Closing the book on a classic
We say our final goodbye to Tom Sawyer Island at Walt Disney World this week.
Sunday was the last day for Tom Sawyer Island at Walt Disney World - my favorite WDW attraction as a child and the first attraction I worked as a Disney cast member. Thank you to everyone who ever rode on my rafts... and to everyone who has followed along as I try to keep Tom Sawyer Island alive in the memories of theme park fans.
Walt Disney World closes its Tom Sawyer Island: I have linked to some of my favorite stories from when I drove the TSI rafts, as together we look back at more than 50 years of this classic attraction.
Disney fans say goodbye to the Rivers of America: The loss of TSI also means the loss of the Rivers of America that surrounded it. Fans look back at the Rivers... and forward to what Disney has planned next for this space.
Walt Disney World shortens its railroad ride: The construction on the Magic Kingdom's west side means that the Frontierland railroad station will be closed indefinitely. As a result, the Walt Disney World Railroad is now a shuttle between Main Street and Fantasyland. Who's up for riding backward on the train?
In other news
Universal aims high with new England theme park: Universal has filed new planning documents that provide more details about its planned new theme park in Great Britain.
Legoland comes to China with new theme park in Shanghai: Legoland has opened its 11th theme park worldwide - Legoland Shanghai Resort.
Walt Disney Imagineering takes its Tiana show on the road: Tiana's Joyful Celebration will debut next March at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis - the first of 13 planned stops around the country.
Looking ahead
Holiday event dates are now set at Walt Disney World: Thinking about a holiday trip to Walt Disney World this year? We now have the dates for 2025's holiday celebrations at the Walt Disney World Resort.
Knott's sets dates, ticket sales, for this year's Scary Farm: Knott's Scary Farm returns on September 18 this year, and tickets go on sale for the original theme park Halloween party starting July 25.
SeaWorld Orlando unleashes a new Curse for Howl-O-Scream: SeaWorld Orlando will debut three new haunted houses for its Howl-O-Scream event this year.
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Thank you for supporting the Theme Park Insider community,
Robert Niles