Tom Sawyer Island

Brave an adventure all your own at this rustic, secret hideaway inspired by the stories of Mark Twain.

To reach the island, board a log raft for a piloted trip across the Rivers of America and disembark at Tom’s Landing. When you wish to leave the island, visit Tom’s Landing again for a raft ride back to shore.

In keeping with the laidback lifestyle that Tom is known to enjoy, you may experience a wait going to and returning from Tom Sawyer Island.

“If you like dark caves, mystery mines, bottomless pits, shaky bridges, and big rocks, you have come to the best place I know…”

While not necessarily a hidden jewel, Tom Sawyer Island is a location that guests often bypass. It takes some effort to reach as your only way to access the island is via a motorized log raft that launches from Frontierland. It could be the perceived hassle or perhaps an uncertainty of what the island itself contains that gives guests pause, which is too bad because it provides an excellent area of respite for weary adults while being full of discoveries for younger guests. The island won’t be around much longer, as it is being turned into a Cars attraction.

It may seem like an easy-to-skip attraction, but give it a second thought before moving on. Once you reach the island, feel free to turn your youngsters loose and let them explore the multitude of nooks and crannies that are available to discover. (Just remember to give them one simple stipulation: Do not get back on the raft without the rest of your party.)

While the kids venture into windmills, the rustic compound of Fort Langhorn, barrel bridges, at least two caves, and Harper’s Mill, the adults are provided with many areas to sit down and enjoy the shade, or perhaps even sit in a rocking chair at Aunt Polly’s and take in the gorgeous views of Liberty Square and Frontierland. Just looking at the foliage tucked beneath the wall of the Haunted Mansion’s queue is enough to remind you that it’s easy to miss the tiniest details that Disney is so good at hiding. There’s also an excellent view of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad across the river. You’re also sure to get a good glimpse of the Liberty Belle steam paddleboat as it circles the island. But don’t rest on your laurels, there’s plenty for older guests to discover and admire.

Behind the Schemes:

Aunt Polly’s used to have a refreshment window where guests could purchase cool drinks – lemonade being the favorite – and mini snacks. Unfortunately, this is no longer an option, most likely due to cost cutting in the 1990s. The rocking chairs are still available for lounging but you’ll need to bring your own refreshments to enjoy your downtime.

Also gone are the signs for what was once called Injun Joe’s Cave, however, it’s interesting to note that the name of the cave is still painted on the signage that acts as maps for the island.

A winking nod to the story of Tom Sawyer is found on the unfinished whitewashed fence that you may discover along the pathway.