ever since I came here 50 years ago. I’m glad I’m going to be a permanent part of the spirit of Halloween at Disneyland.”

LOVE it

Since then, The Halloween Tree has been an annual Halloween Time Disneyland tradition (and one of my favorites). You’ll even see the dedication plaque at the base of the tree during spooky season, so you can’t miss it.

The Halloween Tree dedication plaque

See? I told you Halloween at Disneyland RULES. The Halloween Tree is one big reason why.

However, Disneyland isn’t the only place you can now see Bradbury’s Halloween tree. You’ll also see a version of it on Disney Cruise Line ships for Halloween on the High Seas sailings. It’s a way Disney honors Bradbury’s contribution to the company, as well as his friendship with Walt.

Stay tuned to DFB for more.