Talking Tree at AK

[lindajo]

Here's a fun thing to do. I'm sure it's not an original idea, but I wouldn't have thought of it on my own.

Upon exiting AK last December, we (DH, DS5, DS3) encountered the talking palm tree at the gates.(Remote controlled on wheels with a speaker inside.) My boys were captivated as it spoke to them, describing the candy they had in their hands. DH, who is quite clever and analytical, quietly sought out the CM controlling the thing.(incognito-Hawaiin shirt, shorts, duffle bag-talking into his hand), and asked the guy to say goodbye to the boys using their names. You can imagine the look on their faces when the tree said, "Goodbye Alex and Lucas!". Their eyes grew as wide as saucers and their jaws dropped to the ground. They still talk about the "talking tree" to this day. Of course this would only work on the little kiddies, but it sure was fun to mess with their heads!!!

 

[WDSearcher]

Originally posted by lindajo
Of course this would only work on the little kiddies, but it sure was fun to mess with their heads!

You'd be surprised how many grown-ups this works with too!

 

[lindajo]

Originally posted by WDSearcher
You'd be surprised how many grown-ups this works with too!

Oh yes, heaven forbid that a grown-up get caught up in the magic, too! (Or a too cool teen) LOL (At least the kiddies don't feel stupid afterward!)
It was definitely the highlight of the trip. My boys are afraid to get near the characters, but they sidled right up to that tree!

 

[Brumeiser]

or does he stay in one place. And how often is this tree out. Be a nice thing for my kids to see. Thanks

 

[WDSearcher]

It moves around -- out by the entrance where the turnstiles and ticket windows are. It's usually out for about a half-hour or so (depending on crowds -- it's there longer when DAK is particularly busy) prior to park opening, and for a little while afterwards. Then it usually comes back at the end of the day.

 

[my3princes]

We had name tags made for our kids years ago and they always wear them to the parks. The characters that speak address them by name and the autographs are generally personalized. We were by Mickey's Star Traders at the Mk one day and the talking trash can was out. Then can spoke to them using their names. We had nothing to do with it so the person controlling the can had obvioulsy seen their name tags prior to approaching them. Kids were amazed and we were also surprised.

 

[lindajo]

I'll have to look for the talking trash can, could be another Disney memory for the boys to talk about for months to come. Can't get them to pose with the big characters, maybe I can get them to pose with a talking trash can? That would make a nice Christmas card picture, wouldn't it?

to Brumeister:

The time of day that we saw the Talking tree was about 12-1:00. There were also some characters off to the side, don't know if they planned that together or not. Hope you can see it, it really is cute. Maybe you can ask a CM at the gate when he usually shows up.

 

[dizagain]

You just HAVE to find him...he might find you first, though! He came roaring across the AK entrance screaming, "I see Hannah! Hey Hannah!" at my daughter last year!! She was entranced (ok, we all were) as he conversed with her and her sister. That's cool info about the guy with the controls - will have to be more observant next year! We kept thinking there must be some awesome camera on the thing or something...the guy makes more sense! Have fun and try to find this special tree - one of our favorite memories!

 

[ckj]

Originally posted by lindajo
DH, who is quite clever and analytical, quietly sought out the CM controlling the thing.(incognito-Hawaiin shirt, shorts, duffle bag-talking into his hand),

Pretty much the same outfit as we saw him in september.
Had one hand in a large fanny bag behind him to control the movement.

It took me quite a few trips to figure out how it was controlled.

I've also seen it up by the conservation station at AK.

 

[MissDisneyTeach]

I met the trash can at Christmas! It was a hoot. I had my video camera going and I was filming someone else when it started talking to me! My students at school loved that part the most from my vacation video! They thought someone was really inside it! Next trip, I'll have to look for the tree!

 

[~*Belle 2003*~]

I never knew AK had a talking palm tree - we'll have to look out for it!

 

[disneymom3]

Yes!!! I love this tree. Our then two year old was totally astounded by Wes Palm a year ago December. Totally floored. he bought the whole thing, hook line and sinker! Went on for months about how he didn't know a tree could talk! Too darn funny! Then when we were there in Mar at AK, he was talking about wondering where that tree was and we saw him when we were leaving. Again, totally thrilled him!! We also saw the talking garbage can out at Conservation Station, but the kids liked the tree better.

 

[Floundering Crab]

My DD (24) and I were entering AK last December when Wes Palm remarked that: oooh, he was scared of my daughtrer 'cause she looked like a lumberjack woman. (She was wearing a plaid shirt w/her shorts.) Those witty cast members. . .

 

[lindajo]

Originally posted by Floundering Crab
Those witty cast members. . .

They do seem to have a lot of fun, don't they? (At least the ones that don't have to serve food in the fast food centers!)

 

[Piglet203]

The talking palm tree actually came up to my ex fiancee and I during our May 2002 trip. THe tree just kept talking and asking questions. We were hysterical. I thought it was a great touch, plus, you forget that you're waiting on line. It was definitley a Disney moment!

 

[FFerret]

I've GOT to bump this one up

Wes Palm is the only thing my now four year old talks about from our trip last year--he was a REAL hoot!


Becky calls him her ROBOT TREE.

We were at AK around 9:30 on a Sat--first week in Oct. Going through the ticket place right out front. He comes up to her and she's just MESMERIZED!

And then he TALKS to her--her little hands are covering up her mouth. And of course, no camera

She has on a Simba and Nala shirt grannyma gave her--get this--he says, "You must be the Lion Queen!" Her reaction doesn't change. She's absolutely shocked.

Now Wes is starting to follow me around. He says, "I'm not following you. I'm STALKing. There's a difference."


We've GOT to catch this guy again

 

[EsmeraldaX]

Originally posted by lindajo
Of course this would only work on the little kiddies, but it sure was fun to mess with their heads!!!

I think my BF would actually be very amused by it too!

 

[SyracuseWolvrine]

I've been greeted by Wes Palm as I've been walking towards the Cast entrance to start my shift.

I smile every time I see Wes talking to a little kid, and the expressions on their faces as they realize that palm trees really do talk.