D23 Presents: Smoke Tree Ranch Roundup in Palm Springs


Are you a member of D23? Interested in escaping to Palm Springs at the end of January for a members-only three-day event at one of Walt Disney's favorite vacation spots?

Learn more about D23's Smoke Tree Ranch Roundup, and check out a video of the event's location, after the jump.

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Next month, D23 members can escape the insanity of the Anaheim theme parks and head to Palm Springs for a three-day retreat called the Smoke Tree Ranch Roundup.

​The Smoke Tree Ranch–which is known not only as being one of Walt's favorite vacation spots outside of Los Angeles, but also often referred to as Walt's own “Laughing Place”–will host the members-only outing.
Walt spent many weekends and holidays at the resort with his family, and for many years they even owned a vacation home on the property. In 1954, Walt sold the home to help finance Disneyland, but he purchased another home in the community in 1957 after the park was up and running.

Walt's love for Smoke Tree Ranch is widely known. In fact, if you look at Walt's necktie on the “Partners” statue (of Walt and Mickey) in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle you'll find a stylized “STR” tie pin there. You can also see it in the photo on the left.

The three-day event will take place January 23 thru 25. Here's a breakdown of daily events:

January 23

After check-in, guests begin with a warm cocktail reception to kick off the festivities with complimentary beer and wine and a special presentation about the history of the Ranch and Walt's association with the landmark resort.

Following the presentation, guests will head to the Ranch House Dining Room for a traditional Smoke Tree Ranch dinner.

Dinner will be followed by a screening of a favorite Disney film in Disney Hall. The screening will be hosted by Director of the Walt Disney Archives Becky Cline, followed by a meet and greet and performance by a special Disney celebrity guest.

January 24

Guests will enjoy a special cowboy breakfast cookout in the beautiful nearby canyons, just like Walt used to experience. After breakfast, guests may choose to explore Indian Canyon at the Ranch's self-guided Desert Plant Walk, play croquet or horseshoes, hit the tennis courts or take a dip in the swimming pool and hot tub.

Guests may also enjoy amenities like horseback riding and spa services for an additional fee. That afternoon, a lawn bowling tournament will be held at the ranch's bowling green.

Disney movies will also be screened in Disney Hall throughout the day.

As the sun sets, guests will gather at the Ranch House Patio for a cocktail reception before enjoying a traditional Western barbecue dinner at the Ranch House West Lawn.

Following dinner, there will be a campfire featuring a sing-along and a performance by comedian Dana Daniels, alumnus of the legendary Golden Horseshoe Revue at Disneyland.

The night will be capped by a special and rare appearance by famed voice actor Pete Renoudet, who lent his voice to numerous Disney characters and attractions–perhaps most well-known as emcee Henry the Bear from the Country Bear Jamboree.

January 25

On the final morning, guests will be able to once again explore the Ranch at their own pace. Upon arrival each guest will receive a gift bag, which will include a selection of commemorative items.

Here's a video explaining more about Smoke Tree Ranch and next month's three-day event.

Click here to learn more about D23's Smoke Tree Ranch Roundup.

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