With the impending closure of Tom Sawyer Island, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about the attraction and how to experience it before it’s gone.
- Tom Sawyer Island Closing Date Approaching
- Why Is Tom Sawyer Island Closing?
- How to Experience Tom Sawyer Island Before It’s Gone
- The History and Charm of Tom Sawyer Island
- Rivers of America Closing
- Liberty Square Riverboat Closing
- What’s Coming Next to Frontierland
- Tom Sawyer Island Closure – FAQ
Tom Sawyer Island Closing Date Approaching – July 2025 is Your Last Chance to Explore
One of Magic Kingdom’s most charming and often overlooked experiences is preparing to say farewell. The official Tom Sawyer Island closing date has been confirmed as July 6, 2025. After this day, Tom Sawyer Island will close to make way for new developments in Frontierland.
If you’ve ever wandered through the twisting caves, crossed the swaying barrel bridge, or relaxed in the shade of Harper’s Mill, you know just how special this secluded area has been for generations of Disney fans.
Why Is Tom Sawyer Island Closing?
Disney World closing Tom Sawyer Island is part of a larger transformation coming to Frontierland. The closure of this beloved attraction, along with the nearby Liberty Square Riverboat and Rivers of America, is paving the way for a new immersive land themed around “Cars” and Piston Peak National Park. As exciting as the future sounds, it’s still a bittersweet moment for many who grew up exploring every nook and cranny of this unique island.
How to Experience Tom Sawyer Island Before It’s Gone
If you’re planning a visit before the closure, now is the time to map out your adventure. Tom Sawyer Island can only be reached by raft, and the queue can get long during midday hours. Try heading over early or later in the afternoon. Make sure to explore all the highlights like Injun Joe’s Cave, Fort Langhorn, and the winding trails that make you feel a world away from the bustle of the park. Don’t forget to capture some photos of your own for a final memory of this peaceful escape before Tom Sawyer Island becomes a part of Disney history.
The History and Charm of Tom Sawyer Island
Tom Sawyer Island has been delighting guests since it opened at Magic Kingdom on May 20, 1973, about a year and a half after the Magic Kingdom opened in 1971. Inspired by the classic Mark Twain stories, it brought to life a sense of childhood wonder, freedom, and backwoods adventure. Its rustic paths, hidden caves, and interactive play areas made it a must-do for families looking for a little quiet time and imaginative exploration. Over the decades, it became one of the few places in the park where you could truly wander at your own pace, with no lines and no schedule, just adventure.
Rivers of America Closing
Along with the Tom Sawyer Island closing, the Rivers of America that encircles Tom Sawyer Island, will also be closing as part of the upcoming changes. The Rivers of America have long been the scenic heart of Liberty Square and Frontierland, offering beautiful water views. The Rivers of America closing date is the same as Tom Sawyer Island, July 6, 2025, but Disney has not announced what their exact plans are for the river itself.
Liberty Square Riverboat Closing
The Liberty Square Riverboat, which cruises around Tom Sawyer Island on the Rivers of America, will also be making its final journey on July 6. The Liberty Belle has given countless guests a relaxing break from the busy pathways of the park, offering a unique perspective of Tom Sawyer Island, Frontierland, Haunted Mansion, and Liberty Square. Its charm and steam-powered engine have made it a fan favorite, and its closing marks the end of a piece of Disney history. Disney has not announced what will happen to the Liberty Belle Riverboat after the closure.
What’s Coming Next to Frontierland
Tom Sawyer Island closing is making way for a new project in Frontierland. Frontierland is expected to welcome a brand new area inspired by “Cars” and the new fictional Piston Peak National Park. Early concept art suggests lush forests, waterfalls, and rustic ranger stations brought to life with Disney’s signature storytelling. This addition will bring new energy and excitement to the area while honoring the spirit of exploration that Tom Sawyer Island once celebrated. The transformation is part of Disney’s ongoing efforts to keep the park fresh, immersive, and exciting for every generation of guests.
Tom Sawyer Island Closure – Frequently Asked Questions
When is Tom Sawyer Island closing?
The last day to visit Tom Sawyer Island is July 6, 2025. The attraction will officially close at the end of that operating day.
Can you still go to Tom Sawyer Island?
Yes, the island is open daily but only until its final operating day on July 6, 2025, after which access will no longer be available. Plan ahead, as crowd levels may rise due to the approaching closure.
Why is Disney World closing Tom Sawyer Island?
Disney is closing Tom Sawyer Island to prepare for a major expansion in Frontierland, which includes a new land themed around the world of Disney and Pixar’s “Cars.”
Is the Liberty Square Riverboat closing?
Yes, the Liberty Square Riverboat — The Liberty Belle — will also close on July 6, 2025, as part of the same project impacting Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America.
When is Rivers of America Closing?
Rivers of America, including the Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island, will have its last day of operation on July 6, 2025. No official date has been released as to when Disney will be draining Rivers of America.
What is replacing Tom Sawyer Island?
Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America will be replaced by a new Cars-themed area called Piston Peak National Park, featuring two attractions and themed scenery in Frontierland. Read here to see how Imagineers explain how Cars will fit into Magic Kingdom Frontierland.
Is there a Tom Sawyer Island at Disneyland?
Yes, Disneyland in California still has its version of Tom Sawyer Island, independent of the one at Magic Kingdom in Florida.
Is Tom Sawyer Island closing at Disneyland?
No, the only Tom Sawyer Island closing is at Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Florida. Disneyland’s Tom Sawyer Island is not affected.
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