Is Tom Sawyer's Island worth our time?

[tlriv5]

I went to the Island as a child, but my own family has seemed to skip this one everytime. I don't really remember much about it as a child, so is it worth taking time away from other things?

 

[stagemomx3]

My kids loved spending time on Tom Sawyers Island.

 

[DisneyGirlie]

I enjoy it, but prefer to do it as a "time filler."
For example, maybe doing it when I'm waiting on a fastpass for Splash Mountain to go into effect. It's a really relaxing spot of the park though and that's always a plus.
IMHO, I wouldn't try to change a schedule around to squeeze it in though.

 

[MisunderstoodLilo]

It's quiet and can be relaxing if you just sit in one of the rocking chairs overlooking Liberty Square...but don't try to squeeze it in if you're pressed for time.

 

[pednurse]

I always enjoyed it as a child and when I took my own kids (DS 9 & DD 5) last year they had an absolute blast there. It was one of their favorite things! It gave them lots of time to run around and burn energy (plus me some time to sit & relax in some areas) instead of all the standing around in lines waiting for rides. It's a good thing to throw into the mix in my opinion.

 

[MinnieVanMom]

If you go first thing in the morning there is a paint brush to find which will get you a fast pass to either Splash or Big Mountain.

 

[GottaGetToDisney!]

There are actually 7 or 8 paintbrushes hid all around the island to find! We've done this on our past two trips and my kids love the challenge of finding the paintbrushes- and it's fun to get the "go to the front of the line" pass!

Gotta Get To Disney!

 

[MichelleVW]

We went for the first time just a few weeks ago. I wouldn't kill myself to get over there, but we enjoyed poking around there for a little while.

 

[sezindia]

i promise, my DBFF and I had good intentions!
We went with my DNephews to the island with the hope that they'd burn off some steam, and we'd have the opportunity to have a relaxing rock, overlooking the water.
Sadly, a CM had to rescue the youngest (5 at the time) who believed we might have sailed off without him
CM gave the kiddo a magic moment FP to dry his tears woohoo: ), but really, it wasn't worth his distress. Please forgive this tired auntie! I'll never do it again! (the island caves were really cool, though )

 

[Captain Nick]

If you go first thing in the morning there is a paint brush to find which will get you a fast pass to either Splash or Big Mountain.

Couldn't you just go to Splash or Thunder Mountain first thing in the morning instead?

 

[DisneyCatMom]

I don't think it's only in the morning for the paintbrush FP. I know last time I was there (2 yrs)...sigh....it was mid afternoon. cause like everyone else has said, I used it as a time filler before the parade.

 

[suzybeezy]

One of my fondest memories from my childhood at Disney comes from Tom Sawyer Island. I remember walkin' across the barrel bridge with my siblings and parents. Me and my siblings began bouncin' up and down on the bridge, makin' my poor mother frantic with fear (she couldn't swim), forgetting the fact that the water wasn't deep at all. She was laughin' and screamin' at the same time. We were all laughin' so hard that I nearly pee'd my pants! Its such a vivid memory that I will always cherish and it makes me smile each time I think of it. To me it always signifies what Disney World is all about, not the rides, not the characters, but having fun together with your family.

 

[kidd_freeper]

I went to the Island as a child, but my own family has seemed to skip this one everytime. I don't really remember much about it as a child, so is it worth taking time away from other things?

Wow. Absolutely!

My kids, all boys, 5 / 6 / 7 yo, LOVED it. It was the surprise hit of the whole trip. Forts, bridges, caves, secret tunnels...they had a blast. They didn't want to leave, but we had to when one of them tripped and skinned a knee.

 

[fizz13]

I think so, my kids are 8, 6 and 4 and i had to go over there 3 times in 10 days they loved it so much! and yep its a lot of fun if u play right along side them, creeping through the dark narrow caves, exploring the fort, trying the barrel bridge, and thankfully there is plenty of shade over there. So for us its a must do and i think they would choose this over haunted mansion or pirates.

 

[rootbeerkid]

Many years ago, we had 3 DS, 10 years old or less. They had a great time exploring the island. The caves and the fort were highkights as was watching mom's reaction when they shook the bridge as she crossed. We got sack lunches at Aunt Polly's that had PB&J sandwhich, an extremely large apple, chips and a drink. We relaxed and enjoyed the food.

On a return trip two years ago, we again toured the island, this time with the oldest DS 24 and DD 7. We still had a good time. This time after exploring, we played checkers and watched the crowds across the way. Aunt Polly's was closed this time.

For us, it is a place that invites the inner kid to come out. It was a refuge from standing in lines and that facilitated a mid-day rejuvination that allowed us to better enjoy the rest of the day.

 

[chessie2008]

My kids loved it last year and we will go again this year. We probably wouldn't go if we had just 1 day in the park but if you have the time it is great! I didn't know about the paintbrushes - we will have to look for them!

 

[FFerret]

I really wish we could find time for this...
Missed in in 2003 and 2005. We'll be there on Friday and will probably miss it again
But who knows!

 

[12kizuna]

I love Tom Sawyer Island! I remember as a kid I loved exploring around, and a few years ago in Tokyo Disney it was a good place to relax and get away from the hustle-bustle of the rest of the Magic Kingdom. It's fun to explore no matter what your age! Actually, I'm not sure if it's just because I've always loved Tom Sawyer, but Tom Sawyer Island definately has to be one of my favorite attractions in the Magic Kingdom.

Now, I'm going to jump in here with a question of my own since people brought up the paintbrushes:
1.) Does Tom Sawyer Island open up the same time as the rest of the park, or does it open a little later? For some reason I thought that it opened later in the morning, but I could be remembering wrong.
2.) Does there seem to be a rush for the paintbrushes first thing? I'm wondering how much competition there would be I really want to find one on my next trip!
3.) Let's say me and my DBF found a paintbrush. We turn it into the person on the raft.... now does only one of us get a FP or would both of us get one?

Thanks guys
and I'll say it again... give TSI a try

 

[worm761]

i think tom sawyer island is one of the most overlooked attractions in MK! we have been to WDW 4 times and only went this last time. i wish i had gone sooner! we only went over because we had been there forever and i was exhausted. i figured that we could relax and get off my feet. there were fun caves to explore and fort to play in. DS loved it. there is also a park in there. lots of trails. and the raft ride over is pretty cool.

 

[letsgoagainsoon]

My DS3 and DN7 liked it, but it isn't a must-do for us.