Description And Comments

Tom Sawyer Island is a getaway within the park. It has hills to climb, a cave, windmill, and pioneer stockade (Fort Langhorn) to explore; a tipsy barrel bridge to cross; and paths to follow. You can watch riverboats chug past. It's a delight for adults and a godsend for children who have been in tow and closely supervised all day.

Touring Tips

Tom Sawyer Island isn't one of the Magic Kingdom's more celebrated attractions, but it's one of the park's better-conceived ones. Attention to detail is excellent, and kids revel in its frontier atmosphere. It's a must for families with children ages 5 to 15. If your group is made up of adults, visit on your second day or on your first day after you've seen the attractions you most wanted to see.

Although children could spend a whole day on the island, plan on at least 20 minutes. Access is by raft from Frontierland; two operate simultaneously and the trip is pretty efficient, though you may have to stand in line to board both ways.

For a mother from Duncan, South Carolina, Tom Sawyer Island is as much a refuge as an attraction:

In the afternoon when the crowds were at their peak, the weather at its hottest, our organization began to suffer. We retreated over to Tom Sawyer Island, which proved to be a true haven. My husband and I found a secluded bench and regrouped while sipping iced tea and eating delicious soft ice cream. Meanwhile, the kids were able to run freely in the shade.

Each morning, Disney cast members hide about a half a dozen colored paintbrushes around the island for guests to find. Look for colored handles with white paint on the bristles, on display shelves and buildings; they'll all be within arm's reach. Notify a cast member if you find one - you'll be rewarded with a small prize ranging from a front-of-line pass on any Magic Kingdom attraction to free sodas for your entire group. One of each prize is available each day on a first-come, first-served basis, so this is a great activity early on the second day in the park.

Attraction Photos

Special Comments

Closes at dusk.

Special Needs

Other Attractions in Frontierland

Touring Plans with Tom Sawyer Island

What is a Touring Plan?

Lands