Tom Sawyer Island's Current Condition

[HM GhostHostess]

I was at the Magic Kingdom a couple of days ago and while I was there I paid a lengthy visit to Tom Sawyer Island. While exploring the island, I noticed a couple of new things about the current state of this attraction. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised.

• The main Tom Sawyer Island sign has been repainted.
• The Becky Thatcher, Huck Finn, and Tom Sawyer signs on the rafts have all been recently replaced or repainted.
• All of the signs found around the island have been given a fresh new coat of paint. Previously, some of them had been almost unreadable.
  
• The broken guns in the Rifle Roost that did not make sounds effects are now fixed. However, a few guns are still missing.
  
• The side of Fort Langhorn that faces Big Thunder Mountain, including the porch on the path that sits over the water, looks like it has been refurbished recently.
• The chickens in Fort Langhorn were not moving their heads and the horses were not twitching their tails.
• Less trash was found around the walkways and paths than I have seen in recent years.
• The Escape Tunnel, Injun Joe's Cave, and Old Scratch's Mystery Mine were all open and in great condition; all of the visual and sound effects were working.
• All of the sounds effects from the animatronics and static figures on the island are working.
• Aunt Polly's Dockside Inn is still closed, obviously. It is still a great place to relax.
  
• The water wheel at Harper's Mill is still working.
• The Barrel Bridge is still open.
• Potter's Mill (the big windmill) is under refurbishment right now, so I couldn't go through it. However, the windmill is still operating during this refurbishment and it has received a nice new coat of paint.

I'm not sure how many folks on here still visit Tom Sawyer Island, but I just wanted to give everyone a quick update. Personally, I am very happy to see that the island is being maintained fairly well, despite how generally ignored this attraction is. The island is looking much better now than it was during my visit to it last January. Potter's Mill currently being under refurbishment shows that they are still updating and refurbishing the island, so more improvements may still be coming. It's not perfect, but this attraction is doing better than many others at the Magic Kingdom.

Tom Sawyer Island is one of my favorite attractions at the Magic Kingdom. Unfortunately, I think it is severely underrated. It's one of the best places to relax during the busy afternoons at the Magic Kingdom and it's great fun to explore, no matter what age you are.

 

[Goofyernmost]

There were some of those chickens that weren't moving their heads, back in 1985. I wonder if they are the same ones?

 

[marni1971]

We went on in September and a lot of what you listed was similarly visible then. A pleasant surprise.

 

[hpyhnt 1000]

I always make a point to visit TSI anytime I'm in the MK. It's a relaxing way to kill 30-45 minutes, and best of all, no strollers anywhere! Good to hear the island is still in good shape.

 

[Communicore]

Maybe the BAH will be placed here

 

[ford91exploder]

I always make a point to visit TSI anytime I'm in the MK. It's a relaxing way to kill 30-45 minutes, and best of all, no strollers anywhere! Good to hear the island is still in good shape.

Barrel Bridge a family favorite, The adults like it better than the kids!

 

[GhostHost1000]

I like this area due to some of the areas just to get away from the mess however I think this island could be used for something more. Coaster etc

 

[Tom]

I haven't been on TSI in years. Come to think of it, my wife never has, and we'll be married 7 years in May. So, at least 7 years. Probably at least 10.

We'll be taking our new son in early 2016. Perhaps we'll venture over there. We're going in January, so the heat won't keep me away, which is the primary reason we don't do it.

 

[The Duck]

I haven't been to TSI since 1979. Each visit I tell myself that I'm going to go there but it never happens.
Oh well, maybe next time.

 

[jensenrick]

I'm not sure how many folks on here still visit Tom Sawyer Island, but I just wanted to give everyone a quick update.

I'm curious about this as well. I can't remember the last time I went to TSI, but then I don't have children.

 

[Steel City Magic]

Been to the world 5 times... hate to say I've not stopped at TSI once.

 

[Brian]

Maybe the BAH will be placed here

Someone needs to photoshop this for humanity.

 

[SnarkyMonkey]

This is very good to hear. I was beginning to fear that Disney had given up on it. I don't always make it over but I enjoy spending time here when I do. Sure do wish they reopen the snack counter though.

 

[Todd H]

Been going to WDW since the 70's and never been to TSI.

 

[msteel]

We never made it to TSI our last visit. The previous trip we went over there for a picnic lunch and was a great time. The adults wanted to get on to more exciting things but we had to basically drag the kids away. I think I'd like to plan a decent amount of time there our next visit.

 

[tigger1968]

I can remember my visits as a kid...the guns at the fort fired compressed air and were just the coolest thing because they would kick a little as you fired them. And of course, a trip to Aunt Polly's was good stuff as well. I would love to see the island get some serious love. Hidden gem in my opinion.

 

[marni1971]

I like this area due to some of the areas just to get away from the mess however I think this island could be used for something more. Coaster etc

Plenty of space elsewhere for that. Why trash a lovely escape?

 

[psherman42]

I like this area due to some of the areas just to get away from the mess however I think this island could be used for something more. Coaster etc

Because you have to take a boat to get to the island, I feel like putting something like that there that would attract more people would actually be a nightmare.

 

[GhostHost1000]

Because you have to take a boat to get to the island, I feel like putting something like that there that would attract more people would actually be a nightmare.

Yeah I see what you're saying but they could build a bridge or even make the queue on the land and the ride goes over the waterway etc.

I like TSI don't get me wrong...just think that area could be more

 

[Sage of Time]

TSI is a wonderful thematic environment and a classic. Happy its being preserved.