Is there anything more exciting than an adventure? In my eyes, the prospect of adventure is hard to beat. And that’s a big reason why Tom Sawyer Island is a classic Magic Kingdom attraction. While the version out at Disneyland has gone through significant changes over the years (Pirate’s Lair, and reductions to make room for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge), the Magic Kingdom attraction hasn’t had much change since its opening in 1973. With Walt Disney World celebrating its 50th anniversary, we figured this classic, but often overlooked, adventure should get a little love. Let’s go looking for treasure!
Getting to Tom Sawyer Island
Leaving from Frontierland, rafts take you to Tom Sawyer Island. Each raft is named after a character from the books by Mark Twain. You can hop aboard the Huck Finn, Injun Joe, or Becky Thatcher to get to the island.
Adventure at Every Turn
Your Island adventure begins at Tom’s Landing on the main island. The main island consists of the Old Scratch’s Mystery Mine, Injun Joe’s Cave, Harper’s Mill, Aunt Polly’s House, and lots of hideouts and places to play. If you thought that Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge was all about living your own adventure, Tom Sawyer Island did it first.
While most of the walkways on Tom Sawyer Island are smooth paths, there are many steps, which are unavoidable. This is definitely something to be aware of if you are mobility impaired.
Old Scratch’s Mystery Mine and Injun Joe’s Cave
Old Scratch’s Mystery Mine and Injun Joe’s Cave will take you through twists and turns as you explore the depths of the island. From crooked paths to (seemingly) bottomless pits, gems waiting to be mined, and scary rock formations await.
The Barrel Bridge or the Other Way
The barrel bridge, otherwise known as Tom and Huck’s way, leads you around Smuggler’s Cove. If you choose this way, know that the barrels will move as you walk over the bridge making for an interesting trek as the bridge undulates beneath you.
If you prefer “The Other Way” you will encounter a sideways sloped bridge.
Harper’s Mill
You can walk through Harper’s Mill, if you choose to do so, you will just see the inside of the structure, I guess some no good scared all the birds away…
Aunt Polly’s
Aunt Polly’s was once a restaurant, and then became a place to get some ice cream treats. Although the food service days are long gone, it’s now a nice place to sit in the shade and relax. Take a few minutes and you might see a riverboat float on by.
Next to Aunt Polly’s is the fence that Tom was supposed to whitewash. Looks like he’s still got a ways to go.
Scavenger’s Fort
If traipsing through caves and negotiating barrel bridges doesn’t tire out the young folk, head to Scavenger’s Fort. This playground is sure to delight them, if not tucker them out.
Fort Longhorn
Superstition Bridge will take you to Fort Longhorn. You’ll get a great water-side view from the suspension bridge.
Inside the fort, you can see the horse barn and then climb up to the top. When you are ready to leave, you can take the secret escape tunnel, if you can find it.
Here you will find the cannons and scouting spots. Most of the rifles have been removed, but there are a few left.
The remainder of Tom Sawyer Island isn’t accessible but can be seen from the riverboat that tours around the Rivers of America. From the ship, you can see native animals, a smoldering cabin, and a mini Keel Boat at the river pirate’s cave.
Tom Sawyer Island is open daily for a limited time. The area opens after the rest of the Magic Kingdom and operates until about an hour before sunset. It’s a great place to get away from the lines, the busy hustle of the park, and let the kids roam free and explore.
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Let’s Hear From You
Have you been to Tom Sawyer Island? If you’ve been, which version do you think is better: Disneyland or Magic Kingdom? Do you have any special memories from your adventures on the island? Share your thoughts below in the comments!
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