Discover the Pirate’s Lair at Tom Sawyer Island

Tom Sawyer moved off his island in Disneyland’s Rivers of America a few years ago, and the pirates took over.

From the land side of Rivers America, it looks like Lafitte’s Tavern might be the only thing on the island, but it isn’t. This island offers numerous fun activities to enjoy. You can venture into Dead Man’s Grotto to see some ghostly apparitions, get a scenic view from Tom and Huck’s Treehouse, bounce across a rope bridge, climb to the top of the hill, or go underground to look for pirate treasure. You can even dig up some of that pirate loot.

To get to the island, you take a short raft ride from New Orleans Square. The boarding area is conveniently located near the Haunted Mansion. Additionally, you can view the island from the Mark Twain Riverboat or Sailing Ship Columbia.

This island serves as a fantastic retreat to escape the bustling crowds in the park, and you seldom have to wait more than a few minutes to board a raft. Once you arrive, adults can find a shady spot to relax while kids run freely. Many visitors have shared that a quick trip to the island has significantly enhanced their Disneyland experience.

What You Need to Know About Pirate’s Lair

• Rating: ★★
• Location: Adventureland
• Recommended for: Kids needing to expend excess energy
• Fun Factor: Medium to low
• Wait Factor: Low; I have never seen a line at the treehouse.

How to Have More Fun at the Pirates Lair

• To see the burning settler’s cabin on the north end of the island, you have to board one of the boats. Once upon a time, it actually lit up with fire.
• Sturdy shoes are recommended for kids running around the island.
• There are restrooms and water fountains on the island, but no food or beverage vendors. The wait for restrooms can become long, so using the facilities in New Orleans Square before your trip is advisable.
• Reviewers on Yelp generally give the island favorable ratings, noting it as “Overall a great place for kiddos to run around and play pirates,” while some mention “Nothing too spectacular. Plus, your shoes get dirty.”
• The island is at its best from midday until sunset.

Fun Facts About Pirate’s Lair

This attraction was once known as Tom Sawyer Island, inspired by the character from Mark Twain’s novels. It opened one year after Disneyland’s original debut, and is the only Disneyland attraction designed by Walt Disney himself. He was dissatisfied with the initial design, taking the plans home to revise them just days before construction began.

In 2007, Tom Sawyer’s Island was reimagined as Pirate’s Lair, incorporating references to the popular Pirates of the Caribbean films.

Similar islands exist in Disney parks globally. In Florida and Tokyo, it retains the name Tom Sawyer Island, while the Paris and Hong Kong locations feature different themes.

Accessibility

To board one of the rafts in a wheelchair or ECV, enter through the standard queue. Many pathways are accessible for these vehicles.

You can navigate around the island; however, to fully experience it, you’ll need to traverse dirt trails, bridges, steep inclines, and narrow passages. Restrooms are accessible as well.