Tag: Tom Sawyer Island

It seems people and water go together like peas and carrots, especially at Walt Disney World. In recent months, Disney has experienced an increased number of guests leaving ride vehicles to enter the water at popular attractions at Magic Kingdom, bathing in fountains, or jumping from bridges at EPCOT.

January 31 wasn’t much of a different story as early reports via Facebook user Jennifer Jarrell show a guest following suit near Tom Sawyer Island at Magic Kingdom.

Posted to a private Annual Passholders group on Facebook around 9:30 p.m., Jennifer’s post shows a Magic Kingdom guest, with a life preserver, who had reportedly jumped from his small watercraft (raft) while on his way to the popular hideaway tucked away in Frontierland at the flagship park in Walt Disney World Resort.

Jennifer captioned the photo as follows:

“Anybody got news or info on the jumper from Tom Sawyer rafts today around 2:00 p.m.? We watched him refuse to swim to the side after they threw him a life preserver. Curious to know what happened.”

As it’s always big news when someone breaks the rules in such a dangerous manner at Walt Disney World, the post has garnered a ton of reactions and comments. Many are quick to point out the growing problem of guests entering waterways around Walt Disney World property.

Of course, anyone familiar with Central Florida will tell you that no matter how appealing those ponds, rivers, lakes, and creeks may look on a hot day, it’s never a good idea to go in blind. Sadly, the worst-case scenario played out in 2016 when a small child was killed by an alligator while visiting Disney World’s Grand Floridian Resort.

Although the body of water in question today was located inside the park, it is not safe to assume that it is free of potentially dangerous wildlife.

In fact, Tom Sawyer Island, where the incident occurred, saw half of Magic Kingdom shut down last year when a black bear was spotted in that area of the park. Despite the danger of drowning, wildlife remains a serious concern in terms of guest safety, especially in waterways in and around Walt Disney World.

In fact, one commenter pointed out that this particular body of water in Magic Kingdom is the only one where they’ve actually seen an alligator, further pointing out how silly the act of rule-breaking was.

It’s unclear at the moment what happened to the guest or how the situation was resolved. Certainly, behavior like this will earn guests a lifetime ban from Disney property, especially as the consensus believes it wasn’t an accident. Others who were present solidified Jennifer’s claim that the guest in the water refused a life preserver from Cast Members.

Because of this, the assumption is that he most likely made the conscious decision to enter as opposed to falling in.

For those unfamiliar, Tom Sawyer Island at Magic Kingdom is a unique and adventurous attraction that takes guests on a journey back in time to the days of Mark Twain’s famous characters. Located in the heart of the park, this immersive experience offers visitors a chance to explore an island filled with secret caves, wilderness trails, and hidden treasures.

As soon as guests step foot on Tom Sawyer Island, they are transported to a world of imagination and excitement. The island is accessible by raft, which adds an extra touch of adventure to the experience. Once on the island, visitors can embark on their own explorations at their own pace.

One of the highlights of Tom Sawyer Island is Fort Langhorn, a detailed replica of a frontier fort from the 19th century. Inside the fort, guests can climb to the top of the watchtower for a stunning view of the surrounding area. They can also wander through the interior rooms and learn about the history of the American frontier.

Nature lovers will be delighted by the lush wilderness trails that wind through the island. As guests wander along the paths, they can encounter picturesque waterfalls, hidden caves, and even a barrel bridge. The island is designed to provide a sense of tranquility and escape from the bustling theme park, offering a chance to reconnect with nature and appreciate the beauty of the outdoors.

For those seeking even more excitement, Tom Sawyer Island features an eerie and mysterious underground passage, one known as Injun Joe’s Cave. As guests explore the dimly lit tunnels, they can discover hidden secrets and relics left behind by the infamous character from Mark Twain’s stories.

The cave adds an element of mystery and suspense to the overall experience, keeping guests on their toes.

Tom Sawyer Island is not just about adventure and exploration but also offers opportunities for relaxation. Guests can find respite at Aunt Polly Dockside Inn, a charming spot to sit back and enjoy a picnic while overlooking the scenic Big Thunder Mountain attraction in Frontierland and the Haunted Mansion in Liberty Square.

It’s the perfect place to take a break, refuel, and soak in the atmosphere of the island.

Tom Sawyer Island at Magic Kingdom is a captivating and immersive attraction that allows guests to step into the world of Mark Twain’s beloved characters. From exploring Fort Langhorn to wandering through the wilderness trails, there is no shortage of adventures on this secluded island.

Whether you’re a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique experience, Tom Sawyer Island offers something for everyone.

As per Jennifer’s Facebook post, the incident happened on the small rafts that escort guests to and from the island. During a trip, the guest apparently made the decision to jump into the water. These situations are becoming more prevalent at Walt Disney World, with incidents occurring in a few different spots over the last year or so, but even as they rise in popularity, they don’t decrease in danger.

Simply put, when guests enter a Disney Park, they are agreeing to act in accordance with Disney’s rules and regulations. Of course these are in place to protect the Walt Disney Company from lawsuits, but also to keep guests and Cast Members safe while enjoying a magical time. Stay out of the water, people.

Nestled in the heart of Frontierland at Walt Disney World, a hidden gem awaits those seeking adventure and exploration. Tom Sawyer Island beckons visitors to step into the world of Mark Twain’s beloved characters and embark on an immersive journey of discovery. Let us venture into the untamed wilderness of this captivating island and unveil the wonders it holds.

Tom Sawyer Island offers a welcome respite from the bustling excitement of the theme park. As guests board the rafts to cross the Rivers of America, they leave the modern world behind and enter a pristine wilderness reminiscent of the Mississippi River. The island’s lush vegetation, winding pathways, and tranquil atmosphere transport visitors into a realm of untamed nature, creating a sense of escape and serenity.

One of the island’s main attractions is the opportunity for hands-on exploration. From secret caves and hidden trails to suspension bridges and treehouses, Tom Sawyer Island invites guests to become intrepid adventurers, just like Tom and Huck. Children and adults alike can unleash their imaginations as they navigate the island’s intricate network of passageways, uncovering surprises around every corner.

Tom Sawyer Island boasts an array of engaging play areas that bring the spirit of the stories to life. From Injun Joe’s Cave to Fort Langhorn, guests can immerse themselves in the world of Tom Sawyer and his friends. They can climb, slide, and explore to their heart’s content, making every visit a thrilling and memorable experience.

As visitors traverse the island’s trails, they are rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery. From vantage points like Harper’s Mill and the scenic overlook, guests can soak in panoramic vistas of Frontierland, Liberty Square, and the Rivers of America. These picturesque views offer a chance to pause, reflect, and capture memorable photographs.

Tom Sawyer Island at Walt Disney World is a hidden oasis of adventure and nostalgia, where guests can step into the pages of Mark Twain’s timeless tales. With its immersive wilderness setting, interactive exploration, and scenic vistas, the island provides a unique and engaging experience for visitors of all ages. So, embrace your sense of adventure and set sail for Tom Sawyer Island, where the spirit of exploration and the wonders of nature await.

Disney World has removed names from one of its most iconic and long-standing attractions in an effort to remain culturally sensitive and rid the attraction of the dated term.

Last week, Disney World Cast Members removed wording that referred to “Injun Joe” at the Tom Sawyer Island attraction at Magic Kingdom. There was originally a sign that labeled a cavernous area of the attraction as “Injun Joe’s Cavern,” as well as a raft with the name “Injun Joe” on it. The plank on the raft on which Injun Joe’s name was painted was simply painted over, meaning that both references were removed from the attraction.

Disney also painted over the planks on the rafts that had the names “Becky Thatcher” and “Tom Sawyer” on them.

In the story of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by author Mark Twain, it is Injun Joe who is the villain–a half-Native American who robs graves, is guilty of murder, and commits other crimes throughout the story.

According to a post at ComicBook.com, “Twain wrote the character as a fundamentally evil and irredeemable character, with multiple characters in the book claiming that his evil nature was due to his Native American heritage.”

Not only is the character portrayed as villainous, but his acts are often attributed to the fact that he is a Native American. The name “Injun Joe” also includes a term considered derogatory by many for Native American men and women.

Last year, Disney made a pledge to be more diverse and more inclusive in its efforts as an organization. The Jungle Cruise attraction at Adventureland was also updated in an effort to remove potentially harmful and hurtful stereotypes from the attraction, and The Splash Mountain attraction at Frontierland is being completely reimagined for the same reasons. The current attraction is based on the Disney film from 1946, Song of the South. 

According to Disney, “Song of the South is a 1946 American musical film released by RKO Radio Pictures, based on the Uncle Remus stories by Joel Chandler Harris. The live actors provide a sentimental frame story, in which Uncle Remus relates the folk tales of the adventures of Br’er Rabbit and his friends. These anthropomorphic animal characters appear in animation. The hit song from the film was “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah”, which won the 1947 Academy Award for Best Song and is frequently used as part of Disney’s montage themes, and which has become widely used in popular culture.”

But Song of the South has received major backlash over the years from those who say the film harbors racist themes and is full of stereotypes against African Americans. For this reason, producers at Disney decided it would not be added to the streaming line-up on Disney+, and it is almost impossible to find it in digital form anywhere in the United States. Because the Splash Mountain attraction was inspired by the film, it was decided that the entire attraction would be reimagined and take its inspiration from the delightful story of Princess Tiana from Disney’s The Princess and the Frog.