Tom Sawyer Island is a sprawling, rustic playground placed right in the middle of the Rivers of America. This is a great place for kids to burn off some steam–I mean, assuming they have any steam left after walking around WDW all day!
Tom Sawyer Island
Pigment: Dad, dad?!?!?!
Dad: Yes, Pigment?
Pigment: What does Tom Sawyer have to do with Walt Disney World???
Dad: I’m not sure Pigment, but in the book by Mark Twain it says, “They said they would rather be outlaws a year in Sherwood Forest than President of the United States forever.”
Pigment: And Sherwood Forest is in Robin Hood and Robin Hood is a Disney classic!
Dad: Exactly! Well, there’s more of a connection than that, but we’ll talk about that later.
Queue and Transportation
The queue for Tom Sawyer Island is pretty unique. You get in line in Frontierland, right across from Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain and then take a raft over to the island. Talk about cool!
Attraction
After your raft ride, you’ll notice something slightly strange for WDW . . . there aren’t any rides on this island. The island is themed to the classic Mark Twain character, Tom Sawyer. It is all about exploration!
Tom Sawyer Island in Frontierland is actually two islands connected by a suspension bridge. It’s a great place to let a kid’s imagination run wild (and a great place for older folks to sit down and look at the water).
When you arrive on the island and start walking, you’ll see some pretty neat sites straight from the story of Tom Sawyer. Harper’s Mill, Aunt Polly’s, and even a whitewashed fence.
You’ll stumble upon a barrell bridge, which is a ton of fun and cross the suspension bridge as you look for adventure! The next part of the island is sure to be every child’s favorite part, Fort Langhorn!
Fort Langhorn on Tom Sawyer Island is an interactive play area for kids (and adults too!) There is a blacksmith, stairs to climb, pretend guns to fire, and even a secret passageway! Tom Sawyer Island is an overlooked immersive area that everybody can love!
FastPass+
You won’t neeed a Fastpass+ and can’t get one. The lines aren’t usually too long to board your raft.
Fun Facts
This is a great place in Frontierland to snag a cool photo of Big Thunder Mountain! You’ll also get a unique look at The Haunted Mansion.
History
It is said that Walt Disney designed this area himself. He grew up in Missouri and was inspired by Mark Twain. It’s pretty cool that this area still exists! Walt would be proud!
The Fine Print
There aren’t many restrictions on Tom Sawyer Island as you could even make the trip and find a nice shaded place to sit. If you’re wanting to explore the island, it’s a walking trail, so keep that in mind.
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Dad’s Bottom Line
If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Frontierland and the Magic Kingdom, a short raft ride might to Tom Sawyer Island might be exactly what you need!
