A tribute to my favorite Disney ride
Robert honors his beloved Tom Sawyer Island before it closes. Also, our media preview coverage of Disney Treasure.
Hello,
This week is a special one for me. I would like to share my tribute to my first - and favorite - attraction I worked at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom - Tom Sawyer Island. Overlooked by too many fans, this active play area in the heart of Frontierland set standards that Disney continues to push with its immersive, single-IP lands of today, including Star Wars Galaxy's Edge. Here is why I think Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America are important, and why I love them so much - even as Walt Disney World prepares to close them forever: A former Disney cast member's tribute to Tom Sawyer Island.
In other news this week, an Orlando court has awarded a $310 million judgment in the Orlando FreeFall case - the 2022 incident where a Missouri teen fell to his death from an International Drive thrill ride.
Live from aboard Disney's new cruise ship
We are sailing on the Disney Treasure this week, as Disney Cruise Line hosts its media preview for the new ship.
Disney unlocks a Treasure for cruise fans: First came the Wish. Now comes the Treasure. Disney Treasure is the second in its Triton class of ships, following the Disney Wish's inaugural sailings in 2022. Here's our overview of the ship, including what's new and different this time.
Moana finds a new home on the ocean with Disney Cruise Line: "Disney Tale of Moana" on the Disney Treasure deftly mixes high-tech in-theater animation with the most time-tested stagecraft to honor the spirit of the animated movie while promoting the art of live theater.
Guide to kids clubs and recreation on a Disney Cruise: Let's check out the venues for kids' activities and adults' fitness on the ship.
More Disney news
Here is what's happening at Disneyland for its 70th anniversary: Disneyland's 70th anniversary celebration kicks off May 16, 2025. Paint the Night and Wondrous Journeys are back, and there will be a new World of Color, too. That's also the day that the new Walt Disney Audio Animatronic will debut.
Disneyland expands after-hours events in 2025: Disneyland is expanding its after-hours events in 2025. The Ooogie Boogie Bash Halloween party will have more nights than ever, as Disneyland After Dark also returns with four events next year.
New show prepares to 'Take Flight' at Tokyo DisneySea: A new musical character revue is set to debut at Tokyo DisneySea next summer.
At Universal
The Grinch remains the star at Universal's Holidays: Move over, Elphaba. Make way, Shrek. The Grinch is back, and he's determined to remain the 'gold star' of green. It's time again for Grinchmas at Universal Studios Hollywood. With video of The Grinch answering our Christmas quiz.
Universal sets dates for 2025 Halloween Horror Nights: Universal Studios Hollywood's annual after-hours Halloween event will run select nights from September 4 through November 2 in 2025. It's just one of several events at the park that Universal announced.
Universal's new Minion Land gets its opening date: Resorts World Sentosa - the home of Universal Studios Singapore - announced today that it will open its new Minion Land officially on February 14, 2025.
And finally...
What was the best new theme park attraction in 2024? There's not much time left in 2024, so let's make a final push to nominate theme park rides and shows for our Best New Attraction award.
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Best wishes,
Robert Niles
Thanks Robert ... you brought tears to my eyes with your final trip around Tom Sawyer Island in Orlando. My family moved (ironically from Florida) to SoCal in 1958, and the next year as an 8 year old I first explored Tom Sawyer Island at Disneyland. It was BY FAR my favorite place to be at Disneyland, and over dozens of trips to Disneyland I spent hours exploring the Island, the Fort, using the (now long closed) escape tunnel, running through the caves and labyrinths, and climbing to the top of the treehouse. I even evaded discovery one evening and hid on the island after it closed until my sister alerted Island security (who in those days dressed in blue cavalry uniforms) and asked them to go get her pesky little brother. So many amazing memories, the smells (you forgot to mention the smell of the raft motors), and the freedom to run and explore. Forever etched in my mind and my heart! Thanks for your continued work, and for all that you do. Best, Tom in Tumwater WA