Ever wonder what it would be like to have the same carefree and easy going life of Tom Sawyer or Huckleberry Fin?  Have you ever wanted to go exploring the Rivers of America and running through caves without a care in the world?  Well, then hop on board one of the rafts that lead to Tom Sawyer Island.

Tom Sawyer Island opened on June 16, 1956, just 11 months after Disneyland opened.  Before it was Tom Sawyer Island, local Explorer Scouts practiced water rescues off the scrubby atoll located in the middle of Rivers of America.  Upon the completion of the island, two names were considered… “Mickey Mouse Island” and “Treasure Island”.  Ultimately, neither of these were chosen and the island was named Tom Sawyer Island.

Tom Sawyer Island is a great place for people of all ages to be a kid again.  It contains numerous caves with references to the characters from the novel “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” by Mark Twain.  It also provides many climbing opportunities, a floating barrel bridge, and great scenic views of New Orleans Square, Splash Mountain and the Indian Village across the river, and surprises around every turn.

Over the years, Tom Sawyer Island hasn’t seen too many changes.  The biggest renovation to date was in 1992 when the south area was renovated to accommodate the new (at the time) nighttime spectacular known as Fantasmic!, which judging by guest popularity is one of the most successful shows in Disneyland history.

The Walt Disney Company is currently considering a reconstruction of Tom Sawyer Island into a Pirates of the Caribbean theme.  This would include replacing Fort Wilderness with an interactive pirate museum along with other changes.  There has also been talk that the revamp would change the theme to “Pirates Lair at Tom Sawyer’s Island” based upon stories in the book where Tom, Huck and Joe Harper pretend to be pirates on the Mississippi.  This approach would integrate pirate tie-ins into the original, but updated Tom Sawyer Island.  Although, the final outcome of the project won’t be official until it’s completed, you should see the revamped Island opened in time for the release of the third Pirates of the Caribbean film later this year, if the project is approved. 

Additional Points of Interest

• From Tom & Huck’s Castle Rock Lookout, you can take a peek at Frontierland with spyglasses, observe passing boats and ring a ship’s bell in case of “intruders.”
• Explore the dreaded Injun Joe’s Cave, complete with its bottomless pit!
• Take a short cut to Smuggler’s Cove across the thrilling barrel bridge… try not to get wet!
• Explore Tom’s Tree-house and all his secret hideaways!