Walkabout The World - A Disney Podcast - Tom Sawyer Island, Frontierland, and the Liberty Belle with Host Jay

Episode Date: June 29, 2025

Hello Travelers! This week join host Jay as we say goodbye to Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America aboard the Liberty Belle. First, climb aboard the Walt Disney World Railroad from Main Street USA to Frontierland Station before hopping a raft over to Tom's Landing where you'll take in some of Tom Sawyer Island. Then enjoy Frontierland ambiance before walking over to Liberty Square for a ride aboard the Liberty Belle.    If you like what we do, consider joining our crew on Patreon. These wonderful people help us keep the microphones crisp and the servers warm at night.   Visit us a walkabouttheworld.com - find links to all the things - attraction episodes, Insta accounts of all the hosts, and even how to buy your own Walkabout shirt!   Look us up at @WalkaboutWDW on Instagram and drop us a note to say hi.   You can now also drop us at line at [e-mail]. Say hi, tell us how you found us, and give us some suggestions on things you'd love to hear. Please consider giving us a rating and review wherever you listen - it really helps.   Walkabout The World is a weekly Disney podcast, always recorded on property at Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort with the simple goal of making you feel like you are in the middle of the magic.

Well hello there travelers, it's day and we are gonna go on a little bit of a journey today. We're gonna visit some of our classics that we're about to lose here in Walt Disney World. So we're gonna walk through Main Street here and head over to the train station and enjoy some of Walt's favorite. Get ourselves on a train and head on over to Tom Sawyer Island and enjoy some time and enjoy some of the classic stuff that Disney has to offer. So buckle up, let's go. Let's go.

All right, we're pulling over here into the train station. It's one of my favorites. Mickey Torian is definitely a thing that I really truly enjoy. So walking up the steps, we do have some walls going up. They're definitely doing some refurb here at the train station, which is always a good sign that it's gonna be around forever and yeah just some minor walls the station itself is still as beautiful as ever the marble is gleaming and we're gonna hop on the next train going nowhere and head over to Frontier Station The the the

the the the the the the Welcome to Main Street USA! As it slowly rolls on into Main Street, it remains fully seated. As the train platforms roll away, please stop and give the same magical words of awe to the lady over there next to you. As it slowly rolls on into Main Street, it remains fully seated. With a Well, I've gone on board and we are going to head over to Tom Sawyer Island.

I'm really hoping to see Josh over there and we're going to hang out over there and enjoy some of the sights and some of the sounds before we lose those guys. And I am definitely a transportation nerd as you guys know. If I'm not on the people mover I'm on the monorail, if I'm not on the monorail I'm on the train, if I'm not on the train I'm on a boat. So we're gonna enjoy the train for a little while and I'll stop talking and let you guys enjoy it while we head on over to Frontierland Station. Welcome aboard folks we're beginning a grand circle tour of the Magic Kingdom, with stops along the way in

Frontierland and Fantasyland. Sit tight and keep your hands, arms, feet and legs well inside the train. We're currently departing Main Street Station. And if you're missing those friendly faces already, not to worry. On this train it's never goodbye. It's always see you real soon. For your safety, remain seated and keep your hands, arms, feet, and legs inside the train.

And take care of the little ones. Thank you. Friends, I'm so delighted you've joined us today. There's nothing I enjoy more than showing folks around this magic kingdom Especially because it's certified proof that in these parts dreams really do come true I'm not sure what you're talking about. But someday, I will come and tuck her in this tree. And wouldn't you know it? With a bit of gumption and a dash of magic, here I am.

So believe it when I say that around here, anything is possible. See what I mean? Hope you packed your compass because that, folks, is the sound of adventure! Uh, Adventureland, I should say. Whether navigating wild jungle rivers, swashbuckling with jolly buccaneers, or even just scaling a towering treehouse, there's always plenty to explore here in Adventureland. We've reached Frontier Land Station. Everyone, sit tight and hold those horses until we come to a complete stop. Get your disembark on these carrying straw orders all the way off the platform before unfolding.

Watch your step now. This is Frontierland Station. Let's explore the robot in Frontierland. Please remain fully seated until this train comes to a full stop. And I'll give you the two natural words of off-clearing. Please remain fully seated and fully inside the train. Remain fully seated please. All clear, you are now safe to disembark. Welcome to Frontierland. You're close to stop to all passengers in Frontierland, Liberty Square, and Adventureland.

Definitely love seeing the train. Welcome to Bram Tear Land, your closest stop to all the captains in Bram Tear Land, Liberty Square and Adventureland. Definitely love seeing Tiana's as you're getting off the train, all the walls are down, people are in line. So, one of my favorite stations to get off at because it's got the best steaming in my opinion. got the best steaming in my opinion. And yeah so we're gonna go over here and we're gonna see if Josh is around and we're gonna go see what time the island opens up and we're gonna find ourselves a raft and see who we can catch over in the fort. Not only do you get to see Tiana's all fixed up, but also as you get off at Frontierland Station, they've actually got the Big Thunder Mountain trains parked right next to the railroad.

You can still see them just hanging out there waiting for their next run into the mountain. It's pretty cool. I'm hoping Big Thunder is done soon. The tracks, the new tracks are put down look great and it sounds like they're going to be adding all of the effects they've had at some of the other Big Thunder's at a lot of the other parks for a long time. And we're going to have them. And I really want to see that cabin with all those TNT effects.

They're a lot of fun. So we walked on over to Tom Sawyer's Island. The sign says that it's not open till 11 o'clock. However, they are letting people onto the boats here. So I'm gonna see if we can sneak over like Tom Sawyer and get ourselves a nice quiet adventure over there before everybody realizes that it's open. And I bet that Josh is over there hiding. Now we got the parade going by behind us here and while we're waiting we got to let the steamboat come by and clear the river so we're going to watch the steamboat come by and we'll be getting on there a little bit later because unfortunately she's going away with everything else as well.

But we could still enjoy her while she's here. So we're gonna get some beautiful shots of her as she comes by us between the mainland and Tom's Star Island. And then we'll be on our way, heading on over to see what fun and mischief we can get to on the island. Just watch your step our folks. Thank you. Alright, they're letting us on and we're gonna head on over.

I hope Josh is over there. He loves to hang out by Aunt Polly's. I think he was working on a drawing or painting, I'm not sure, of the Haunted Mansion and please hold on to those hands. If you do have a chance to get down here to the rivers of America, out to Tom Sars Island, it's um, you get some definite unique views of Liberty Square and Frontierland from the water. And I'm definitely going to miss them as we move over into Cars Land. Although I am a little excited. It is giving Grizzly Peak vibes and that is going to be kind of fun if you've ever been

to Disneyland in Grizzly Peak it is um it's pretty cool over there it's definitely one of my favorite places but Cars Land also over there is one of my favorite places so I am happy to report that I think that we are at least getting something equal to what we are losing here at Walt Disney World. equal to what we are losing here at Walt Disney World. Here's that dog swinging back out. That dog's swinging back out. Well, we're walking out of the island here and heading here by the mill.

Unfortunately, the paddle wheel is not working. It hasn't worked in a while, but we're getting to that stage of things where, if it's broken, it's broken. And it's definitely going to stay broken until they close it But it still looks beautiful and I have lots of memories of it So no sounds of the squishing water But definitely pop some pictures in there for you So you can see what it looks like and we'll see if maybe the owls are are out and about

Making them being barn owlsls you know how they are they're definitely here gotta be really quiet or we'll scare them away. Hope the owls like their new home. All right, we're gonna head out of the mill here and we're gonna go back down by the waterfront. We're gonna head down to Aunt Polly's and see if I can catch Josh over there. He's not drawing, he's painting. Turns out Josh is painting the fence. I don't know why he's worried about it because they're about to tear it down.

What are you doing here? Some kid paid me to whitewash this fence, so I figured I'd. Yeah, you're about half done. You know what? I'm not gonna finish. Well you can't paint over Tom and Becky's love graffiti. Somebody graffitied on the graffiti. Oh my gosh. Eddie and Justine. Eddie and Justine. The real life Tom and Becky people.

Eddie and Justine. Eddie and Justine if you're out there listening, we are trying to save your love graffiti so Josh is not gonna whitewash that that off of the fence what's your plan Jay he's just gonna we are checking out Tom's our island kind of saying goodbye an old friend um as sad as that is and so hoping we can catch some sounds and enjoy the sights and What are you doing? I came over here because last time I was over here. I Like to just hang out over where you know Aunt Polly's is and on that little That little gazebo that overlooks the Haana mansion and last time I was here I started a painting but then we got rained out and they kicked us off the island

Oh, so I needed to come back and finish that painting before... Well, before it's gone. Yeah. This particular vista is not gonna be here. Sure isn't. At least if it's here it's gonna be... ...changed. Yeah, I am kind of curious whether they're gonna put some trees between...

...Kar's Land and the mansion or they going to leave the mansion visible, not sure. But currently there are no trees and it is... I really don't think Disney's... They've shown the last several years that they don't care about sight lines anymore. That's not really a thing anymore. And unfortunately that's a bit true. And we're just in time for the boat to come around. Look at these beautiful reflections in the gazebo.

Oh my goodness. The water is... It's almost like a kaleidoscope. Here comes the boat. Yeah, let's just listen to some banjo music on the boat and enjoy that for a little while. And I'll catch up with Josh while we listen to some music. Talk to you guys in a bit. The train is now departing for the next station, the I always love standing on the shore.

Only at Disney nowadays are you able to give a wave to a group of people and have nearly back at you. I don't know if you can hear it but the barrel bridge is over there rattling. I do love that as you get up into the island it just gets quiet. It's been very busy as of late but on a normal day you're able to come and listen to the soothing sounds of the boat and just kind of enjoy a little bit of time away from the hustle and bustle of the park. Gonna miss that. Just a little bit of nature in the middle of a very, very busy park and it's amazing that Disney is literally able to do that, you know, still have that oasis in the middle of a park. It's just something that is inherently Disney to me and something that is really, really

rare even in the Disney parks. that is inherently Disney to me, and some of that is really, really rare, even in the Disney parks. That's probably the most tragic part of losing Tom Saw Island. Where else can you come to a busy park and hear birds and see the animals? All right, I'm gonna head up on over to the fort and see what's going on up there. Let's take a walk.

Everyone always hates me when I get to the bridge because I like to make it go up and down a lot. So we're gonna, we're gonna do that. And you also get some of the best views of Sunder Mountain. Definitely, definitely gorgeous. Oh no! Josh is caught up with me. You done drawing already? Time flies.

Magic of editing. I am definitely enjoying the views of Thunder Mountain from here. Can't wait for it to be done. Man, those pioneers sure do love their neon. They sure do. Yeah. They're working hard though. Gotta get, gotta get it done. Pulling on into the fort. See what's going on at the blacksmith here. Maybe see if I can trick Josh into losing at a game of checkers. Do you want to go with him? Hey, there's horses in here.

They're chickens. They're training. There's a blacksmith in there. Uh oh. Well, it keeps sounding the charge. I think that it's probably a bad idea to go out the front door of the fort. So, we're going to go down here and we're going to figure out the front door of the fort. So we're gonna go down here and we're gonna figure out where everybody's at and see if we can get out via the caves.

So let's go on an adventure and see what's going on in these caves. Sneak out the backside of the fort. Bam! Made it to the waterfront. Well, as we thought, 11 o'clock hit and we are looking at a bunch of people coming over to Tom Soar Island. So I'm going to get off the island for a little while here and see what the Liberty Bell schedule looks like and maybe we'll catch some sounds of frontier land. So let's cross the river and see what we can get into. to. The The The Oh Oh, I didn't see you there. Oh, I see you there. I thought you were there.

Okay. I'm going to go to the boat. Okay. Okay. Okay. Okay. Okay. Okay.

Okay. Okay. Okay. It looks like they have retreated some of the barrier walls here at Big Thunder Mountain. They used to be all along the front here, but the front of the ride is back open and out and you can actually see the sign and you can see the front of the mountain. That's a good sign that they're moving quickly and they're getting it all fixed up. Hey, did you leave me on the island? I didn't. That's a good sign that they're moving quickly and they're getting it all fixed up Hey, did you leave me on the island I didn't I brought Josh with me I had to prime away though And We're gonna head over into the critical op and see if we can find ourselves some hydration

Because as it is in Florida, it's like 185 degrees with 110% humidity. So grab yourself something to drink and we're gonna head to our next adventure. The The The You're listening to WNO New Orleans and that was Bass and Street Blues. Speaking of the blues, I'm here to make sure you don't come down with a case of them. So enjoy some of the finest music that New Orleans has to offer. Right here on WNO. Your spirits are sure to be jazzed up. We have one last tune by the Blue Sky Social Club.

This is When We're Jumbo. Take it away! ["When We're Jumbo"] I'm sorry, I'm gonna be a little walk. And we're going to take a little walk. And we're going to take a little walk. so Alright, so we are hydrated and gonna head on over to the Liberty Vow and see what's going on over there and see if we can catch some sights on the rivers. What? Um, are they gonna make the door open? I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know.

I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know.

I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I'm going to get a beignet. I'm going to go ahead and get my Do you see anything? Yeah. I was wondering if you would like to film this.

I love riding stairs. Huckleberry is a candy. Do you have any crackers? Yeah. I gave it to him. Did you give him any? I gave him a candy. Huckleberry.

Huckleberry. Huckleberry. Huckleberry. Huckleberry. Huckleberry. Huckleberry. Huckleberry. Huckleberry. Huckleberry. Huckleberry. What is it? Thank you. Country Bear Jamboree has become quite a bit of a hot spot. And if I just say so myself, I actually really love it.

Crossing over from Frontierland and heading on into Liberty Square. Crossing Mississippi. Are you even in Liberty Square if you don't point out to people that you're walking into. ["The First Time in Hollywood"] Yeah, I mean... ["The First Time in Hollywood"] Buddy, you're having a great time. ["The First Time in Hollywood"] Having recently lost our Muppets attraction in Hollywood Studios,

there are rumors, and they are only rumors, that the reason that the Hall of Presidents may still be closed beyond its normal time for a new president is that they're maybe considering bringing back the Muppets Liberty Square show as part of that attraction. It's probably not true but those of us that do love the Muppets have hope that they will appear in those places or even if they just brought back that street show it was a lot of fun and this piggy was always sassy and Sam Eagle was his

normal patriotic self so all right we're gonna jump on the Liberty Bell here and we're gonna go for a little bit of a ride hope you guys love it and enjoy the sights and sounds of Rivers of America. Wow. Brow up. Brow up. Brow up.

Last call, secure all cargo. All passengers aboard. Cargo secured. All passengers boarded, sir. All hands stand by. Engine room, reverse one quarter. Hi, hi, sir. Out of line of way.

Engine room, head one quarter. Sound last bell. Hi, sir. Out of line or way? Engine room, ahead one quarter. Sound last bell. Pavement sound off. Could be a death greeting by tomorrow. By tomorrow. Halfway, not long. Not wait, not be. Mark 4, engine room, head three quarters. Stand by. Steady as she goes. Captain? Welcome aboard the Liberty Belt.

I'm your captain, Oris Bixby. And my pilot with me here on the Texas Tech is a young cop that goes by the name of Sam Clements. And he's working his 100th voyage down the river today with nipper-y of collaboratively on his watch. Uh, so what? Sam knows this river like his own eyes. Sam, tell our guest everything you know about this river.

Well now, I always figure it is better to keep your mouth shut if you're stupid, and to open it and move on down. But I will tell you... ...anything else about this river, even from the time I was a toddler back in Missouri. Before we get too much further out of port, I think I should mention that you'd best not be sitting on those handrails. They're the only thing between you and the river, and the river don't always pay the mind of the uninvited guests.

We've also had reports of river pirates operating in the vicinity so I wouldn't lean out beyond those rails for that reason either now for those of you on the port side that River town we're passing is frontier land few years back it was no more than a boom town carved out of the wilderness by a handful of settlers looking to start a new life. Today, Chitility and Vacaurin are running ranching, but the boat still hasn't shared a foot in its trackage, yield voters prospecting the handy of two.

But mostly it's squash time, through where on its way we've come to find Big City. Mostly it's rush time, and we're on its way to a confined big city. Frontierland reminds me some of my own hometown, Panama. It takes me back to when I was a barefoot boy growing up alongside the riverbanks. You know, it seems to me that when I was younger, I could remember everything, whether it happened or not. As I grow older, I seem to remember only the things that ever happened at all. That night I looked across the way, on the starboard side, was myself and girls when I was young. Exceedingly young. Marvelously young.

Young by hundreds of years. Younger than I will ever be again. It's called Tom Sawyer's Island, and is named for a friend from my boyhood. Even today, the only way you can get there is by rat. Old man Harper's grain mill is there, back in the woods just off Tom's Landing. And that's Muck Potter's pond and his windmill

We almost pinged us once and there's Huck's land I always did like that because I swear just wondering He and Tom and I spent most of our wild and reckless youth exploring that island lots of cave Lots of adventure if you know where to look. And we all knew where to look. That superstition bridge, it connects the Big Island to the Little One. And if you follow the wilderness trail there, it'll lead you right up to the gates of Fort Langhorn. It's the last trade now, folks, before we head into Indian country. to the Well, I'll be. Look who's drifted out of the bayou. Off to port, Captain. It's Beacon Joe.

Old Beacon's been marking this river for longer than I can remember. Every time the river cuts a new channel, Old Beacon puts out a marker to let us know whether it's safe to travel or not. However, if Sam here has been bragging that if Bush came to shot, he can navigate the Liberty Bell with a heavy tooth. Isn't that so Sam? Well I was born humble, Captain, but mostly it's worn off. Captain, any village to port? Now that's something you don't see much of this way. That's an Algonquin Indian village. Looks to be from the Paltern Trot. Usually they stay further east. I've seen Simlo in Miami and as far west, and of course

Shosholty, Blackheed, and Groban. I've never seen Algonquins out here. Lots of game out this way. I've seen moose and deer and plenty of other things along the shoreline. That could be why the Tawhidans are not this far. Just following the food trail. That other village off the river has been here a while. Most of the Indians along the river don't quite know what to make of our steamboat. They call it Enelo, which means fire, and it caused a small and small explosion out of our bow stand. The first time we passed this way they thought it was the return of one of their heavenly messengers. They said our river pool was a homage to this summer.

Just beyond the village, up that hill, is their sacred burial ground. And those who fall in battle are placed atop the traditional bed of death. After nightfall, the hill returns to starboard. Engine room, steady up. We're entering shallow water, my ton. There's no pause for worry. Xanah knows every shoal and shallow, every snag and sandbar in this part of the river. And he'll navigate us through the safe water. You couldn't steer us wrong, would you, Sam? I believe we ought never to do wrong, Captain.

Especially when others are looking. Leadsman, hang out. Hang out! Not worth the foolish fee And blame, and blame, and not blame Foolish! Red flag! Red flag touching! Loads of you that have been this way before know that the water can get fairly shallow along the stretch of the earth. Leedsmen pull out the deck. Each mark is a random of six feet. What's between is two randoms, and for us Cutthroat Corner.

Attention deck crew, stay alert. There's really pirates out here, this is where they'll most likely be. I can hear them from here. Right from all the commotion and sounds like their interests lie elsewhere. Did you folks on deck look past the trees on the island? That's Fort Langmore. Most of these old folks started out as trading posts. Then as settlers started heading west, the army came in and took them over. My feeling is, these days, there's a lot less frontier and a lot more civilization than is truly necessary.

Leedsmen, give me a death rating. Sing out! By the mark, and three! Of one! Of three! No bother! Seek water! Of three! Oh, free the passage! You see that brick mansion back over yonder there in the woods? I've heard folks here about say it's haunted. They say it was built on sacred Indian burial grounds,

so now it's filled with spirits. If you ask me, I'd say the ones telling those tales are the ones filled with spirits. If you want proof, just ask them. They've got it. About 100 proof, I reckon. And whatever you do, don't strike any matches if they aim to breathe in your direction,

or you won't just be seeing ghosts. You'll be joining them. We're approaching Liberty Square, which is home port for us. We'll be putting in the dock shortly, so those of you on the upper two decks might be of a mind to collect all your parcels and head to the lower deck. If you've got youngins, you'll want to take them in hand before they get out of hand. On behalf of the captain, myself, and the crew, thanks for flying the waterways with us, and I hope I see you next time around the riverbed. Thanks Sam, and thank you everyone for traveling the Rivers of America with us today. Engine room, approach letter at one quarter steam. Man the bow line. Person check freight and cargo. All hands prepare to dock.

All passengers stand by and go to your... Before I let you guys go, there's some very special people we need to thank for helping keep this podcast going. So at our beautiful tomorrow level, I'd like to take some time and thank Beck Castle, Bill and Aaron Zeiss, Brianna Grant, Derek at Satisfactory Sign Company, John Hamilton, Meredith Izzo, Hannah Jinn, David Krauss, and Jessica Davis. Also, Courtney Otter, Cara Louise Moody, Lori B., and O'Lynch, Robert Torino, Barry Campbell, Norm Disney, R.J.

Lucia, and Sammy Gumpinger. At a living laboratory level, we'd like to thank Debbie Gumballa, Josh Nakano, Eric Steinhauer, Lindsay O'Connell, James Beecham, and Erica Tuzo. Without you guys, this would not be the success that it is. Thank you guys very much. Well, travelers, it's been a lot of fun with you guys today. I hope you are enjoying all the sounds there from Tom Sawyer Island and getting a little bit of the Liberty Bell and really enjoy spending time with you guys today.

So this is Uncle Jay signing off and until next time, stay fun.