Thoughts on Cars Land replacing Tom Sawyer Island at The MK

[MargeGriff]

The starting permits are to begin work on the land behind where Villains will likely end up. They are prepping the land to be able to move everything in start the work. Not sure how long it will take to get that ready.

I think your first clue will be the Ferry boat will leave and not come back. I imagine it won't be long after that the water will be drained and walls will go up.

We are planning on a visit to WDW in January during Marathon Weekend - any thoughts on if the Riverboat will be down by then... according to the permits you mentioned? Just wanting to prep my DD who has her heart set on riding this one more time. Here's fingers crossed. But "Early 2025" is so vague, it's got me worried.

 

[HopperFan]

Remember the hidden paint brushes? TSI was adventure and exploration, something most kids today don't get to experience or know how to experience. I'm blessed to have grown up with a woods behind my house that fostered all sorts of creative play, and my kids also were raised with woods (our current home is in a little village surrounded by a state forest). Our first trip to WDW was as empty-nesters, and we loved exploring TSI. I'm sorry it isn't appreciated and that the trees and natural landscaping will be replaced with buildings, walkways, and attractions.

You know we never knew about paintbrushes until adults and then we never looked. I really don't remember going over there as a kid. My parents were "city kids" and probably had no desire to go. We took our kids over maybe 2-3 times and they really were only interested in the caves or jumping on barrel bridge. I think it's one of these things that 5% would rather keep it while 95% are excited about Carsland and Villainsland. I know I am excited, I hate when there is underused real estate or attractions that are often empty (Carousel of Progress, Hall of Presidents and formerly Country Bears) .. especially at the price people pay to enter. I think there are plenty of peaceful spots around the property, at hotels that can be enjoyed.

We are planning on a visit to WDW in January during Marathon Weekend - any thoughts on if the Riverboat will be down by then... according to the permits you mentioned? Just wanting to prep my DD who has her heart set on riding this one more time. Here's fingers crossed. But "Early 2025" is so vague, it's got me worried.

The permits filed have no impact on the river/riverboat/island. They are to stabilize and prepare all the land farther out where they will stage all the equipment and construction stuff to then start the Cars project. My thoughts are they won't touch that at all until past the holidays AND the Marathon runs right along the river so I don't think they will touch it before then. My opinion is you should be okay.

 

[MargeGriff]

You know we never knew about paintbrushes until adults and then we never looked. I really don't remember going over there as a kid. My parents were "city kids" and probably had no desire to go. We took our kids over maybe 2-3 times and they really were only interested in the caves or jumping on barrel bridge. I think it's one of these things that 5% would rather keep it while 95% are excited about Carsland and Villainsland. I know I am excited, I hate when there is underused real estate or attractions that are often empty (Carousel of Progress, Hall of Presidents and formerly Country Bears) .. especially at the price people pay to enter. I think there are plenty of peaceful spots around the property, at hotels that can be enjoyed.


The permits filed have no impact on the river/riverboat/island. They are to stabilize and prepare all the land farther out where they will stage all the equipment and construction stuff to then start the Cars project. My thoughts are they won't touch that at all until past the holidays AND the Marathon runs right along the river so I don't think they will touch it before then. My opinion is you should be okay.

Thank you for clarifying those permits...and for giving us hope!

 

[Figment Mom]

After a couple of days of thinking, it has become evident that we should have seen this coming for several years. TSI specifically, and Frontierland in general have been starved of upkeep for a long time. Aunt Polly's has been closed, the barrel bridge isn't open, the fort is abandoned, etc.

There was a recent refurbishment. The barrel bridge is open. We walked across it just a few weeks ago.



I'm not sure what you mean by "the fort is abandoned." We spent a lot of time there on our recent trip and it seemed to be in good shape to me.

 

[flowergirl45]

Would someone have the correct email address I could write to plead to save Tom Sawyer’s Island and the Liberty Belle? Thank you.

 

[Chili327]

Would someone have the correct email address I could write to plead to save Tom Sawyer’s Island and the Liberty Belle? Thank you.

I'd sign that petition.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

I will miss the Liberty Belle. It was a nice respite from park sensory overload. Haven’t been to TSI in years though.

 

[Chili327]

I will miss the Liberty Belle. It was a nice respite from park sensory overload. Haven’t been to TSI in years though.

But you don’t have to visit the island to enjoy it. It’s the view it provides to give you that feeling that makes it a Disney park instead of just another amusement park.

 

[sam_gordon]

But you don’t have to visit the island to enjoy it. It’s the view it provides to give you that feeling that makes it a Disney park instead of just another amusement park.

I would think the castles would serve that purpose. Lol

 

[wabbott]

Would someone have the correct email address I could write to plead to save Tom Sawyer’s Island and the Liberty Belle? Thank you.

https://www.instagram.com/joshdamaro/******

 

[Tink-osophy]

I would think the castles would serve that purpose. Lol

Yes ...But not exclusively so. Immersive environments need more than one focal point!

 

[Tink-osophy]

at least we have the riverboat attraction in Anaheim. After all, I think the less copying between the two coasts the better.

Tell that to the DL people who still miss the PeopleMover!!

Seriously, I hear what you're saying, it is good to have some variation. On the other hand, plenty of people visit one and not the other.

I just want to save some of the beauty and originality of MK, rather than have it turned into a less special environment, albeit with fun attractions. (They don't have a great track record, recently, look at Hollywood Studios and Future World at Epcot.)

 

[Tink-osophy]

There was a recent refurbishment. The barrel bridge is open. We walked across it just a few weeks ago.

View attachment 886142

I'm not sure what you mean by "the fort is abandoned." We spent a lot of time there on our recent trip and it seemed to be in good shape to me.

Love that photo!

Maybe, wabbott meant River Country abandoned?

 

[tx911]

But you don’t have to visit the island to enjoy it. It’s the view it provides to give you that feeling that makes it a Disney park instead of just another amusement park.

I wonder if they will be able to keep the boat, even if it is stationary, just for visual effect.

Perhaps put seating areas in/on it too.

 

[sam_gordon]

Yes ...But not exclusively so. Immersive environments need more than one focal point!

But here's the thing. No one knows what things will look like. Yes, there's "renderings", but that doesn't mean that's the final product. How about we trust the designers and construction people to do what they get paid to do and just MAYBE "it will be fine".

 

[Chili327]

I would think the castles would serve that purpose. Lol

But here's the thing. No one knows what things will look like. Yes, there's "renderings", but that doesn't mean that's the final product. How about we trust the designers and construction people to do what they get paid to do and just MAYBE "it will be fine".

It will be fine, but that current vibe will be gone. It will be a new and different vibe and it will probably be good, but the other one will be gone.

Imagine if we put a Drop Zone tower in the mote in front of the castle. lol
Same feeling, a vibe would be gone, and there would certainly be a new vibe.

 

[Mai Ku Tiki]

But here's the thing. No one knows what things will look like. Yes, there's "renderings", but that doesn't mean that's the final product. How about we trust the designers and construction people to do what they get paid to do and just MAYBE "it will be fine".

That doesn't matter to those who are sad to see these changes. I've seen many BIG changes that bothered me since 1972 (like...There was NO maintanence/construction WDW during guest hours & NO fireworks/light shows or extended hours at AK to disturb the animals & let's not mention losing FP)
But THESE upcoming changes remove more of the heart of WDW & replaces DISNEY with more PIXAR. Sure, each gen has faves, but why throw the baby out altogether?
And the constant construction EVERYWHERE ALL THE TIME ALL AT ONCE is not acceptable. Folks get a lot less from their "experience" bc of it.
Yes. I'll always go to WDW even if when I'm as old as Dick Van Dyke. And I'll always miss what we've lost... They built a 2nd "castle" which diminished the ICON of WDW & yes, they even tore down Mickey's Housebut as a DVC owner & shareholder for decades, it remains my happy place, but only bc I still remember WDW the way Walt dreamed it for us.

 

[Chili327]

They built a 2nd "castle" which diminished the ICON of WDW

Explain?

 

[NC Belle]

I would had like Cars land at the studios. My body does not like the terrain of TSI to much now and I wished there were seat options on the Liberty Belle. I have too much knee damage for those attractions to enjoy them like my first visit.

 

[A Squared]

I will miss the Liberty Belle. It was a nice respite from park sensory overload. Haven’t been to TSI in years though.

Loved a trip or 2 or 3 on the boat for exactly the same reason! Gave me a lovely relaxing place to help prevent possible meltdown.