Will Tom Sawyer Island become Port Royal? Let’s hope so
There was a rumor making the rounds in the last few weeks that WDI was considering changing the theme of Tom Sawyer Island at Disneyland to a Pirates of the Caribbean theme. Judging from the nearly unanimous response it received from the Disney community, I think I may be the only one who likes the idea. Oh well, I’m good with that. I mean, after all, what would be the point of reading this if it wasn’t a little different.
So let me start with a compromise. We don’t want this at Disneyland? Fine, let’s consider it at Walt Disney World then. I understand that the bond between the park and Walt is much stronger at Disneyland then it is in Orlando and that the folks who go there “to walk in Walt’s steps” will be forever heartbroken over losing Tom Sawyer Island. This logic escapes be, but I respect it.
Think of the possibilities! Can you see the Black Pearl or the Dauntless sitting at a replica of the Port Royal docks? Imagine replacing the worn-out fort with the citadel the Pearl bombarded in the first film and having it loom over Liberty Square. There can be pirates roaming the island, singing and telling stories. There are so many ways to make this idea work and appeal to everyone that it is hard to see why they want to keep Tom Sawyer Island and ignore this concept.
I am sorry to say this, but the world has passed Tom Sawyer Island by. It has been ignored by WDI and guests alike. Pirates are a draw to any audience, and a rehab of the island with this concept done right will cause a traffic jam to get across the river. It seems this concept may die on the drawing board due to the backlash from the Disneyland faithful. Let’s not pass judgment until we get a look at some concept designs. Many things have been replaced with something better. I know that many things have been replaced with something worse, but let’s have some faith in John Lasseter that he will not allow an overhaul like this to be disappointing.
by Dave
MJMcBride said,
October 26, 2006 @ 2:51 pm
I love this idea although I guess they’re just talking DL at this point. Hopefully, they’ll tear down that boring dinosaur, TSI, soon.
Whitney said,
January 6, 2007 @ 4:01 am
I agree. If they are going to make a live Finding Nemo show (God, I can’t believe I just typed that. Have you noticed it looks just like the Little Mermaid show at MGM, but more primitive and without the blacklight?) why not add it on, seeing as how AK needs more attractions anywhoo? But no, they replace a perfectly good show! Maybe you don’t see the attraction of this attraction, really in essence a concert, but I guarantee you every female member of the population over the age of 12 who has had a close seat does. Tarzan is FINE!
Well, Tom Sawyer Island. Hmm. I wonder what percentage of these “objecters” actually visit it every time they go! If not a complete renevation why not just a Tom Sawyer themed attraction? I’m thinkin the Tom Sawyer riverboat ride. “We must save Jim!” “He had a dream, and it shot him” Johnathon Taylor Thomas could voice it. Oh, wait, never mind I’m pretty sure his voice has changed. Anyway, all there is over there is, um, NOTHING! Something must be done!
Okay, I’m pretty sure this comment has gone on tooo long. See you later.
MJMcBride said,
January 8, 2007 @ 9:53 pm
I say about 5 minutes of the Finding Nemo show and all I can say is “weird”