Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
DESCRIPTION AND COMMENTS
This large-capacity paddle-wheel riverboat navigates the
waters around Tom Sawyer Island and Fort Wilderness. A beautiful craft, the riverboat
provides a lofty perch from which to see Frontierland and New Orleans Square. The
Mark
Twain,
Sailing Ship
Columbia,
and Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes travel through the
Rivers of America, which was refurbished in 2010. The show scenes were updated to in-
clude a home for Mike Fink (and one of his keelboats, a former Disneyland attraction) and
26 new audio-animatronic animals, and the audio spiel now includes a musical nod to the
New Orleans-set
The Princess and the Frog.
TOURING TIPS
One of three boat rides that survey the same real estate. Because the Explorer
Canoes are slower in loading and the
Columbia
operates seasonally, we think the riverboat
makes more efficient use of touring time. If you are not in the mood for a boat ride, many
of the same sights can be seen by hiking around Tom Sawyer Island.
Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island
What it is
Walk-through exhibit and rustic playground.
Scope and scale
Minor attraction.
When to go
Midmorning-late afternoon.
Special comments
The place for rambunctious kids;
closes at sunset.
DESCRIPTION AND COMMENTS
Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island manages to impart
something of a sense of isolation from the rest of the park. It has hills to climb, a cave and
a tree house to explore, tipsy bridges to cross, paths to follow, and a “rock-climbing” play
area. It's a delight for adults but a godsend for children who have been in tow all day.
As an aside, a mother of four from Duncan, South Carolina, found Tom Sawyer Is-
land as much a refuge as an attraction, writing:
I do have one tip for parents. In the afternoon, when the crowds were at their
peak, the weather was hottest, and the kids started lagging behind, our organ-
ization began to suffer. We then retreated over to Tom Sawyer Island, which
proved to be a true haven. My husband and I found a secluded bench and re-
grouped. Meanwhile, the kids were able to run freely in the shade. Afterward,
wewere readytotackle theparkagainrefreshed andwith direction oncemore.
