Would YOU eliminate Tom Sawyer Island ?

[PittFan]

I would like to see Tom Sawyer's Island eliminated and a few new TS restaurants and possibly a new attraction or two added there. Possibly add a restaurant with a dinner show or a theme like Hoop Dee Doo or Spirit of Aloha . TS in MK is too limited IMO. I'm sure my kids will disagree with me, but I think there is alot of potential for expansion there. Just curious what everyone else thinks?

[SBETigg]

I wouldn't be in favor of changing it for restaurants or shops. I woudn't mind a retheme, but I don't think it's necessary. I think it fits in with the spirit of the surroundings and shouldn't be messed with much. I also think there are plenty of TS options in the MK. We prefer to eat at resorts outside the MK, and we think of the MK as more about theming and attractions than big sit down meals.

[AwPhooey]

I think Tom Sawyer's Island is a great place to go to get away from the craziness of MK, so I'd hate to see it replaced by a restaurant. I'd really like to see Aunt Polly's open on a permanent basis, though.

If they're going to put in a new TS restaurant/dinner show, I'd rather they use the old Diamond Horseshoe than TSI.

[oliver&bianca]

I would hate to see Tom Sawyer's Island replaced. It is such a unique place with the Fort, caves/tunnels. As an earlier poster stated, it is a nice relaxing place away from the crowds. I also agree that Aunt Polly's should be open more.

[Ian]

I'd really like to see Aunt Polly's open on a permanent basis, though.:ditto:

I disagree, actually, that they have enough TS in Magic Kingdom. There's only Tony's and LTT and they get booked up fast (plus, I'm not that big a Tony's fan).

I wish they'd open up some new ones, too, but not at the expense of TSI. I can't wait until DS is old enough to go over there and hang out ... he'll love it, I'm sure.

[CaptainJessicaSparrow]

They also have the Plaza Restaurant, Crystal Palace and Cinderella's Royal Table.

A total of 5, which is the same or one less than Studios...and definitely more than DAK.

[Baloo Da Man!]

My kids love to run around TSI. It is a great place to get away from the crowds for a spell. I would recommend, however, that WDW change it to the Pirates theme like in DLR. It is definitely better in DLR.

[TheRustyScupper]

They also have the Plaza Restaurant, Crystal Palace and Cinderella's Royal Table.

1) But,
. . . Plaza is a sandwich shop.
. . . Crystal is a buffet character meal.
. . . LTT, for now, is a preset menu character meal.
2) Many do not feel like sandwiches, buffets, or set menus.
3) Or, characters during their meal.
4) The parks need more non-character sit-down meals.

[dmosher]

Close TSI? NEVER! We love this place. Admit-tingly it is frustrating since despite my 35 trips there I have still never found a paint brush, but... someday. In any case, I hope this always stays the way it is. I know DL did the Pirates Island, but I like that it is quiet and calm on TSI. It's a little respite from the wonderful insanity that is MK.
:pipes:
D

[Granny Jill A]

I would hate to see Tom Sawyer's Island replaced. It is such a unique place with the Fort, caves/tunnels. As an earlier poster stated, it is a nice relaxing place away from the crowds. I also agree that Aunt Polly's should be open more.

I accompanied my grandkids to TSI for the very first time in January 2008. I don't think relaxing is the word I would use to describe it. We were literally run down by kids racing back and forth through the tunnels, etc.

I think the concept is fine, but it needs to be upgraded and modernized a little bit. It wouldn't hurt to have a nice cool place where parents/guardians can view the whole mish-mosh while sitting down :D

[JabberJaws]

I really like TSI, but I will tell you, after visiting DL for the first time ever last December, the retheme of their TSI to Pirate Island (not sure if that is the official name or not) was VERY well done.

Everything was kept pretty much intact, but just given a slight Pirates twist. The caves were MUCH improved (though I've always loved the TSI caves). There is one room that looks like a jail cell with a pirate who talks and when the moon comes out he turns to a skeleton...VERY neat effect.

Also, they had Jack Sparrow just roaming around from time to time. We ran into him just walking down a path, no escort or people around him. Got his pic and everything. My wife loved that part!

[cardinalsfan_98]

I would hate to see TSI closed. This pasy May was the first time I've ever been and my DD, who was 9 at the time, totally loved it! I agree, it's a great place to get away from the frantic pace of MK.

[Aggie97]

If they're going to put in a new TS restaurant/dinner show, I'd rather they use the old Diamond Horseshoe than TSI.

This is exactly what I was going to suggest. :thumbsup:

I'd hate to see Tom Sawyer Island replaced by shops or a restaurant, but I would not mind a switch to a pirate theme. :mickey:

[mainemajor]

I agree with those that say keep it open, but re-theme it. While Tom Sawyer is a nice story, kids today don't read it much if ever in school or for pleasure, but PIRATES :pirate:are forever. That sure would ioncrease the number of people young and old that would visit there.

[kakn7294]

I don't know about schools nationwide, but I can tell you that Tom Sawyer is definately reading material in my area. My DD read it a few years ago and had to do a project related to the story. I know of other families in other school districts who's children also have read it. I think kids know who Tom is.

And I like TSI but the pirate theme at DL sounds cool too.

[Wayne]

Closing TSI would be absolutely stupid. It is fine just the way it is with its current theme or with some updates within the current theme of the island. If folks want more sit down, then reopen the Diamond Horseshoe or re-purpose the Tahitian Terrace as a sit down... otherwise folks can head to World Showcase.

By the way, the Pirates thing can work at Disneyland since the DL version of POTC is in New Orleans Square which is on the river so there is a natural tie in. Putting a Pirate Island in the middle of Frontierland just wouldn't make for good show.

[PittFan]

I'm sure my kids will disagree with me, but I think there is alot of potential for expansion there.

When i mentioned this idea to my kids their response was a resounding ... NO !!!!!
I do like the Pirate theme though. Maybe with a Pirate themed restaurant or dinner show available on the island.

[DisneyDoug2]

I disagree with closing TSI, it is a nice place to relax and get away from all the black top of DW see some trees and streams and let the kids roam by themselves without having to worry about getting lost.

[ihavealipfreckle]

I disagree with closing TSI, it is a nice place to relax and get away from all the black top of DW see some trees and streams and let the kids roam by themselves without having to worry about getting lost.

I just have to mention that TSI was the only place I got lost at WDW. I couldn't find the windmill. :blush:

I love this place. And I don't think replacements are necessary! Also, if your kids don't have to read the book for school, tell them it is a book when you are WDW and maybe they will want to read it anyway! :thumbsup:

[FaithTrustPixieDust]

I would hate to see Tom Sawyer's Island replaced. It is such a unique place with the Fort, caves/tunnels. As an earlier poster stated, it is a nice relaxing place away from the crowds. I also agree that Aunt Polly's should be open more.


Another ditto on what you said. I'd love to see some enhancements, but it's a great place to get away. My kids have only recently "discovered" it, and now it's the first thing they want to do in the MK!

From a kid's perspective, so much of WDW is waiting in line and being herded from here to there . . .. and into intensely colorful and exciting rides. Tom Sawyer's Island is a mental and physical change of pace that they sometimes NEED. I think they love a chance to just run and explore with no agenda, no lines, and no pressure.

[LandFan]

I too loved the DL pirates version! I think they should do that and add a pirate restaurant if there is room.

[AdventurerKim]

I don't know that I would eliminate it, but maybe refurbish it with a pirates theme or something else. I used to hate going to TSI as a kid because my brother loved playing in the fort, but I don't think it should be eliminated. It is a good place for kids to run around and explore out of the way from the general crowd.

[Imagineer1981]

I think leave it, but with enhancements as everyone has said. But one change I want to see happen, and I know many will disagree because its part of the charm, but just build a bridge to TSI and elimanate the rafts over. Thats why we don't go. We don't want to wait in the hot sun,then get crammed onto a small raft, in the hot sun, just to get over there. I think have it as a separate option and bring back the canoes!!!

[JabberJaws]

By the way, the Pirates thing can work at Disneyland since the DL version of POTC is in New Orleans Square which is on the river so there is a natural tie in. Putting a Pirate Island in the middle of Frontierland just wouldn't make for good show.

Good point Wayne. I never really caught the themeing tie-in at DL w/ POTC and the island being so close. Makes complete sense.

Maybe then if the TS theme is losing its appeal to the younger crowd they could just give it a general frontier/wild-west theme. I wouldn't want them to go so far as to do a "Woody's Round-Up" type deal w/ the pixar theme, mostly because I don't want everything to become Pixar-esque.

How about just a more involved, general wild-west/frontier theme? Maybe have roaming frontiersmen or cowboys? Adding some streetmosphere and dusting off/polishing up some of the mini attractions like the caves and Fort would do wonders IMO even if they keep the TS theme.

[EJS-Houston]

I haven't visited it since I was a kid...but I think we need to be selfless here and concede that there have to be some things at WDW that are strictly for the kids...and this is one of them.

[Tink#64]

I agree with those that say keep it open, but re-theme it. While Tom Sawyer is a nice story, kids today don't read it much if ever in school or for pleasure, but PIRATES :pirate:are forever. That sure would ioncrease the number of people young and old that would visit there.

:yay::pirate::waycool:
A pirates theme would be so cool! My DS's really enjoy TSI, but that is a great idea! Particularly with the latest installments of Pirates in the works! Come one, we've got Toy Story in a couple of attractions now with Buzz & TSM, and we've got Nemo in the Seas & the musical! A refurb with a Pirates theme sounds perfect! I think there are enough empty buildings that could be revamped into TS's if they want to do that! But don't take away our - explore at your own pace - run wild if you want - adventure island!

[Mad About Mickey]

I think leave it, but with enhancements as everyone has said. But one change I want to see happen, and I know many will disagree because its part of the charm, but just build a bridge to TSI and elimanate the rafts over. Thats why we don't go. We don't want to wait in the hot sun,then get crammed onto a small raft, in the hot sun, just to get over there. I think have it as a separate option and bring back the canoes!!!

Great Idea but why not go one step furter and tie it into the whole cave idea and have a "secret tunnel" to TSI. A bridge or tunnel would increase acess to TSI, allowing Aunt Pollies to be open year round and increase menu choices. While it should be updated I'm for keeping the Tom Sawyer theme. Mark Twain's stories are great examples of American literature and this is a living tribute to them, a retheming would lose this landmark. You could update the fort, the bridges and caves while you did a rehab to add the bridge. Though with the economy the way it is now we won't see this happening.

But to the main question, eliminate Tom Sawyer's Island? No Way!

[prttynpnk]

I hate to see it altered. I think sometimes you can get such sensory overload at the parks that a natural setting is a nice alternative to one more queue........

[borisfam]

I would absolutely keep it...

It keeps crowds of people trapped on that island while I enjoy the rest of the park!

[Jeff G]

I never cared for TSI and found it to be a total waste of space during my first several trips. I had never been to WDW as a child nor did I have kids those first few experiences. My opinion has changed dramatically now that I have kids who are old enough to enjoy TSI.

My DS is 9 and TSI is one of his favorite places in all of WDW (my DD 12 also liked it just not as much as DS). He loves the fort, tunnels, looking for the paint brush and just exploring. My opinion of TSI has swung 100% in opposite directions by watching my kids and seeing their enjoyment. My DS had so much fun that when we got home we watched Huck and wants to know more about Tom Sawyer.

I disagree with those suggesting that this be re-themed to pirates to. I find it a novel idea but so much of WDW has already been themed to pirates (the ride, the Pirate & Princess Party, Jack Sparrow Show, Caribbean Beach resort pirate rooms). Tom Sawyer island is in Frontier Land and fits perfectly. To change this to fit with the current pirate trend and have it out of place seems like a knee jerk reaction. I'm glad that my DS loved TSI and that then had an interest in Tom & Huck when we got home, maybe this will help to get him to read Tom Sawyer when he is a little older.

[MickeyMousse]

Wow, we've never been to TSI !! :blush: Our DS's have asked to go there on our next trip in 2/09...now I'm interested in seeing what it's all about!

[jwallace378]

Tom Sawyer's Island is a great place to escape the crowds and the heat. I love just sitting there for a while and just people watch. I wouldn't want to see it eliminated

[Aurora]

It ain't broke -- why fix it?

It's visited often. It's fun for the kids. The raft ride over adds to the adventure and helps control crowds.

It's not run-down, and it doesn't need a "refurb" or retheming because low-tech fun is just as important to have for a variety of experiences.

With POTC, the Jack Sparrow show, and Pirates and Princess parties, there's already plenty of pirate stuff for one park. Enough already.

It isn't losing its appeal. It's plenty full of people on regular park days.

Kids have heard of Tom Sawyer, even if they haven't read the book. And lots of kids are reading it in school.

Let's leave a good thing well enough alone. Just because it's been around for awhile doesn't mean it needs to be changed for change's sake.

[Wickster1970]

I am SO torn here. While its fun to run around on the island, it is a nice size piece of land (water) that could be used on a new mega-attraction. :confused:

[johnO]

Would YOU eliminate Tom Sawyer Island ?

No.

[3Cabsfan]

Please No Pirate Theme At Tsi! Keep Frontierland Just That-frontierland And Leave The Pirates In Adventureland!

[bertasso59]

I would love to see Tom Sawyer Island moved to the old Discovery island near FW,maybe add afew water elements to make a resort guest only water park.
Then I would love to see a new mini land based on villians put in its place,maybe called Skull Rock.Id have a Malificent themed coaster,a villian character dinner at 'The Rusty Nail' and maybe a huge statue over it all of Chernabog .All this in view of the HM

[PittFan]

I would love to see Tom Sawyer Island moved to the old Discovery island near FW,maybe add afew water elements to make a resort guest only water park.
Then I would love to see a new mini land based on villians put in its place,maybe called Skull Rock.Id have a Malificent themed coaster,a villian character dinner at 'The Rusty Nail' and maybe a huge statue over it all of Chernabog .All this in view of the HM

I love that idea. It seems as though we're the only 2 on here that can see the potential for that space though ... :cheers: ... LOL.

[d_m_n_n]

From a kid's perspective, so much of WDW is waiting in line and being herded from here to there . . .. and into intensely colorful and exciting rides. Tom Sawyer's Island is a mental and physical change of pace that they sometimes NEED. I think they love a chance to just run and explore with no agenda, no lines, and no pressure.

Very well said! I have even been a victim of Sensory Overload in the MK. Not to mention TSI is the one place where you feel like you have some "elbow room" and not constantly feel like you are tripping over people.

We didn't "bother" with TSI until last December and then I was wondering what kept us away...ok the entrances to SM and BTMRR :blush: we were usually too excited for those to give TSI a shot. But my DSs LOVED it so much! I don't remember it as a child, but seeing their excitement was well worth it for me. When we mention going back, this is one attraction they ALWAYS bring up! :thumbsup:

Don't ruin a good thing!!!

[Daddy Mouse]

When DS and DW were younger (4-12), they loved TSI. Because of the reason that so many young kids like it, I think it should stay. Maybe even enhance it even more than it is already.

[me...]

As far as Re themeing or anything like that will happen you have to show an operational need. Which I know is backwards. So you have to have enough people going over there to warrent a change. But right now there definatley isn't enough people so it's basically a lose lose situation

[sagitarius]

WHAT?!?!?! This has to be a joke. TSI being demolished for restaurants? Cmon!

Here's a suggestion; Close the Adventurers Club and Comedy Warehouse at PI. They are unique in of themselves and have a loyal following of patrons. They also generate quite a bit of money for WDW. Now, if you could close the doors forever and replace them with some store that pushes a bunch of junk and essentially worthless items on us, or a restaurant that gives us yet another dining possibility among the dozens already to choose from. That sounds like a great idea!*:thumbsup:



*Note- This is a sarcastic post. Except for the first part about TSI; For real, don't screw that up too.

[Seasonscraps]

Other then adding a bridge for easier access, I think TSI should be left as is. The theme is perfect for Fronteirland - I think there are enough pirates in other parts of DW.

[Imagineer1981]

I would love to see Tom Sawyer Island moved to the old Discovery island near FW,maybe add afew water elements to make a resort guest only water park.
Then I would love to see a new mini land based on villians put in its place,maybe called Skull Rock.Id have a Malificent themed coaster,a villian character dinner at 'The Rusty Nail' and maybe a huge statue over it all of Chernabog .All this in view of the HM

Thats a cool idea, however MK has plenty of land still...they could put that somewhere else

[CU Tiger]

Instead of tearing down TSI for a restaurant, just add one to the island. I can be themed to match the surroundings. It would be a neat place to go and hang-out. I would be happy with a good sandwich shop where you can sit on a patio and relax in this neat setting.:mickey:

[DawsonAR]

My son can spend all day at TSI. I would really hate to see it close. It is a great father son adventure.

[disneychick62]

AAAAHHH!!!! yeah!! what is that anyway???:ack:

[RBrooksC]

I agree with those that say keep it open, but re-theme it. While Tom Sawyer is a nice story, kids today don't read it much if ever in school or for pleasure, but PIRATES :pirate:are forever. That sure would ioncrease the number of people young and old that would visit there.

And that is a true shame. My mom had that book from when she was a little girl and brought it to me when I was around 8. I read the book from cover to cover and thought it was the best thing I had ever read.

Maybe if it stays as TSI, it may encourage some children to read that classic story.

Last year we took our son onto TSI because we wanted to give him a place to run around and expend some energy since we was riding in a stroller.

It was fantastic to ride the raft to the island and feel like you are worlds away from reality. When we were in the fort, I forgot I was in WDW and felt like I was in the middle of nowhere, especially in the rifle loft looking out over the back of the park.

This place should be kept as it is as an oasis in the middle of a busy amusement park.

[Imagineer1981]

And that is a true shame. My mom had that book from when she was a little girl and brought it to me when I was around 8. I read the book from cover to cover and thought it was the best thing I had ever read.

Maybe if it stays as TSI, it may encourage some children to read that classic story.

Last year we took our son onto TSI because we wanted to give him a place to run around and expend some energy since we was riding in a stroller.

It was fantastic to ride the raft to the island and feel like you are worlds away from reality. When we were in the fort, I forgot I was in WDW and felt like I was in the middle of nowhere, especially in the rifle loft looking out over the back of the park.

This place should be kept as it is as an oasis in the middle of a busy amusement park.

here here!!! as they'd say in olden times!

[RBrooksC]

I should have added that Huck Finn is read in many high schools.

[PlutoPlanet]

I vote to keep Tom Sawyer's island. It is a great place for kids to run around and play.

[DisneyConvert]

I would be OK with a retheme, but it'd be a shame to do away with TSI. One of our favorite memories is playing checkers and just relaxing on TSI on our honeymoon trip.

[DawsonAR]

We love Tom Sawyer island. It is a nice place to relax and unwind when the park is crowded. To me, it usually doesn't feel crowded over there. Such a nice place to sit for awhile.

[dtootsie42]

Its a great place to "get away" and I would hate to see a table service added to the island. :mickey:

[Diz-Knee]

I would like to see more TS restaurants at MK but no I wouldn't want to replace Tom Sawyer island. Too nostalgic.

[AuntLaura]

I vote no.

[mouseketeer mom]

Keep it!!! Its a place to get away from the hoopla of the park! A place to run free without dodging crowds! Its a classic. It would be too sad if they ever took it away.

[PeterPan]

People, people. Disney is NEVER going to re-theme Tom Sawyer's Island after ANY kind of Pirate theme - not at Walt Disney World. You can wish and hope all you want. The themeing is all wrong for Frontier Land. Pirates reside in ADVENTURE LAND at WDW - Pirates will never be represented in two different lands. I just cannot imagine the Imagineers supporting this idea - they are too, too careful about themeing.

I was just waiting for someone on this thread to suggest that Tom Sawyer is a forgotten, irrevelant story. This is entirely rediculous! This idea is completely laughable. Mark Twain is to America and the World what Shakespeare is to England and the World. Twain is our Eternal Storyteller. His work is FOREVER. Having his stories represented at America's Theme Park was a stroke of Brilliance on the part of Walt Disney and the original Imagineering team that built the first Tom Sawyer's Island at Disneyland in 1955. If you think Tom and Huck and Twain are forgotten, well, frankly this just shows your complete ignorance. I am sorry to be so blunt.

TSI is one of those, quite, charming places that are so special at Disney Parks - who else would lavish such valuable real estate on something so low-key and entirely family-oriented (at least, families with little kids). When my kids were small, O MY GOSH TSI was just the most exciting, fun-filled place! They loved to run and rip and get lost in the caves.

It is my PRAYER that this wonderful, exciting landmark will never change.

[PirateLover]

I find it fascinating that so many people didn't see the appeal of Tom Sawyer Island until they had kids. I don't have kids and I never even went on Tom Sawyer island until I was 20, yet I thought it was a blast! I was running around with my then 22 year old boyfriend, we were scaring each other, playing checkers, checking out all the caves, crossing the barrel bridge. All you need to enjoy the island is a little bit of stamina and a big imagination!

[dumbo ears]

ya sure they could update it or add some new stuff but I think its a classic disney attraction and one walt would love and want to keep. so that is why I want the island to stay

[Mousemates]

We seldom make the visit to TSI anymore (our kids are teens now and have no interest there), however with grandkids hopefully coming in about ten years, I would vote to keep it as a place to go and get away from the crowds and have some down time.

[Chimchimcheree]

I would hate to see it changed.
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is one of DD's favorite books, after reading it she had to be Becky Thatcher for Halloween.
The rest of the family followed suit and when we went for MNSSHP we were all characters from the book, except my dad who went as Mark Twain!

My kids love going over to TSI and getting away from the crowds to go explore the caves and tunnels, the bridges and all.
It makes for a nice break away from the madness that can be the Magic Kingdom.

I think it could just use some sprucing up, though I doubt there is a way to get rid of the smell in the caves.

[FenwayGirl]

No, I would not get rid of TSI. It is one of the most peaceful places in the MK

[Mackflava99]

it should stay- its a great escape and a fun place to go.

[Pigtunia]

Not only would I keep it, I would bring back the canoes!!

It is a wonderful place that invites guests to use their imaginations!