Things are starting to return to normal at the Disneyland Resort. Tom Sawyer Island is back from an 18 month closure and crowds on Father’s Day were down right enjoyable. For a few fleeting moments, Disneyland has felt like its old self.
Tom Sawyer Island Reopens
These views have been missed. Disneyland’s island returned to regular operation on Friday. While lots of work was done for the upcoming return of Fantasmic, the Island will look mostly the same to guests . . . with one exception . . .
Unfortunately, even with a year and a half of down time, some items on the island aren’t in full working order. The rope bridge was out of order this past weekend.
But the Pontoon Bridge, which has often been out of order in the past, was open this past weekend.
Unfortunately, the cemetery at the back of the fort has been lost. It would be great if they’d find a way to bring it back when the full island restorations are complete.
But what’s really neat is that we can get a great view of the construction at the back of the river.
Workmen are everywhere planting trees, painting rocks, working on the train tracks. It’s an all out effort to get things done.
Ironically, the Hungry Bear remains enshrouded in tarps, even though all this construction can now been seen from Tom Sawyer Island. This restaurant would be much more appealing to eat at if those scrims came down.
Dusty took us on a long video journey through the island on Friday. If you haven’t seen it, it’s well worth your time. It’s a little slice of Disneyland on your desktop . . .
There should be a sign above the entrance to the rafts to Tom Sawyer Island. The sign support on the right rotted out and collapsed during high Santa Ana winds in April. The entry now looks a bit naked. Perhaps a temporary sign can be strung up until a permanent replacement has been fabricated.
The left post is intact.
This is what remains of the right post.
Everything Comes Full Circle
In addition to the return of Tom Sawyer Island, Fantasmic is scheduled to return July 17th (Disneyland’s Birthday). The river boats, canoes, and Disneyland Railroad are all slated to return on July 29.
Big Thunder Trail
Mr. Crane (the big yellow crane which was in use just beyond the construction walls) is now gone.
They’ve re-stocked the pond now that the construction is complete.
Adventureland Shuffle
Things are moving in Adventureland, literally. While Bengal Barbecue remains open, the Indiana Jones gift shop is becoming a seating area for the Barbecue. Meanwhile, the beverage and snack shop near the Jungle Cruise exit (Tropical Imports) will take the place of the South Seas Traders. The vacated spot left by Tropical Imports will become a stroller parking station when all is complete. Some additional traffic flow modifications will be made to planters, all in an effort to ease the crush of crowds on busy days.
Star Wars Land
The Battle Escape building just keeps getting bigger and bigger. That’s going to be one impressively huge ride.
This and That
I decided to duck out of the heat into one of my favorite Disneyland locations . . . The Tiki Room.
If it’s your lucky day, they may be making Carmel Bars at the candy shoppe on Main Street. They are devilishly good.
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Join MiceChat’s Sunday Meetup Group for lots of fun in the parks. This week, we visited Tom Sawyer Island.
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