Pirate Island?

[dizzyami]

This just confirmed everything that was previously said. It's too bad. This could have been a nice discussion on the new Pirate Island.

Nicely put AZ.

 

[HydroGuy]

Of course places like this are for posting opinions. However, opinions can be posted in a constructive manner, or in an antagonistic manner. You chose the latter.

Then, when people responded negatively to you, you implied that they are not open to opposing opinions. Wrong, wrong, wrong. What they are opposed to are opposing opinions expressed antagonistically.

 

[1000th happy haunt]

For those of you who are concerned, the refurbishment will NOT be a Pirates of the Caribbean type refurb. It will be based on the pirate games that Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn used to play, somewhat like Davy Crockett and the River Pirates.

The old Tom Sawyer Island will still be there, just enhanced. In fact, it will be called Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island. We've been discussing this on the Tell No Tales message board. Here's the press release from Mickey News.

Extensive enhancements will bring a rousing "Pirate's Lair" to Tom Sawyer Island in Disneyland's Frontierland beginning in May. Building upon the hands-on play and exploration that have made the island a popular experience for children and adults for the past 50 years. "Pirate's Lair at Tom Sawyer Island" will take its inspiration from Tom and Huck's pirate games in the classic Mark Twain story, as well as from the renewed interest in pirates generated by the "Pirates of the Caribbean" attraction and motion pictures. The attraction's opening will coincide with the summer opening of Walt Disney Pictures' Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End.

Fun and interactive surprises will be encountered throughout "Pirate's Lair at Tom Sawyer Island" and will include pirate details added to Tom & Huck's Treehouse and to the traditional Smuggler's Cove, with its fun and challenging rope and barrel bridges. Among the other adventures to be found on the island will be a "Dead Man's Grotto" in the island caverns, a "Pirate's Den" on the familiar Castle Rock, and opportunities to search for buried treasure while encountering live pirates.

 

[PattiPB]

Dear DL friends: One person can't argue alone. Leave the argumentative person alone. It is beneath you to argue.

I just read that Tom Sawyer Island is leaving us and that a new pirate island will take its place... man Disney is getting rid of all the classics.

OP: Don't think you expected your thread to morph into this, did you??

I lament the loss of any attraction. I would rather they expand and expand and expand, continually adding things while maintaining the existing attractions. Not going to happen.

Really, the general public lost interest in Tom Sawyer, and the island fell into disrepair. I'm glad it will be revitalized into something several generations can enjoy. It could've gone the way of River Country---abandoned and a depressing eyesore!

 

[UtahMama]

Dear DL friends: One person can't argue alone. Leave the argumentative person alone. It is beneath you to argue.



OP: Don't think you expected your thread to morph into this, did you??

I lament the loss of any attraction. I would rather they expand and expand and expand, continually adding things while maintaining the existing attractions. Not going to happen.

Really, the general public lost interest in Tom Sawyer, and the island fell into disrepair. I'm glad it will be revitalized into something several generations can enjoy. It could've gone the way of River Country---abandoned and a depressing eyesore!

Exactly!!! It has been a sad and lonely little island lately. Cant wait for the fun.

I'm a wee-little sad no Jack Sparrow will be there LOL!

 

[deekaypee]

For those of you who are concerned, the refurbishment will NOT be a Pirates of the Caribbean type refurb. It will be based on the pirate games that Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn used to play, somewhat like Davy Crockett and the River Pirates.

The old Tom Sawyer Island will still be there, just enhanced. In fact, it will be called Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island. We've been discussing this on the Tell No Tales message board. Here's the press release from Mickey News.

Thanks for the information. I am one of those folks, maybe the few and the foolish, who like TSI. It's true, as HydroGuy has noted, that the TSI isn't as appealing in recent years--ever since Disney got rid of many of its attractions because of liability issues. But I loved the interactive possibilities of TSI. I always thought of it as a kind of "free zone" for children of all ages to run around for a bit. It was relaxing and liberating at the same time. As much as I love DLR, I think it needs more opportunities for unscheduled and hand-on fun.

So I'm relieved to read (I think I've read it before, actually) that the changes will continue to be in the spirit of Twain's TS and Huck. And I think the changes will be longer lasting because of that decision. After all, what is so appealing about POTC (attraction and films) is how it taps into our fascination with pirates--the adventures, the exploits, the freedom. If TSI/Pirate Island allows for that experience in a hands-on, imaginative-lay spirit, then I think the refurbishment will be well within the spirit of the attraction. And within Walt's ethos, for those who still invoke his name when changes occur.

 

[HydroGuy]

FWIW, some of the best info on Pirates Lair on TSI was given a few weeks ago by Al Lutz here: www.miceage.com/allutz/al013007a.htm

 

[Judy from Boise]

Here on the DL board we are very open to diametrically opposed opinions.....because really, how can an opinion be wrong?

When a post states "You are wrong", according to guidelines that is a personal attack, and not in the spirit of the boards.

If anyone needs further clarification please feel free to review the guidelines or PM any DLR moderator.

 

[dizzyami]

Of course places like this are for posting opinions. However, opinions can be posted in a constructive manner, or in an antagonistic manner. You chose the latter.

Then, when people responded negatively to you, you implied that they are not open to opposing opinions. Wrong, wrong, wrong. What they are opposed to are opposing opinions expressed antagonistically.

That is great Hydroguy - can you say it 5 times fast for me too!!!

 

[s232271]

Count me in as another huge POTC fan and my kids love it too! We are excited about the new changes, even though we loved TSI as well!

 

[mommyandmore]

Does anyone know if they are possibly making the new pirate island more wheelchair accesible? I am taking my nephew in a wheelchair to DL and he LOVES all things pirates but right now the Dl guide for visitors with disabilities just says you can ride the raft to the island and back but nothing is accesible on the island itself.

 

[hidetherum]

Yo-Ho Yo-Ho A Pirate's Life For Me!

Let's go with the flow, my friends!

Can't wait!!!

 

[mystic_path]

Does anyone know if they are possibly making the new pirate island more wheelchair accesible? I am taking my nephew in a wheelchair to DL and he LOVES all things pirates but right now the Dl guide for visitors with disabilities just says you can ride the raft to the island and back but nothing is accesible on the island itself.

Im pretty sure I heard something somewhere about them making it more wheelchair accessable. So cross fingers. I cant see them not.

 

[suzannen]

We're going in July and my 12-year old DD was a little sad when I told her the island was changing and I thought (mistakenly) it was going to be about POC. Even though she loves that also, she will be SO happy to hear that Tom Sawyer Island will still involve Tom Sawyer. She read it for school earlier this year and LOVED it. She also had to act out the scene where Tom, Huck and Joe Harper run away to Jackson Island and pretend to be pirates (she was Tom). Now when I tell her it's pirates AND Tom Sawyer, she'll be thrilled - the best of both worlds. I think a lot of folks will be happy too. Thanks so much for clearing up what this island will be. It's definitely back on my to-do list!

As far as being nice - you guys really are nice. Compared to some of the battles and name calling I've seen on the Community Board, you folks are real sweeties and extremely helpful and informative to boot! THANKS!!!

 

[AllJackedUp]

Well, technically, is that really still Frontierland? Because immediately in front of it is New Orleans Square...and POTC...so it could be construed to be part of NOS...not Frontierland anymore...and there were (are) plenty of pirates in Louisiana


Besides, there really wasn't anything left on the island anymore...all the guns had been removed from the fort...you could only go in the caves if you were shorter than 24 inches...and at Christmas, the cabin wasn't burning anymore and the Indian Chief was gone!

So, I'll be happy to know just exactly where I might find the elusive Cap'n Jack since I was stalking him last December and couldn't find him anywhere...

 

[hidetherum]

Well, technically, is that really still Frontierland? Because immediately in front of it is New Orleans Square...and POTC...so it could be construed to be part of NOS...not Frontierland anymore...and there were (are) plenty of pirates in Louisiana


Besides, there really wasn't anything left on the island anymore...all the guns had been removed from the fort...you could only go in the caves if you were shorter than 24 inches...and at Christmas, the cabin wasn't burning anymore and the Indian Chief was gone!

So, I'll be happy to know just exactly where I might find the elusive Cap'n Jack since I was stalking him last December and couldn't find him anywhere...

We found him walking around New Orleans square and near the little Pirates stage where they do the little pirate song/show. His assistant told us he comes out around 11:15 am.

 

[MATTERHORN]

Well, technically, is that really still Frontierland? Because immediately in front of it is New Orleans Square...and POTC...so it could be construed to be part of NOS...not Frontierland anymore...and there were (are) plenty of pirates in Louisiana


Besides, there really wasn't anything left on the island anymore...all the guns had been removed from the fort...you could only go in the caves if you were shorter than 24 inches...and at Christmas, the cabin wasn't burning anymore and the Indian Chief was gone!

So, I'll be happy to know just exactly where I might find the elusive Cap'n Jack since I was stalking him last December and couldn't find him anywhere...

He has walked by us many many times when we are standing at the exit of Pirates kinda near the Blue Bayou!


Andrea

 

[PoohBearFriends]

When reading the Tom Sawyer book there is a tie in to the pirates. They pretend to be pirates or are worried about pirates. It will be a tie in to that not just POTC. I think Disney will try hard to keep the TSI part alive as part of the book.

My kids are 5 & 7 and still love spending 45 minutes at TSI. It gave them a chance to get wiggles out. I thought it was sad at how much was closed down though, since last year the floating bridge wasn't even open. I do think the changes are needed to make it a 1st rate attraction.

 

[exDS vet]

Well, technically, is that really still Frontierland? Because immediately in front of it is New Orleans Square.confused3

Yes, TSI is part of Frontierland, which was one of the original "lands" in the park on opening day. New Orleans Square didn't come until July 24, 1966, over 11 years after Disneyland opened. And to get geographical, New Orleans Square is not in front of Frontierland, if you consider the fact that the Frontierland "fort" facade is at the hub of the park near Main St. U.S.A.

Perhaps New Orleans Square is called that because it is so small. They didn't have a lot of space for the new area, and it was not called a "land". It is interesting to note that there are only 4 "lands" in all but one of the Magic Kingdoms. The others are realms are known as town, square, country, street, bazaar, etc. Of course Tokyo renamed Frontierland to Westernland, Paris has Discoveryland instead of Tomorrowland and there is no Frontierland in Hong Kong.

 

[Uuaww]

I guess the idea is growing on me a bit... they should serve rum though...