Tom Sawyer Island and the Riverboat

[jtueth]

I have an 8 year old daughter and a 5 year old son. I'm looking for opinions on Tom Sawyer Island and the Riverboat. About how much time should I expect these will take? Also, are they worth it? We missed them last time. Thank you!

 

[PEC]

I like Tom Sawyer Island. I would give the whole thing about 45 minutes to 1 hour (counting ride over and back). I will say for me, it is a day 2 or day 3 event. Another words not a priority on Day 1.

 

[ajwolfe]

I think the answer to this question will vary some. My boys are never overly excited about the island, but we live in a more rural area where outdoor play in that type of set up is common. We still pop over there for a bit just to do it and to let them burn off some steam. Gives us a chance to sit and let them run.
If you haven't done it, I would pop over at least once and check it out. Just wouldn't expect to spend a long amount of time.

 

[jtowntoflorida]

I have an 8 year old daughter and a 5 year old son. I'm looking for opinions on Tom Sawyer Island and the Riverboat. About how much time should I expect these will take? Also, are they worth it? We missed them last time. Thank you!

Never been on the Riverboat with kids, but Tom Sawyer Island can take as little or as long as you'd like it to. My kids would spend all day there if they could. We usually take some snacks over and enjoy sitting at the fort (there are tables there) while the kids run around the island. It's a great break from the hustle and bustle of the park. If you're not leaving the park, I'd use it as a mini mid-day break and probably plan on being there at least an hour.

 

[evilqueenmindy]

Its a nice little break from the parks. I almost lost my nephew in the fort, he could have sat up there firing cannons and rifles all afternoon.

 

[wcurry66]

it depends

My DD spent a couple hours on Tom sawyer island when she was 5. I had to
drag her off. Its still her favorite memory of WDW

 

[kidd_freeper]

Tom Sawyer Island was a surprise hit with my kids when they were your kids age.

They absolutely LOVED it.

It needs an hour to really explore the two caves, the fort, the secret exit, the barrel bridge and other things.

The riverboat should be skipped. If they have a dixieland band on board it might be fun. Otherwise it is a long ride that takes time away from other attractions.

 

[sb682]

Does Tom Sawyer Island always close at 5, or does it stay open later in the summer? DS would love it but we always spend the morning on rides and go back to the hotel after lunch for a nap.

 

[bastos]

It made for beautiful pictures of my girls on our first ever trip.

 

[disneyfamilyfive]

Can you get over to the island without taking the riverboat? If so, how? I was under the impression that you could only get to the island via the riverboat.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

I loved Tom Sawyer's Island as a child and have never met a kid that didn't have fun there. The Riverboat is great in the mid-afternoon when the park is packed and you all are ready for a little break.

 

[Sleepy425]

Can you get over to the island without taking the riverboat? If so, how? I was under the impression that you could only get to the island via the riverboat.

The riverboat is the attraction that starts in Liberty Square and begins and ends in the same place. You get to TSI on the rafts.

 

[ashleyc1113]

Tom Sawyer Island is great for kids. I would plan around an hour. You access the island with rafts, not the riverboat.

The riverboat takes about 30 minutes and just goes around in a circle.

 

[disneyfamilyfive]

Ahhhh...the rafts and not riverboat!! Got it! How long does it take to get to the island on a raft? Is there usually a long line to get a raft there and back?

 

[Planogirl]

DS loved Tom Sawyer Island. He loved the caves and the fort in particular. I actually like the caves too.

Both Tom Sawyer Island and the Riverboat are good attractions for rest IMO.

 

[Mom2darlingboys]

It only takes a couple of minutes to cross on the rafts. It's the embarking and disembarking that takes longer. I'd say about five to ten minutes total. There are often lines of people waiting to cross.

 

[Claki]

Can you wheel sleeping kids onto the Riverboat in a stroller? Looks like it might have shade...

 

[Belleandtinker]

My DS7 loves Tom Sawyer Island.

After our first visit a few years ago, we make time to go there. 1 hour - round trip travel and play time. It's never been crowded.

In our opinion, it's not a must see but we enjoy it.

 

[jtueth]

Wow! So glad I asked! I thought you had to take the Riverboat to get to the island. We will be definitely visit the island, and use it as our midday break on day 2. Thank you for your opinions! I love these boards!