Goodbye, Tom Sawyer's Island

There's something uniquely dystopian about losing a piece of Americana—especially one like Tom Sawyer's Island and the Rivers of America that was designed by an American treasure himself: Walt Disney. The attraction was originally conceived by Walt Disney, and his team of imagineers, for Disneyland in California. When the "Florida Project" took hold, Disney wanted the team to adapt it for Florida. Although he himself didn't live to see it come alive in Florida, the essence of what he imagined became a lasting and unique attraction.

However, times change, and progress must be made. The Magic Kingdom is no foe of change for sure, having evolved and expanded many times over its 50+ year history. Now, it's time for Tom Sawyer's Island and Rivers of America to take their final bows and make room for two new lands: Villains Land and Cars Land. Don’t get me wrong—I'm excited for what’s to come. Villains Land sounds like a dream (or a nightmare?) come true, and Cars Land is a beloved hit at Disney California Adventure that deserves a second home. But I can’t help feeling a deep sense of loss for this quiet, iconic corner of Magic Kingdom.

A Piece of Old-School Disney

Tom Sawyer Island wasn’t flashy. It wasn’t high-tech. It didn’t come with a Genie+ reservation or a lightning lane. It was something far more rare: a place to slow down and have a good old-fashioned adventure.

Tucked away across the Rivers of America in Frontierland, the island felt like stepping into a different time—not just in theme, but in spirit. It was rustic, humble, and untouched by the constant rush of theme park life. You got there by raft. There were no characters in sight. Just caves, bridges, treehouses, and forts to discover on your own.

It was one of the last “choose your own adventure” areas left in the parks, where kids could explore without being on a ride track or guided through a queue. You could climb, crawl, hide, and imagine. There were no instructions, no lines, no IP tie-ins—just the thrill of discovery and the echo of a boy named Tom and his wild stories.

The Rivers of America surrounded this gem, and itself was a unique delight where I saw all three of my children ride on the riverboat, listen to the whistle of a bygone time, and enjoy the free spirit that the boat represented. Although it wasn't flashy, it was fun. And I especially enjoyed watching my son, who loves all kinds of boats and ships, explore it and question everything about it.

Hidden Gems and Quiet Moments

Some of my favorite memories of the island come from the quietest ones: listening to the creaking of the waterwheel of Haerp's Hill. Walking through the mysterious Injun Joe’s Cave, letting my eyes adjust to the pitch darkness. Watching my daughter haphazardly walk across the barrel bridge, laughing as it wobbled under her feet.

It wasn’t a big-ticket attraction. In fact, many guests walked right past it without a second glance. But those who made the trip across the river found something special. A space to wander, to explore, to breathe.

Tom Sawyer Island had a magic all its own—not the kind with pixie dust and fireworks, but the kind that lingers in your memory because it was real, tangible, and yours to discover.

One Last Adventure

Our last trip there, knowing full well that the attraction was going away, I took my daughter across to the island one more time.

She led the way through the caves, pretending we were explorers while others raced past us playing games of hide-and-seek. We found the old escape tunnel in Fort Langhorn. We peeked through the rifle slits and waved at the Liberty Belle as it paddled by. And we sat, just the two of us, on the bench by the river, watching ducks float lazily by.

Looking Ahead with Hope

Still, I understand why it’s happening. Theme parks evolve. Guest expectations change. Space is limited, and Disney has to make tough choices to bring in new, exciting experiences.

Villains Land has massive potential. Fans have been dreaming about it for decades—imagine walking through Maleficent’s castle or exploring the Shadow Man’s voodoo shop. And bringing Cars Land to Florida is smart. Radiator Springs Racers is a masterpiece, and seeing how Imagineering adapts it for Disney World will be fascinating.

I’m genuinely looking forward to both lands. My daughter is already planning which villain she wants to meet first (Ursula, of course), and I can’t wait to race her through Radiator Springs.

Gratitude and Goodbye

I’m grateful that Tom Sawyer Island still exists in Disneyland California. It’s a small comfort to know the spirit of exploration and storytelling that lived in the Florida version hasn’t been completely lost. Maybe one day I’ll walk those trails again—this time as a guest in Walt’s original park, seeing it through both my eyes and hers.

Change is the heartbeat of Disney. From the moment the park opened, it’s been in a constant state of becoming. As Walt himself said, “Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.”

So while I’ll mourn the loss of Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America in Disney World, I’ll also embrace the future with open arms. Because if there's one thing Disney has taught us over the years, it's that endings often lead to incredible new beginnings.

Here’s to what comes next.