Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island is back in action at Disneyland Park, reopening right on schedule after a brief refurbishment closure earlier this week.
A Timely Return to Frontierland
Disneyland Resort resumed operations of the 70-year-old attraction on September 17, following its closure for refurbishment on Monday, September 14. When the closure began, Disneyland Resort's website had already listed operating hours for September 17, though the page also cautioned guests to “check back” for updates, since the timeline could still shift depending on the project's progress. Disney never issued a formal confirmation that the attraction would reopen precisely on Thursday.
As it turned out, the refurbishment wrapped up exactly as planned, and Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island welcomed guests back on September 17. The attraction currently operates from 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. on most days.
What's Changed at the Attraction
WDWNT shared a photo on Thursday showing the Frontierland raft dock leading to Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island. The loading area looks noticeably refreshed, with cast members previously spotted scrubbing down the wooden planks. The entrance, once blocked off with rope, is now fully open for Disneyland Park guests boarding the rafts.
Conditions on Tom Sawyer Island itself remain largely unchanged. One notable exception: the one-way Pontoon Bridge stayed closed as of September 17, still blocked by ropes and metal fencing. Disneyland Resort has not announced when that portion of the experience will reopen to guests.
A Rare Survivor Among Disney Parks
This marks the second refurbishment closure for Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island this year, following a longer closure earlier in the spring. The attraction dates back to 1956, when Tom Sawyer Island first opened at Disneyland Park, eventually becoming the pirate-themed experience inspired by the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.
Disneyland Resort now stands as the only Disney park in the United States still offering a version of Tom Sawyer Island. Walt Disney World Resort permanently closed its own version of the attraction last year to make room for Piston Peak National Park, a new Cars (2006)-themed addition coming to Frontierland at Magic Kingdom Park.
Has a refurbishment closure ever impacted your visit to Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park? Disney Fanatic would love to hear from you in the comments!
