Tree of Life trails

[nemodeb]

Can anyone report on whether some of the trails around the Tree of Life at AK are still closed off? I was disappointed to find very limited access to the trails last May when we were there. I realize there were pieces of tree that had fallen in the past, and part of the closures were to protect guests. Does anyone know the status of repairs to the tree, or why else the trails were closed off? I really really enjoy wandering the many queit trails, looking for different views of the tree and finding "hidden animals" amongst the tree's "roots". Would hate for the closures to become 'permanent.' It's a beautiful, restful place to take a break, one of my favorite things to do at AK (I know, nature lover). Thanks!!

 

[cigar95]

Many of the trails in front of the tree were still closed off as of two weeks ago.

I understand that the entire upper part of the tree is going to be reconstructed in a couple of years - not the part with the animals carved in it, but the upper portions with the branches and leaves. This is that part that's currently falling apart.

I was disappointed as well. I like the paths too.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

. . . the upper portions with the branches and leaves. This is that part that's currently falling apart . . .

1) Yep.
2) Just like other rides that Disney has built lately (eg. Everest).

NOTE: ONLY PERSONAL OPINIONS, but many of us feel the major cut-back
and elimination of Imagineering staff has led to less than qualified outside
designers and design teams. Imagineering was, for all intents, dismantled
and destroyed six years ago. Thank you, Mr. Ogre (I mean Iger).

 

[ArwenMarie]

I think it's sad it's going to take them a couple of years to get around to fixing this

 

[nemodeb]

I think it's sad it's going to take them a couple of years to get around to fixing this

Yeah, it's sad. Not a high priority item for them, I guess. It doesn't impact a high volume of guests and the problems aren't that visible. I just miss wandering the trails. We used to get the Picnic in the Park lunches and find a quiet bench in there to eat our lunch. Didn't have all the begging birds like at Flame Tree.

 

[disnut8]

1)
NOTE: ONLY PERSONAL OPINIONS, but many of us feel the major cut-back
and elimination of Imagineering staff has led to less than qualified outside
designers and design teams. Imagineering was, for all intents, dismantled
and destroyed six years ago. Thank you, Mr. Ogre (I mean Iger).

REALLY personal opinion and I highly regard your position as a Disney Cast Member but I question this addendum to this post.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

REALLY personal opinion and I highly regard your position as a Disney Cast Member but I question this addendum to this post.

1) Very valid point regarding the QUALITY of design, and I appreciate it.
2) Imagineering has been cutback significantly and many engineering designs outsourced.
3) One must hope that the design errors in Everest do not continue through other rides/attractions.

 

[disnut8]

1) Very valid point regarding the QUALITY of design, and I appreciate it.
2) Imagineering has been cutback significantly and many engineering designs outsourced.
3) One must hope that the design errors in Everest do not continue through other rides/attractions.

Point taken. But it had nothing to do with the poster's question.