Disneyland Park’s Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island has reopened right on time, giving Southern California theme park guests renewed access to the classic Frontierland attraction after a short refurbishment.
Reopening Arrives as Scheduled
Disneyland Resort brought the 70-year-old attraction back online on September 17, following a closure that began Monday, September 14. Interestingly, the Southern California vacation destination’s website had already listed operating hours for September 17 while the ride was still closed, though the page also urged guests to “check back” for updates, since the timeline remained subject to change. Disney never formally confirmed the Thursday reopening in advance.
Despite that uncertainty, the refurbishment concluded exactly as originally planned, and Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island resumed operations on September 17. The attraction currently runs from 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. on most operating days.
Inside the Refreshed Attraction
WDWNT posted a photo on September 17 of the Frontierland dock where guests board rafts bound for Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island. The loading area appears noticeably cleaner following the refurbishment, with cast members previously seen scrubbing the wooden dock planks. The entrance, which had been roped off during construction, is now fully accessible to guests.
Much of Tom Sawyer Island itself looks unchanged from before the closure. One exception, though: the one-way Pontoon Bridge remained closed as of September 17, still blocked off with rope and metal fencing. Disneyland Resort hasn’t said when that particular section will reopen.
A Unique Attraction in the U.S.
This marks the second closure for Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island this year, following an earlier, longer refurbishment back in the spring. The attraction dates back to 1956, when it debuted as Tom Sawyer Island, and was later reimagined into its current pirate-themed format, inspired by the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.
With this reopening, Disneyland Resort remains the only Disney park in the United States still offering a version of Tom Sawyer Island. Walt Disney World Resort permanently shut down its own take on the attraction last year to make way for Piston Peak National Park, a Cars (2006)-themed addition coming to Frontierland at Magic Kingdom Park.
Have you ever visited Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island at Disneyland Park? Tell Disney Dining about your experience in the comments!
