Disney World has been making changes left and right around the parks, and that always leads to fans being upset about their favorite areas being removed as new attractions come in. It’s hard to see something you love be taken away (rest in peace, MuppetVision).
Tom Sawyer Island, the Liberty Square River Boat, and the Rivers of America are closing down on July 6th to make room for the new Cars land expansion, Piston Peak. There might not be anyone happier for these closures than me, and no, it has nothing to do with Cars.
I am thrilled that Tom Sawyer Island is closing down. Why? One word. Accessibility.
I’m a wheelchair user, and almost the entire island is entirely inaccessible to me. While I can hop on the raft, beyond that, there’s not much I can do!
There are tons of caves, dirt paths, and even a barrel bridge, which sounds like so much fun to explore. I’m glad so many guests got to grow up visiting the island and creating memories, and I’m ready to make my own memories on the island once it’s turned into Piston Peak.
The island opened in 1973, long before the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed in 1990, like most of the Magic Kingdom. I’m used to alternative routes through attractions and missing out on themed queues, but the island is a HUGE chunk of land that can be utilized for a space that welcomes everyone.
While I do love Cars Land in Disney California Adventure, whatever they decided to turn the island into didn’t matter to me. As long as I can roll right alongside my family and friends, I’ll tell you it’s the best change Disney has ever made.
I’m even more excited to have two new attractions that will be accessible to me as well. From pull-down sides on ride vehicles, benches for me to slide, and maybe even the possibility to stay in my wheelchair during the ride, I love not having to worry about whether I can get onto the attraction or not (I’m looking at you, PeopleMover).
We don’t have many details on the rides yet, but knowing there’s a whole team dedicated to making the space as accessible as possible for everyone, I really can’t wait to see what this becomes.
I know there are lots of Disney fans upset to be losing this secret hideaway, but I’m thrilled to be able to access an area of Magic Kingdom I’ve never seen before. Piston Peak can’t come soon enough!
Make sure you keep following AllEars for everything Disney.
I get its not accessible for you. But there are lots of other things for you to do. I would love it if Disney followed a philosophy that every ride that does not have warnings be replaced with a ride that doesn’t have warnings. How many thrill rides are enough? As long as you get what you want, who cares,about the people with conditions that limit their tolerance: medical conditions, motion sickness, too young , not tall enough, and intolerant if noise/ too much stimulation. Ton Sawyer Island offered a quiet place, a respite from the criwds, noise, and stimulation. That is gone and will.not be replaced. You will get another thrill ride. And something inaccessible will be gone. I , abd many others, get….nothing. I already skip Disney Studios. Why spend money for a park that offers little? Disney is whittling away at being something for everyone.
I’m mainly sorry to lose the Riverboat…..which is completely accessible. The one saving grace of the new plan is that they will retain a sliver of the River, complete with its wooden, riverside walkways. The peace of those walkways will probably evaporate, though, as the Cars area will be filled with crowds.