Tom Sawyer Island - Bay Lake, Florida

Holly King

11:00 opening, took the second raft over to Tom Sawyer’s Island. Wanted to see the island before they close it in 2025. Forgot how cute it is. The caves, climbing area for kids, barrel bridge, small (tiny) waterfall through the island, flowers, picnic area and photography areas (great areas to take photos).

We got into the park early, got on Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Big Thunder Mountain and decided to grab a cold brew (coffee) and see a Small World, Winnie the Pooh and then go see Tom Sawyer’s Island. It was so relaxing. Someone else suggested bringing food and having a picnic, I think that is a splendid idea!

We also saw the parade from the island!

Again, go, relax, sit a spell, especially if you are a Florida Resident or have an Annual Pass and come back frequently.

Brandon Nova

It’s very out of the way but a very cool place. You have to take a boat to get there but the boat ride is also an experience. There’s a lot for kids to explore like these hidden caves and stuff. It looks cool from across the water and is defensively a place that should be visited if time allows.

Curtis Lannom

Lots of areas for kids to run around and explore. It has a very different feel than the rest of the Magic Kingdom. Parts feel much less crowded, dare say secluded. It can be fun but isn't a must visit.

Tour and Discover

Don’t let the 4 star review fool you. There is nothing at all wrong with the island. There is a lot for the kids to do and explore. From caves, forts, a rope bridge, rooms and a playground. It’s a fine place if you want to get away and rest with more peace than being on the main property. It’s only accessible by river raft in frontier land. They have restrooms on the island so not to worry if your afraid of being stuck in an island when nature calls. They have tables, and a water fountain that make us the perfect place to have a family picnic. I would say the only thing this place lacks is fans to help when the day is hot. But there is sufficient shade, so I guess it could be worse. I would almost not recommend the island if it looks crowded. It may ruin you experience there. We were on the island with about 20-30 people and this was perfect. There were plenty of spots to rest and not worry about being in someone else’s way. If you haven’t seen this island I would definitely recommend it. The raft that takes you to and from the island holds about 20 people give of take. I don’t see myself going back to the island unless we wanted to picnic away from the crowds. It’s one of those things that if you seen it once that’s all you need if you just want to say you’ve experienced it. Please don’t get this island confused with the big white river boat. That is something totally different. That’s just a 20 min river boat ride that doesn’t make a stop at the island.

Ryan Mize

We decided to take a ride over to the Tom Sawyer Island to try and get away from the crowds in the early afternoon and relax until the firework show, and it was a good choice! Due to the need to take a ferry over to the island, there were very few people who decided to go to the island. This left us to the gazebo by ourselves so we could relax in the rocking chairs and wait until it got darker. However, do be warned that the paddleboat makes trips around the island and they like to blow their horn right in front of the gazebo. So if you're trying to get a nap, you'll likely be rudely awakened every ~15 minutes or so!

It was a cool place to hangout though, and the scenery was pretty awesome.

Andrew Magnotta

Tom Sawyer Island is a fun place to wander around and an interesting diversion from the rest of the park. It has a lot of different places to explore and things for kids to climb and play on. Because it doesn't have much lighting, it does close earlier than the rest of the park does, so don't plan on doing this later in the day. It also takes a little time to get to and from the island since you have to take a raft across the river each way. Be warned that exploring the island involves a lot of walking on uneven surfaces, steps, and various tripping hazards. Not the safest for very little kids or people who have mobility concerns. There are three caves to explore which are fun, but are also very dark inside. The overall theme is fun and there is a ton of attention to detail if you look for it. The only thing I find questionable is in the very back there is the fort to explore (which has a lot of cool features). However, there's a room up top with mounted guns that make firing noises when you pull the trigger. At face value they seem like harmless fun, but when I realized you are supposed to be shooting at the people on the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad rollercoaster I was a bit surprised by that.

Aaron Mafera

A fleeting moment, as these views will be lost forever in the near future. A park favorite, it will live in our hearts forever ❤️

Jason Holder

Tom Sawyer Island is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the Magic Kingdom. Located in Frontierland and accessible by rafts from a dock near Country Bear Jamboree, the island is full of nature trails, caves, bridges, and a fort to explore. There are bathrooms on the island but no food service options, so plan ahead.