There are three places in Walt Disney World where you can order the coveted pineapple Pineapple Float: Aloha Isle in Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland, Captain Cook’s quick service restaurant at the Polynesian Resort, and here…Sunshine Tree Terrace, also in Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland. (Note: Sunshine Tree Terrace no longer serves Pineapple Dole Whip, but the Citrus Swirl is back as of early 2012.)
Sunshine Tree Terrace was an original fixture in Walt Disney World. With the Florida Citrus Growers (FCG) as a sponsor of the pavilion, this was the place to get orange juice and citrus-based concoctions, including the Citrus Swirl.
Sunshine Tree Terrace Open for Business
The FCGs’ Orange Bird mascot became a well-known fixture in Adventureland, and he appeared as both an audio-animatronic at Sunshine Tree Terrace and as a costumed character outside of the restaurant. The little Orange Bird has been removed from the restaurant’s decor in the years since the FCGs’ sponsorship expired in 1986.
Florida Citrus Growers' Orange Bird
Today, the Sunshine Tree Terrace is the place to get your pineapple float (a “dole whip float” with vanilla soft serve), along with other ice cream floats, slushes, milkshakes, and snacks. You can still get orange juice here, I’m happy to note.
Sunshine Tree Terrace Menu circa 2009
Sunshine Tree Terrace is probably open a bit a bit more often during the year than the other two restaurants highlighted in the “Is This Place Ever Open?” series, but it’s a seasonal restaurant and has rarely been open when I’ve been in the World.
Juice at Sunshine Tree Terrace
A lot of fantastic “vintage Disney” posts have been written about the Sunshine Tree Terrace and the Orange Bird recently, and I’m going to send you over to one of my favorite websites, Widen Your World, to read up on the extensive history of Sunshine Tree Terrace and its Adventureland surroundings.
Orange Bird sticker photo via Jason Liebig‘s flickr stream, creative commons.
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Where exactly is the Sunshine Tree Terrace in Adventureland? Is it near the Aloha Isle?
Crossing the bridge into Adventureland from Main Street, head toward the Enchanted Tiki Room. It is located to the right of the attraction. There is bench style seating worked into the landscaping between Tiki Room & Sunshine Tree. It was open at the end of September and I grabbed a soda there. The place is passed by a lot since the Flying Carpets block the view when entering Adventureland.
Yep — behind the Flying Carpets, right next to the walkway between Frontierland and Adventureland. 🙂 Thanks Sarah!
Did not know you could get a Dole Whip outside of Magic Kingdom! Thanks for the info. Love your blog!
I have noticed this place before. I had no clue there was more then one place to get a dole whip. I can’t imagine getting a dole whip at any other place then the dole whip stand place. It just adds like extra spark to me.
Jennifer and Jackey — So glad to share that info with you! Jackey, I tend to prefer the Aloha Isle stand, myself. 🙂
Is the menu pictured really circa 2009? The prices look pretty low…
Madoka: Yep! Took the photo myself in September! 🙂
STT used to be known for its Citrus Swirls and didn’t carry the Dole Whips, but the menu changed earlier this year to add the pineapple-y treat and move away from the citrus concoctions.
Thanks, Ryan! You’re one of the historical gurus I was hoping would shed some light. I do wish they’d add the pineapple soft serve to the menu…
it was open today
We were so dissapointed to not see the Citrus Swirl on the menu just this past week when we were there. Are you telling me they’re serving dole whip now and right around the corner at Aloha Isle also? What a bummer. We’re not big dole whip fans. 🙁
I do believe that’s the case, Doug… The “orangy” subtext to the terrace is all but gone at this point. 🙁
The Sunshine Tree Terrace was open today! Probably due to El Pirata y perico rehab.
We usually go in Oct,Nov and Feb,March and it has always been open. No lines, no waiting!
Oh Doug, I absolutely agree. I was raised on Citrus Swirls and I absolutely refuse to order a Dole Whip. It is NOT the same at all. You should have seen the CM’s face when I tried to ask about a Citrus Swirl at Aloha Isle…he had no idea if it was the same old recipe. After trying it I’ll tell you…it wasn’t!