Putting PatF smack-dab in the middle of Frontierland is a horrible idea in terms of theming.
In my last post on this subject, I floated the idea of building a New Orleans Square at WDW as a second Fantasyland expansion where the Tomorrowland Speedway stands now.
But I completely forgot about Tom Sawyer Island. Because let’s face it, TSI is rather forgettable as it stands today.
However, it’s a lot of good space to do something meaningful...such as turning it into “Ile D’Orleans”.
History buffs out there will tell you that the Ile D’Orleans was the spit of land between the Mississippi River, Lake Pontchartrain, and Lake Borgne that Thomas Jefferson sought to purchase from France in order to get the city of New Orleans...to which the French said “Oui, oui! Take it ALL!”
So...close down TSI. The southern end with Aunt Polly’s and Harpers Mill can become the “French Market” area, with meet and greets, Tiana’s Place restaurant and other New Orleans inspired goodies.
The north end, currently home to Fort Langhorn, can be renovated for an original PatF ride built from the ground up.
As for transportation to and from: kill the dinky little rafts. In their place, build a second riverboat dock for the Liberty Belle. Then, drain the Rivers of America and change the track configuration.
You board the Liberty Belle at Liberty Square, travel to the far end of Ile D’Orleans, then the Belle takes new passengers around the north end of the Island and back to Liberty Square Dock.
Downside: a lot more expensive than gutting and remaking Splash.
Upside: PatF gets represented, and a brand new attraction is built.
What say you?
