A long-standing cast member practice at Walt Disney World has quietly been moved, as the shoes of the original “Shoe Tree” have been removed due to construction tied to the planned Lakeshore Lodge. The tree stands near the former River Country site and had served as an informal marker among employees for years.
The Shoe Tree Tradition
For decades, cast members, mostly those working on the bay, placed shoes on the branches of a tree located along the shoreline of Bay Lake once they retired. Over time, the number of shoes grew, and the tree became a recognizable symbol among employees working in nearby resort and recreation areas.
The Shoe tree at Walt Disney World – YouTube, Bam Bam Bam
The tree stood close to River Country, Disney’s first water park, which closed in 2001. The surrounding land remained mostly undeveloped for years. During that time, the shoe tree remained in place without direct oversight, and cast members continued adding to it.
Recent development plans have changed that landscape. Disney announced Lakeshore Lodge as a future Disney Vacation Club resort planned for the former River Country footprint. As part of that effort, construction crews have begun preparing the site, including clearing land and updating infrastructure.
Construction Relocates the Tradition
Reports from cast members and observers indicate that the shoe tree tradition ends as a direct result of early construction activity, at least for the original “Shoe Tree.” Reports indicate that the shoes have been relocated to a tree about a mile away near a backstage entrance.
A ferry Boat sails across the Seven Seas Lagoon toward Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World – Photo Credit: That Park Place
This development reflects a broader pattern seen during large construction projects. With the area under construction for more traffic and guest usage, the tradition has moved to a less seen area. This will allow guests at the upcoming Lakeshore Lodge a more pristine view of the bay, devoid of hanging sneakers.
Lakeshore Lodge
Lakeshore Lodge is a planned Disney Vacation Club property set along Bay Lake near Magic Kingdom.
The site previously housed River Country, which operated from 1976 until its closure in 2001. Disney later cleared portions of the area after years of inactivity.
A new nature-inspired, mixed-use Disney resort will welcome families in 2022 along the picturesque shoreline of Bay Lake located between Disneys Wilderness Lodge and Disneys Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground at Walt Disney World Resort. The deluxe resort, which will be themed to complement its natural surroundings, will include more than 900 hotel rooms and proposed Disney Vacation Club villas spread across a variety of unique accommodation types. (Proposed Artist Concept Only, Disney)
The project was first announced in 2018 but experienced delays, including a pause during the global lockdown. Construction activity has resumed in phases, with recent work focused on site preparation and infrastructure. Disney has shared the resort will celebrate “the majesty of nature and its enduring influence on Disney artists.”
Moving Forward
The relocation of the shoe tree highlights how workplace customs can evolve outside formal structures. These traditions often depend on physical spaces, which makes them vulnerable when those spaces change. Without official documentation, many such practices conclude quietly.
The General Joe Potter Ferry boat docked at the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) in Walt Disney World – Photo Credit: That Park Place
As construction continues, the area around Bay Lake will undergo further transformation. The moment marks a transition, as the shoe tree tradition is relocated and a new phase of development begins.
What do you think of the Shoe Tree Tradition ending? Are you excited for the upcoming Lakeshore Lodge? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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