The Magic Kingdom’s Tom Sawyer Island

19 December 2023 by Steve Bell and Erin Schreiver Leave a Comment

Tom Sawyer Island is one of the most underrated attractions in Disney’s Magic Kingdom!

Located in Frontierland in the Magic Kingdom, this island is the perfect place to escape the crowds and immerse yourself in the world of Mark Twain’s beloved characters.

FUN FACT: Mark Twain was one of Walt Disney’s favorite authors!

What is Tom Sawyer Island?

As soon as you step onto the island, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a different time and place. The island is designed to look like an old-fashioned frontier village, complete with log cabins, and even a fort. There are plenty of hidden paths and secret caves to explore, and you never know what you might find around the next corner.

One of the main attractions on Tom Sawyer Island is Fort Langhorn, a replica of a real fort from the 1800s. The fort is full of interactive exhibits that give you a glimpse into what life was like for soldiers and settlers on the American frontier. Kids will love climbing up to the top of the fort to check out the views of the island and the surrounding park.

Another highlight of Tom Sawyer Island is the barrel bridge. This rickety bridge is made of barrels and ropes and sways as you walk across it. It’s a thrilling experience that’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s definitely worth it for the views of the river and the park.

For those looking for a more relaxing experience, there are plenty of shaded spots to sit and enjoy the scenery. There is are great views of Big Thunder Mountain and the Haunted Mansion across the water.

One of the things that makes Tom Sawyer Island so special is the attention to detail. Everywhere you look, there are little touches that make the island feel like a real frontier town. From the hand-painted signs to the authentic-looking props, it’s clear that the Imagineers put a lot of thought and care into creating this attraction.

Aunt Polly’s

Aunt Poll’s is a counter service food location located on Tom Sawyer Island. When open, Aunt Polly’s serves very basic fare, as in peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, pretzels, and usually some form of chicken strips. Aunt Polly’s  is at best a seasonal restaurant, open during peak periods and at worst closed for years at a time. There are soda machines available here at all times.

How Do You Get To Tom Sawyer Island?

There is a small boat dock that you have probably walked by over a hundred times without noticing. Located near the entrance of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a dock to a small boat in Frontierland that shuttles guests to Tom Sawyer Island every 20 minutes.

Overall, Tom Sawyer Island is a must-visit for anyone looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of the Magic Kingdom. It’s a place where you can slow down, take a deep breath, and immerse yourself in a world of adventure and imagination. So the next time you’re at Disney World, be sure to make a stop at Tom Sawyer Island – you won’t regret it!

---

See all our Theme Park Pages:

• Disney World Theme Park Overview
• Magic Kingdom
• EPCOT
• Disney's Hollywood Studios
• Disney's Animal Kingdom

Comments, Questions, be sure to leave them in the Comment Section Below!

---

Planning a Disney Trip? Want to get the best military discounts that are available? Feeling a little confused? See Our Great Disney Discount and Planning Info:

• Disney Veteran & Military Discount Eligibility Guide
• The Military Family’s Walt Disney World Comprehensive Vacation Planning and Preparation Guide 
• Military Disney Tips Disney Packing Checklist 
• Disney Military Tickets – Your Start to Finish Guide

Learn about the Disney Armed Forces Salute the best military discount that there is for Disney. See our Topic Overview Pages:

• Resorts/Hotel Overview Page
• Dining Overview Page
• Transportation Overview Page
• Technology Overview Page
• Shades of Green, WDW’s Military Only Resort