Tom Sawyer Island during parade

[123SA]

My boys usually opt for Hall of Presidents instead of the parade, but sadly it is closed during our trip. The youngest, 11, wants to try Tom Sawyer Island this trip. They haven't been there in a few years. Is going during the parade good timing? Does the boat run during the parade? Can 11 and 14 go over there on their own or will they need an adult to accompany them?

 

[ucfknight]

Can 11 and 14 go over there on their own or will they need an adult to accompany them?

11 and 14 can go anywhere in the park they want. Since the eldest is 14, they could even enter the park alone for the day without an adult present.

 

[momma2ethan]

They can go on their own as pp stated. I think of myself as a pretty easy going parent and give my 10yo a lot of freedom including exploring TSI on his own but I won't let him be on the island without me. I ride over on the raft with him and rest on the dock while he explores especially after our last trip. It was a gorgeous August day, just past lunchtime, not a cloud in the sky when we headed over. not 15 minutes after we docked and he went running the storm clouds rolled in with a massive lightning storm. The island was immediately evacuated for safety purposes. The CM's kept trying to get me to board the raft back and I wouldn't. They managed to get me calm enough that I could explain that my 9yo was exploring the island on his own and I was not leaving it without him. 5 CM's swarmed the island to hunt him down. I knew he was perfectly fine but I was still beside myself at the thought of them forcing me to go back to the "mainland" without him knowing. He would have freaked out had I not been on the dock when he came back. They did let me wait for him to be wrangled and we rode a raft that was just us 2 and the CM "search party".

Just a situation to think about if you go during hurricane season like we do. It does get closed just like the outdoor coasters if lightning is in the area and is much more challenging for them to know for sure that everybody has made it off.

 

[BrianL]

I am not sure, but they have to hold the rafts to Tom Sawyer's Island when the riverboat is coming by. The riverboat now had a special viewing party for Festival of Fantasy. I am not sure how far around it goes or if it impedes the raft routes during this time. You may have to go over a little early and then wait until the boat passes after the parade. I am not sure how or if this impacts it, so maybe someone else knows for sure.

 

[DanielNYC]

The island was immediately evacuated for safety purposes. The CM's kept trying to get me to board the raft back and I wouldn't.

Good for you that didn't leave your son. They would have had to Taser me or worse in order to get me to leave either of my children behind.

 

[soniam]

Barring being possibly blocked due to the Riverboat party, you can be on the island during the parade. I don't recall the rafts being stopped, except for the Riverboat coming by and that's just temporary. We have actually watched the parade from the island. It's not a great view, but it's much less chaotic and shady. The Riverboat may be moot point, depending upon when you are going. It's down for refurb starting 7/31, I think. I don't remember how long it will be down.

 

[JerseyJanice]

Tell your kids to watch the parade. It's way more fun than Tom Sawyer's Island.

 

[ucfknight]

Tell your kids to watch the parade. It's way more fun than Tom Sawyer's Island.

When I was a boy of 11 and then later 14, I would have much rather spent the time on Tom Sawyer Island exploring the tunnels, barrel bridge, and fort than watch the parade.
My 11 and 9 year old girls feel the same way. They'd much rather play on Tom Sawyer Island.

 

[123SA]

Tell your kids to watch the parade. It's way more fun than Tom Sawyer's Island.

Well..remember this thread started with, they'd rather go to Hall of Presidents than the parade...so... The 11 year old wants to go. The 14 year old will graciously go with him. The poster who described the storm brings up a good point. My husband may have to go too.