Tom Sawyer Island

Tom Sawyer Island opened to the public in Disneyland in 1956. It’s one of the only attractions that was actually designed by Walt himself – he revered Mark Twain’s books and wanted to portray the world that Twain conjured in them. Just before construction on the area began in Disneyland, he took the plans home and reimagined the design himself, adding the inlets, coves and overall atmosphere that you’ll find on the island to this day.Walt Disney World's version of Tom Sawyer Island opened at the Magic Kingdom in 1973. It’s gotten quiet over the years, with its counter-service restaurant, Aunt Polly’s Dockside Inn, sitting quietly for some time. We found out in 2024 that the Island at Magic Kingdom, along with the Rivers of America that surround it, will be closed to make way for a Cars franchise-based expansion to Frontierland. While we’re hopeful and excited about what’s to come, we’ll always hold fond memories of Magic Kingdom’s version of this island that Walt built. * * * * * *