The island that would eventually be known as Tom Sawyer Island, was originally a man-made construction that was completed before the Magic Kingdom opened in 1971 <ref> https://www.mouseplanet.com/guide/507/Walt-Disney-World/Magic-Kingdom/Frontierland/Tom-Sawyer-Island </ref>. Although the island was present in the Rivers of America on opening day, it would not be until May 20, 1973 that the attraction opened to the public <ref> http://thisdayindisneyhistory.homestead.com/may20.html </ref>. Following its opening, no major changes came to Tom Sawyer Island until 1996 when Fort Sam Clemens (which was located on the island) was renamed Fort Langhorn. The name of the fort was changed in order to tie in with Disney’s newest movie, “Tom and Huck” <ref> http://allears.net/tp/mk/mk_tsi.htm </ref>. The next change to the island did not occur until 2005, when the “burning cabin” scene was turned off. The special effect (which made the cabin appear as if it was on fire) had to be suspended due to pipe corrosion, although the cabin and the settler located nearby are still on the island <ref> http://www.yesterland.com/burningcabin.html </ref>.
Perhaps the biggest change to come to Tom Sawyer Island has been the closure of Aunt Polly's Dockside Inn. The restaurant opened with the rest of the island in 1973 and remained operational until 2001 when the restaurant's sign was removed <ref name= "passport"> http://passport2dreams.blogspot.com/2013/03/a-long-look-at-tom-sawyer-island.html </ref>. Despite this, the location sold cold snacks and beverages sporadically until 2007 <ref> http://www.disboards.com/threads/aunt-pollys-dockside-inn-closed-for-good.1455294/ </ref>. Following this time, a few vending machines were added to the area, although these were eventually turned off. From the end of March 2015 until April 11, Aunt Polly's Dockside Inn reopened <ref> http://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201503/4490/index.cfm </ref>. Since that From December 22, 2018 through January 5, 2019, Aunt Polly's Dockside Inn reopened. The restaurant's limited time however the dining location has remained closedmenu featured BBQ sliders and pretzel dips <ref> https://wdwnt.com/2018/12/aunt-pollys-quick-service-restaurant-reopening-dec-22-jan-5/ </ref>.
==Attraction Plot==