The end for Tom Sawyer's Island?

Corporate executives at Disney are close to deciding whether to abandon Tom Sawyer's Island at Disneyland and replace it with another Pirates of the Caribbean-themed attraction — timed to next summer's release of the third movie in the Pirates franchise. The island survives from the 1950s, the treehouses and caves personally overseen by Walt Disney. But hey, these days Tom and Huck Finn are virtual unknowns to American youth and everyone knows Jack Sparrow. MiceAge.com has details and Robert Niles at Theme Park Insider reacts with a sad sigh:

First, let me make clear that we're talking about my two favorite attractions here. And not just Disneyland attractions. These are my two favorite attractions on the face of the Earth. (Universal fans, flame away!) I worked both attractions in Florida, studied Twain extensively in college and read my daughter "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" when she was five.

Not some abridged kiddie version. The real thing. Which she loved, by the way. (We'll back to that in a moment.)...

If Disney wants to reinvigorate Disneyland by purging it of literary influences in favor of pop culture, well, that's Disney's right. But I hope someone else in theme park industry remembers that there are families out there who find joy and inspiration in the pages of great books. Even in elementary school. And that they make an effort to build a great new, interactive and imaginative attraction for them.