This Disney Tree Has DOZENS of Shoes On It — Here’s Why

Disney World has so many secrets.

Magic Kingdom views from Contemporary Resort

Each park has its own secrets buried in its history, but there are also secret things you may not know you can do, or landmarks you pass by, not realizing the significance they hold. Did you know that one tree in Bay Lake holds a TON of history on its branches?

From seasonal topiaries to holiday Christmas trees, the plants around Disney World are full of unique decorations!

‘Encanto’ topiaries

While you’re taking a boat to and from Magic Kingdom and Fort Wilderness Resort, you’ll pass lots of trees in the lake. But one tree that’s over near the old River Country Water Park holds a lot of Disney history.

This tree may not look like much, but…

At first glance, this tree may not look like much, but if you look closely, you’ll notice that there are pairs of shoes hanging from the branches! That’s because this is the Retired Cast Member Shoe Tree. It’s one of the longest-held traditions of Cast Members. Originally the tree was the final resting place of the shoes of all Cast Members when they had their last shift, but that’s a LOT of people, so the tradition has changed.

Retired Cast Member Shoe Tree

The tree is now only used for the shoes of Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake Cast Members on their final shifts as a way to leave their mark and say goodbye. Now when you drive by on your boat ride, you’ll know what all those shoes mean! Disney World is full of secrets, as we said, so stay tuned to DFB as we figure them all out together.

Check out these EPCOT secrets that Disney won’t tell you!

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