One of the most frequently asked questions I get in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom has to do with the row of mechanical palm trees on the concourse to Space Mountain. Looking down the row, you'll notice that one tree is not like the others. It appears to be in more of a "closed" position.
Urban legend claims that the trees were designed to open and close throughout the day, but never worked properly. Supposedly, one of them is just stuck in the alternate position. This couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, the trees are staged this way on purpose. The one pictured below looks different because it has been "harvested."
The search for alternative energy sources pops up several times in the story of Tomorrowland, from harnessing the power of play at the Tomorrowland Light & Power Co. Arcade to capturing human laughter from the Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor. These are Power Palms. When extended, their metallic fronds capture the energy of the sun and store it in the globes (like coconuts) around the trunk. When the globes are full, they light up and are ready for harvesting.
Look back again at the odd Power Palm. You'll notice that not only are the fronds closed, but its platform has also been lowered on the trunk and the globes removed to provide energy for the citizens of Tomorrowland.
That is so cool! Thanks for the info.
ReplyDeleteShawn, I think I posted this comment already, but I didn't get a confirmation...so doing it again....
ReplyDeleteWTHeck? I always heard it was the day and night thing too; however, last week, my boys and I did notice that a few were still open at night. Which, of course, would explain your theory.
One question though--where do the globes go once they have been "harvested?" I'm trying to look at the pictures, and I don't see where they retreat or go into a hole.
Debbie,
ReplyDeleteThe actual trees never change. There's always just that one which is different. The story I that they're harvested for power. One can imagine that workers from the Tomorrowland Light & Power Co maybe come along and take the globes back with them to unload, then return them to the tree to soak in more energy.
Sounds good to me anyway.
Shawn
So awesome. It's a shame they didn't do more with this. It is also a terrible shame that the stories of 1994 Tomorrowland are slowly disappearing. I love those details!
ReplyDelete