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Credit: Inside the MagicA number of problematic artifacts are set to be removed from Disney’s original Florida theme park.
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From new rides and attractions to hotels and restaurants, it seems like things are constantly changing at Walt Disney World. Guests have seen some of the most significant changes over the last decade, which include additions like Pandora – The World of Avatar, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, and TRON Lightcycle / Run.
Disney World’s biggest updates are still on the horizon however. Last year, Disney revealed its plans to transform parks like Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom during the company’s D23 expo. Disney dished out details regarding the overhaul of DinoLand U.S.A. and Muppets Courtyard, two fan-favorite theme park areas.
This wasn’t all that Disney announced, though, with the biggest news of the event coming later that night. Disney capped off D23 by revealing that the Magic Kingdom would be getting a new area based on Pixar’s Cars franchise. In addition, a new Villains-themed land is also coming to the park, making Magic Kingdom the most exciting Disney theme park to watch over the coming years.
However, to make room for Magic Kingdom’s new Cars area, several locations and experiences, including Tom Sawyer Island, must close.
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Tom Sawyer Island is a crucial piece of Disney theme park history. While not an “attraction” in the traditional sense, Tom Sawyer Island is still worth a spin. Tom Sawyer Island is more of an interactive playground than your typical Disney parks experience, letting guests explore the artificial island at their own pace.
Along the way, visitors will uncover windmills, caverns, and rickety bridges, among other locations. One of the most curious areas on the island is the fort. Built to resemble the classic wooden forts of America’s past, Tom Sawyer Island’s Fort Langhorn features intricate details and even a few animatronics.
However, the island’s most problematic items can also be found here: guns. That’s right, guests can discover authentic-looking rifles at Tom Sawyer Island’s fort. Not only that, but these guns are also positioned in a way that allows guests to aim at intruders.
The exact number (and function) of these stationary rifles has changed over the years, with them now serving as a reminder of what used to be.
With the closure of Tom Sawyer Island, Disney also says goodbye to some items it likely prefers gone anyway.
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Tom Sawyer Island is one part of a triad of closures hitting Disney’s Magic Kingdom this July. The Liberty Square Riverboat and the Rivers of America will also close alongside the island. The last day to enjoy these experiences will be July 6, and each will close permanently on July 7. Construction will begin officially on Piston Peak, Magic Kingdom’s new Cars-themed land.
Intended to resemble a natural park, Piston Peak will house its own collection of attractions, including an off-roading “E-ticket” thrill ride. There is no official opening timeline for Piston Peak, so guests will need to keep their eyes and ears peeled for future updates.
Are you excited about Piston Peak? Will you miss Tom Sawyer Island?