Pirate's Lair

[mechurchlady]

There are the paths around the island which are out doors. There is the stage area with a bit of shade at times for people watching. On the far side of the island is the bridges and that area leads up to the caves, mill, treehouse if that exists, and other outdoor play areas.

At the far end is the old Fort Wilderness and cemetary that are closed.
There is an elevator that you push the down button until the door will unlock. Go inside then hold the up button until at the top then exit. Plan ahead of time if you need a potty break as it is a steep hill on the east side and I have done both sides in an ECV. I would not recommend and would take a broom to anyone stupid enough to try taking an ECV up or down the paths on the east side that go up to the old fort. I am a trained driver of trucks and cars for over 35 years and was able to take my ECV down that hill but only because I was skilled and had a two battery super scooter. I almost has to use my back up plan of hitting a tree to stop. Otherwise the lower areas are fine for ECVs and wheelchairs but there are some dirt areas here that some people may not like and some uneven ground. Slow and steady will do fine.

Most of the caves will handle pooh sized guests. The worst one is the one across the middle of the island and is wheelchair accessible but not regular scooters. It is very dark and I had trouble finding my way until my eyes adjusted. Bring a flashlight, lol. Definitely no for claustrophobic people. Pooh sized yes but dark and you have to feel your way as you walk through that lower cave.

 

[Gisele]

Thank you for the information Laurie. Does it take very long to work your way through all of the caves etc.? TIA
By the way, the old Fort Wilderness and cemetery that is closed, sounds so inviting, closed or not. What with it being closed, does anyone know when it might re-open to the public? Being closed, it just screams, come on over for a visit!

 

[mechurchlady]

The old Fort Wilderness does not fit the pirate theming. The cemetary is at the top of the hill and is a very very very very steep hill. I did down hill in reverse in and ECV and heading straight down hill. I made sure I aimed for that tree. I have heard CMs talk about the waters around the island and as you know the ducks do not wear diapers, lol. It would also serve no purpose to open the cemetery.

About 10 minutes for the old Injun Joe cave on the lower level. Upstairs old caves can be about 10 to 15 but I have not been up there for 10 years as it served no purpose to me and I still remember the 25th anniversary party where I tried sleeping in the cave but ooh stinky potty smells so I never went back.

You can do the island in an hour or so depending on how much time you spend on the bridges. Some people like to scare others by bouncing on the barrel bridge or swinging the other bridge. There used to be a treehouse and it was not pooh friendly. Tight squeeze last time I was there.

 

[Mike_M]

Thank you for the information Laurie. Does it take very long to work your way through all of the caves etc.? TIA
By the way, the old Fort Wilderness and cemetery that is closed, sounds so inviting, closed or not. What with it being closed, does anyone know when it might re-open to the public? Being closed, it just screams, come on over for a visit!

It's been 19 years since I stepped foot in the old fort. Wikipedia has this to say about it:

"Fort Wilderness is an original 1956 feature of Tom Sawyer Island. Previously a guest-accessible feature of the island, Fort Wilderness was closed after the island re-opened from a refurbishment in 2003.[10]. In 2007 Disney demolished the original 1956 Fort Wilderness due to long-neglected termite and weather damage. A new Fort Wilderness was constructed; however, instead of being constructed with authentic hand-hewn logs, it was built with standard milled lumber. As of June 2008, the new Fort Wilderness is still incomplete. The new Fort Wilderness will not be accessible to guests, and will instead house break rooms for island Cast Members and performers."

It's a shame. I have fond memories of climbing up to the 2nd floor where there were cap gun rifles on swivels for protecting the fort. Good times. I have to say, it's the only part though that really doesn’t fit the new theme of the island and I almost think it should go away and replaced by something else, especially since it hasn't been accessible in 6 years

 

[Gisele]

Thank you for the information Mike, it is interesting.

IF I can manage to downsize enough between now and September, then I might give all of the caves and tunnels a try. Wish me luck ...... he he!

 

[mechurchlady]

I have weighed 250 to almost 350 since I was about 20 or 30 years old. I have never had a problem with the caves because of my size.