|
Tom Sawyer Island
Here's a terrific place in the Magic Kingdom! Tom Sawyer
Island is accessible by raft and is indeed an
"island". I especially enjoy visiting this area in
the afternoon to break away from the crowds for a while. There
are plenty of trails through the forested island, including a
couple of caves to explore--and the barrel bridge is fun. An
old fort is tucked deep inside the island.
This is something of a "self-directed"
attraction--you must explore on your own without the
assistance of a tour guide (unless you have a big fan of Tom
Sawyer Island in your party!!!) or the pacing associated with
many of Disney's attractions. In reality, there's not really
that much to do on this island--but it is a very
pleasant place to stroll around. Be sure to check out the
terrific view of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad among other
sights visible from the island.
There's a restaurant on the island too. Actually, Aunt
Polly's is more
of a snack bar with a very limited menu. It's only open
during peak periods, so don't be disappointed if it's closed
when you're there.
I have to admit--I'm a huge fan of Tom Sawyer Island. I've
never been able to put my finger on the exact reasons I love
it so, but I really do. To me, it feels like a
"secret" place, since it's never as crowded as the
other areas of the Magic Kingdom. The one drawback for me?? It
seems that the whole time I'm there, I just can't shake the
tune to that old Rush song (Tom Sawyer) out of my head. In
fact, I've even caught myself singing it aloud while wandering
around--YIKES!!
Here are a few pictures taken of the island from the
Liberty Belle Riverboat. In a few, the
island was closed for refurbishment, and there's
some scaffolding visible in those pictures that isn't there now.
Even with the construction going on, the place still looked
great!!
To get to and from Tom
Sawyer Island, you must board a raft. This is the raft dock on
the island.
Another view of the Tom
Sawyer Island raft dock.
View of Aunt Polly's
restaurant from the riverboat. The seating is all outdoors,
under the large covered dock area.
The order/pickup windows are on the lower level of the yellow
building on the right side as shown in this photo.
Photo taken in August 2004
during a refurb at Tom Sawyer Island.
The island was closed at that time. This is Fort Sam Clemens
with scaffolding around it.
Fort Sam Clemens in its
refurbished condition (November 2006). This fort can be
accessed by way of walking trails on Tom Sawyer Island.
Plenty
of passageways and open areas in which to play!
Photo taken in August 2004
during a refurb at Tom Sawyer Island.
The island was closed at that time. This is Harpers Mill with
scaffolding around it.
Harpers Mill cleaned up
quite nicely during that 2004 refurb! This photo shows it as
of November 2006.
This building can also be visited on Tom Sawyer Island.
Inside, the mill is in motion, operating from the water wheel
on the side.
|
