Disneyland, the "Happiest Place on Earth," is a wonderland of excitement and adventure. From the classic Disney characters to the thrilling rides, Disneyland has something for everyone.
But did you know that you can also eat the plants in Tomorrowland?
Yes, you read that correctly. The lush greenery that adorns the futuristic section of the park is mostly edible. Disneyland guides say about 80% of the plants in Tomorrowland are safe to eat and can be harvested.
Walt Disney believed the future world would be self-sustaining and wanted to showcase a future food source in his parks.
So, to this day, guests who walk around the Tomorrowland section of Disneyland (and the other parks) can expect most, if not all, the food to be edible. How's that for a surprise?
When you wander through Tomorrowland, you might be surprised to see kale, artichokes, and lemons growing among the rides and attractions.
Between the Astro Orbiter and Central Plaza, you can find rows of cabbage and lettuce while orange and grapefruit trees bear fruit for the picking.
The entirety of Tomorrowland focuses on gardening and green energy.
Here is a video from YouTuber Space Mountaineer on some of the unknown vegetation that Walt Disney planned to have to be edible when creating Tomorrowland.
To this day, Walt's idea for sustainability lives on.
But it's not just about the edibles. Lavender, a beautiful and fragrant herb used in cooking, perfumes, and home décor, also grows near the Tomorrowland Terrace stage.
However, before you start chomping on the landscaping, it's important to note that these plants are not yet cleaned for consumption.
So, while eating the plants that adorn the park is exciting, it's best to admire them from afar and not put your health at risk. Disney has to treat these vegetables and fruits with chemicals to keep pests off them: which you want to avoid eating.
Sometimes, you just need to stare at fresh fruits and veggies between rides.
In fact, at one point, 100% of the vegetation in Tomorrowland was edible. Although it currently sits closer to 80%, that's still impressive and is a fun fact to keep in your mind for the next time you're at the park.
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The Walt Disney Company has long been committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship, and this is evident in the way they design and maintain their theme parks and resorts around the world.
The company's official Environmental Sustainability website states:
"The Walt Disney Company’s commitment to environmental stewardship goes back to our founding more than 90 years ago. Walt himself said that 'conservation isn’t just the business of a few people. It’s a matter that concerns all of us.' Here are just a few ways we are focused on helping to protect the planet we all share."
So, you can tell that growing fruit and vegetables at Tomorrowland is just one of the neat, eco-friendly ventures the Walt Disney Company is involved in.
Seeing such a massive brand stand for the environment should make us all feel good.
But how is Disneyland finding its plants?
One of the ways in which Disney is going green is through gardening and landscaping.
In addition to the edible plants in Tomorrowland, many other areas of the park feature sustainable and drought-tolerant landscaping, such as succulent gardens and native California plants.
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Because California is in a drought, it can't hurt for the park to focus on low-maintenance landscaping. Of course, nobody wants to eat a succulent, but they're gorgeous and don't require much water.
The company also has several initiatives to reduce waste and promote recycling, such as using refillable mugs and installing recycling bins throughout the parks.
They have also significantly reduced their carbon footprint, with all their theme parks and resorts powered by renewable energy sources.
In recent years, Disney has even committed to sustainability beyond its properties and into the wider community.
For example, the company has partnered with local organizations in Anaheim, California, to promote recycling and composting and has donated to environmental causes.
Thank you, Mickey and Minnie: the planet appreciates it!
Tomorrowland's edible landscaping is just one example of Disney's more significant commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability.
So next time you visit the park, take a moment to appreciate the natural beauty around you and the company's efforts to protect our planet for future generations.
Have you heard of the edible plants in Tomorrowland? Would you eat food that was grown in a Disney park? Let us know in the comments below!
We also have these Disney-related posts you may want to read next:
Disney’s Encanto Topiaries Steal the Show at Flower and Garden Festival
Magical Gardens Come to Life: Look How These Gardeners Created Disney-Themed Backyard Oases