WDW Radio: Your Guide to the Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise and More Disney Magic!

833 · The Boy Who Became Tom Sawyer – Disney Legend Tom Nabbe - From the Archives


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833 · The Boy Who Became Tom Sawyer – Disney Legend Tom Nabbe - From the Archives

He was just 12 years old when he pitched himself to Walt Disney to become Tom Sawyer… and Walt said, “I’ll think about it.”

In this From the Archives episode of WDW Radio, I sit down with Disney Legend Tom Nabbe, the boy who went from selling newspapers outside Disneyland on opening day to becoming the real-life Tom Sawyer… and eventually helping open Walt Disney World, EPCOT, and even Disneyland Paris.

With Tom Sawyer Island set to close forever on July 7, 2025, this conversation is more meaningful than ever.

You’ll hear:

  • What Walt Disney was really like in the parks
  • How Tom helped shape the original Tom Sawyer Island
  • His journey from Cast Member to Disney Legend – with his own Main Street, USA window
  • Stories from the opening of Disneyland, Disney World, and EPCOT
  • And what it’s like seeing the parks now through the eyes of his granddaughter

This is a story about curiosity, courage, legacy… and the people who helped build the magic.

👉 What’s YOUR favorite memory from Tom Sawyer Island – and how do you feel about this piece of Disney history being replaced? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391

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🙏 Thank you for listening, being part of the WDW Radio family, and helping the show be recognized as the Best Travel Podcast for nine consecutive years - and for the incredible honor of being inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame.

Please subscribe, tell a friend, and join me again next week... and as always, sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show!

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WDW Radio: Your Guide to the Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise and More Disney Magic!By Lou Mongello - Disney Expert

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