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Magic Kingdom
There’s so much to see, so many places to eat, and so many rides to enjoy! But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Sometimes Disney takes super popular attractions and turns them into ghost towns. Let’s talk about it!
Tom Sawyer’s Island
Tom Sawyer Island is a place where many have never even gone, which is a shame because it is a truly great place to relax and let the kiddos run wild. It’s also perfect for escaping from the crowds. There are walking paths, a fort, and a cave to explore, and there’s a barrel bridge (even though it’s currently out of commission).
Tom Sawyer Island
Years ago there used to be a scavenger hunt on the island. Cast Members would stash away paint brushes each morning around Tom Sawyer’s Island for intrepid Mouseketeers to find.
Tom Sawyer Island paintbrush
When someone found a paintbrush they could turn it in and their party would receive a complimentary FastPass…
Tom Sawyer Island paintbrush
…for either Splash Mountain or Thunder Mountain.
Tom Sawyer Island paintbrush scavenger hunt fast pass
Even though it was super popular, even being something people would rope drop for, Disney decided to end the scavenger hunt back in 2013 (most likely due to the switch to FastPass+). Then it unexpectedly made a brief return in January of 2020, with some adjustments. Cast Members would still hide a paintbrush but instead of a FastPass, the lucky guest would receive a certificate.
Tom Sawyer Island paintbrush scavenger hunt congratulations
But since Covid, Tom Sawyer Island has only had limited activities, and the scavenger hunt has yet to return. Unfortunately, we haven’t seen any indications that this will return any time soon. We’ll keep you posted on any updates for this and all the latest news, so stay tuned to DFB.
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We found a paint brush hidden in the windmill. Walked around with it throughout Tom Sawyers Island and received plenty of strange looks from guests. Once we were back across the river a cast member exchanged it for a fast pass to Splash Mountain. My two boys thought their mother was a rock star for knowing this fact. Wish it would come back.
Much cheaper to give a certificate instead of a free ride. After all, they can charge more for people to ride the attractions, a win for Disney.
I don’t think the island has been the same since they closed the Davy Crockett canoe rides. I remember loving Tom Sawyer Island as a kid, but it’s lost some of its magic.