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It’s Official: Disney Announces Closure of Its Second Tom Sawyer Island

Two Disneyland Park attractions are heading offline in September, and one of them carries particular significance given what has already happened to its counterpart on the other coast.

Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island Goes Dark

A young girl smiles while sitting in front of pirate treasure chests filled with gold coins, reminiscent of a Disneyland adventure. Behind her, a large pirate flag with a skull and crossbones is displayed among trees and greenery.
Credit: Disney

Disneyland Resort updated the official webpage for Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island on August 6 to reflect that the walkthrough attraction will not operate from September 14 through September 17. No explanation has been offered, and Disneyland Resort hasn’t shared any plans for what will happen during the closure period.

Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island only recently reopened after a refurbishment in April and May 2026. That it’s heading back offline a few months later raises questions about what ongoing work might be needed at the walkthrough attraction.

What gives the closure additional weight is the context from Walt Disney World Resort. The Magic Kingdom Park version of Tom Sawyer Island permanently closed in 2025 to make way for Piston Peak National Park — the Cars (2006)-inspired Frontierland expansion currently under construction. That makes Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island at Disneyland Park the only version of the attraction currently operating anywhere in the United States. Whether that distinction is temporary or permanent remains an open question.

Mad Tea Party Also Closing September 14

A colorful amusement park ride in the Magic Kingdom features spinning teacups lit up with vibrant lights. Lanterns hang from the ceiling, illuminating the ride with shades of pink, green, and blue. The teacups are in motion, creating a blur of colors and movement.
Credit: Disney

The same day, Disneyland Resort updated the Mad Tea Party webpage to show that the iconic spinning teacups attraction in Fantasyland will not operate on Monday, September 14. The Southern California vacation destination’s operational calendar currently runs through September 17, and no hours are listed for Mad Tea Party beyond the September 14 closure date.

As with Pirate’s Lair, Disneyland Resort has offered no explanation for the shutdown or any indication of what guests should expect when the attraction eventually reopens.

What to Expect

Mad Tea party ride
Credit: Disney

Both closures appear to be standard refurbishment shutdowns based on the information currently available. Disneyland Resort regularly closes attractions briefly for maintenance without announcing changes. Most attractions that disappear behind construction walls for a short period reopen looking largely the same as before.

Has a refurbishment closure ever impacted your visit to Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park? Share your story with Disney Dining in the comments!

Jess Colopy

Jess Colopy is a Disney College Program alum and kid-at-heart. When she’s not furiously typing in a coffee shop, you can find her on the hunt for the newest Stitch pin.

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